We recommend a direct flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, then a connecting flight to Kimberley Airport. Upon arrival, your Professional Hunter will greet you and drive you to the hunting lodge. For travel arrangements, including airfare and insurance, consider using Jeanne Thirion, our experienced Travel Counselor, for competitive pricing and excellent service.

Cell: 082 829 7000

South Africa requires you to obtain a temporary firearms import permit in advance.

Should you require Professional help with bringing your own Rifle, we recommend

Rifle Permits to assist you with this.

RIFLE PERMITS endeavors to ensure all international hunting tourists traveling with hunting firearms a trouble-free arrival in South Africa.

Contact: Henry Durrheim

Email: henry@riflepermits.com (RSA office hours)

Cell: +27 83 379 7062

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ

You can get more information regarding the temporary importation on our website.

First you must have a CSB Form 4457 signed and sealed listing the correct serial numbers of your firearms.

You are then required to complete the SAP 520 form when applying for the temporary importation of firearms. You can download the SAPS 520 form:

Instructions on how to complete the SAPS 520 form can be downloaded:

Instructions on Completing the Form

• Use black ink on the form.

• Fill in form in BLOCK letters

• Leave the form unsigned until finalized in front of a police officer.

• The following documents must accompany the SAP 520 form:

  • Passport

  • Return airline ticket

  • Proof of ownership

  • Firearm licenses, documentary proof etc. For USA citizens, an officially stamped Customs

  • Declaration Form 4457 is essential.

  • Proof of export

Note: You must obtain documentation for the legal export of firearms from an official government institution (police or customs). This must be written in English and state the following: “It is hereby certified that the owner of the firearm(s) M (state particulars) with caliber (state caliber), serial number (state the serial number) and type (state type of weapon) is hereby authorized to temporarily export the above firearm(s) from country (state country).”

• Invitation letter from the hunting outfitter.

• Note: Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure that the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.

How to travel with your firearm:

Your firearms should be packed in a padded lockable rifle case. DO NOT PUT YOUR AMMUNITION IN THE CASE WITH YOUR FIREARMS! You must declare that you are traveling with firearms when checking in your luggage at the airport.

You may be asked to open the rifle case it at the airport for inspection. Make sure your firearm is unloaded, and you have removed the bolt. Have the breach open and face up for easy inspection.

You may NOT carry ammunition in your carry-on luggage. Check each of the airline's websites that you will be flying on for their luggage weight and firearm policies. They may differ from your international flight, and it is better to find out before flying. You may be able to pack your binoculars, rangefinder and a few other items in your rifle case.

Clients are advised to bring 60 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Do not exceed 5kgs of ammunition.

Although we prefer clients to bring their own rifles, about 70% of our clients do not. For some it is just not worth the effort and for that reason we have a host of various calibers available to rent.

Hunters from the USA and some European countries do not need to apply for a visa for your Africa hunting safari.

Please visit the following website www.riflepermits.com or contact our team to get the necessary contact details of support services at the Airport.

Yes, you will need some cash for tips and small personal items, otherwise credit card facilities are widely available.

The best time to travel to South Africa for a hunting safari is during the winter, which generally stretches from late April to mid-August. It is not the rule, but the cooler weather makes for better hunting conditions than during the summer.

As the Northern Cape Province is both Malaria and Bilharzia free you do not need any additional shots or medication. However, you should always consult your own medical practitioner.

This is a legal requirement of our Insurance Company compiled under legal guidelines for both parties involved. No person may hunt or go on Safari under our supervision without signing the Indemnity Form. Please read it carefully and understand all the liability waiver clauses and conditions.

Although our staff is responsible and experienced, Damara African Safaris do not accept any liability for any injuries, illness, accidents or losses sustained whilst on safari with us.

Contact your local travel agent for an insurance policy to cover personal valuables and medical expenses in case of death, disability, illness, loss of personal items and flight cancellation.

We are located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, known as one of the safest hunting destinations, featuring wide open spaces.

At Damara African Safaris, we’ve been creating exceptional hunting experiences for over 20 years. Whether you’re after dangerous game or plains game, one key decision when planning your African safari is choosing between a packaged hunt or a tailor-made (ala-carte) approach. Both have advantages depending on your experience, budget, group composition and hunting goals.

Here’s a guide to help you choose the right option.

WHAT ARE PACKAGED HUNTS?

Packaged hunts are pre-arranged trips that bundle accommodation, daily guiding, meals and a set selection of trophies into a fixed price deal. They are often 'all-inclusive' for popular species like Springbuck, Impala, Blesbuck, Wildebeest and Gemsbuck.

Benefits:

• Predictable Costs: Know your total upfront, simplifying budgeting.

• Convenience: Perfect for first-time hunters—everything is pre-planned.

• Value: Bundled pricing can save up to 25–35% compared to booking separately.

What are Tailor-Made (Ala-Carte) Hunts?

Tailor-made hunts allow you to pay a daily rate for guiding, accommodation and services, then add trophy fees only for the animals you actually harvest. This “pay-as-you-go” model gives full control to customize every aspect of your trip—from target species to additional experiences like family observers.

Benefits:

• Complete Flexibility: Choose exactly what you hunt and adjust plans in the field.

• Pay for Results: Only pay trophy fees for successful harvests.

• Highly Personalized: Ideal for experienced hunters or mixed-interest groups.

How Damara African Safaris Helps You Decide

At Damara, we don’t force you into a single format. Instead, we create safaris that combine the predictability of packages with the flexibility of tailor-made options.

Here’s how we assist:

• Personal Consultation: We discuss your experience, budget, preferred species and special requests to understand your goals.

• Custom Recommendations: For beginners or budget-conscious groups, we often suggest a package foundation with optional ala-carte add-ons.

• Group-Specific Planning: We balance group dynamics, skill levels and interests, combining core hunts with individual options as needed.

• Transparent Cost Estimates: Our team provides realistic budgeting guidance to minimize surprises.

• Full Support: From planning to post-hunt follow-up, we guide you every step, ensuring a seamless safari experience.

Ultimately, packaged hunts offer ease and predictability, while tailor-made hunts deliver customization and control.

With Damara African Safaris, you get the best of both worlds, designed specifically for your vision and hunting goals.

Warthog, Bontebok, Steenbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Common Springbuck, Copper Springbuck, White Springbuck, Black Springbuck, Blesbuck (common), Blesbuck (white), Common Impala, Black Impala, Nyala, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Golden Wildebeest, Lechwe, Jackal, Gemsbuck, Golden Gemsbuck (Oryx), Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Burchell’s Zebra, Eland, Giraffe and Buffalo

Taxidermy is a terrific way to preserve the memories of your African hunting trip.

​You can either have your animals mounted in south Africa, or they can be dipped, packed and exported as a raw product, to the taxidermy of your choice in the USA.

Our recommended Taxidermy is African Artistry Taxidermy

​

Please visit their website for more information.

A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable.

Take into consideration when packing for your safari that laundry is done daily at the lodge, except on arrival and departure days.

CLOTHING:-

• 1 Pair of good hunting boots (Always worn-in)

• 1 Pair of comfortable camp shoes

• 4 Pairs of thick socks

• 4 Sets of underwear

• 3 Pairs of long hunting pants (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)

• 4 Hunting shirts (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)

• 1 Hunting jacket (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)

• 1 Warm sweater or jumper

• Casual clothing for the evenings

• 1 Pair of gloves (for warmth and protection)

• 1 Raincoat or waterproof jacket

• Camouflage hunting cap or hat

HUNTING GEAR:-

• Binoculars

• Rifle with sufficient ammunition (unless renting)

• Bow and arrows (if bow hunting)

• Optics: Binoculars, spotting scope, rangefinder

• Hunting backpack (with compartments for water, snacks, and ammunition)

• Shooting sticks (optional, your PH will have a set)

• Gun case or bow case for safe transportation

• Gun cleaning kit or pull-through set (unless hiring)

• Pocket or hunting knife

• Camera/s

• USB flash drive or SD card for storing photos

• Camera/binocular lens cleaning cloth

PERSONAL ITEMS:-

• Prescription medications and basic first aid kit

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen (SPF 50) and sunglasses - very important!!

• Chapstick/lip balm

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items)

• Baby/wet wipes (especially for ladies on safari)

• Prescription glasses/contact lenses (and extras)

• Taxidermy tags (if using your own taxidermist)

• CITES permits (if required)

MISCELLANEOUS :-

• Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries/usb charger)

• Small backpack for daily essentials while hunting

• International plug set (conversion to South Africa 220V)

• Portable battery charger for electronic devices

• Ziplock bags for waterproof storage

The voltage that is used in the Northern Cape is 220/230 Volts 50HZ. We do have adapters for electronic devices, however if you need a special adapter please bring one with you.

The final balance for your safari—including trophy fees, animals taken or wounded, and any additional charges such as optional tours—will be calculated on the last day of your hunt.

Payments can be made in US Dollars (cash)

via EFT bank transfer

or by credit card (Visa & MasterCard only).

Please Note: A 3% bank fee applies to all credit card payments.

Tipping Guidelines at Damara African Safaris

Tipping is never compulsory; it’s simply a meaningful way to acknowledge the people who help make your safari memorable. Our team works together to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall hunting experience—from the field to the lodge—and many guests choose to show appreciation at the end of their stay.

Below is a general guide to help you decide what feels appropriate.

Professional Hunter (PH)

Your Professional Hunter carries the responsibility for your safety, the success of your hunt, ethical shot placement, tracking decisions, and guiding you through the terrain and wildlife of the area. Because their role covers such a wide range of duties, PH tips are normally the highest.

General guideline for a 7–10 day plains-game safari: Around 15% of your total safari cost

For dangerous game hunts, the level of skill, risk, and time involved is considerably higher, and most clients adjust their gratuity accordingly.

You may also consider factors such as:

• Overall safari experience

• Number and quality of animals taken

• Terrain difficulty

• How much the PH contributed to your enjoyment and success

Trackers & Skinners

Our trackers and skinners are among the hardest-working members of the team—recovering animals, reading spoor, and ensuring every trophy is handled professionally.

Typical suggestion: $10–$25 per hunting day (per tracker/skinner)

Tips can be handed to them individually or given to your PH to distribute fairly.

Chef

Your chef ensures you are well fed with fresh meals and snacks throughout your stay. Many hunters say the camp food becomes one of the highlights of their safari.

Suggested tip: Around $30 per day

Camp Staff (Housekeeping & Laundry Team)

These behind-the-scenes members make sure your room is clean, your laundry is done daily, and the lodge runs smoothly and comfortably.

Typical guideline: $10–$20 per day for the entire team

Guests usually give one combined amount that is shared equally among the staff.

How to Give Gratuities

Tipping is most commonly done in:

• USD

• Cash

Cash is the easiest option for staff working in remote areas. You’re welcome to hand out individual tips or give a single amount to your PH, who will divide it according to the team’s contribution.

A Note from Damara African Safaris

Your appreciation means a great deal to our team. While the amounts above can serve as a guide, gratuities should always reflect your own experience, the level of service you received, and what you feel is appropriate.

If you're ever unsure who to tip or how much, your PH will gladly help guide you.

Yes, all game can be prepared in many different delicious ways. However, other meat, such as lamb, beef, pork, chicken and fish are also served. We cater for all your needs!

What type of Food can we expect ?

We serve 3 lovely meals per day including snacks throughout the day. Venison that was hunted is always a treat and we try and stick to the motto from field to table. Sodas and water are also included in our day fee as well as table wine and beer in moderation. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance and we will cater our meals to suit your needs.