World to Africa Safaris - US & Europe Tour 2010

We are busy with the final arrangements for our International shows and visits for the 2010 season. The itinerary will be as follow:

16 February to 3 March - United States of America

Gary Power and I will be in the Minnesota area from the 16th to visit clients and attend the SCI Minnesota chapters annual EXPO at Northland Inn, Brooklyn Park on the 19th & 20th of February. We will have a booth and donated x3 hunts to the chapter to assist in their conservation projects. If you are in the area please come and visit us.

Gary will leave for South Africa after the Expo on the 22nd and I will leave for Phoenix on the 25th to visit a few clients.

4 - 8 March - Europe, Madrid Spain

I will attend the FICAAR show in Madrid with our European agent, Eugenio Franzoni, from 5 - 7 March. This is our 1st visit to Spain and we hope to introduce our company to the local hunters.

February - Moscow, Russian Federation

Our new partners Premium African Safari will attend 2 shows during February in Russia, they are based in Moscow and recently opened a new branch in South Africa. They have exclusive rights to market our hunts in these part of the World and we wish them all the best with the efforts!!

10 - 14 April - Italy

We will attend the annual EXA SHOW in Italy with our agent Eugenio Franzoni. Eugenio is based in Italy and a well known hunter in his Country we also plan on attending this show every year.

Together with the shows above we also expect hunters this year from Australia, Dubai and United Kingdom.

If you would like to visit us at the shows or would like to meet with us personally please contact me directly at a.nortje@icon.co.za

For more information about World to Africa Safaris please go to www.worldtoafricahunting.com

Have a great hunting season and 2010!!

Andre Nortje

Pieter Kok - October 2009

Pieter Kok and his wife,from Holland, arrived in the Limpopo camp end of October 2009. Pieter wanted to hunt a Trophy Kudu Bull on his 1st African Hunting Safari. He only booked for 3 days and felt that if he can’t hunt it in the allowed time, more days won’t help. This positive look on hunting the “Grey ghost” paid when on the 1st morning Pieter took down an old Kudu bull with a frontal heart shot!!

The next day he shot a record trophy Red Hartebeest measuring over 23.5″!! This turned out to be the biggest one a client of World to Africa Hunting took in the past 2 years. Well done Pieter with this beautiful animal.

Record - Trophy Red Hartebeest

That same day late afternoon they decided to hunt a riverbed for Bushbuck, Warthog or Common Reedbuck. Just before sundown a big Common Reedbuck ram presented himself and with another good shot of 180m, Pieter took a very good Trophy Common Reedbuck.

Pieter with Common Reedbuck

On day 3, the last day hunting, Pieter took an Impala ram to conclude his 1st short Safari in Africa with 4 plains game trophies. It was a real pleasure to have Pieter and his wife in camp with us and hope they return soon!!

To book your Safari of a lifetime, please contact World to Africa Hunting to design your adventure.

Monte,Bill & Randy arrived at Johannesburg International Airport on Sunday evening 13 September 2009. We cleared the weapons and transferred South to World to Africa’s Hunting lodge in the Free State. We had a late dinner and the next morning we checked the rifles and discussed the plans for the week ahead of us.

Bill & Randy hunted in Africa many times before over the past few years and they were looking for specific animals to compliment their trophy rooms. They were very well prepared and informed about hunting conditions in Africa this could be seen in the hunting grounds and with their shooting ability at close or far range.

Monte was new to hunting in Africa, but addapted very quickly and bagged his 1st trophy animal a magnificent Black Wildebeest bull the Monday morning. He went on and bagged a total of 10 animals in just 7 days. The “Grey Ghost” or Greater Kudu,got the better of him on his first safari, but that is a very good reason to return soon for more adventures in Africa.

Below are photos of the animals they took on the Safari.

We had a great hunt with them and hope that they will return to Africa soon. From all of the WTA Hunting staff thank you again for your friendship and all the best for you the rest of 2009!!

Avalene and I arrived in Africa the morning of July 19th and after a little issue of our firearm not arriving were on our way with Andre to the Limpopo camp on the way we stopped at Andre’s home to pick up a rifle to use until mine arrived at which time we were able to meet his family which was a special treat as they were a delight to visit with as Andre rounded up the items needed then we were off to camp again. (on the firearm, make sure you check every time you change flights to make sure it is coming with you I had mentioned to the airline personnel in London about one of my checked baggage being a firearm but they did not have me fill out the proper paper work and that was why my gun was late getting to camp.) On arrival at camp we met our PH Wiehan and after getting to know each other we were off to the shooting range to try out Andre’s rifle which proved true to the mark. Next was some socializing and dinner then to bed to dream of what morning would bring.

Day one had us in search of Blue Wildebeest which after about an hours walk in the hills we spotted a heard of 8 a careful stalk brought us within 100 meters at which time we decided that the bull was a shooter a little more positioning and we were in position for a shot the bull was quartering slightly to us and I centered the cross hairs on his left shoulder and carefully squeezed the trigger. (To be continued)

The afternoon of day one put us in search of Blesbok where we set out on the property right behind camp after locating a herd and a stalk of about 200 meters in the shadow of the only cover in the open grassland we were in range the shooting sticks were put up and a shot of about 150 meters brought down the Blesbok after a short run of about 30 meters.

Pictures were taken and our first trophy brought back to camp where John the skinner took over and great care was taken with the skinning and caping.

Ron with Trophy Blesbuck

The next trophy on the list was the Impala where we hunted a property about 3km down the road from camp after spotting a herd which were traveling in thick cover we set up down wind and stalked our way to within 75 meters and in heavy cover with lots of moving around to get a view with no bush in the way a shot was place behind the shoulder of the Impala and our second Africa trophy was on the ground. 

Avalene and Ron

Next our focus turned to the Gemsbok the first day we spent scouring a mountain side where some animals had been spotted but all our efforts turned up no gemsbok but we did run into several other species such as Zebra, Eland, kudu and Baboons. The next day we headed to a different area of the same property and soon had some Gemsbok in sight so a stalk was underway, however after getting nearly into a shooting position they winded us and were on their way so we started to head down the mountain when we came across a herd of buffalo in the bush which was to say the least a little exciting. We then moved along the lower portion of the mountain and soon spotted the Gemsbok again and they were within range the shooting sticks were put up and a shot of approx 200 meters anchored our beautiful Gemsbok bull.

 

Ron with Gemsbuck

The next animal on my list was the one I had came all the way to Africafor the Kudu. We traveled approx 100 km to the property we were to hunt so early mornings were the norm. The first day several Kudu were spotted and approx 14 nice bulls but these animals don’t get the name grey ghost for nothing and the day came up empty handed. Day two put us stalking through the heavy bush cover they like to call home and about an hour into our stalk we spotted a nice bull who had no idea we were there so we quickly got into position and after about a 5 minute stand down he finally moved into a open area for a shot and my life long quest was filled and the nice 49 1/2 inch Kudu was ours.

 

Ron and the Grey Ghost

This brings us back to the start of my story where I left off with the Blue Wildebeest the first shot in the shoulder did not anchor the bull and we spent several hours through out the week in search of the wounded animal and finally on day six of our stay as we were sitting on a hillside in the area where we had wounded the animal, glassing for any sign right at last light out of nowhere appeared a nice bull with a very noticeable limp on his left leg. We quickly set up with a nice rock for a rest and three shots at approximately 300 meters were fired and the bull moved off and out of site we decided to leave him over night and in the morning we located him only 20 meters from where the final shot was fired and when skinning was complete all three shots from the night before were found to have hit the mark. Wiehan told me an old African saying that all wildebeest are born dead and every time you shoot them they gain more life and I would have to say I believe it. But after wounding this animal on day one and then finally being able to have an opportunity to finish the job made this one of my most satisfying animals to obtain.

 

Ron and Wiehan

This finished off my wish list for Africa so we turned our sights on something different and with the lend of a bow from Wiehan we set out after warthog with the bow we were unsuccessful but still experienced some interesting wildlife viewing. The rest of our trip was spent with some touring and day trips which rounded out our African experience. 

 

For anyone looking to book a hunt in Africa I would strongly recommend World to Africa Hunting as Andre’, Wiehan and all the camp staff were nothing short of delightful and made mine and Avalenes stay everything we had expected and more and a very grateful thank you go’s out to all who were involved with our stay.     

 

If you want to contact any of our previous clients to get references please contact me directly at:  andre@worldtoafricahunting.com

 

The African hunting safari will take you to some of the most primitive as well as modern places all across Africa. From the lush forests to the expansive savannas to the tumbling waterfalls to the lofty mountains there is a land of beauty as well as magnificence that awaits you providing you with the opportunity to hunt the best magnificent trophy animals in complete safety.

No Shortage Of Choices

The choices of African hunting safaris are many and you would like the South African safari that has a very spectacular landscape that is much appreciated all across the world. The plateaus of Zimbabwe and its intertwined hills and valleys provide hunters with good gaming opportunities.

There is also Botswana with scrubby savannas and sandy basins as well as the great Kalahari Desert to provide varied game. The last frontier in Africa is certainly Tanzania which has the Rift Valley as well as vast plains that add a different dimension to the African hunting safari. And, if you wish to go great cat hunting, then take the African hunting safari in Zambia which has flat hills as well as huge valleys that have many of these creatures waiting for you to aim at.

You can shoot with your gun, or with your camera and the African hunting safari gives you the opportunity to shoot different big game including the lion, elephant, leopard as well as antelopes, hippos, giraffes and a whole lot more. You will also find the aardwolf as well as zebra in your sights on an African hunting safari.

You will certainly love the African hunting safari as you bounce on the back of an old jeep in your search for big game including elephants, tigers, gazelles as well as rhinoceroses. Since these animals are usually not found in captivity seeing them live is a big thrill in itself. Also, African hunting safaris have undergone a sea change and they are not all about killing animals, since many of them are protected. The photographer is more welcome and the excitement is the same.

You might choose to go for a night African hunting safari so that you can catch nocturnal animals such as lions, or you may choose to go in a small group aboard a jeep, or be one amongst a large group. You may have to spend the nights in tent villages which mean that often you don’t have to venture too far out to see the animals graze. In any case, your guide would know all the watering holes as well as places where to track animals that you are interested.

World to Africa Hunting will guide you on the adventure of a lifetime!!

“BIG FIVE”

The term ‘Big Five’ originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous.

These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which will ceaselessly pursue his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!

All of these mammals are to be found in South Africa, making this country one of the most popular locations for safari style holidays.

Indeed, South Africa has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Many of our game lodges offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, for example, is arguably the most exclusive game reserve in the country. With no fences existing between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, the wildlife roams free between the two reserves. Leopards are the main attraction here, and these awesome creatures are so accustomed to humans that you can even follow them while hunting, in an off-road vehicle. All of the Big Five can be viewed at Sabi Sands.

Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in South Africa include the world-renowned Kruger Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, the Pilansberg Game Reserve in the North Western Province, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape and the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Visitors who are confined to the Cape Town area are often under the impression that they will be unable to view the Big Five. However there is a reserve only 90 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Aquila, where one can view four of the Big Five. Self-drive or guided drive tours are available from Cape Town - even one day tours are possible, although you may well wish to stay overnight in the appealing accommodation set in 4500 hectares of pristine Karoo landscape. The terrain is varied - from mountains and valleys to wetlands - ideal for game viewing be it in a 4×4 safari vehicle, on horseback or even by quad-bike. Aquila is home to four of the Big Five animals: lion, buffalo, rhino and the rare Mountain Leopard. You may also spot and giraffe and hippo, not to mention herds of wildebeest, zebra, springbok and other bucks, plus baboon, jackal and the bat-eared fox.

What with the wetlands, you can expect a wealth of bird-life viewing to complete your safari experience - all so close to Cape Town!

Those who can travel as far as the Eastern Cape - a pleasant day’s drive along the beautiful Garden Route - can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari Game Reserve - both well-worth the visit for game lovers.

A safari holiday to South Africa is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. These days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies. However there are legal hunting reserves for those who feel the need.

At WORLD TO AFRICA HUNTING we will plan your adventure to view the “Big 5″.

HUNTING IN AFRICA

Some people go on safaris in order to enjoy the sights of nature, others to enjoy the outdoors in exotic locations. Still, others like to combine the two with their love of hunting. Traditionally, hunting safaris in Africa was the main draw and the source for the traditional look you’d expect from these, with khaki clothes, pith helmets, and all. For those who are looking for a new experience while hunting, a safari in Africa may be just what you need, though there are many things to consider.

The Animals

Years ago, you might go on a hunting safari in Africa expecting to bag a lion, or perhaps an elephant with some huge tusks. But due to the endangered status of many African animals, those sorts of safaris are merely a thing of the past. Still, you can expect to hunt exotic creatures like the kudu and the impala while on a hunting safari in Africa. And while you won’t be allowed to shoot at any lions, for those looking to hunt tougher game, you can shoot a cheetah or leopard for your trophy.

The Guides

Most packages for hunting safaris in Africa include a personal guide, which can be a valuable asset for hunters. African game animals have plenty of natural predators to watch out for, so an experienced hunter can make the difference between a trophy and a miss when you’re going after one of these highly-aware animals. Many companies that offer hunting safaris in Africa also give a guarantee that you’ll get a trophy, since they’re so confident in their guides. And best of all, even if you don’t bag any game while out hunting, you’ll still basically have your own personal guide; most hunting safaris in Africa consist of one or two guides and one or two customers.

The Cost

One thing that you do need to keep in mind while planning a hunting safari in Africa is that they do cost a lot of money. In order to prepare for such a trip, you would need to get a passport, immunize yourself against local diseases in some cases, and ship appropriate clothing and equipment to your destination country. And then, once you’ve bagged an animal, you often have to pay trophy fees; most hunting packages include a few in the cost, but only for specific animals. If you bag a leopard, for instance, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee on top of what you’ve already spent. This can rapidly add to the cost of your trip. However, if you’re willing to pay the cost, then a hunting safari in Africa might provide the unique hunting experience that you’ve been looking for.

Contact us today to DESIGN YOUR ADVENTURE!!

At WORLD TO AFRICA HUNTING we will always be available to answer any questions and assist you in planning your “once in a lifetime” trip to the last detail.

General information about:

• HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
• HUNT IN SOUTH AFRICA
• HUNTING SAFARI
• HUNTING PACKAGES
• HUNTING LODGES
• HUNTING THE BIG 5
• HUNTING SPECIES

Hunting in South Africa forms an integral and necessary part of Nature Conservation. It has nothing to do with the senseless massacre of the past century. And it represents an important source of income to the guardians of nature. Hunting lodges in South Africa offer accommodation facilities all of which add to this eco tourism experience of hunting. Hunting in South Africa is subject to very strict laws. But they protect the hunter and the conservationists alike and thus make it possible that a wide range of game can be hunted. It is any hunter’s dream of hunting the “big five”, Lion. Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant, can only be realized to Hunt in South Africa.

No other country in the world offers such diverse landscapes, ranging from coasts to mountains, from lakes to deserts, from steppes to bushveld like South Africa. This veritable plant kingdom is the ideal habitat for the manifold animal world we know as South Africa. More than 290 mammals and 450 types of bird are at home in a paradise of more than 24,000 species of plants. In the past game was hunted in South Africa to a point of extinction and the passion for mono-culture laid waste vast tracts of natural vegetation. Ecologically responsible thinking dawned only a century ago and the conservation efforts of private landowners the past few years through hunting and related activities in South Africa played a very big role.

The first National Park in South Africa for the preservation of an unspoilt environment was created in 1894, the name of which has survived as a tribute to its president: Paul Kruger. It all began with a small area of 17,000 ha in the Eastern Transvaal and in 1898 the Sabi Game Reserve was added to it. From such small beginnings, grew the world-famous Kruger National Park. This National Park remains one of the most famous adding on tours for hunters visiting South Africa.

One hundred years hence, South Africa can boast 16 National Parks (30,700 km²) and more than 120 provincial parks: 62 of which are in KwaZulu-Natal (3,120 km²); 45 in the Cape Provinces; (1,350 km²) and 9 in the old Transvaal Province (1,150 km²). Fortunately, the people of South Africa embraced the idea of preserving their environment to the extent that the efforts of the state were matched by the efforts of private individuals. Today the combined area for privately owned land for tourism and hunting in South Africa are much bigger compared to those of National Parks.

The three Provinces of Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Province alone account for 560 private Nature Reserves (12,900 km²) and on 800 specially fenced-in private farms (12.000) the flora and fauna are protected by private initiative. The past decade has seen a quantum leap in private commitment to preserving the natural assets of this country. But those here mentioned alone represent a total area of 60.997 km² - not far off the size of the Republic of Ireland.

It is therefore not surprising that the successes of such commitment have contributed to make South Africa a leader in “Eco-Tourism and hunting destination.

South Africa is the leader in “Eco-Tourism“, which ever way you might define it. Protection of wildlife within limited resources, has however led to a need of proper game management. The over-population of game in reserves and on farms can and has led to imbalances within the plant world, making game management as much a necessity as stock management on commercial farms. While the latter has been accepted by general consensus, the latter has become and remains a contentious issue. The conservationists call it culling for the sake of preserving a balance within a sensitive ecosystem; the antagonists call it hunting for sport and pleasure and with all the negative connotations that have morally outlawed this practice. Excesses and bad practices have added fuel to the flames. But this cannot negate the fact that conservation and hunting are the inseparable “Siamese twins” of modern environmental management. There are many courses accredited by tertiary institutions that cover all aspects of Game Management in South Africa.

Hunting in South Africa forms an integral and necessary part of Nature Conservation. More than 50 types of game need to be culled on a regular basis. But South Africa is fortunate in having a good infrastructure and highly qualified personnel to manage this delicate balance of conservation and hunting. Although the animals do live freely within Nature, their habitat is limited to the size of the Game Reserve, the Nature Reserve or the farm, all of which are fenced in to keep them in. This means that their numbers have to be limited to the number that the land and plants can sustain. If the number of game expands beyond the carrying capacity of the land, their numbers have to be reduced accordingly. This takes place either by re-location, natural causes or by culling. If this balance is not maintained, the land will be ruined, turn into a semi-desert or full desert and will not be able to sustain animal life in the long term.

By way of a well managed culling process, the game is culled to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion on the one hand and to provide valuable meat and protein supplies to the local population on the other. Only a limited quota of between 2-3% is allocated to the trophy hunting. The outfitters and hunting guides have to be registered and are constantly controlled by the local representative of the Department of Nature Conservation. The income derived from trophy hunting is finally re-invested into nature conservation. Initially it provides jobs for the conservationists, food for the local communities and in the long term more land can be set aside for the game in order to sustain greater numbers.

Hunting the “Big 5″ in South Africa

Elephant
The biggest mammal on land in Africa. Bulls have bigger tusks than the cows. Elephants have bad eye-sight but have and excellent sense of smell and hearing. Height at shoulder: 300 - 340 cm, Weight: 6000 up to 7000kg, Speed: 40 km/h, Tusks: up to 60kg

Lion
“King of the Beasts”. Lives in a pride and hunts mainly at night. Female lions are better hunters than the males. Height at shoulder: approx. 100cm, Weight: 200kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 80km/h

White Rhino
The white rhino is a grazer as opposed to the black rhino, who is a browser. It is not white in color, but its name derives from its “wide” mouth. Height at shoulder: 160cm, Weight: 3500kg, Length of the horn: 158cm, Age: up to 45 years, Speed: 45km/h

Cape buffalo
The Cape or African buffalo should not be confused with its tame Asian cousin. The Cape buffalo is the wildest and possibly the most dangerous animal of the African bush, even more so when wounded. Height at shoulder: approx.160cm
Weight: approx. 750kg, Age: 20 - 25 years, Speed: 55km/h

Leopard
A hunter of the night and its favorite prey is baboons. Leopard lives mainly in mountainous and riverside areas. Height at shoulder: approx. 60cm, Weight: approx. 60kg, Age: up to 21 years

Hunting other big game in South Africa

Giraffe

Hunting Larger Antelope in South Africa

Eland
The largest antelope in South Africa. Both male and female bear horns, the bulls being massive and short, the cow’s being elongated and slender. They live in herds of up to 60. They can leap remarkably high, up to 2.4m. Height at shoulder: approx. 170cm, Weight: approx. 650kg, Age: up to 12 years, Length of horn: up to 110cm

Kudu
Selous described the Kudu as “one of the most beautiful in the world”. The magnificent horns, borne only by the males, are spread in beautiful open spirals. They live in small herds of 5 to 10. They can leap up to 2.5m. Height at shoulder: approx. 150cm, Weight: 300kg, Age: up to 11 years, Length of horn: up to 181cm

Roan Antelope
The roan is the largest of the antelope after the Eland, and resembles the sable in some ways. Height at shoulder: approx. 150cm, Weight: approx. 285kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 99cm

Sable Antelope
The sable with its regal bearing is one of the most beautiful antelope. Its heavily ringed horns rise vertically and sweep back in a semicircular curve. The bulls are black and the under parts are white. In Afrikaans it is called Swartwitpens: “black-white belly”. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 140cm, Weight: approx. 220kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 155cm

Cape Hartebeest
Is also known as the red hartebeest. Both sexes bear horns. They have a docile appearance but are extremely fast runners who can maintain their pace for long distances. Height at shoulder: approx. 130cm, Weight: approx. 160kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 65km/h, Length of horn: up to 66cm

Tsessebe
The Sassaby as it is also known occupies the position both physically and geographically between the Blesbok and the Bontebok. However it strongly resembles the Red Hartebeest. It is reputed to be the fastest African antelope, reaching speeds of up to 100km/h, and can run 7 miles and be as fresh as it was from the start. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: 160kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of horn: up to 48cm

Oryx/Gemsbok
Both sexes bear horns, those of the cow being longer and slimmer. They live in herds of up to 40 animals and can survive without water for long periods. They are aggressive and always ready for a fight. Wounded animals can be dangerous. Height at shoulder: approx. 120cm, Weight: approx. 200kg, Age: up to 19 years, Length of horn: up to 122cm

Waterbuck
It is a stately looking beast with well ringed horns, borne by males only. Generally found close to water and bears a peculiar white marking on its rump that would suggest that the prototype waterbuck sat on a freshly painted toilet seat. Height at shoulder: approx. 130cm, Weight: approx. 250kg, Age: up to 12 years, Length of horn: up to 99cm

Blue Wildebeest/Bridled Gnu
Also known as black-tailed gnu, it is ox-like in build and has buffalo shaped horns. It lives in herds and is often seen with Zebras, Impalas and Giraffe. Height at shoulder: approx. 135cm, Weight: approx. 250kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of horn: 83cm

Black Wildebeest/White-tailed Gnu

Hunting medium sized antelope in South Africa

Bontebok
Was named after its characteristically colored coat. It was applied by the Dutch settlers and means “pied” or “variegated” buck. It nearly became extinct and is at home only in the south Western Cape. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm, Weight: approx. 64kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 43cm

Blesbok
Looks very similar to the Bontebok, but it is smaller, has a lighter coat and is more prolific Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 95cm, Weight: approx. 80kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: approx. 51cm

Bushbuck
Is easily recognized by its white collar. Is at home in thick bush and close to water. It is aggressive, brave and quite dangerous. It will tackle leopard, dogs and even human beings. Height at shoulder: approx. 80cm, Weight: approx. 54kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 55cm

Impala
The Impala is the most prolific antelope in South Africa. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm
Weight: approx. 65kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 65cm

Reedbuck
As its name denotes it is at home in areas rich in reeds. But it does not like to go into water. It can be recognized by a characteristic whistle. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 90cm, Weight: approx. 70kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 46cm

Mountain Reedbuck
Is at home in mountainous regions and lives in small groups. It is smaller and shyer than the Reedbuck. Only the ram bears horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 25kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 23cm

Springbok
This is the national animal of South Africa. It has an amazing ability to jump vertically as high as 3m and horizontally as far as 5m. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 35kg, Age: up to 10 years, Length of horn: up to 48cm

Reedbuck
Lives in larger groups, is small, aggressive and bravely defends its territory. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: approx. 22kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 29cm.

Hunting small antelope in South Africa

Oribi
An elegant golden colored antelope that can be found in grassy landscapes that are rich in water. Height at shoulder: approx. 65cm, Weight: approx. 20kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of horn: up to 19cm

Klipspringer
Lives only on rocky hills and mountains. Generally lives in groups and is both a grazer and browser. Height at shoulder: approx. 60cm, Weight: approx. 16kg, Age: up to 8 years, Length of horn: up to 16cm

Cape Grysbok
Looks like a steenbok but is a very shy animal that comes out only at night. Live in dense bush. Height at shoulder: approx. 55cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Length of horn: up to 12cm

Steenbok
Lives in pairs, but only the buck bears horns. Its habitat is the steppe and open woodland. Needs very little water and is active during the day. Height at shoulder: approx. 50cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 6 years, Length of horn: circa. 18cm.

Grey Duiker
Only the buck bears horns. It lives in woodland and in grassland with thickets. It is active mainly at night and live in pairs. Height at shoulder: approx. 50cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 18cm

Red Duiker
Lives in thick bush, is extremely shy and is recognizable by the long head tuft between the ears. Both sexes bear horns. Height at shoulder: approx. 45cm, Weight: approx. 12kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 11cm

Suni
Is a tiny antelope, that can be found only in some definite areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province. Only the bucks bear horn. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: up to 8kg, Length of horn: up to 9cm

Blue Duiker
Is the smallest antelope in South Africa. Lives in dense woodland, mainly in the eastern parts of the country. Height at shoulder: approx. 30cm, Weight: up to 5kg, Age: up to 9 years, Length of horn: up to 10cm

Hunting small cats and game in South Africa

Serval
Looks similar to a young cheetah. Is active at night and lives on birds and antelope. Height at shoulder: approx. 55cm, Weight: up to 18kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of body: approx. 110cm

Caracal
A beautiful, but dangerous animal, when cornered. Can be found everywhere except in rainforests. Height at shoulder: approx. 45cm, Weight: approx. 18kg, Age: up to 15 years, Length of body: 75cm

Black-backed Jackal
Can be found on the open plains and lives on reptiles, birds, birds’ eggs, small mammals and carrion. Can often be seen during the day. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: approx. 10kg, Age: up to 10 years, Speed: 55km/h

Wild Cat
Is found throughout South Africa and looks very much like a house-cat. It is not aggressive to human beings. Height at shoulder: approx. 35cm, Weight: approx. 6kg, Age: 10 years, Length of body: 50cm

Civet�
A grey “cat” with a long body and wiry coat and has a gland which produces a scent used in perfume. It is a loner and is active mainly at night. Height at shoulder: approx. 40cm, Weight: approx. 20kg, Age: 8 years, Length of body: approx. 90cm

Genet
Is a relative of the civet, and although it is not a cat, it looks deceptively like one. It lives on rabbits, birds, reptiles and insects. Height at shoulder: approx. 20cm, Weight: approx. 2kg, Age: up to 13 years, Length of body: 50cm

Warthog
Has a disproportionately large head compared to the rest of the body. The female has two and the male has four warts on either side of the head. When they trot along they hold their tails upright like antennae. When they feed they often go down on their knees, as if praying for their meal. Height at shoulder: approx. 75cm, Weight: 70 - 100kg, Age: up to 20 years, Speed: 30 - 50 km/h, Length of body: up to 60cm

Bush Pig
Looks similar to its domesticated cousin and lives in groups of 5 to 20 in thick bush, woodland or forests. It is aggressive and known to have attacked human beings with serious consequences. Height at shoulder: approx. 80cm, Weight: 55 - 75kg, Age: up to 20 years, Length of body: up to 18cm

Hunting Operators in South Africa

Be sure your operator is licensed. A foreign client is not allowed to hunt in South Africa unless: the hunt has been organized by a licensed hunting outfitter, and he/she is guided on the hunt by a licensed professional hunter. Professional hunters/hunting outfitters must hold licenses for each province where they operate.

Be sure to get a written agreement. It is law that a written agreement must be entered into between the client and hunting outfitter prior to the commencement of the hunt. Such agreement to include species, sex, fees for trophies, services provided, duration of the hunt and daily rates, etc.

Preparation and the Import/Export of Trophies

Trophies are generally prepared in two phases: the field treatment and the final preparation. The first phase is done in the field, hence known as the field treatment, which involves salt treatment and drying of the skins. In the case of horns these are carefully “cooked” in boiled water and packed in dry salt. The final preparation can be done by a taxidermist either in South Africa or in the hunter’s home country. The following taxidermists in South Africa are known for their quality work:

Trophies should be air-freighted to their final destination. The forwarding company will take care of all the technical requirements for export. But the basic requirement for the export of trophies is the hunting license. The import/export of trophies is subject to the Washington Agreement for the Protection of Endangered Species. Since the rules governing the importation trophies can vary from country to country, we recommend that you contact the relevant department in your country regarding the type of trophies you plan to import before setting off on your hunting trip. For further information on taxidermists, trophy regulations and quality, the controlling body for taxidermists may be contacted.

The Hunting Season

The main hunting season is from June to August, but may vary from Province to Province. However, hunting is allowed all year round, making South Africa the only country in Africa where this is possible. The most pleasant time from a weather point of view is from March to November.

Importation of Hunting Rifles and Ammunition

Generally speaking, you can borrow hunting rifles locally. Most hunters however prefer to bring their own and should observe the following rules and regulations.

Personal rifles and ammunition may be imported duty free but must be declared upon arrival and departure. The customs official will issue the import permit on arrival at the airport, provided you can prove legal ownership by way of a valid gun license. The rifle must have a serial number of the manufacturer inscribed in the metal part of the rifle, which must correspond with the number on the gun license. The import permit is valid for 180 days but can be extended by the South African Police if this should become necessary.

Please not that the rifle has to be exported upon departure. Be aware that it is illegal to leave your rifle with the outfitter after the hunt, unless an export permit is obtained prior to leaving the UK, and the outfitter will need a confirmation letter from you to prevent problems when he has to register it. The laws and regulations regarding firearms and weapons are currently being amended and new regulations may become applicable as to the import and export of hunting weapons. Further information on the new regulations can be obtained from the following Internet sites:

· www.shooting-online.co.za

· www.saga.org.za

· saga@iafrica.com

Hunting Dogs

If you wish to take your dog along, you have to apply for a veterinary/import/transit permit eight weeks before departure at:

· Director of Veterinary Services
Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001; Tel: 012-328 5140, Fax: 012- 329 8292

Hunting Dress

It is advisable to bring along some comfortable safari dress. Bring a mixture of short and long sleeved shirts and pants made of light cotton. Our winter months can be cool in the mornings and evenings, so do pack some woollies and an anorak. Sturdy boots, hats or caps should form part of your gear and do not forget your binoculars, insect spay, sun-block, a hunting knife, a flashlight and your camera.

Some Useful Hunting Addresses

The Namibia trophy hunting regulations must be adhered to at all times to prevent penalties, prosecution or confiscation of weapons and trophies. As such we share a few of the Namibia trophy hunting regulations with you.

You are not allowed to hunt at night for trophies or do hunting with an artificial light.
As part of Namibia trophy hunting regulations it is considered illegal to take trophies which don’t qualify regarding the minimum measurement units as specified by the Namibian Quality Control Authority called MET.
The only exceptions regarding minimum measurements for trophies are when the animals shot have abnormalities or specific age deformities.
There is a NAPHA Medal brochure that stipulates the minimum measurements for any trophy.
It is also illegal to hunt for trophies in a manner that contravenes the Fair Chase principles forming part of the Code of Conduct as set out by NAPHA which is the official hunting authority in the country.

It is recommended that you book a Namibia trophy hunting expedition through us as experienced hunting operators which adhere to all the regulations of NAPHA and the Namibian Quality Control Authority.

The Botswana hunting regulations are rather complicated and are aimed to curb widespread poaching and irresponsible hunting practices. Before going on a Botswana hunting expedition is recommended that you read up on Botswana hunting regulations as to avoid any conflict with the authorities. We make sure that we and everybody forming part of one of our Botswana hunting expeditions adhere to all regulations. As such you will be in good hands. Various groups of hunters are catered for in the country and depending in which group you fall, you can pay low to very amounts for Botswana hunting licenses. There are 40 Controlled Hunting Areas or so-called CHAS in the country. It should be noted that a maximum of 6 sport hunters are allowed on a single Controlled Hunting Area at one time. As such the expeditions are tailored according to client requirements and groups kept small.