About South Africa
The official name is Republic of South Africa, with the Capital being Pretoria; Cape Town as the legislative center and Bloemfontein the judicial center. The area includes a total of 1, 219,912 sq km, 1,219,912 sq km being land and 0 sq being water. You will find South Africa as the southern tip of the continent.
Africa, our geographic co-ordinates being 29 00 S, 24 00 E. Our comparative area is slightly less than twice the size of Texas and our land boundaries total is 4.862 km. South Africa’s border countries are Botswana 1,840km; Lesotho 909km; Mozambique 491km; Namibia 967km; Swaziland 430km; Zimbabwe 225km with our coastline being 2,798km.
South Africa has a vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plains, our lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean 0 m and highest point being Njesuthi 3,408m. 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 nine provinces of South Africa, depending on which species of game you wish to pursue.
Known as a gracious host and superlative hunter, Jannie’s knowledge, compassion and oneness with the wilderness ensures that a hunting safari turns into the experience of a lifetime in secure, elegant luxury particularly suited to the expedition of your choice.
Personalized hospitality awaits you from the moment your journey to Africa begins – whether it be in your heart, your mind’s eye or as you board the plane.
About the Safari
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.
Seasons
South Africa is semiarid. Rainfall occurs from October to April and it is hot during the day, therefore having sunny days and cool nights. It is subtropical along the East coast. In the dry season, from May to September, there is practical no rain with cold comfortable days and cold nights. This is considered to be the best time for hunting, although pleasant safaris can also be conducted in summer.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in either thatched on-suite rondavels or on-suite tented camps, both of which have all the facilities to ensure your comfort and safety. Four-wheel drive vehicles, open fire cookouts, laundry facilities, well-trained camp staff and good food are all part of our everyday services.
Trophies
All your trophies are field prepared (salted and dried) and are included in your trophy fee. The raw trophy skins and skulls will be delivered to your choice of taxidermist or shipping agent to be shipped to the address of your choice. Please note that after delivery to the taxidermist, dipping, shipping, packaging, export documentation, as well as any other charges are the client’s responsibility. The dipping and shipping agent or Taxidermist handles export documentation. Because of veterinary restrictions no raw trophy may be exported without being dried and treated. The client will obtain Cites permits, where required, before leaving his country of origin.
Clothing
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 bring your own medication.
Video Cameras / Electrical Appliances
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.
Firearms
Firearm Permit Requirements:
You will be asked to fill in a Form SAP520 which can be downloaded from : www.saps.gov.za/crime_ prevention/firearms/forms/english/e520.pdf – Completed in BLACK INK.Additional Requirements along with the SAP 520 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
Contact your local travel agent for an inexpensive insurance policy to cover personal valuables and medical expenses in case of illness – see suggested insurance companies.
VALUE ADDED TAX as it relates to Hunting Safaris
15% Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on the daily rate of a hunting safari. This is not refundable. There is not VAT charged on the trophy fee if the trophies are to be exported under the specific regulations set out by the South African Receiver of Revenue. Total value of all hunting packages/donations sold, animals that are wounded and lost, are subject to VAT. Current VAT rate is 15%.
Please note that while the trophy fees are not subject to VAT, VAT is levied at 15% on the dipping and shipping services and/or for the tanning of skins done. Should the trophies be processed in South Africa, VAT.
Health / Medical
Generally speaking, no special vaccinations or inoculations are required coming to South Africa. Jannie Otto Safaris is equipped with a basic first aid kit.
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.
CURRENCY
The South African currency is the Rand. 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 centres.
Remember that the South African Rand is fairly volatile currency and the exchange rate tends to change on a daily basis.
JOS 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.