Jannie Otto began as a Nature Conservation Officer in 1976, started professional hunting in 1979, and founded Jannie Otto Safaris in 1982.
General Information
The general information page provides details on required hunting licenses, recommended electricity adapters, accepted currencies, and credit card payments. It covers the process for handling and exporting trophies, necessary permits, and documentation. The page also includes a clothing packing list, frequently asked questions about firearms and ammo permits, and tips for a smooth experience. Clients should bring necessary paperwork and inform their banks about international card usage. South Africa has the most diverse game population in the world with approximately 36 species of antelope. You will have the opportunity to hunt all 9 provinces of South Africa, depending on which species of game you wish to pursue.
Information awaits!
Getting Started
To help you prepare for your adventure, we’ve outlined essential details for your trip. Below you’ll find information on the duration of your safari, the best seasons for hunting, and important things you need to know.
Duration
Jannie Otto Safaris caters for safaris that range in length between 7-21 days. Hunters can be assured that on a 10-14 days safari they will return home with a good mixed bag of exciting trophies. Travelling time must be taken into consideration when hunting in different provinces for certain species of game. Jannie Otto Safaris can tailor make your safari to meet your trophy requirements. JOS’s experienced Professional Hunters will be with you every step of the way to guide you to a successful and fun safari.
Seasons
In South Africa, we hunt from February through November. May is autumn, June to August are winter, September is spring, and October to November is summer. Winter temperatures range from the 40s to 70s, while spring and summer range from mid-60s to mid-90s. Rest of Africa, hunting seasons vary but generally follow a similar pattern. Main trophies include Leopard, Nyala, Buffalo, Zebra, Suni, Red Duiker, Reed Buck, Oribi, Warthog, Bush Pig, and Baboon. Exceptional Leopard trophies often exceed 200 pounds!
Need to know
Inoculations are not required for South Africa, however if a hunter is to hunt in other African countries, we recommend malaria and yellow fever prophylactics be taken. Please consult your medical practitioner on the subject. Bottled water is available for drinking. The Currency in South Africa is Rand (ZAR) but in all other African countries USD is accepted. Visit our Frequently asked Questions section for more information.
Meet the Team
Jannie
Director
Ronel
Director
Susan
Social Media
Tobi
Camp Manager
Jabula
Main Skinner
Hamido
Chef
Mark
Hunter & Guide
Phillip
Hunter & Guide
Cois
Hunter & Guide
Conrad
Hunter & Guide
Keagan
Hunter & Guide
Hugo
Hunter & Guide
JP
Hunter & Guide
Suggested Reading List
Here is a carefully curated reading list to help you prepare for your upcoming trip, offering valuable insights and knowledge to enhance your experience in the field and make the most of your adventure.
Shot Placement
Mammals of SA
Birds of SA
Hunting Africa
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the questions we often receive. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
What insurance would you recommend?
Contact your local travel agent for an inexpensive insurance policy to cover personal valuables and medical expenses in case of illness.
We strongly recommend:
Global Rescue & Safari International
Phone: +1 617 426 6661
Website: www.globalrescue.com/sci/
Here’s some of the services on offer:
Protection up to a cost of $500,000
Deployable medical and security teams
Field Rescue from the point of illness or injury
Evacuation back to the member’s home hospital of choice
Specialists at Johns Hopkins Medicine available in real-time
Available upgrade to include extraction in security emergencies
24hr medical advisory services from critical care paramedics and in-house physicians
What is the Value Added Tax (VAT) for hunting safaris?
What do I need to know about firearms?
Clients are advised to bring their own firearms although these can be provided at a nominal fee. We suggest a rifle ranging from a .300 caliber upwards. For dangerous game a .375 or larger caliber is required. Please bring a good supply of ammunition with you, as it is very expensive in Africa. See document Procedure and Requirements to apply for Temporary Import Procedure.
Firearm Permit Requirements
You will be asked to fill in a Form SAP520 which can be downloaded from our menu.
Additional Requirements along with the SAP520 are the following:
-Passport Copy
-Airline Ticket
-Proof of Ownership Firearm licenses, documentary proof (for USA Citizens, Custom –Declaration Form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable
-Letter of Invitation from Jannie Otto Safaris
-Jannie Otto Safaris can apply for a pre-approved Firearm Permit. $100 per application.
-Insurance.
Any Medical guidelines?
Medical doctors are within reach in the towns near the hunt area. Although malaria has been controlled in recent years, it is recommended that anti-malaria precautions be commended prior to departure. Please consult your personal physician. Bring all your personal prescription medication with, along with your doctor’s contact details in case of an emergency. Bottled water, this is readily available. The African sun can be dangerous, so wear a hat and bring good sun block.
How does payment and currency work?
Cash and Credit Cards are widely accepted.
Most major banks exchange traveler’s cheques or cash, ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machines) are virtually everywhere for credit card use, and there are Bureau de Change at all airports and major centers.
Remember that the South African Rand is fairly volatile currency and the exchange rate tends to change on a daily basis.
Jannie Otto Safaris also accepts credit cards payable at all safari / hunting areas.
Please make sure to inform your credit card company that you will be using your credit card in Africa.
There is also a 2,9% fee on Credit cards.
Do I need an adapter for electricity?
When bringing a video camera or any other electrical appliance, please pack converters for the country you are visiting. In South Africa we use 3 pronged round hole plugs and some 2 prong round hole plugs. Electric current is 220V and is available in most camps. Hot water for baths/showers is provided in all camps.
What clothing should I Pack?
Lightweight camouflage or khaki clothing, hats or caps, and light comfortable rubber soled ankle high walking boots are essential. Bring a warm jacket as well as clothing that can be worn layered on our cold months. It can be very cold in the morning, warming up to 80F by midday and chilly again in the afternoon. When packing for your trip, please keep in mind that laundry is done on a daily basis. Clients transferring to hunting areas by chartered aircraft should pack minimally. Also include a flashlight, reading material, binoculars, camera and plenty of film.
Please ensure too remember your medication.
For your convenience a Clothing Packing List Guideline to Download.
Travel arrangement recommendations?
Gracy Travel International
Phone: +27 82 666 5687
Email: bruce@gtafrica.com
USA Contact: 800-299-8558 Website: www.gracytravel.com
How do I get to the hunting concession?
You can fly from Johannesburg to Beira by international airline and then drive for approximately 4-5 hours to the concession. Alternatively, you can charter a light aircraft to the concession area, price available upon request.
How do gun and ammo permits work?
- General Hunting Licenses: You need to obtain general hunting licenses to hunt in the desired country.
- CITES Permits: CITES permits are required before trophies can be exported from the desired country.
- Visa Application: Complete your visa application in your country of origin.
- Required Documentation:
- Photocopy of the first two pages of your passport
- Details of your rifle including caliber, make, and serial number
- Submission Deadline: All required information must reach us at least 8 weeks prior to the safari.
Required documents to temporarily import rifle to South Africa or any other African country;
1) Copy of passport
2) Copy of International flight itinerary
3) Completed and signed SAP 520 document. ( Porvided by us)
4) Completed CBP 4457 Customs decleration from the USA Customs. We provide this form but must be stamped by a USA Customs official
5) Invitation letter from the Outfitter you will hunt with in Africa
Payments and currency for my safari?
The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). Cash and credit cards are widely accepted. Most major banks exchange traveler’s cheques or cash, and ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are available almost everywhere for credit card use. There are also Bureau de Change facilities at all airports and major centers.
Keep in mind that the South African Rand is a fairly volatile currency, with exchange rates changing daily. Jannie Otto Safaris only accepts Visa and Master Card credit cards at all safari and hunting areas. Please inform your credit card company that you will be using your card in Africa. Note that there is a 3,9% fee on credit card transactions.
How does Trophies work?
All trophies are field prepared (salted and dried) and included in your trophy fee. The raw trophy skins and skulls will be delivered to your choice of taxidermist or shipping agent for shipment to your preferred address. Please note that after delivery, the client is responsible for dipping, shipping, packaging, export documentation, and any other associated charges. The dipping and shipping agent or taxidermist will handle the export documentation. Due to veterinary restrictions, no raw trophies may be exported without being dried and treated. The client must also obtain CITES permits, if required, before leaving their country of origin.