Planning Your Trip:
We suggest that you book a flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa with transfer to Kimberley. Here you will be met by Wildspan Hunting personnel and transported to our Game Ranch. Guests can arrange with Africa Sky Guesthouse to be collected for overnight accommodation should you decide to stay over in Johannesburg. They are close to the OR Tambo International air port in Johannesburg and charge reasonable rates. Their contact details are www.africasky.co.za or e-mail: africasky@mweb.co.za. They also offer a meet and greet service at the airport.
Families:
Bring your family along and enjoy the beauty of our local game reserves or visit one of our many attractions in the area.
Shooting Distance and Range:
Zero your rifle at home. The average shooting distance, or range in the bush is 100m (142 yds). Both the hunter and rifle are zeroed on our shooting range on the ranch before we go to the bush.
Ammunition:
Many airlines allow 5kg (11 lbs) of ammunition per person. Please confirm this with your airline. It must be packed in a hard container. Sixty rounds of premium grade ammunition should be enough for an ordinary safari.
Guns and Gear:
All arms should be transported in shock-proof rifle cases. You are welcome to bring your own rifles with which you are familiar with. Bring your favourite lightweight .270, or 7mm and upwards fitted with good telescope and rifle sling All plains game, including the larger Eland and Kudu, can be taken with 30-06, 7mm. A .300 is ideal. The minimum legal caliber limit to hunt Africa’s Big 5 species (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion or Leopard) is a .375 or above. Professional Hunters prefer perfect shot placements over large, over-powered rifles.
Most clients bring their own rifle but you can also hire suitable firearms and good ammunition from Wildspan if you decide not to bring your own firearms.
If you wish to arrange your own firearm importation, you are required to register your firearm with your Country of origin’s Customs. No permit is currently required for a bow. Upon confirmation of your booking, we will supply you with a Letter of Invitation, Motivation Letter and Temporary Import of Firearm Form SAP 520. click here for the Temporary Firearm Import Process.
Trophies and Taxidermy:
We recommend using South African taxidermists because they are experienced in local trophies, have the correct moulds, have access to local skins for patching and are very cost effective.
Preparation:
Practice shooting out of hand from a bi-pod at a shooting distance of 100m (142 yds). The ability
to fire controlled shots fairly rapidly in the field will contribute to your hunting success.
Medical Care:
Bring personal prescription medicine. Anti histamine, anti inflammation medicine etc., sun block, insect repellent and sunglasses come in handy. Sophisticated medical facilities are available within a radius of 100 km (55 miles) from the hunting area. No inoculations are required for the Northern Cape because we do not have tsetse fly, bilharzia, malaria or tick problems.
Insurance:
We take all reasonable precautions to protect you against accidents, illness and loss. We do not accept liability in this regard. Visitors must arrange personal travel-, hunting risks- and medical insurance.
Don’t forget to pack:
Airline tickets and passport (Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate place.)
Gun cleaning kit and knife (not in hand luggage)
A hard gun case is required for international travelling. A soft gun bag is optional when travelling between hunting areas.
Gun serial numbers (important) and all relevant official documentation
Ear plugs (personal choice)
Travel Alarm, personal toiletries, insect repellent and personal first aid kit (optional)
Familiar lightweight binoculars, camera / video recorder with extra memory card and batteries
International electric travel adapters for Africa
A 120 volt to 220 volt electric converter or a vehicle plug charger, often find their use
Clothing:
Silent, dark green or dull colored khaki or camouflages outfits will bring you close enough for your kill. Bring long sleeves and trousers to protect you from the cold, sunburn or scratching branches. A down hunting jacket, jersey, silent windbreaker, hat, gloves and light weight rain coat comes in handy. Comfortable light boots with soft soles and good socks are essential for stalking. Bring lighter clothes for warmer days. We provide a laundry service.
Weather:
South Africa is known for lots of sunshine and fantastic weather but we also have the odd rainy colder days. The best hunting takes place in the cooler months from April to September. In winter we layer your clothing because temperatures vary considerably.
Average Temperature Guidelines:
March to April: highs: 32° C (90 °F) and lows: 15°C (60 °F)
May: highs: 27° C (80 °F) and lows: 10°C (50 °F)
June to August: highs: 18° C (65 °F) and lows: 04°C (40 °F)
September to November: highs: 32° C (91 °F) and lows: 15°C (60 °F)
December to February: highs: 36° C (97 °F) and lows: 18°C (64 °F)