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Bob Cleary
As an avid die hard bow hunter I commend you for
your integrity Willem. The first time out we had
a lot of success hunting from bow blinds in the
more traditional way. But when I told you I
wanted to hunt on foot walking and stalking with
bow in hand you had no issues to accommodate me
in my quest. Conditions were tough and I could
not have asked for more respect for how I wanted
to do this opposed to just bagging a few. Again
I would like to thank you for your efforts and
time put in to make this safari a success. I am
looking forward to our Cape buffalo in 2016 with
crossbow and would not do it with anyone ells
but you…
bobster1943@gmail.com |
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South Africa Profile & Fact file (PHASA)
Getting Here
There are some 54 international airlines serving
South Africa, including many of the top European
and British carriers like British Airways,
Virgin, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, and Air France,
plus, of course South African Airways.
Many of these service the North America to South
Africa run as well as a code share basis. Direct
flights between the United States and South
Africa are offered by South African Airways, to
and from Atlanta and New York.
South African Airways also flies to and from Sao
Paulo, Brazil, with connection flights to
anywhere in South America.
Several major international airlines (including
SAA) serve South Africa from the Middle East (El
Al from Israel and Emirates from the Arabian
Gulf), the Far East and South East Asia
(Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines and
Cathay Pacific) and Australasia (Quantas and Air
New Zealand).
South Africa is also considered the gateway to
Africa, with flights between here and ports of
call throughout the rest of the continent on a
daily basis, with several African airlines,
including South African Airways.
On arrival: Customs and Immigration
Duty free allowances into South Africa are 400
cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams cigarette or
pipe tobacco, 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of
spirits, 50 ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette,
and gifts, souvenirs and other goods up to the
value of R500.
There are duty free shops in all major
international airports and some land border
crossings points.
As far as immigration is concerned, obviously a
valid passport is needed. Also check before
leaving home about visa requirements,
particularly a multi-entry visa if you intend
visiting neighbouring countries. |
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Health Hints
Generally speaking, no special vaccinations or
inoculations are required coming into South
Africa, but check before leaving home in case
you may be coming from a high risk area (Cholera
or yellow fever, for example). Also if you will
be traveling from South Africa to a high risk
area in Africa, check to make sure you have the
proper inoculations to come back into the
country.
Check as well before leaving home about foot and
mouth disease (there have been outbreaks) and
special customs regulations.
Malaria is prevalent in some parts of the
country, particularly where hunters are likely
to go, so again, check with your hunting
outfitter before leaving home whether
prophylactics are needed and if they are, which
ones.
Tap water is safe throughout most of the
country, but some visitors prefer to drink the
many excellent local bottled or imported mineral
waters that are readily available. The African
sun can be dangerous, so wear a hat and use the
right sun block. The British Airways Travel
Clinic in Johannesburg (+27 11 807 3132) is
always a useful source of traveler’s health
information.
Electricity
The current is 220/240 volts and it is
recommended that adapter plugs be used for
electrical appliances.
Currency
The South African currency is the Rand. It is
divided into 100 cents. Rand notes come in R200,
R100, R50, R20, R10 while coins come in R5, R2,
R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. The 2c and 1c
coins are soon to be phased out.
Foreign Exchange
It is advisable, as it is anywhere in the world,
to use traveler’s cheques as far as possible and
not to carry large amounts of cash.
All major traveller’s cheques are widely
exchangeable, including American Express and
Thomas Cook.
All major credit cards are also usable,
including American Express, MasterCard and Visa.
Most major banks exchange traveller’s cheques or
cash, ATMs (Automatic Teller machines) are
virtually everywhere for credit card use, and
there are Bureaux de Change in all airports and
major centres. Remember that the South African
Rand is a fairly volatile currency and the
exchange rate tends to change on a daily basis.
Security
Crime and security in South Africa are much
debated both locally and by the international
media.
The rule of thumb here - as it is anywhere else
in the world that does not have a crime record –
is be careful. Here are some safety hints, via
the South African Police Service.
Like anywhere else, there are hot spots. If
planning an excursion from your hotel, check
with reception if your route and destination are
considered safe; ask about taxis and only use
official services; keep valuables locked in your
room safe or at reception; do not flash large
amounts of cash, credit cards, cameras and the
usual tourist trappings; do not take your hotel
key out with you; do not leave bags and packages
unattended, ever; in taxis or hired vehicles
keep the windows closed and the doors locked in
urban areas; particularly keep an eye out at
traffic intersections; do not leave anything in
view on vehicle seats and always park in secure
areas; never pick up strangers; be careful of
people approaching the vehicle; be careful of
anyone approaching you in the street, too.
As we said in the beginning, just be careful. If
you have a problem, report the situation to your
hotel reception who will advise you and perhaps
direct you to the nearest police station. The
police emergency number is 10111, and that
applies to any emergency.
Insurance
Travel insurance is always a good idea, for
yourself and your belongings, as well as for
delays and cancellations and other unexpected
situations. Medical insurance is also a good
idea, particularly if you are going to be in
remote bush areas.
Diplomatic Representation
Most countries around the world have diplomatic
representation in South Africa at one level or
another. To check who is where, call the
Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria (011
351 1000), or check under Consular in the local
telephone directory.
Telephones
South Africa is linked to most countries around
the world by direct dialing. Hotels levy a
surcharge on telephone calls. There are public
telephones in post offices, on the streets and
in shipping centres (look out for the blue
stands) and in many corner cafes, in fact just
about anywhere.
Public telephones take coins or cards, which can
be purchased at post offices and certain other
outlets. Cards can be used for both local and
international calls. Cellular telephones can be
hired at all major airports and at other
outlets. Satellite telephones are also available
for hire. South Africa’s international code is
27. To call out of the country precede all
numbers with 09.
Food and Drink
South Africa’s culinary tradition reflects its
richness as a melting pot of cultures, and the
Rainbow Nation lives up to its name when it
comes to international eateries. Apart from the
resident ethnic varieties – African, Cape Malay
and Cape Dutch, Indian, Chinese, Italian and
Portuguese perhaps being the most common – there
are restaurants representing every corner of the
world, perhaps some of the more exotic being
Cajun en Creole, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai,
Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Turkish, Greek and
even Californian. Again, ask your hotel
reception or consult the local newspaper.
There are also the usual chains of fast food
outlets, for eating in or out.
As far as drinks are concerned, South Africa is
deservedly renowned for its natural fruit
juices, but for the more serious stuff there is
a staggering range. Beers feature the local
lagers, good for quaffing in the bush, as well
as some excellent boutique brewery ales after
the English or Irish style, and then a full
range of imported beers.
As far as spirits are concerned there are many
excellent local spirits and liqueurs – try
locally produced cane spirit or white rum – as
well as your favourite imported bourbon, cognac
or whisky. South African wines are excellent,
from champagne-type sparkling wine, through the
full range of whites to rich reds and fortified
wines like sherry and port, including some
excellent South African specialties.
Climate
South Africa has a wide range of climate zones,
although generally it may be considered to have
a moderate climate. The region is classified as
a semiarid zone, which means an average annual
rainfall of 464 mm - most of that falling in the
southern summer months of October to March.
Depending on the location, temperatures may
range from several degrees below freezing in
winter to the high 30s (centigrade) or even low
40s in summer. The high interior tends to be
moderate. The eastern seaboard of KwaZulu-Natal
is sub-tropical; the western seaboard is dry and
rugged, while the south-western Cape has what is
described as a Mediterranean climate. Generally
speaking, the old slogan, ‘Come to Sunny South
Africa’ holds.
Regulation of the Trophy hunting industry in
South Africa
Importation of Firearms
We will supply you with a Temporary Firearm
Import Application – SAP 520 which must be
completed before arrival in South Africa. This
is recommended if possible to help streamline
the entry process. The form however can be
filled out on arrival. The form must be
completed in black ink and left unsigned until
the document is finalized in front of the police
official issuing the actual permit at the
airport.
Instructions for filling in SAP 520 Form:
1. Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
2. Form must be left unsigned until the document
is finalized in front of the police official
issuing the actual permit.
3. Please note that not all sections of the form
apply. Visitors bringing their own firearms in
for hunting purposes should fill in the
following:
o Section D
o Section E : 1 – 25.4
o Section F : 1 - 13
o Section G
o Section I
o Section J: Remember do not sign until in front
of police officer at firearm office.
Required along with the SAP 520 will be the
following:
1. Passport
2. Airline Ticket
3. Proof of Ownership, i.e. firearm licenses,
etc. To preclude any problems on arrival, please
make sure you have proof of ownership by the way
of a gun license, customs declaration letter
from the country of origin, etc. For USA
Citizens, Custom Declaration Form 4457
(officially stamped) is acceptable.
4. Proof of Export: Documentary proof of export
from the country of origin.
5. Motivation Letter from yourself stating that
you are temporarily importing the referred
firearm/s for the purpose of hunting state the
list of species to be hunted as well.
6. Invitation Letter from Jabula Safaris
(Hunting outfitter): The letter will state the
following: Company name and details, name of
your outfitter, as well as addresses and contact
telephone numbers in South Africa of where you
will be staying/hunting during the course of
your hunt and confirmation that the applicant
will be using the specific firearms as applied
for. This information is necessary for the
actual Temporary Import Permit, as well as if
the police need to be in contact for any reason.
The police are also fully aware of the nature
conservation legislation and the fact that a
hunt undertaken by a foreign client legally must
be organized by a hunting-outfitter. Therefore,
if a client cannot produce who his outfitter is
and where he will be hunting, it may be presumed
he does not have an outfitter and could be
hunting illegally in South Africa. In such a
case the SAPS may not issue a Temporary Import
Permit and hold the visitor’s firearm/s in
safekeeping until that person leaves South
Africa.
Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure
the serial numbers match those of the licenses
and the application forms. Ammunition will also
be inspected, and it is important to note that
this ammunition also requires a permit.
Please ensure that sufficient time is allowed to
go through the temporary importation process and
to clear customs. During the busy periods of the
hunting season up to seventy clients may be
needing permits at the same time. We would
therefore recommend at least four hours should
be set aside for this procedure.
Also, please ensure that your firearms arrive on
the same flight as you do. This must be done
with the airline company on departure. Your
firearm/s may only be signed for by you and will
not be released to your outfitter or
professional hunter should it/they arrive on a
separate flight. In this case, the firearm/s
will be held by the SAPS until such time as you
claim ownership in person.
Please do not pay for any service regarding the
handling of a firearm at Johannesburg
International Airport, or any port of entry.
This is a free service and the South African
Police Service asks clients not to pay anybody
involved in handling firearms from the time of
arrival in South Africa right through until you
receive your firearms and the permit from the
SAPS. Clients that are paying the various
airline company staff or the security company
involved are actually creating a problem. Please
note however that there is a handling fee
charged by airlines and/or security companies
for the handling of handguns and some airlines
charge a handling fee for all firearms.
Temporary Import Permits (SAP520) is issued to
the particular person and is not transferable.
Temporary Import Permits are issued for a period
of 90 or 180 days. When the visitor departs from
the country, he MUST take all his firearms as
stated on the Import Permit with him. He is not
allowed to leave any of the firearms mentioned
on the SAP312 in South Africa.
Should a firearm not be declared and a temporary
import permit not issued, and you proceed
through customs without declaring a firearm, you
will face severe penalties and possible arrest
on departure from South Africa.
There is no permit required, nor any charge by
the South African Police Service for a bow.
Handling fees are charged by airline and/or
security companies for bows and handguns.
What to do at Johannesburg International
Airport:
1. Clear passport control in the arriving
terminal.
2. Proceed to baggage claim at the respective
carousel. Pick up general baggage, and then
proceed to the respective Airline Help Desk to
pick up firearm/s from the Airline Company and
sign a receipt for the firearm/s. Ask them to
direct you to the South African Police Firearm
Office.
3. Proceed to the SAP Firearm Office and not to
Customs.
4. On receipt of the temporary import permit
proceed to Customs, the Red Zone, where you
declare the firearm/s and finish other custom
clearance procedures. |
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Allowances and Specifications
1. No more than one firearm per calibre and 200
rounds per firearm will be allowed into the
country per client.
The only exception to this
is for shotguns, where more than one shotgun of
the same calibre may be allowed for bird hunting
purposes if the client produces on arrival at
the South African Police Gun Office an
acceptable written motivation as to why he/she
requires more than one shotgun of the same
calibre.
2. Permits will only be issued for ammunition
which is accompanied by a firearm of the same
calibre.
3. Temporary Import Permits will not be issued
for anyone under the age of 21.
4. Firearms that may NOT be imported are:
(Section 32 of the Arms and Ammunition Act,
1969) (Act NO. 75 of 1969)
o Automatic Rifles
o Semi-automatic rifles
o Automatic or Semi-automatic Shotguns
o Handguns for self-defence
o Weapons that fall under military categories
5. Strict control on automatic and
semi-automatic firearms is enforced. This will
affect clients wanting to bring in
semi-automatic shotguns on temporary import
permits.
The latest requirement that is in
effect is that no temporary import permit will
be issued for a semi-automatic shotgun unless an
application is made 21 days in advance together
with a motivational letter as to why the shotgun
is needed.
The application must be made through
the Central Firearms Registry.
6. Handguns will only be allowed for hunting
purposes and must be accompanied by a letter
from an association in the country of origin,
stating that the handgun will be used for
hunting purposes.
Please check the PHASA Website at
www.professionalhunters.co.za
for any updates to
this information.
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get in touch!
owner:
Willem Gertenbach
business
address:
P.O.Box 292
Senekal
Free state Province
South Africa
9600
e-mail:
willem@huntjabula.co.za
telephone:
+27 58 4814647
mobile:
+27
83 3146568 |
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