Now, if you are anything like me, I imagine you have questions. Let me answer the most common ones. If one doesn’t interest you, you can just skip ahead to the next one. If you have other questions please send me an email at louis@zingeli.com
Q: How many years experience do you have hunting in Africa?
A: I started hunting when I was 4 years old. I began hunting on my own when I was 9 years old. More than 30 years later, I am still hunting!
Q: How many years have you been in the Safari business?
A: I am now in my 2nd decade as a Professional Hunter.
Q: What type of medical shots do I need to get before my trip to Africa?
A: You can check with the United States CDC web site (cdc.gov) and consult your personal physician and tell him/her about your travel plans. Your physician will review your immunization record and recommend what shot(s) you should get. This depends greatly on which countries you will be traveling to in Africa.
Q: Is the water safe to drink in South Africa?
A: Most water is purified and very safe to drink right out of the tap, but may taste a little different from what you are used to. We do offer our clients great quality bottled water.
Q: Should I register with the American Embassy before my trip?
A: If it makes you feel more comfortable doing so, then yes. It does not cost you anything and only takes a few minutes to do on the internet.
Q: Do I need a passport? Do I need a VISA? is there anything else I need to get through African customs?
A: The two things you need to get through customs here in South Africa for your short term safari hunting trip are a current passport and a return airline ticket. You do not need a VISA. You will have to declare that you are bringing a bow and/or a firearm with you. There is no paperwork when you bring your bow into Africa but you do need paperwork filled out in advance for transporting your gun. These forms and information are located on my Zingeli.com web site under Safaris + (hunting safaris) section. Also, if you are planning to bring more than $10,000 in cash you will need to declare this to US customs.
Q: How many bags can I check in at the airport and what is the weight limit?
A: This changes so often that it is best to contact the airlines before your trip.
Q: Should I convert some money over to African currency?
A: US currency is accepted everywhere in South Africa so you don’t really need to convert any money into African currency. I do recommend that you bring about $100 in 5 dollar and one dollar denominations because you will need this for tipping the porters and airline personnel.
Q: How long is the flight from the USA to South Africa? And what is the cost?
A: The flight is about 16 hours with a one hour refueling stop about half way. South African Airways is very accommodating. They provide decent meals, snacks and soft drinks. You also have access to unlimited personal movies. This is not advertised, but they also serve FREE alcoholic beverages. As you know, flight prices change like the wind, so you will need to check with your travel agent or airlines.
Q: What is the best time to come and hunt in Africa?
A: Our hunting season is during our fall and winter months which is May – October. So depending on what species animals you are after, I can recommend this as the best time to come over.
Q: What will the temperature be when I’m hunting in Africa?
A: It is often cold in the early morning (July is the coldest month). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) at first light, are possible. While a freezing temperature is unusual, 40 to 45 °F lows are not uncommon. Even when it is cold early, it usually warms quickly after daylight, making it necessary to remove clothing. (The temperature may reach 80 °F by early afternoon.) You need dress so that it is easy to remove layers, adjusting to warmer temperatures in a snap.
Q: Does the lodge have a phone I can use to call back home?
A: If you are going to make just a few calls during your entire stay with us you can use my cell phone to call back home. If you plan on making several calls during your trip, then I suggest you contact your cell phone provider to arrange a global phone to rent for your trip. You could also consider getting a satellite phone. Electricity converter adaptors will be provided so you can keep your phone fully charged.
Q: How about internet access?
A: I will have my laptop with me during the safari but the connections are really slow. So if you want to simply check your e-mail every few days you can use my laptop. If you plan to spend a lot of time using the internet you may want to bring your own laptop. You will need to contact your internet provider to arrange getting a wireless connection while you are over here.
Q: Are there any customs I need to be sensitive about when entering South Africa?
A: Not really. Like all people we just like to be treated fairly and being friendly goes a long way.
Q: Will someone pick me up at the airport and drop me off for my return flight home?
A: YES. We will know your flight schedule. Once you get off the plane, clear customs, go to the baggage claim area, collect your bags and go to the exit doors where someone will be there holding a sign with your name on it. We will take you back to the airport for your return flight.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: YES. There are plenty of exciting and enjoyable things for your “non- hunting” family members and friends to do here in Africa. We can customize a vacation tailored to your wants and desires. This would all be done well in advance of your trip.
Q: Will I be able to charge my video camera/computer, etc? Do I need a converter plug?
A: We will provide the proper electric converter plugs for you to charge up you cameras, computers, or anything else that needs charging so don’t bother buying and bringing your own. Don’t bring 110 V hairdryers as we supply hair dryers in camp.
Q: Are there medical facilities close by?
A: YES. The hospitals and medical assistance here in South Africa are the same as in the most modern cities in the United States. We are less than a 20 miles from emergency help.
Q: Will there be any snakes I have to worry about?
A: NO. As you know snakes have a very bad reputation everywhere you go. We do have dangerous snakes but they are limited to specific habit areas which we stay away from during the non-dormant times of the year. It is rare that a client ever sees a snake of any kind and I have never had a client bitten by a snake.
Q: Should I expect bugs and what type of insect repellent do you recommend?
A: Insects are no worse than what you see in any wooded area in the United States during some months of the year. Most insects are dormant during our hunting season (May – September). In fact we tell out clients not even to bring any insect repellent. If on rare occasion insect repellent is needed, we will supply it.
Q: Will I have trouble bringing my gun to Africa?
A: NO. You just need to fill out the proper forms which are found with instructions on my web site Zingeli.com. Click on the Safaris+ section and then click on “Hunting Safaris”. You will find everything you need there to transport your firearm(s) into Africa.
Q: Can I pack my rifle and ammo in the same case or do I need to separate them?
A: Usually the airlines and US Customs require that they are packed separately. The ammo case must also be sealed with duct tape or something similar.
Q: IS there any limit to the amount of ammo I can bring?
A: YES. You are allowed 200 rounds per caliber you bring into South Africa. Only one of the same caliber per hunter is allowed. 60 Rounds per caliber should be enough.
Q: What caliber gun do you suggest I use?
A: I always say: “Bring the gun you are most comfortable with.” The most owned rifle caliber in South Africa is 30-06. Therefore any .30 caliber is just perfect. We do however recommend Barnes Triple Shock Bullets.
Q: Should I bring a back-up bow?
A: There will be a bow shop within 50 miles of where you are hunting here in South Africa. They would have replacement parts and be able to fix the major brands of bows (Bow Tech, Hoyt, PSE, Matthews, and Elite). That being said, you would most likely miss a morning or afternoon of hunting getting your bow fixed. I would say, if you have a back-up bow, bring it along if you have a double bow-case. I would not go out and buy another bow just to bring it on the hunt.
Q: What broad-heads do you recommend?
A: First off, mechanical broad-heads are legal to use in Africa. As with hunting most animals, the more penetration you can get the better. Most mechanical broad-heads (with the exception of Rage broad-heads) loose energy at the point of impact. It is better to use a fixed sharp broad-head or a Rage 2 or 3 blade broad-head. You will get better penetration. It is more important where you hit the animal than what you hit them with. That being said, you need a SHARP fixed blade or a SHARP Rage brand broad-head to stack the cards on your side for that “not-so-perfect” shot which happens a lot in REAL hunting situations. I have seen great results and unbelievable good blood trails with the Rage broad-heads, even on marginal shots. So I recommend them along with a good fixed blade head except for the Montec brand. I haven’t quite figured out why the Montec head does not work that well, but over the past two years I have seen way too many animals lost and not recovered with these heads. That’s why I cannot recommend them. It is also recommended that you bring at least 18 broad-heads with you just to be safe. The last thing you want to do is borrow another brand from me or your hunting companion as it may not be the same weight or fly as well as your own broad-heads.
Q: Do you have a check-list of everything I need to bring with me?
A:YES. Once you send in a deposit and book your hunt with me I send you a “Gear check-list” along with other information you will need.
Q: Do I need rain gear?
A: NO. First off, it doesn’t rain very often in our area. We do have short down pours but they usually last less than a half hour. Secondly if you are bow hunting you will be in a blind, which will protect you from the rain. And lastly, you are very limited these days with how many bags and the weight of each bag the airlines let you check in.
Q: Do I need to wear “hunter-orange” while hunting.
A:NO. There are no laws requiring you to wear hunter-orange. And from a practical point, we will be the only ones hunting in the area so there is absolutely no risk whatsoever of getting shot at by another hunter.
Q: Do I need to bring rubber boots in case we will be crossing creeks.
A: NO. You want to bring one pair of broken-in leather boots that are high enough to cover your ankles. Once you book a safari with me I will send you a very detailed “gear check-list” of exactly what you need to bring. This is very important, because these days you are very limited to the weight of your luggage the airlines will accept without charging you more.
Q: If I am bow-hunting from a blind, do I need to wear camouflage?
A: Not really, but most hunting clothes bow hunters own are some type of camouflage. If you own scent-loc type clothing it will help in some of the blinds you may be hunting from. Most of the blinds are small brick buildings which contain scent really well. I would not go out and purchase scent-loc type clothing just for your African hunt.
Q: Do I need to wear scent control clothing and use scent-free sprays, shampoos, etc?
A: If you own scent-loc type clothing it will help in some of the blinds you may be hunting. Most of the blinds are small brick buildings which contain scent really well. I would not go out and purchase scent-loc type clothing just for your African hunt. As far as scent free sprays/deodorant/shampoos, yes I would recommend you use them. You will have to bring them with you because they are not readily available here in Africa. I know they are a real pain to pack with your gear because of the weight and chance of leaking. I would suggest that if you are coming over with others on the hunt, bring just enough for all of you and place these items in a zip-loc type bag or even vacuum seal pack them if you have one of those units. This will prevent leaking all over your other hunting gear.
Q: Do I need to have camouflage on my face when hunting out of a blind?
A:NO. The blinds are very dark inside and you will be positioned towards the back of the blind when you are shooting. If you feel more confident with covering up your face with either face paint or a mask of some type , it can’t hurt.
Q: Can my wife or girlfriend sit in the blind with me?
A: YES. The blinds are big enough for two people to fit very comfortably.
Q: Any suggestions on what I can do to pass the time while hunting in a blind?
A: First off – the day will go by fairly quickly because hardly an hour goes by without there being something that can be seen from your blind. I would suggest you do bring your favorite book(s) or magazine(s). You will not be distracted enough to miss any shot opportunities because you can look through the shooting and viewing windows between paragraphs. In most cases you will also be able to hear the animals approaching the watering hole.
Q: How much walking in involved on a bow-hunt? How about a rifle-hunt?
A:Most of the bow hunting is done from a well constructed ground blind near active watering holes. You are driven right up to the blind in one of our safari trucks so there is not much walking involved. Once you have shot something, we will have to track the animal down and depending on the shot placement, the animal may be as close as 30 yards from the blind to several hundred yards or even a mile or so. Rifle hunting: involves the “spot & stalk” method of hunting so lots of walking is involved but can be tailored to any level you feel comfortable with.
Q: Is there a place to shoot my rifle to make sure it is still zeroed in?
A:YES. We have an area on each rifle-hunting concession to site-in your gun.
Q: While bow-hunting, how far should I be prepared to shoot?
A: The blinds you hunt out of, when you are bow-hunting, will be positioned strategically near the watering hole. When the various animals come in to drink, they will at some point, be within 20 yards and standing perfectly broadside for you to take a shot. However, you must wait until you have a perfect broadside shot before you release your arrow. This will offer you the best possible chance for a double lung or heart shot with an entry and exit hole for a maximum blood trail.
Q: While rifle-hunting, how far should I be prepared to shoot?
A:This depends on the concession you will be hunting on because some concessions have thicker cover than others. Most of the shots taken are less than 100 yards, but can be up to 300 yards.
Q: When bow-hunting, when is the best time to actually take the shot at the animal coming to the watering hole?
A:Usually there will be more than one animal of the same species coming to the watering hole. It is best to wait until most of them arrive at the water and start drinking. This allows them all to calm down a bit as they are nervous and jittery at first when they come in. Plus, this will allow you to look them over a bit and choose the one you want to shoot. In addition, this allows you to become calm and physically prepare yourself for the shot. The absolute best time to release an arrow is when the animal you want to shoot is within your comfortable shooting range, has his head down actually drinking, and standing perfectly broadside. This is not to say that you have all day to make your shot. Several factors are involved as to how long an animal will stay drinking and every animal is different. In most cases you will have a good 30 seconds or so to choose your animal, wait for the broadside shot and release your arrow.
Q: Where can I see photos and read about the animals I will be hunting?
A: If you want to know what each of these animals’ looks like you can do a Google search on the internet, get a copy of the Field Guide to African Animals from the National Audubon Society, or get a copy of “The Perfect Shot” written by Kevin “Doctari: Robertson (cost $17.95) from SafariPress.com.
Q: Can you hunt one type of animal with a gun and another with a bow?
A: YES. Some concessions are “bow only” others are “any weapon”. I just need to know in advance , the requirements of your hunt, to make the necessary arrangements.
Q: How many acres of land will I be hunting?
A: In Africa we call a hunting area a “concession”. We have access to several hunting concessions and they range from as small as 2,500 to as large as 70,000 acres. Where you will be hunting depends on the weapon you are hunting with, the animals you want to shoot, and many other factors that change from time to time. The goal is to have you in the area where your chances of shooting the animals of your choice are the greatest.
Q: Would I stay in the blind all day or break for lunch?
A:This depends totally on what you want to do. I will suggest the best time to be in the blind during the day when the animals are more likely to come into the watering hole at the blind. Sometimes I may have you hunt 2 or 3 different blinds in the same day.
Q: Will I be shooting from a sitting, kneeling, or standing position from the blinds?
A:Most of the blinds you will be hunting from are below the ground, two thirds of the way with an 8 inch wide by 16 inch long shooting window. Because they are under ground part of the way, you must stand up and shoot. We find this best because most hunters from America are used to shooting standing up from a tree-stand. We do have some above ground blinds where you will have shoot sitting down from a chair. In either case all our blinds have carpet on the floor to reduce noise and a hook to hang your bow so you can grab it without much movement, easily, quietly and fast.
Q: How would you suggest I practice with my bow?
A: Practice shooting from 20-30 yards standing up and sitting down. You can get an array of African plains game paper targets from SafariPress.com for $12.95 if you really want to start practicing on the animals you will be shooting when you come to Africa.
Q: How would you suggest I practice with my gun?
A:Practice shooting at ranges from 50 yards to 250 yards. Practice shooting from shooting sticks. Making a quick shot is sometimes required, so be mentally prepared.
Q: Will a Professional Hunter be with me in my blind or will I be alone?
A:In most cases you will be alone. A good Professional Hunter has several things to do during the day, including extensive scouting to increase the chances of success for the remainder of the hunt.
Q: Do I need to bring my own gun or can I use one of yours?
A: Most hunters are the most comfortable with their own rifles, so you are recommended to bring your own. You could rent rifles from us if you so wish.
Q: Can I shoot more than one of the same animal?
A:YES. Unlike various states in the US, we don’t have bag limits because the resources (all the animals) are owned by the land owner. So, whatever your Professional Hunter says is OK to shoot is OK to shoot.
Q: How many animals can I expect to shoot in 7-10 days if hunting with a bow? How about with a gun?
A:Hunting with a bow, you can expect to kill an animal for each day you are hunting with me. Now some days you may not kill anything but other days you may kill 2 or 3 animals. So on average, a bow-hunter could bag one animal per day. For rifle hunters, it would be safe to say, 2 animals per day. It also depends on the species you want to hunt, Some are more difficult to get. On average hunters shoot between 7 – 12 trophies on a 7-10 day safari.
Q: If I wound an animal do I have to pay for it as if I recovered it?
A:YES. For two reasons: one, we want to make sure you only take high percentage shots. The best shot to take on African plains game is a straight broadside shot because you want the arrow to pass through and have an entrance and an exit hole for a better blood trail. And if you take a quartering toward shot you may not have the correct angle and miss the vitals or hit heavy bones. The blinds you hunt from, while bow-hunting, will be strategically positioned near the watering hole so that when the various animals come in to drink, they are within 20 yards and standing perfectly broadside at some point while drinking. However, you must wait until you have a perfect broadside shot before you release your arrow. And secondly, most wounded animals will eventually die and from the land owners perspective a dead animal is a dead animal whether it’s recovered or not. The outfitter has to pay the land owner regardless if it is recovered or not.
Q: How do you come up with a total price for my hunt?
A :The prices for most safaris are broken into 6 parts. First, you have your flight to Africa. Second, you have a daily rate for each day you are hunting. This covers lodging, meals, and a Professional Hunter and staff (trackers, skinners, and camp help). Third, you have a “trophy fee” for each animal you shoot. Forth, you have any tips you give your Professional Hunter and staff. You also have taxidermy costs whether it be dipping and preparation or mounting in South Africa. And lastly, you have a fee for shipping your trophies back home.
Q: Is the price different if I use a gun versus a bow?
A:SOMETIMES. Most rifle hunters book a 1×1 hunt i.e. 1 Professional Hunter (PH) and one hunter. This way there are extra costs involved such as a PH daily rate, PH vehicle hire and fuel. When you a book a 2×1 rifle hunt i.e. 2 clients and one PH the price is the same as a bow hunt.
Q: How much would I tip my Professional Hunter, the chef, and the trackers/skinners?
A:While gratuities are not required, you PH and the staff are accustomed to receiving tips and gifts. An average tip for a PH who has performed well for you on a 7-10 day plains game safari hunt will normally receive between $250-$700. For the native staff: housekeeping, cooks, skinners, trackers and camp help $300-$500 total, divided among all staff members according to their “rank/status” in camp. This is normally done through your PH to avoid conflicts among staff members. For skinners, trackers and camp help, you can also give them gum, candy, watches, hats, fleece hoods, ski hats, gloves, socks, shoes, laser rangefinders, knives, folding saw, Leatherman tool, flashlights, T-shirts etc.
Q: How do I tell if the animal I want to shoot is a good quality trophy?
A:During our time together I will tell you and show you what to look for on the various animals you are hunting for a good quality trophy. You can also do a Google search on the internet, get a copy of the Field Guide to African Animals from the National Audubon Society, or get a copy of “The Perfect Shot-mini edition for Africa” written by Kevin “Doctari” Robertson (cost $17.95) from SafariPress.com. Any one of these sources will show you what a good quality trophy looks like.
Q: How do I tell if the animal I want to shoot is a male or female?
A:Answer as above.
Q: Do I get to bring home with me any of the meat from the animals I kill?
A:NO. You cannot bring any game or meat products into the United States because of US regulations. However, all of your meat will be totally utilized and often served as a main course for dinner during your safari. It’s delicious. Eland, Gemsbuck, Kudu, Impala, etc. are favored dishes. Anything not used in camp is either sold to local restaurants or given to the local population. Be rest assured that none of the meat from your trophies will be wasted.
Q: Do I get my trophies mounted in Africa or get them shipped home to my taxidermist?
A:You have two options. You can have your trophies mounted here in South Africa or dipped and shipped to your taxidermist of choice in the USA. It is cheaper to do mounting in South Africa but the shipping costs more so in the end of the day it works out the same. Any good safari outfitter worth his salt will dip and preserve your hides and horns and do all the paperwork to get them shipped to your taxidermist back home.
Q: How much does it cost to get my skulls, horns and capes shipped home? And how long does it take?
A:It usually takes 3-6 months. The average cost to ship a crate with all your hides, skulls, and horns is between $800-$1,200 depending on fuel prices etc.
Q: If I wound and animal with my bow can I track it down and shoot it with a gun?
A:Yes, definitely. Although some concessions are “bow-hunting only” and firearms are not allowed at all, we do have an understanding with the land owner to shoot wounded game with a gun.
Q: Lets say I wound an animal and you find it after I am gone, will I still get the horns and cape if it is not rotten?
A: YES. If the animal was mortally wounded we will most likely will find the animal at a later stage during the hunting season. You will be notified immediately and arrangements will be made to ship it to you .
Q: How much of a deposit do you require to book a hunt with you?
A:Usually 50% of the total daily rate fee.
Q: Can my clothes be washed during the hunt?
A: YES. There will be a hamper in your room. You simply place the clothes you would like washed in the hamper and by the end of the day your cleaned clothes will be folded and placed on your bed. If you want your cloths washed with “scent free” detergent please bring that with you as it is not readily available in South Africa.
Q: Will there be any time to shop at local stores?
A: This depends on you. Remember, this is your vacation and if you want to take off an afternoon from hunting to go shopping, it can be arranged.
Q: What about travel and gun insurance?
A: Travel insurance – See www.medjetassistance.com or www.scifirstforhunters.com
Insurance on guns and equipment – See www.sai.net or www.scifirstforhunters.com
Q: What do I need for my customs form when entering South Africa?
A: Have your Outfitters address with you on the plane. You’ll need it to fill in the immigration form upon arrival in South Africa
Louis Stoffberg
Zingeli Safaris
South Africa
