General and Firearm Information
Climate
South Africa is famous for its sunshine. It's a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). While the Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is generally a summer-rainfall region.
At the same time, temperatures in South Africa tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes - such as Australia - due mainly to greater elevation above sea level.
Summer
Over much of South Africa, summer (mid-October to mid-February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather - often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African smell in the air.
Winter
Winter in South Africa (May to July) is characterized in the higher-lying areas of the interior plateau by dry, sunny, crisp days and cold nights. So it's a good idea to bring warm clothes.
The hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, as well as the Lowveld (lower-lying areas) of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, offer fantastic winter weather with sunny, warmish days and virtually no wind or rain.
The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter, with quite a few days of cloudy, rainy weather. However, these are always interspersed with wonderful days to rival the best of a British summer.
The high mountains of the Cape and the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal usually get snow in winter..
The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the exception, getting its rain in winter.
Do you need a visa to visit South Africa?
Countries exempt from South African visas
Countries subject to South African visa fees
What are the requirements for entering South Africa?
• A valid passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay.
• A valid visa, if required.
• Sufficient funds.
• A return or onward ticket.
• At least two blank pages in your passport.
• Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Firearm Information
As every traveling hunter knows, it is a very big challenge to bring your rifles into South Africa.- We are certain you have heard horror stories about the importation of firearms into South Africa, BUT it is NOT at all difficult.
You are allowed a maximum of four firearms, not more than one of the same caliber. (An exception to this may apply in the case of shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting if an acceptable letter of motivation accompanies it). - The Frame, barrel or action must be marked with a serial number.
All you need to provide a minimum of 30 days before arrival in South Africa:
• Copy of the valid passport good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay.
• US Customs form 4457 (if you travelling from the US)
• For GERMAN citizens, an original notarized copy of the documentary proof of export of the firearms in the form of INF3 customs certificate (by your closest Customs office (Zoll Amt) with your firearms and any other documentation the customs house might request
• For UK citizens, an original notarized copy of the Proof of Ownership and passport must be signed and stamped as true copies of the original document by a Public Notary
• Original notarized copy of proof of ownership of your firearms
• Letter of Invitation - from your Outfitter (with Outfitters full names* License numbers* Province they are registered in* dates of the hunting*Location of hunting*species what you hunt*your firearm info*acknowledge of the SA firearm regulations* signature with date
• Notarized copy of your Passport (minimum of four months validity after the termination of the hunt as well as a minimum of two blank pages)
• SAPS 520 IN BLACK INK No other color will be accepted.
RIFLEPERMITS.COM is a company who works hand-in-hand with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to provide "import/export" or "in-transit" permits for your rifle(s) before you arrive in South Africa.
RIFLEPERMITS.COM will meet you at the airport and hand deliver your pre-authorized permit to you on arrival and also guide you through the procedures at the SAPS Permit Office!
Firearm/Ammunition Allowances
Check with your airline as to the number of firearms they allow per passenger as many airlines are now specifying a maximum of two / three firearms.
Your firearms must arrive on the same flight as you. They may only be signed for by you and may not be received by any third person.
You may only bring ammunition applicable to the firearms that you will be bringing to South Africa, and may not bring more than 200 rounds per firearm.
Firearms Insurance:
Sportsman's Insurance
Collectibles Insurance Services
Health Care
Medical facilities are good in urban areas but limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, which should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency. It is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance, before your hunt.
MEDEX for Individuals will assist you at any time, in any place.
Available 24/7, MEDEX Physician Advisors are practicing physicians and multilingual medical experts who specialize in diverse regions of the world. This unique panel of evacuation experts contains more than 30 medical specialties, allowing MEDEX to provide cardiac, pulmonary and other competencies when needed. These experts provide medical opinions and evacuation advice on cases.
South Africa is famous for its sunshine. It's a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). While the Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is generally a summer-rainfall region.
At the same time, temperatures in South Africa tend to be lower than in other countries at similar latitudes - such as Australia - due mainly to greater elevation above sea level.
Summer
Over much of South Africa, summer (mid-October to mid-February) is characterized by hot, sunny weather - often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African smell in the air.
Winter
Winter in South Africa (May to July) is characterized in the higher-lying areas of the interior plateau by dry, sunny, crisp days and cold nights. So it's a good idea to bring warm clothes.
The hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, as well as the Lowveld (lower-lying areas) of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, offer fantastic winter weather with sunny, warmish days and virtually no wind or rain.
The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter, with quite a few days of cloudy, rainy weather. However, these are always interspersed with wonderful days to rival the best of a British summer.
The high mountains of the Cape and the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal usually get snow in winter..
The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the exception, getting its rain in winter.
Average temperatures (°C)
in South Africa
Do you need a visa to visit South Africa?
Countries exempt from South African visas
Countries subject to South African visa fees
What are the requirements for entering South Africa?
• A valid passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay.
• A valid visa, if required.
• Sufficient funds.
• A return or onward ticket.
• At least two blank pages in your passport.
• Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Firearm Information
As every traveling hunter knows, it is a very big challenge to bring your rifles into South Africa.- We are certain you have heard horror stories about the importation of firearms into South Africa, BUT it is NOT at all difficult.
You are allowed a maximum of four firearms, not more than one of the same caliber. (An exception to this may apply in the case of shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting if an acceptable letter of motivation accompanies it). - The Frame, barrel or action must be marked with a serial number.
All you need to provide a minimum of 30 days before arrival in South Africa:
• Copy of the valid passport good for a sufficient period to cover the intended stay.
• US Customs form 4457 (if you travelling from the US)
• For GERMAN citizens, an original notarized copy of the documentary proof of export of the firearms in the form of INF3 customs certificate (by your closest Customs office (Zoll Amt) with your firearms and any other documentation the customs house might request
• For UK citizens, an original notarized copy of the Proof of Ownership and passport must be signed and stamped as true copies of the original document by a Public Notary
• Original notarized copy of proof of ownership of your firearms
• Letter of Invitation - from your Outfitter (with Outfitters full names* License numbers* Province they are registered in* dates of the hunting*Location of hunting*species what you hunt*your firearm info*acknowledge of the SA firearm regulations* signature with date
• Notarized copy of your Passport (minimum of four months validity after the termination of the hunt as well as a minimum of two blank pages)
• SAPS 520 IN BLACK INK No other color will be accepted.
RIFLEPERMITS.COM is a company who works hand-in-hand with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to provide "import/export" or "in-transit" permits for your rifle(s) before you arrive in South Africa.
RIFLEPERMITS.COM will meet you at the airport and hand deliver your pre-authorized permit to you on arrival and also guide you through the procedures at the SAPS Permit Office!
Firearm/Ammunition Allowances
Check with your airline as to the number of firearms they allow per passenger as many airlines are now specifying a maximum of two / three firearms.
Your firearms must arrive on the same flight as you. They may only be signed for by you and may not be received by any third person.
You may only bring ammunition applicable to the firearms that you will be bringing to South Africa, and may not bring more than 200 rounds per firearm.
Firearms Insurance:
Sportsman's Insurance
Collectibles Insurance Services
Health Care
Medical facilities are good in urban areas but limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, which should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency. It is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance, before your hunt.
MEDEX for Individuals will assist you at any time, in any place.
Available 24/7, MEDEX Physician Advisors are practicing physicians and multilingual medical experts who specialize in diverse regions of the world. This unique panel of evacuation experts contains more than 30 medical specialties, allowing MEDEX to provide cardiac, pulmonary and other competencies when needed. These experts provide medical opinions and evacuation advice on cases.
TRUE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE AND LIFETIME MEMORIES
WITH HNI SAFARIS!