Pre-Hunt Checklist

• Valid Passport. South Africa requires your passport to be valid for an additional 30 days after your return date to the USA. No exceptions. If your passport is not valid through these dates, YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY AT CUSTOMS. 
• Airline ticket.
• Proper firearms documentation. RSA (and all African countries) have required paperwork to be completed before your trip. It is also now required that you fill out a US Customs Form for your weapons, BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY. RSA requires a copy of this form with all firearms. Make sure that you use the NEW forms provided by customs that dO NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE. If there is an expiration date, RSA requires that date be CURRENT and not within 6 months of expiring.
• Email the date and time of arrival to your P.H. and copy us for pickup at the airport.
• Inoculations/Vaccinations: COVID/COVID Booster is no longer required, (but may be recommended depending on your health) Hepatitis A, Meningitis, MMR, TDAP, Polio, Influenza, and Anti-Malarial Medication are all HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
• Ensure deposits have all been paid and confirmed.
• Enough cash for gifts, tip, etc. Have some local currency exchanged before you leave as you will want it on hand for when you land. Your best exchange will be obtained by using your credit card for purchases whenever possible.
• Travel Insurance. (Optional, but recommended- especially if you have any health issues), International health plan/insurance. Most U.S. plans are not valid when traveling internationally.

Airlines and International Travel

We HIGHLY recommend working with a professional travel agent and/or service expediter service for your travel to and from Africa- ESPECIALLY if you are bringing firearms with you.

If you are bringing your own firearms to Africa, IT IS HIGHLY ADVISED THAT YOU AVOID NEW YORK, LONDON-HEATHROW AND  AMSTERDAM ENTIRELY.

These airports are NOT "firearm-friendly," and we have both heard and experienced everything from missed flights to confiscated firearms to even being returned or having firearms returned to your destination of origin simply due to the fact you have hunting rifles with you during your travel.

It is better not to even risk it.

Firearms
Any quality firearm in a bolt action or double rifle configuration that is larger than .270 Caliber should be more than adequate for your hunt. We prefer hunters of any larger plains game to use 7mm, .30-06 or .300. Most deer hunting rifle configurations in these calibers are adequate for hunting african plains game. High quality ammunition is a MUST. We highly recommend using bullets such as Barnes TSX, Swift A-Frame, Hornady CX or ELDX, and Nosler Partition or similar bullets for all African game . Animals in Africa are TOUGH, and wounded animals are charged to the hunter if any evidence of a hit to the animal is found, whether the animal is recovered or not. Additionally, dangerous game hunting (Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Hippo, Lion, Leopard) requires a MINIMUM of .375 caliber by every african country regulation. Most airlines have a maximum of 11 lbs. of ammunition in checked baggage stored in a separate, LOCKABLE case from your firearms. Thavelong within South Africa has its own requirements and different baggage and ammunition weight limits. Should you not wish to travel with firearms, camp rifles in a wide range of calibers are available for hire for $50/day, INCLUDING ALL AMMUNITION. 

Safari Clothing

The rule here is to keep it simple. Bring a few changes of light hunting clothing (our camps have a daily laundry service). You will likely be riding in the back of a safari vehicle on a high rack to and from hunting areas, and that can be rather cold- especially in the morning. Make sure to bring a good jacket along. During the day, temperatures in the morning are typically in the 40’s, but can dip into the 20’s-30’s. Afternoons will likely be rather comfortable- up to and exceeding the low 70’s. By packing light, you will have room for additional items/souvenirs you acquire along the way. Camouflage is not necessary, but if you do bring it, PLEASE AVOID MILITARY-STYLE CAMOS. Some countries in Africa have a prohibition against “military” camouflage. Mossy Oak, REALTREE, KING’S, etc. patterns are okay.

Recommended Pack List

-  2 pairs of light hunting pants in earth tone colors. 

-  2-3 hunting shirts in earth tone colors.

-  2-3 pairs of socks (Recommend synthetic/wool blends) and underwear

-  1-2 full sets of long underwear (tops and bottoms) We recommend Merino wool or polypropylene. 

-  Lightweight windbreaker/rain jacket and/or safari jacket.

-  Wide brim hat and cap

-  Good ankle boots/shoes that are very comfortable. We recommend lightweight and breathable hiking boots that are comfortable to wear all day. Heavyweight/insulated boots are not typically necessary and will be uncomfortable as it warms up later in the day. 

-Comfortable shoes for wear in camp. Tennis shoes or comfortable slip-ons are ideal. 

-Stocking cap and gloves. We find that leather work/shooting gloves work quite well. A pair of glove liners or additional insulated gloves are recommended if you are hunting the Kalahari, as temperatures can be CHILLY. 

-Light rain gear

-Day pack/backpack to hold extra ammo, coat/hat/gloves. MAKE SURE THAT ALL AMMUNITION AND KNIVES ARE REMOVED BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR YOUR RETURN FLIGHT. This includes empy brass, which, while not a serious issue, can significantly delay your trip through security on both sides of the ocean.

 If you are hunting from June to August, be sure to bring some heavier clothing as well, as temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. If you are hunting during this time add the following items:

• 1 pair of insulated hunting pants
• 2 pairs mid-weight socks
• Insulated coat. We recommend a down or similar insulated coat that can pack up small in order to be stowed in a pack if you are away from the vehicle. 

Optics

Buy and bring the best optics you can afford. Don’t skimp here.

• Binoculars (Quality 8x’s or 10x’s. We find 10x to be the most versatile)
• Spotting Scope (optional)
• Tripod (optional) 
• Rangefinder (Recommended)
• Quality Bino Harness. We recommend a shoulder-type harness that crosses your back rather than a simple neck strap. 
• Lens Cloth and Cleaning Equipment.

Recommended Items

• Camera, batteries and film/data cards, charger and extra batteries. 
• Small flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries. 
• International outlet converter (to use your US electronics/plug-ins with RSA outlets)
• Hunting knife (pack in your gun case or luggage), pocket knife
• Any tobacco products you use/require
• Disposable Lighter/matches
• Under clothing document/money carriers. Keep your passport and large amounts of cash with you at all times. 

Finally, please CONTACT US with ANY QUESTIONS or concerns you might have BEFORE you leave for your trip.