Travel Information

South African entry is straightforward and hassle-free,  all visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases, a visa.  The Department of Home Affairs’ website provides information on: visa costs, processing time, where to apply and the requirements.

Countries Exempt from Visas

In South Africa, the majority of hunting endeavors target plains game species. It is advisable to bring your personal rifles as you are likely more accustomed to their handling. For those venturing without their own firearms, pre-arranged firearm rentals are available, including most calibres from .223 up to .375 H&H.

For larger plains game, we advocate for calibers such as .270, .30-06, 7 mm, .300 Win Mag, .300 Weatherby, and .338. For the smaller plains game, calibers like .222, .223, and .243 are preferable. Southern African legislation mandates a minimum caliber of .375 for all dangerous game. For hunting Buffalo a minimum caliber of .375 is recommended. 

Choose a high-quality, multi-purpose expanding bullet. Barnes X, Trophy Bonded, or Hornady are proven performers. For large plains game, soft-nose expanding bullets are preferred, while solids are recommended for smaller game. For all dangerous game calibers, a 50/50 distribution between soft-nose and solid bullets is advisable.

When hunting birds, opt for #6 or #7 shot for pigeons and doves. For ducks and geese, #1 or 2 ¾ shot is ideal. When using a 12-gauge shotgun for smaller game like Caracal or Blue Duiker, AAA or #2 ¾ shot is suggested. Acquiring shotgun shells in South Africa poses no issue, and Safari Olympique can arrange for shells to be available in camp prior to your arrival upon request.

Always transport your rifles in a robust protective case, with a separate container for ammunition. Ensure these cases are equipped with secure locks. Additionally, bring an extra soft case per rifle; this will protect your firearms from dust and secure them in racks during vehicular transport.

Prior to departure, zero all rifles with scopes. Scopes should be rechecked upon arrival as they may shift during transit. Opt for a scope with variable magnification if possible and secure scope covers to protect against dust and moisture, which can impact performance.

Note: South Africa requires a temporary import/export permit for firearms and ammunition. We strongly recommend engaging a clearing agent to facilitate this process. For comprehensive guidance on traveling with rifles, please follow our link to navigate the procedure.

Bring along a high-quality pair of binoculars, as hunting encompasses more than just the final shot. The more you can discern what your PH is observing, the richer your hunting experience will be.

A camera is a crucial piece of equipment. Ensure the flash is operational and, if possible, set your digital camera to its highest resolution. Pack extra batteries and chargers.

Experience has shown that hunters often desire copies of their PH’s photographs after the safari. Bring an additional USB flash drive or SD card to transfer images.

Note: The standard electrical supply in Southern Africa is 220 V AC. You may need to bring a power and/or plug converter for your trip.

The Eastern Cape is a malaria free and bilharzia free region. There are no mandatory inoculations required for travelers visiting Southern Africa. Safari Olympique has access to professional medical facilities within half an hour and the hunting lodge is equipped with first aid equipment. Guests do not have to take special medical precautions; and only need to bring their personal medical needs. The above information is for you to consider and discuss with your doctor.

South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so our Summer runs from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by warm to hot weather.

We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors during the day, particularly between 10h00 and 14h00, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not.

The Seasons:

Summer – mid-October to mid-February
Autumn – February to April
Winter – May to July
Spring – August to October