Our comprehensive guide to booking an African Safari offers a step-by-step approach, providing detailed insights and necessary information throughout the entire process. We’re committed to personally assisting you through every stage. For additional support or insights, speaking with individuals who have firsthand experience on a safari might be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to any of our provided references.
Choosing a safari or deciding on preferred trophies to hunt involves selecting from three distinct safari options. Opt for one of our standard hunting packages inclusive of daily rates covering accommodation, meals, land transportation, services by experienced professional hunters, and a 15% government tax. These packages include specified trophy fees for animals. Share your wish list, and we’ll tailor a personalized, all-inclusive package for you.
Both standard and customized packages offer flexibility—animals in a package can be exchanged for others of similar value within the same geographical area. Consider a Daily Rate Safari, where you’ll pay a daily rate, along with a 15% government tax, and add animals you hunt as opportunities arise, selecting from our price list. Additionally, you have the option to add extra trophies at the listed rates in any of the above scenarios. Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, we’ll greet you and ensure your return there at the end of the Safari. Furthermore, we offer add-on tours and photo safari day trips for those interested. At Kambako Hunting Safaris, we understand that booking an African Safari is a significant decision, often accompanied by numerous questions. We’re committed to supporting you throughout the entire process, from initial planning to the day your trophies proudly adorn your home.
Our aim is to provide exceptional quality at competitive prices.
Safari Booking
Once you’ve selected your desired safari, a detailed contract outlining the safari specifics will be finalized and signed. A deposit, typically $1000 or as stipulated based on the safari, will be required.
Booking Airfare
After agreeing on your safari dates and duration, you can proceed to book your airfare. We recommend direct flights to OR Tambo International Airport from Atlanta via Delta or from Newark via United Airlines. We’re available to assist you or your travel agent throughout this process to ensure your stay aligns with your plans. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport with two clean pages is sufficient for travel to South Africa. Non-U.S. citizens may require a visa.
Importation of Hunting Rifles
Temporary import permits from the South African Police Service are necessary to bring rifles into South Africa. Upon arrival, your professional hunter and a rifle agent will assist you in obtaining the permit and transferring to the arrival lodge.
Upon Arrival at the Airport
Our team will personally meet you at the airport, assist in collecting your rifle, and transfer you to the arrival lodge. The following morning, we’ll depart for the hunting area.
Health Precautions
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for travel to South Africa. Our hunting areas are located in Malaria-free zones. However, if you plan to visit Kruger National Park between March and May or September and November or venture to Zimbabwe or Victoria Falls, Malaria medication may be necessary.
Hunting Areas
Our hunting occurs across all nine provinces of South Africa. The majority of our standard hunting packages are conducted in the North (Limpopo Province) and South (Free State Province), each offering distinct landscapes and fauna. Hunting in both areas during one safari provides a comprehensive South African experience.
Weather and Temperatures
Payment Procedures
A 50% payment of the total safari cost is due two weeks before the safari, payable via wire transfer or direct deposit to our Bank of America account. After the safari, the remaining balance can be settled in cash, credit card (with applicable service fees), or wire transfer within 5 days of returning to the USA.
Payments for Other Expenses
When purchasing gifts or souvenirs, South Africa’s currency is the “RAND” (symbol: R). Most stores outside the airport accept only Mastercard and Visa, not AMEX or Discover. We can assist you in currency exchange upon arrival.
Trophies
We prioritize the field preparation and care of trophies at Kambako Hunting Safaris. We opened our own dip and pack exclusively for Kambako clients to minimise the waiting time and have control over our clients trophies. Trophies goes straight from the farm to the export company
Rifle Information
Importing your hunting rifles into South Africa through Kambako is a straightforward process requiring four essential documents. We handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf. Follow these steps outlined below:
Step One
Obtain a Customs Declaration Form 4457 from your nearest customs office. Click here for more information on. Always keep the original stamped copy in your passport and have photo copies of it handy. Please note that due to new regulations, 4457 documents have to be issued in the YEAR OF TRAVEL. If your document has an expiry date, please ensure that it does not expire before or during your hunting safari.
Step Two
Send us the following by email to info@kambakoexecutivelodge.com
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your customs declaration form 4457
- A copy of your flight itinerary
- The completed rifle import info form
Step Three
Familiarize yourself with the information and procedures regarding transporting your rifle. The only essential documentation required for moving your rifle to and from the USA is the Customs Declarations Form 4457.
Upon Arrival in South Africa
Proceed through passport control and collect your general luggage. Locate the firearms representative handling rifles. Present your passport and luggage tag, and if you’re flying with SAA, sign for rifle release (Delta passengers follow a different process). Meet the Kambako Hunting Safaris representative at the exit doors. We’ll escort you to the police office, where your rifle paperwork has been arranged. Your rifle cases will be checked for serial numbers matching the permit. You’ll sign the SAP520 form
(download here) and the register book before your rifle is released. Receive and verify the permit details (name, serial number, departure date), keeping it safely in your gun case for departure checks
Important Firearm & Ammunition Information
Only one firearm per caliber is allowed per person. Ammunition must be in a separate, locked, and labeled container. A maximum of 11 pounds or 200 rounds of ammunition is permitted per hunter. Typically, 40-60 rounds per rifle are sufficient. Individuals under 21 cannot import firearms under their name. Prohibited firearms not allowed into South Africa include semi or fully automatic weapons, handguns for self-defense, and those falling under military categories.
