Safari Information

Firearms

General

We recommend the use of your own rifles. You should be comfortable with the rifle you bring on your safari. Shot distance will range from 30 to 250 yards depending on area and species. Suggested calibres range from a minimum .270 for plains game hunted in open grassland to .375 for savannah bushveld. The minimum requirement by law for Big Five is .375 H&H. The ideal for Pigmy antelope are .22 Hornet or double barreled shotguns but excluding automatic or semi-automatic shotguns which are prohibited by law. Alternative arrangements can be made if it is not viable to travel with your own firearm.

Import Procedure

After confirmation of your safari booking we will provide you with the necessary documentation (SAPS520) as well as guidelines for their completion. Upon your arrival you will be met at the airport by our staff who will assist you with the importation process. You will need the following:

• Passport
• Airline ticket
• Proof of ownership of rifle
• Invitation letter from outfitter (GIX Africa Safaris)
• Completed signed SAPS 520 form

Please note that any ammunition should be packed in a hard box and must accompany your firearm during the importation process.

Weather

The region has a diverse climate. Not only does it differ from North to South but also from East to West. A cold and warm sea current respectively on the West coast and East coast of the region has a defined influence on the climate. Another factor that has an influence from North to South on the Southern African climate is the elevation above sea level.

Summer, from October to February, is characterized by sunny days and the occasional thunder shower in the afternoon to cool things down. Winter, from May to July, consists of sunny, crispy days and cold nights. This is also the rainy season for the Western Cape.

The season of your safari will be determined by the type of safari. The traditional hunting season in South Africa is during the winter months but may be extended from March to as late as October. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for photographic safaris with an abundance of new life arriving.

What To Pack

We provide you with a handy list that you can print of things you need to pack for your hunting safari.

HUNTING PACKING LIST

A Summary Of Your Safari With Gix Africa

At GIX Africa we believe in transparency and honesty with no unforeseen surprises.

Your safari should proceed as follows:

• Book and pay a deposit for your safari with us.
• Confirmation of your booking will be provided by GIX Africa Safaris.
• Make travel arrangements with your travel agent for your trip.
• Contact us for any information or assistance.
• Upon arrival in South Africa you will be met by our staff.
• You will be assisted with import procedures if applicable.
• Necessary indemnities will be signed before departure from the airport.
• Depending on time of arrival and hunting destination, you will be transferred to your hotel or designated hunting area.
• Hunting days will commence at sunrise.
• A light breakfast will be provided before setting out.
• A hearty brunch (combination of breakfast and lunch) will be provided around noon.
• Hunting continues until dusk.
• Supper is considered the main meal of the day and will not disappoint.
• Evenings are spent around campfires discussing the day’s events and previous experiences.
• On day of departure you will pay a visit to a taxidermist.
• All accounts are settled on the final day with Gix Africa Safaris by cash or traveller’s cheques or according to arrangement.
• You are taken to the airport for your flight home.