Frequently Asked Questions

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

An equipment list will be sent to you, which will include all important items. You will also find this list under the General Information section of this website.

A guide wearing KUVHIMA SAFARIS identification with a signboard bearing your name will be at the port of entry to meet you. All safaris commence at O.R. Tambo International Airport, unless otherwise discussed.

The main camp is approximately 4 hours drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport. If we use another camp, you will be informed in advance.

No, except if a flight is delayed. KUVHIMA SAFARIS will however make all arrangements for you at the normal observer rate, which also includes all normal observer advantages.

In South Africa we use Celsius. In winter (May to August) it ranges from 0°C (32°F) to 20°C (72°F). You would need jackets in the morning and late afternoon. During the day it warms up considerably. Expect cold weather with very limited possibility of rain during the hunting season.

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. Always carry your import permit with you. Bring approximately 60 rounds of ammunition per rifle, proof of ownership of your weapons, and a letter of invitation from your outfitter.

South Africa is very safe and you do not need any major medical shots. Hepatitis shots could be taken, and malaria precautions are advised if you visit the Kruger National Park or KwaZulu-Natal areas. Cholera and Yellow Fever vaccinations are only required for travel in Central Africa. Make sure you are fit to hunt and let us know of any special health requirements.

The water is safe to drink in most of South Africa. Always confirm with your Professional Hunter at your specific camp.

Very safe — your guide will not take you to any bad areas. Like any major city in the world, Johannesburg has areas to avoid, but you will always be in safe hands with the Kuvhima team.

Any of our lodges provide services to observers. Trips to town for shopping and sightseeing can be arranged. Most camps have swimming pools. Observers can also be treated to game drives. Consider a day trip to Sun City or a few days in the Kruger National Park area and Lowveld Escarpment.

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

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 what you would like to hunt.

South Africa is not called the plains game mecca of the world without reason. Excluding newly introduced exotics, you could hunt at least 42 different species. That includes the only country where you can hunt White Rhino, Vaal Rebuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Cape Grysbok, Cape Kudu, and Cape Bushbuck. Also the rare Bontebok, White Blesbok, Common, Black, and White Springbok.

Hunting is mainly done using a vehicle to locate pockets of game, from where hunting on foot takes place. If your medical situation does not allow for this, extreme care is taken to get you as close as possible for a fair and ethical shot. In general we work on one species per day, though you could bag more than one or none at all. Bow hunters can also walk and stalk or hunt from elevated and ground blinds near water, trails, salt licks, or alfalfa.

Your trophies will be skinned, salted, and transported to an agent of your choice. For mounting, we suggest doing it in Africa — this is the cheapest option as you don't pay dip, ship, and taxidermy charges back home (though it takes about 18 months). Dip & Ship is quicker (about 6 months to the USA). In general, you save about 33%–50% by using a South African taxidermist.

South Africa has two of the biggest shopping centres in the world — Sandton City and Menlyn Park, both about 30 minutes from the airport. Shopping is usually done on the last day or two. We also have jewellers coming out to camp, and many curio shops are in close proximity. You can send larger curios home with your trophies.

We offer several convenient payment options at the conclusion of your trip:

• US Dollars (USD) in cash — the primary method
• International wire transfer — must be completed prior to arrival
• Visa & Mastercard — 3% surcharge applies; processed in ZAR at the bank's daily rate

The staff work very hard to make your trip enjoyable behind the scenes. As a guideline:

• Professional Hunter: $100/day
• Tracker: $20/day
• Skinner: $5/day
• Lodge/Camp Staff: $50/day (divided between staff)

In the USA, the norm is 10%–15% of the total account. The above is a suggestion — tipping is a very personal matter and we respect it as such.