Hey all-
I'm planning a plains game hunt in SA, just getting started with logistics and building the bank account. I'd like to read other people's experience with the invisible costs of a safari: trip insurance, air fare, gun transport, customary tips (amount and to whom?) Price of shots & vaccinations (required and recommended) Hotel stays en route? DIP & SHIP CAPES & HORNS, Specialized customs brokerage... What am I missing here?
Am I stupid to bring my own gun on a first trip to Africa?
Any horror stories of having guns stolen or missing from a flight?
Thanks for being here! Looks like this forum will be quite enjoyable.
Hi,
You’re absolutely right to organize things well in advance.
Travel insurance is a very personal choice, but in many cases when you pay with a credit card you already have some coverage included, especially if it’s not a basic card but something like a Gold or Platinum card.
Airfare obviously depends on where you are flying from and on the dates, but it’s worth knowing that prices can vary a lot. It is often a good idea, if you can, to plan your travel dates around ticket prices. Mid-week departures, for example, can sometimes make a significant difference.
Regarding bringing your rifle, gun transport works very well in South Africa. It’s a real hunting country. You can also have a look at some details here on my website:
https://www.hunt.timbilagamelodge.co.za/rifle-hunters/
Also, don’t worry if your rifle is perfect for some species and a bit too powerful or not powerful enough for others. You can easily rent a rifle locally for about
$50–60 per day, including ammunition.
For tips, a common guideline is
0 to 10% depending on satisfaction.
For the hunting team, this would be
0–10% of the hunting cost (excluding accommodation).
For the camp staff,
0–10% of the accommodation and meals cost.
If you’re unsure how to separate the two, you can simply divide the tip in half when hunting plains game.
A hotel night in
Johannesburg can sometimes be useful so you have time to calmly retrieve your rifle and prepare for your connecting flight. There is also a firearm form that needs to be prepared in advance, which I can send you. Domestic flights usually cost around
$250–350 round trip.
As for trophies, be prepared for it to take time. In our case, we prepare the trophies for the taxidermist (about one month) and deliver them to him. Taxidermists are specialized and can answer all your questions about pricing and shipping. If you’d like recommendations for taxidermists, just let me know.
As for rifles being stolen or lost, I honestly wouldn’t worry too much. Again, South Africa is a true hunting country. Hunters are very common travelers there, and you will generally be well assisted and well guided throughout the process.
Orso
You came to the right place
