- +27 79 587 5780
- info@umgiwasafaris.co.za
FAQs
1. When is the best time for a hunting safari in South Africa?
The prime South African hunting
season runs from late March through October, with peak conditions during the
cooler winter months (May to August). These months offer the most
comfortable climate and ideal conditions for a successful safari.
2. Can I hunt year-round in South Africa?
Yes, hunting safaris in South Africa are available year-round. However, the summer period (late October to February) can be very hot, which may affect hunting conditions and overall comfort.
3. When is the best time for bowhunting in Africa?
For clients planning an African bowhunting safari, the recommended months are June through September. During this cooler period, animal movement becomes more predictable, improving success rates.
4. What success rate can I expect on a hunting safari?
Success rates on a guided African hunting safaris are very high due to year-round game scouting and experienced Professional Hunters. While rare, if an animal in your package is not hunted, you simply do not pay for it.
5. What happens if I don’t hunt all animals in my package?
If a specific animal is not taken, you are not charged for it. However, because safari packages are discounted, the standard trophy fee is not refunded in full, and adjusted pricing applies.
6. Can I rent a rifle for my South African hunting safari?
Yes. While bringing your own firearm is an option, approximately 70% of international hunters choose to rent a rifle in South Africa, avoiding complex airline and import procedures.
7. Should international hunters bring their own firearms?
Both options are available. Many overseas clients prefer renting a rifle locally for convenience, while experienced hunters may choose to bring their own equipment depending on preference.
8. Can I customize my African hunting safari package?
Yes. Packages are fully flexible and can be tailored to your goals. Whether you want a specific species list or a custom itinerary, your South African hunting safari can be designed around your needs.
9. Can I change the animals I want to hunt?
Yes. You only pay for animals hunted or wounded. Substitutions are allowed, although due to discounted package pricing, substitutions may be valued at approximately 80–90% of the listed trophy fee.
10. What shooting distances should I expect?
For plains game hunting in South Africa, typical rifle shots range from 100 to 250 yards. Bowhunting shots are generally taken from 20 to 35 yards from blinds.
11. What shooting experience is recommended?
Hunters should be comfortable shooting from sticks and standing positions, as this is the most common setup during a guided African safari hunt.
12. How many hunters can be accommodated at one time?
Safari groups are typically kept small, with a preferred maximum of around six hunters at a time to ensure a personalized and high-quality African hunting experience. Larger groups can be accommodated when required.
13. Will I hunt alone or in a group?
Each hunter is guided individually by a Professional Hunter, often splitting into different areas of the concession during the day, and regrouping in camp in the evening.
14. What type of food can I expect on safari?
Clients enjoy three full meals per day, with snacks available. Fresh venison is often served, following a “field-to-table” approach. Soft drinks, water, and moderate amounts of beer and wine are included.
15. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Special dietary needs can be catered for, provided they are communicated in advance of your South African safari.
16. Is hunting in South Africa fair chase?
Yes. All hunts are conducted under fair chase hunting principles. While many properties are fenced, concessions are extremely large (ranging from 7,000 to 200,000 acres), with free-roaming, wild animals.
17. Are the animals wild or managed?
Animals are completely wild and born within the hunting concessions. Many species remain unseen due to the size and density of the terrain, ensuring a genuine African trophy hunting experience.
18. Is South Africa safe for international hunting clients?
Yes. South Africa is a well-established destination for international hunters, with professional safari operators providing structured, safe, and fully guided hunting experiences.
19. How are payments handled on a hunting safari?
Final invoices are settled before departure. Payments can be made via cash, credit card (Visa/Mastercard), PayPal, or electronic transfer. Card payments may include a small processing fee.
20. Do you offer hunting safaris outside South Africa?
Yes. In addition to South Africa, safaris can be arranged in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, offering access to a wider range of species and hunting environments.
21. Do I need a visa to hunt in South Africa?
Most international hunters traveling from the USA, UK, and Europe do not require a visa for short-term visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and contain sufficient blank pages for entry into South Africa.
22. Which airport should I fly into for my South African hunting safari?
Most international hunting safari clients arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), the primary gateway for South African hunting safaris.
23. Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes. A Umg’iwa Safaris representative will meet you at either the airport or your hotel and be with you every step of the way. We also offer meet-and-greet services that can be arranged for international hunting clients, assisting with firearm clearance, customs procedures, and transfers to your South African hunting safari destination.
24. How far is the hunting area from Johannesburg?
Travel time to your South African hunting safari concession typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours by road, or a short domestic or charter flight, depending on the location.
25. What documents do I need to bring a rifle into South Africa?
International hunters bringing firearms must complete a temporary import permit (SAPS 520) and provide supporting documentation, including a valid firearm license and a hunting safari invitation letter.
26. How much ammunition can I bring on a hunting safari?
Most airlines and South African regulations allow up to 200 rounds of ammunition per calibre, securely packed according to international airline requirements.
27. Are suppressors (silencers) legal for hunting in South Africa?
Yes. Suppressors are legal and commonly used during South African hunting safaris to reduce noise and improve shooting accuracy.
28. Is malaria a concern for a South African hunting safari?
Yes. Suppressors are legal and commonly used during South African hunting safaris to reduce noise and improve shooting accuracy.
29. Do I need vaccinations for a hunting safari in South Africa?
There are generally no mandatory vaccinations required for South Africa, but standard travel vaccinations are recommended for international hunting safari clients.
30. What medical facilities are available during the safari?
All South African hunting safari areas have access to nearby medical facilities, and your Professional Hunter is trained in first aid to ensure your safety throughout the safari.
31. Can I import my African hunting trophies into my home country?
Yes, international hunters can import hunting trophies, subject to their home country’s regulations and the species hunted. All necessary export documentation will be arranged.
32. How long does it take to receive my hunting trophies?
Dip and pack services typically take 3–6 months, while full taxidermy for African hunting trophies may take up to 12 months before shipping.
33. Can you recommend a taxidermist for my African hunting trophies?
Yes. Trusted taxidermists and export agents are recommended to ensure your South African hunting trophies are professionally prepared and shipped internationally.
34. What is dip and pack in African trophy hunting?
Dip and pack is the process of cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing your African hunting trophies for safe international export and shipping. This allows your taxidermist back at home to do the final work.
35. How physically demanding is a South African hunting safari?
A South African hunting safari typically requires a moderate level of fitness, including walking and tracking. Hunts can be tailored to suit different fitness levels and preferences. Some hunts are physically demanding however we will discuss this prior to the safari with the client.
36. What happens if I wound an animal on a hunting safari?
All wounded animals are tracked and will try to be recovered by your Professional Hunter and tracking team. In line with ethical hunting practices, a wounded animal is considered taken and will be charged. Sometimes wounded and lost game is found after a client leaves and can be recovered and returned to the client.
37. What success rate can I expect on a South African hunting safari?
International hunting clients can expect high success rates and multiple shot opportunities due to experienced Professional Hunters, skilled trackers, and well-managed game populations.
38. Will I have exclusive access to the hunting area?
We try not to mix groups and offer exclusivity with your booking. South African hunting safari concessions are typically large with low hunting pressure, offering a private and exclusive hunting experience for international clients.
39. How do I secure my South African hunting safari booking?
A deposit is required to confirm your hunting safari dates, with the remaining balance payable before or at the conclusion of your safari.
40. What is your hunting safari cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary and are provided at the time of booking. International clients are encouraged to review these terms carefully when planning their South African hunting safari.
41. Is the hunting area fenced or free-range?
Many South African hunting safari properties are fenced; however, these concessions are extremely large, allowing for free-roaming wildlife and a genuine fair chase hunting experience. We offer both free range and fenced hunts.
42. How large are South African hunting safari areas?
Hunting concessions in South Africa typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of acres, offering diverse terrain and an authentic African hunting experience.
43. What makes your South African hunting safari with Umg’iwa Safaris different from others?
A combination of experienced Professional Hunters, well-managed concessions, ethical hunting practices, and personalized service ensures a premium safari experience with us.
44. Can I combine my hunting safari with a photographic safari in South Africa?
Yes. Many international clients choose to combine their South African hunting safari with photographic safaris or sightseeing experiences for a complete African travel experience.
45. Can I extend my hunting safari to other destinations in Southern Africa?
Yes. Popular extensions include Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, allowing international clients to experience more of Southern Africa beyond their hunting safari.