FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SOUTH AFRICA

WHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE YOU LOCATED?

We are located in the Limpopo Province close to the Botswana Border, in the well known Limpopo Valley.

 

WHAT MUST WE BRING?

An equipment list is available under our documents page. Additionally, you can click here to download it.

 

WHO WILL MEET US AT THE AIRPORT AND HOW WILL WE RECOGNISE HIM?

A guide wearing Legadema Safari identification with a signboard with your name on it will be at the port of entry to meet you. All safaris commence at Johannesburg International Airport, except if otherwise discussed

 

HOW FAR IS CAMP FROM THE AIRPORT?

The main camp is more or less 3 hours drive from Johannesburg International Airport. If we use another camp you will be informed.

 

DO WE NEED HOTEL RESERVATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRIP AND AT WHAT COST?

No, except if the plane is delayed. Marupa Safaris will however make all arrangements for you at the normal observer rate, which also includes all normal observer advantages.

 

WHAT WILL THE TEMPERATURES AND WEATHER BE?

In South Africa we use Celsius. In winter it ranges from 0c (32F) to 20c (72F). You would need jackets in the morning and late afternoon (Khaki or dark colours or camoflauge) and during the day it warms up. May to August is winter time, expect cold weather with limited possibilities of rain.

 

WHAT ABOUT GUN PERMITS AND IMPORTS?

This is a rather lengthy affair at this point in time. Prepare yourself for anything between 1 and 2  hours to clear your guns with the Police (at the port of entry).  Automatic weapons will not be allowed. Make sure to carry your import permit with you (all the times). You are advised to bring approximately 60 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Also remember to bring your proof of ownership of your weapons along. Further you are going to need a letter of invitation from your outfitter. All needed documents can be found on our Documents page.

 

DO WE NEED ANY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS OR INJECTIONS?

South Africa is very safe and you do not need any major medical shots.  Malaria precautions must be taken if you go to malaria areas (Kruger National Park and Kwa-Zulu Natal.) Cholera & Yellow fever is only needed in Central Africa. In South Africa you are always within plus minus 1 hour away from medical treatment centres. Make sure that you are fit to hunt and let us know of any special health requirements.

 

CAN WE DRINK THE WATER?

The water is safe to drink in most of South Africa. Always confirm with your PH though.

 

ON SAFETY, HOW SAFE IS SOUTH AFRICA?

Very safe, in fact your guide will not take you to bad areas. New York has got them so has Johannesburg.

 

WHAT COULD MY WIFE DO IN CAMP?

Any of our lodges provide services to the observers. Trips to town for shopping and sight-seeing could be arranged. Most camps also have swimming pools and the observers could also be treated to game drives. Always consider a day trip to Sun City or a couple of days to the Kruger National Park area and Lowveld Escarpment.

 

HOW MANY DAYS DO WE NEED?

An African safari should never be to short. Research has shown that the average safari is 9 days, we therefore recommend 9 days or longer. The USA is at least a 2-day trip from camp. You need 2 to 3 days to get into African rhythm. If you stay 7 days you are on your way back before you start enjoying it. Consider more days, we have a lot of species to hunt and many world class sight-seeing opportunties.

 

COULD WE EAT WHAT WE SHOOT?

Definitely yes. We send out a client info list approximately 2 months before your safari. That is your opportunity to tell us what you eat and drink, special preferences and more importantly what you would like to hunt.

 

HOW MANY SPECIES COULD I HUNT?

South Africa is not called the plains game mecca of the world without reason. Excluding all the newly introduced exotics you could hunt at least 42 different species. That includes the only country where you could hunt White Rhino, Vaal or Grey Rhebuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Cape Grysbuck,  Kudu and Cape Bushbuck. Also the rare Bontebok, White Blesbuck, Common (not Kalahari), Black and White Springbuck. Since Blesbuck and Black Wildebeest are exported in limited numbers to Namibia they can offer limited numbers but we still have the largest groups available in Limpopo Provice, in Southern African.

 

HOW WOULD WE HUNT AND WHAT COULD I EXPECT TO GET?

Hunting is mainly done on a system that a vehicle is used to locate pockets of game from where hunting on foot takes place. If your medical situation does not allow for that extreme care is taken to get you as close as possible to the trophy to make a fair and ethical shot possible. Don’t forget that we might be getting an opportunistic animal while driving which will not allow a walk and stalk opportunity. The option to take it is however yours. The more days you booked the better chance for a larger specimen of species. In general we work on one species per day but you could bag more than one in a day or none at all. If you are a bow hunter you could also walk and stalk or hunt from elevated and ground blinds placed near water, trails, saltlicks or alfalfa.

 

WHO DO YOU SUGGEST TO DO MY TAXIDERMY WORK?

First of all your trophies will be skinned and salted and transported to an agent of your choice. For mounting of trophies we suggest you do it in Africa. Remember, it takes time, at least 18 months before you will get it. This is however the cheapest option since you do not have to pay dip and ship and then taxidermy charges back home. Negative side is that you do not have the control over your artwork as you would with a taxidermist close to you. You could also start save up since as your final bill will only be approximately 14 to 18 months after you leave Africa. The alternative is Dip & Ship, which is much quicker, about 6 months untill you have it in the USA. More expensive in the sense that you have it dipped and shipped and then taxidermy only takes place back home. However you could do your mounts later when you have available. You could also control the taxidermy work since it is close by. In general you save about a (3rd) 33% to 50% by doing it in South Africa.

 

IS THERE ANY GOOD SHOPPING?

South Africa hosts two of the biggest shopping centres in the world namely Sandton City and Menlyn Park, both 30 minutes drive from the Airport. Shopping is usually done on the last or last 2 days. We also have jewellers coming out to camp plus many curio shops are in close proximity. Good to know is that you could send the bigger curios with your trophies back home.

 

WHAT CURRENCY DO WE USE?

In South Africa we use the South African rand which is about currently (Jan 2012 USD$ 1 = R7.00. Your account will however be settled in USD$ at the end of your trip. The safest way is to carry traveller’s cheques and limited amounts of cash. Bank transfers could also be done prior to your arrival. We accept Visa and Mastercards, but a 2.5% surcharge is applicable in this case. Credit card transactions will be done in Rands, we will then use the rate given by the bank on the day of the transaction.

 

WHAT DO WE TIP OUR HUNTING GUIDES, TRACKER, SKINNER

AS WELL AS LODGE/CAMP STAFF?

The Staff work very hard to make your trip enjoyable behind the scenes. In the USA the norm is 10% to 15% of the total account. Budget at least $ 20 per day for the TRACKER,  $100 per day for your Professional hunter, $20 per day to be divided between the two LODGE/CAMP staff members. Above is a mere suggestion based on past experience. Tipping is a very personal matter and we do respect it as such!