Frequently Asked Questions

What issues are there concerning my health?

Generally you need no special vaccinations or innoculations coming to South Africa. We hunt in a malaria free environment in South Africa. It is also advisable to get a tetanus shot whenever you venture into the outdoors. Tap water is safe throughout most of South Africa. To accomodate everyones needs we will have bottled water which are readily available everywhere in all our camps. 
The African sun can be harsh so it is advisable to bring a hat and proper sunblock. We have a comprehensive medical kit in our camps and hospitals and medical attention are within 40 minutes drive from our main camp in South Africa. Any safari activity is potentially dangerous and it is essential that all lawfull directions of the safari operator are followed. 
Johan Pieterse Safaris will not accept any responsibility for any illness, accident or loss whatsoever incurred in the course of the safari or any expenses from such illness, accident or loss.

What is the climate like in Africa?

Climate varies from Province to Province. 

At our main camp in the Limpopo Province in South Africa it varies from 30 to 100 degrees F and in the Freestate Province from 23 to 80 degrees F. 

How safe will we be in Africa?

Johan Pieterse Safaris will never take you into a Country or area that we deem unsafe or suspect. 

Like anywhere else in the world Africa has it's bad areas. That is why you come guided by us. 

In South Africa we are so confident that we invite families to share in this fantastic experience.

Spiders, snakes and bugs?

In our winter months (March to August) you would be deemed lucky to encounter a snake. Bugs are common early in the season and then from September onwards. 

Your guide is a professional and knowledgable person on these topics and will assist and advise you on how to prepare yourself. Snakes are fantastic animals, a rarity and normally enthusiastically pointed out if seen. 

It is always good to wear trousers with the right boots and use an insect repellant for bugs and tics. 80 to 100% DEET and "Avon Skin so Soft" are handy items to have.

What clothing should I pack?

Download our packing list for your convenience. 

Most people overpack especially if you consider laundry is done daily.

Packing List

What happens with the meat?

In South Africa we will prepare some choice cuts for you. The rest of the meat is used by ourselves and our camp staff. 

Most of the meat gets sold to where it gets directed to Restaurants and Outlets. 

We donate a large portion of our meat to the local community especially the Northam Primary School close to us. Nothing gets wasted.

How do I pay in Africa?

We only accept cash or EFT. You can pay at the Curio or African Art stores with cash (US $) or credit card when we take you shopping. 

You can pay the balance of your hunt after your last day of hunting when you will be handed your final invoice and copy of Professional hunting register. 

You need not convert your money to the local currency (SA Rand). 

The trophy fees can be payed at the end of your hunt with US $ cash.

Do I bring my own rifle/s or weapon and how do I go about it?

We recommend to bring your own firearm/s and will recommend to you the caliber/s for each different hunt. You will need to look into the website www.saps.gov.za in order to be fully informed about the frearm laws in our country and to download your SAP 520 (application to import rifle)

You will also need to get a Customs 4457 from your Customs which describes your firearm/s and serves as proof of ownership in Africa. You will have to make a copy of this. These two documents plus an Invitation letter sent from us will be all you need to import your firearm/s. You have to be 21 years or older in order to import a firearm. Through this whole process and at the airport a representative from Johan Pieterse Safaris will assist you. You can choose to get your import permit issued ahead of time at a minimal fee through PHASA. This temporary Import Permit is issued for 90 or 180 days. On the number of firearms allowed, handguns, shotguns and ammunition please study the above website and ask your airlines about handling and fees. You need no import permits for bows however handling fees are charged by airlines and security companies. 

How do I prepare for gratuities/tipping?

We have a camp saff of 5 to 10 people from your shef to your cleaning staff and skinners/trackers. 

Gratuities is just a thank you and you are wellcome to tip what you like but to avoid embarrassment we recommend to prepare for approximately $ 50 to $ 100 per hunting day in South Africa for the whole camp. 

The distribution of this amoung the staff will be planned with you as you will be working a lot more with some than others. We also prefer gratuities to be handed over by yourself to the staff. 

For your Professional hunter we recommend $ 100 or more per hunting day. 

In Zimbabwe and Zambia 12 camp staff @ $ 100 per day for the camp and then personal for the tracker/s that work with you every day.

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