Information
South Africa is the most stable country in Southern Africa, offering excellent connectivity to neighboring African countries, as well as smooth internal transfers to your South African-based hunting camps by both road and air. Clients are typically transferred to camps by road, but for those seeking a more thrilling arrival, charter flights can be arranged, providing an unforgettable aerial view of the landscape and wildlife as you begin your safari adventure.
HUNTING CAMPS
- Tootabi Valley Safaris offers two premier hunting camps for our South African safaris, each combining deluxe accommodations with the untamed beauty of the wilderness for an unforgettable experience.
- Our Northern Camp is nestled in the heart of the Free State, near the charming town of Smithfield, while our Eastern Cape Camp is located near Alicedale, just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth’s regional airport. Both camps provide an exceptional setting for hunters and non-hunters alike, offering the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Your flights can be finalized once we’ve assessed which camp will be most suitable for the species you wish to hunt.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport and/or Visa: U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter South Africa, while European citizens need both a valid passport and an entry visa.
- Return airline ticket: This is mandatory for entry.
- For Firearms: In addition to the SAPS 520 form, you will need your passport, return airline ticket, proof of ownership of your firearms, and for U.S. citizens, a Custom Declaration Form 4457 (officially stamped). You will also require a letter of invitation, which we provide.
FIREARMS CLEARING
- We recommend using a firearms clearing service at Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, which has been highly valued by past clients. Please confirm whether you will bring your rifle so we can ensure you have a firearms clearing service to meet you at the airport and guide you through the process.
BEST TIME TO HUNT
- The prime hunting period is during the Rut, which occurs in the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May when bulls are more active during the day.
- Hunting is excellent in South Africa from March through November. March to May is autumn with daytime temperatures around 80°F, and cooler evenings. June to August is winter, with mild daytime temperatures around 65°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to around 32°F. Spring runs from September to November, bringing similar but slightly cooler temperatures.
VACCINATIONS
- No compulsory vaccinations are required for visiting South Africa. However, a Tetanus shot is recommended.
- Malaria medication is not necessary when hunting in the Eastern Cape or Free State, but it is advised if you plan to visit the Kruger National Park or hunt in Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Mozambique.
- Full medical insurance is recommended for all travellers.
CHOICE OF WEAPONS
- You don’t need to buy a new rifle for your safari; the rifle you use for deer hunting is likely suitable for plains game. Comfort and accuracy are more important than calibre size. Practicing with shooting sticks will help ensure success.
- Rifles such as the .270 Winchester and larger are appropriate for plains game. The .300 Winchester Magnum is ideal.
- For dangerous game, .375 H&H and above are recommended.
- Semi-automatic and automatic rifles are not allowed.
- Rifle Rental: We offer rifles for rent, including .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .416 Rigby at $40 per day for trophy hunts. Ammunition is charged separately for driven and bird hunts.
AMMUNITION
- We recommend bringing at least 60 rounds of ammunition for your hunt.
TROPHY HANDLING AND EXPORT
- You can choose to have your trophy mounted in South Africa and then shipped to the U.S., or have the capes and skulls dipped, packed, and shipped to your taxidermist in the U.S. We handle CITES animal export permits in South Africa, upon arrival in the US, you’ll need to apply for import permits with Fish & Wildlife.
- African Wildlife Artistry Taxidermy, based in Somerset East has provided a superior service to our many clients over the years. They have a full-service taxidermy and can be entrusted with your valuable memories.
WEATHER IN EASTERN CAPE
- The Eastern Cape experiences a steppe climate, with rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures hover around 17.9°C annually, with February being the warmest month (23.1°C) and July the coldest (12.1°C). Rainfall peaks in March, while June is the driest month.
PERSONAL SAFETY
- South Africa is safe for international visitors, but standard travel precautions should be taken in urban areas. Avoid displaying valuables like jewelry, cash, or electronic devices. It’s best to use credit cards instead of large amounts of cash.
LOCAL CURRENCY AND DIALING CODES
- The South African currency is the Rand (R), with banknotes available in R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 denominations.
- South Africa’s international dialling code is +27. When calling from the U.S., the international prefix is 011, followed by the South African code. For example, Tootabi Valleys Safaris’ local dial code is 082, but when dialling from abroad, the prefix would be +2782.
LANGUAGES
- South Africa has 11 official languages, with English being the primary language of administration and widely spoken. Other official languages include Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and others.
INSURANCE
- We recommend obtaining Safari Insurance, which can cover baggage, travel, trip cancellations, and medical evacuations. Your local insurance or travel agent can assist with this.
- Global Rescue: We suggest Global Rescue for emergency medical evacuation. They provide worldwide rescue services, including field rescues from remote areas. Their teams consist of former U.S. Special Operations medics and they offer 24/7 medical support from top physicians.