If you are heading to South Africa for hunting, I bet you have as many questions as I did. What about flights? Transportation? I had already picked my hunting spot, Zingela Limpopo Safaris, but still had a lot of questions. Fortunately, they offered lots of information and I'm going to share it with YOU!
First things first – Is South Africa hunting safe?
Most hunting areas are very remote, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, and are very safe.
South Africa Hunting – Here's my comprehensive guide on EVERYTHING you need to know:
After you've chosen your safari location, I can promise you've made the best decision of your life, a memorable decision you will not regret and will look forward to sharing with friends and family.
Tell them Miss Pursuit sent you for a bonus at booking!
Flights to South Africa for Hunting:
A lot of the safaris are located very remotely in South Africa. The nearest big town to Zingela Limpopo is a two-hour drive. You'll need to fly into Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Usually, a guide will meet you and help you with your luggage to a safari vehicle to take you to your hunting location.
Other flight options:
These arrangements usually need to be made by the client and at the client’s expense. Most safaris can, however, advise on charter flight companies if requested. You can also get a connecting flight from Johannesburg to a smaller airport located near your hunting spot. Once you land there, again, a guide will meet you there to help get you to your location.
A lot of safaris also have airstrips on their properties. You can book a private charter flight from Johannesburg to the camp directly (and if this is an option for you, PLEASE invite me).
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Accommodations for South Africa Hunting:
Because we chose Zingela, our accommodations were in a luxurious tent with king king-size bed, solar energy for lights, and a gas water supply system. They include extra warm blankets, warm water bottles, gas heaters, two fans, and a hairdryer in the tents. There is also a private veranda, communal splash pool, lounge, and braai area where you can relax.
Some people choose different types of camps, but this is the option at Zingela.
Seasons for Hunting in South Africa:
April – August is winter in South Africa. Day temperatures average around 77 – 82˚F and drop down to around 59˚F in the evening.
September – October is summer.
South Africa does have scorpions that are still active during winter, so remember this during the evenings and wear closed shoes. A sun hat and a good 30SPF sunblock are recommended.
Most Fees Included in South Africa Hunts:
- Accommodation, including full board
- Liquor and beverages served in camp (Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks)
- Laundry (one of my favorite parts of staying at Zingela
- Full-time service of an experienced Professional Hunter
- Trained staff, trackers, and skinners
- Field preparation of trophies
- All transport within the hunting areas
- All hunting licenses
- Pick up and drop off at the airport
Trip Travel Planning and Details for South Africa Hunting:
There are usually no credit card facilities available at the ports of entry, so only cash will be accepted. After, there will be no change given so please bring some small notes or South African Rands.
- Bring your personal medications.
- If you are situated in a malaria area, it is wise to be aware of this. You don’t need malaria shots or tablets prior to your stay or on your stay; this only makes identification harder if you do get malaria.
- Make sure your passport is up to date. Always keep your passport, identification, credit cards, and money on you.
- Speak to your mobile phone company about traveling to South Africa. They will be able to tell you the different international voice and data programs they have available.
- If you only plan to call or text a few people back home download WhatsApp on your phone and have everyone you want to call, or text do the same. WhatsApp uses your data or Wi-Fi connection, which is normally available. This will allow you to call or text each other for free. Also, you will be able to use the camp's Wi-Fi connection (if they offer it) to speak with loved ones back home.
- Speak to your credit card company and tell them about your travel plans.
- Get a good comfortable neck pillow and earmuffs/headphones for the plane. Also, compression socks are a good idea if you have poor circulation in your legs.
- When checking in at the airport, you are going to need to declare your bow at the ticket counter. Keep your bow case unlocked until it has been checked. Don’t put your arrows in your bow case. Get yourself an arrow tube case and pack them in your other check-in bag.
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Here are most of the items you will need for your stay:
- 1 Warm jacket (camo or neutral color)
- 4 Sets of underwear
- 3 Pairs of socks
- Hunting Shoes/ Boots
- 3 Hunting trousers
- 2 Pairs of light leather soft sole or canvas shoes
- 2 Short sleeve shirts
- 2 Long sleeve shirts
- 2-3 Pair pants (camo)
- 3-4 Hunting shirts (camo)
- 1-2 Pair shorts (camo)
- 1 Pocket knife
- 1 Set binoculars
- 1 Baseball cap or hat with a wide brim
- 1 Sweater or Sweatshirt
- Sun Block – SPF 30 or more
- Cellphone charger
- 1 Razor with blades or batteries,
- 1 Pair sunglasses
- 1 Personal medicine kit
- 1 Flashlight or Headlamp with spare batteries
- Toilet bag
- Small hunting day pack
- Rangefinder
- Electrical converter
- Camera with film & spare batteries – alternatively a charged phone
- International Plug that will work in South Africa – to charge phones, laptops, and cameras
Find everything you need for your South Africa Hunt on Amazon, Cabela's, and Sheel's!
Specific Things to Bring for Bowhunters:
- Bow/release and extra release
- Face netting or face paint for tree stand hunting
- 6 practice arrows with field points
- Spare bow string
- 18 hunting arrows with sharp broad heads (get yourself a tube and put all your arrows in and put in your travel bag – not your bow case)
- Bow in hard case w/lock (if you use a double bow case you can pack clothes and gear around your bow making your other bag lighter)
- Soft bow bag for traveling on the hunting vehicle
- Safety strap or harness (for tree stand hunting)
- Bow kit (extra knocks, broad heads, peep sight, and kisser button if you use them)
- A rheostat on sight for night shoots
Find everything you need for your South Africa Hunt on Amazon, Cabela's, and Sheel's!
The following items are provided at Zingela at least, and therefore you aren’t required to bring them. Check your camp to see what they offer.
- Scent-free body wash
- Scent-free shampoo and conditioner
- Scent-free laundry detergent
- Mosquito repellent
South Africa Currency
The South African currency is Rands (R). All prices quoted are usually quoted in USD. Contact your credit card company and inform them you are traveling to South Africa. This way, you will be able to use your credit card while there. It is, however, best to travel with both USD and Rands in cash for spending purposes. All tipping is done in USD when hunting in South Africa.
Typical Day at a South African Hunting Safari:
Your day typically starts with breakfast at sunrise. As soon as everyone is done eating, the guides will drive clients to a blind or tree stand. Before you go out, guides will usually talk you through all the animals and the correct shot placements. When being dropped off at a blind, the hunter is provided with a lunch pack preferable drinks, and comfy seating to make the hours and long wait worthwhile.
You usually meet back up after sunset for dinner, drinks and my favorite part – sitting around the campfire talking (and laughing) about your day! It is here where we share hunting stories and adventures, while we plan the next day's hunt.
Once an animal is shot:
Once a hunter has shot an animal, a retrieving crew will be informed about the pickup of the animal that was shot. Most camps have exceptional hunting dogs if an animal needs extra tracking. Once the animal is found and collected, pictures are taken, and the animal gets tagged.
Taxidermy for South Africa Hunting:
Taxidermy fees are not included in your daily fee, however, I do recommend having your animals mounted in South Africa and then shipped back home. Their taxidermists are skilled in working with African game and they do all the necessary paperwork to ensure you receive your trophy. I chose to have some of mine done in South Africa, but also have some shipped back to Texas for Dallas Taxidermy to mount. Dallas Taxidermy is by far one of the best taxidermists for exotic trophies in Texas.
Last day of Safari in South Africa:
On the last day of your hunt, your skilled Professional Hunter will add up your accommodation and all the animals you have taken down. You will receive an invoice, to be paid before you are taken to the airport. Payment methods are usually credit card, Paypal, or wire transfer. And please tip your guides and staff. Give all tips to your PH or the owner who will disburse to the rest of the staff.
