FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 will be send to you, which will include all-important items. You will also find this list under the General Information heading

Who will meet us at the Airport and how will we recognise him?

A guide wearing KUVHIMA SAFARIS 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 4 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. KUVHIMA 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 camouflage) and during the day it warms up. May to August is wintertime, 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 2 and 4 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 at all 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.

Do we need any medical examinations or injections?

South Africa is very safe and you do not need any major medical shots. Hepatitis shots could be taken and 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 2 hours of medical treatment centers. Make sure that you are fit to hunt and let us know of any special requirements health wise.

Could 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 a lot of world class sight-seeing opportunities and highlights.

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, Cape 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 province in Southern Africa.

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 a species. In general we work on one specie 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, salt licks or alfalfa.

Who do you suggest to do my taxidermy work?

First, your trophies will be skinned, salted, and transported to an agent of your choice. For mounting 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. The negative side is that you do not have control over your artwork as you would with a taxidermist close to you. You could also start accumulating funds, as your final bill will only be approximately 14 to 18 months after leaving Africa. The alternative is Dip & Ship, which is much quicker, about 6 months until you have it in the USA. It is more expensive because you have it dipped and shipped, and then taxidermy only takes place back home. However, you could do your mounts later when you have funds 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 has 2 of the biggest shopping centers 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 jewelers 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.

How do I pay?

For the settlement of your account at the conclusion of your trip, we offer several convenient options. The primary method is payment in US Dollars (USD$) in cash. Alternatively, you can opt for an international wire transfer, which needs to be completed prior to your arrival. We also accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Please note, however, that credit card payments incur a 3% surcharge. Transactions made via credit cards are processed in South African Rands (ZAR), and the exchange rate applied will be the bank's rate on the day of the transaction. As a reference, the current exchange rate is approximately USD$ 1 = R18.00

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, $5 per day for the Skinner, $100 per day for your Professional hunter, $50 per day to be divided between the 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 !