Preparing for first South African safari

[Beaufort]

Hello,
I am taking my first safari this July in South Africa and could use the help of you more seasoned hunters and travelers!

I have Africa Sky guesthouse helping with my rifle permits and getting through customs.

I am using Trophy Shippers to handle shipping my trophies back to the states.

The taxidermist I was planning to use, Taxidermy America, seems to have gone out of business. No website, mentions of them possibly closing on the Internet. So I could use suggestions for taxidermist. Only getting one shoulder mount - the rest are euro mounts. Recently downsized and don't have nearly the wall space I used to have!

Have my airfare squared away with Delta Air Lines.

Passport is valid until well after I get back.

Plan to purchase evacuation policy from Global Rescue

So, what am I missing?

I saw the list on safari preparation. Do I need a hunting license for SA? Hunting permit?

Thanks for your input! Greatly appreciated!

 

[BourbonTrail]

PH should secure licenses and permits. Are you renting/hiring a rifle?

Taxidermist, talk to @gizmo.

Good luck

 

[Speedster]

If you list the state where you live, a member on here might have a favorite taxidermist near you that you could visit and personally check out their work.

 

[slam8031]

If you are taking a rifle you need a customs form 4057. And start shooting! Have a great time and don’t overpack!!

 

[Longrifle]

I was in the Eastern Cape, RSA last year. FANTASTIC hunting. Make sure you keep your eyes on your rifle at the airport. Contract security (Eagle Security) carries your rifle through the airport for you, its the law. Your rifle MUST go through South African Police Service for import and export. Don't let one of the contractors take you into a hallway and tell you, "I'll take if from here", like the one carrying my rifle did. It almost got physical before he relented when I was demanding to go to the SAPS office as required. If you have someone assisting in Johannesburg, that is best. I used RiflePermits and Marius was great. For a modest fee they take care of all the import/export paperwork, meet you at the airport and keep everything in order. Marius was not with me when the security contractor tried to relieve me of my rifle but, when I told him about in the SAPS office, it was a lesson in Afrikaans profanity as he schooled the contractor. If you stay with your rifle, it will be fine. Don't give anyone any money in the airport.
You do not need more than three of anything clothing wise except socks-laundry is done daily. Also, take foot powder and powder the inside of your socks before putting them on. Your feet will appreciate it.
It'll be Montana Elk this year and Cape Buffalo in Zimbabwe next year for me.

Safe Travels and Good Hunting.

 

[375Fox]

I was in the Eastern Cape, RSA last year. FANTASTIC hunting. Make sure you keep your eyes on your rifle at the airport. Contract security (Eagle Security) carries your rifle through the airport for you, its the law. Your rifle MUST go through South African Police Service for import and export. Don't let one of the contractors take you into a hallway and tell you, "I'll take if from here", like the one carrying my rifle did. It almost got physical before he relented when I was demanding to go to the SAPS office as required. If you have someone assisting in Johannesburg, that is best. I used RiflePermits and Marius was great. For a modest fee they take care of all the import/export paperwork, meet you at the airport and keep everything in order. Marius was not with me when the security contractor tried to relieve me of my rifle but, when I told him about in the SAPS office, it was a lesson in Afrikaans profanity as he schooled the contractor. If you stay with your rifle, it will be fine. Don't give anyone any money in the airport.
You do not need more than three of anything clothing wise except socks-laundry is done daily. Also, take foot powder and powder the inside of your socks before putting them on. Your feet will appreciate it.
It'll be Montana Elk this year and Cape Buffalo in Zimbabwe next year for me.

Safe Travels and Good Hunting.

I have zero idea what you are talking about with regards to the rifle and airport and hallways. Gilbert with Africa Sky will meet him right out of the baggage claim area, walk him to SAPS, and take care of anything rifle related from there including checking in the next day or at end of trip if he lets him know. Johannesburg is a modern airport. Rifle Permits should have done exact same for you. We shouldn’t be scaring people before they go.

 

[375Fox]

Possibly a dumb question, but is Taxidermy America in the United States or Africa? What animal will you be getting shoulder mounted? I would check out local taxidermists in your area. Simple shoulder mounts impala, kudu, etc really don’t require an “Africa specialist” if you ask you’ll be surprised how much African work many have actually seen. All permits required for hunting and export will be handled by outfitter/taxidermy/shipping agent on that side.

What rifle and bullets will you be using?
Do you have your 4457 already completed?
Have you been practicing off sticks?
Do you have a travel credit card with zero foreign transaction fees?

 

[BRICKBURN]

You have all the big stuff covered.

 

[Beaufort]

Possibly a dumb question, but is Taxidermy America in the United States or Africa? What animal will you be getting shoulder mounted? I would check out local taxidermists in your area. Simple shoulder mounts impala, kudu, etc really don’t require an “Africa specialist” if you ask you’ll be surprised how much African work many have actually seen. All permits required for hunting and export will be handled by outfitter/taxidermy/shipping agent on that side.

What rifle and bullets will you be using?
Do you have your 4457 already completed?
Have you been practicing off sticks?
Do you have a travel credit card with zero foreign transaction fees?

Taking a 375 H&H and will shoot 270 gr. ammo. I'm just after plains game on this go 'round. Have been shooting off sticks for some time.

I have all of the forms courtesy of Africa Sky's permitting service.

I'll check on the zero foreign transaction fees. Good suggestion!

 

[Beaufort]

If you are taking a rifle you need a customs form 4057. And start shooting! Have a great time and don’t overpack!!

Yep, have that form courtesy of Africa Sky's permitting service. Been shooting off sticks for quite awhile. Have my packing list down to a single duffle and small checked bag.

By the way, how many rounds of ammo would you take for 10 days of plains game hunting? Any recommended ammo case? I was looking at the MTM cases but know I'm limited to 11 lbs. Assuming that includes only the ammo, right?

I see you're in SC. Same here.

 

[375Fox]

Taking a 375 H&H and will shoot 270 gr. ammo. I'm just after plains game on this go 'round. Have been shooting off sticks for some time.

I have all of the forms courtesy of Africa Sky's permitting service.

I'll check on the zero foreign transaction fees. Good suggestion!

You’ll need to take a 4457 to US customs and get stamped before you can submit it to Africa Sky. Amazon’s credit card is actually a good free one for travel, most airline cards are no foreign transaction fees too but come with a yearly fee. The 3% foreign transaction fees can add up depending how much you use a credit card during trip.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Any recommended ammo case? I was looking at the MTM cases but know I'm limited to 11 lbs. Assuming that includes only the ammo, right?

I see you're in SC. Same here.

Some discussions on the topic:
ONE
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-case.24666/
TWO
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-case-locked.28660/
THREE
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/lockable-ammo-case.8648/
FOUR
http://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammunition-box-for-south-africa.10499/#post-81066
FIVE
http://www.africahunting.com/threads/packing-ammunition-in-a-separate-bag.12609/#post-103810

There are a few threads on the subject.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammunition-travel-case.26304/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/using-a-pelican-case-for-ammunition.1918/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-transportation.47652/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-box.45934/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/locking-ammo-cans-for-travel.44423/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/packing-ammo-for-south-africa.43039/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-boxes.40139/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-case-locked.28660/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/flying-with-ammo.28142/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/ammo-case.24666/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/lockable-container-for-ammo.22203/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/lockable-ammo-container.12568/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/lockable-ammo-case.8648/

 

[BWH]

Get with a guy like @gizmo to help you work through the logistics of the transportation & taxidermy. He has handled a lot of Africa shipments. He will tell you the truth of expectations. Legit timing & pricing. Not some advertisement or unreal expectations.

 

[slam8031]

Yep, have that form courtesy of Africa Sky's permitting service. Been shooting off sticks for quite awhile. Have my packing list down to a single duffle and small checked bag.

By the way, how many rounds of ammo would you take for 10 days of plains game hunting? Any recommended ammo case? I was looking at the MTM cases but know I'm limited to 11 lbs. Assuming that includes only the ammo, right?

I see you're in SC. Same here.

I figured with your avatar! That case is good for ammo. 40 rounds of ammo should be a gracious plenty. That should fit two boxes of 375 and put a lock on it and place it in your checked bag! Have a great time! Planning trip 6 now!!

 

[Beaufort]

You’ll need to take a 4457 to US customs and get stamped before you can submit it to Africa Sky. Amazon’s credit card is actually a good free one for travel, most airline cards are no foreign transaction fees too but come with a yearly fee. The 3% foreign transaction fees can add up depending how much you use a credit card during trip.

With regards to the 4457, I will probably take it to Charleston, SC to the CBP port of entry office.

 

[slam8031]

Make sure you call ahead-you can download and fill it out and save a little time.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Where are you hunting in SA
Doesnt help someone tecommends a taxidermist from limpopo and u hinting in east cape

I can recommend a taxidermist
Sure your outfitter should be able recommend some options too

 

[50lawman]

Chap stick (lip balm), locks for all four securing points on your rifle case, heavy wool socks, good sharp knife. head cover.

 

[Hunterxx]

You already have what you will need most, goodluck on your hunt !

 

[Beaufort]

Where are you hunting in SA
Doesnt help someone tecommends a taxidermist from limpopo and u hinting in east cape

I can recommend a taxidermist
Sure your outfitter should be able recommend some options too

Hunting in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region - Madaka Game Ranch. Know anything about it?