Below we provide a Step-by-Step guide to booking an African Safari, which outlines the whole process, as well as supporting information. We will personally work with you through every facet of the process. At times, it might be easier to speak to someone locally who has been on a safari. Please feel free to contact any of our references.
Deciding on a safari or what trophies to hunt.
Choose one of the three types of safaris:
In any of the above cases – Additional trophies can be added at the price list rate.
Guests are met upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and are returned there upon completion of the Safari.
Add on tours and photo safari day trips are also available.
General safari information
Somerby understands that booking an African Safari is a big decision and that anyone thinking about it has several questions. We would like to be there for you all the way, from the moment you start planning till the day your precious trophies are on your wall in your home. We strive to offer you exceptional quality at competitive prices. Below is some information that will be helpful:
Booking a safari
When you have selected the safari you would like to book, the safari contract, providing all the details of the upcoming safari, will be finalized and signed and you will be required to pay the deposit of $1000 or as required, depending on the nature of the safari.
Booking the airfare for your African safari
After we have agreed on the date of your safari and the number of days you are to be here in South Africa you can then book your airfare. A direct flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is recommended either with Delta out of Atlanta or United Airlines out of Newark. Please communicate with us during this process, we will work with the travel agent or yourself to make sure you are here for the correct number of days.
Our recommended Travel Agent is PWP Travel. Patrick provides excellent services and competitive pricing. He also offers TRAVEL INSURANCE and is experienced in booking airfare for international hunters.
E-mail: patrick@pwptravel.com
Phone Numbers: 210-686-0766
If you are a US citizen you need only a valid passport with two clean pages to travel to South Africa. If you are NOT a US citizen, you might require a visa.
Importation of hunting rifles
A temporary import permit from the South African Police service is required to bring your rifle into South Africa. We work very closely with Henry from RiflePermits that will be doing the pre-approved permit application beforehand. Upon arrival you will be met by your PH and a rifle agent, which will accompany you to the permit office where you will pick up your rifle and then travel to the arrival lodge.
Arrival at the airport
We will personally meet you at the airport and help you to collect your rifle. After you have collected your rifles, you will be transferred to the arrival lodge where we will spend the night, before leaving early the next morning to the hunting area.
Health precautions
No shots are needed for South Africa. Our hunting areas are in Malaria free areas. Malaria medication is required if you are traveling to the Kruger National Park for a photo safari or hunting near Kruger National park any time between March and May & September and November. Malaria medication is required throughout the year if you are hunting in Zimbabwe or if you take a tour to Victoria Falls.
Hunting areas
Hunting takes place in all 9 of South Africa’s provinces. Most of our standard hunting packages take place in two major areas. The Limpopo Province, referred to as the North, and the Free State province, referred to as the South. These two areas are totally different from one another in topography and vegetation. The North consists mostly of thick acacia thorns brush and small rocky outcrops. The South is characterised by open plains with very little tree cover and mountains up to 11 000 feet. It is a real advantage to hunt in two different areas on one safari to experience more of what South Africa is like. Different animals occur in these two different areas.
Weather and temperatures
South Africa’s seasons are reversed from yours. For the most part, early mornings are crisp and cool but warm up around 9am. Mid-days are sunny and warm but start cooling down from 3pm and can range a great deal, so you have to pack to dress layers each day. Here as an indication of the temperatures that you might experience:
Months | Limpopo (North) | Free State (South) |
March and April | 50-80 °F | 45-75 °F |
May and June | 40-70 °F | 35-70 °F |
July and August | 35-70 °F | 35-70 °F |
September and October | 50-80 °F | 50-75 °F |
What to pack for your African Safari:
Laundry is done daily, therefore three sets of hunting clothes will do: khaki or camo or whatever you prefer. A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable. Please see the recommended packing list for more detailed guidelines.
Payment after the safari
A payment of 50% of the total safari is due two weeks prior to the safari. This will be done via wire transfer or direct deposit to our Bank of America account. After the safari the balance can be paid in cash, credit card (service fee applicable) or via wire transfer within 5 days of your return to the USA.
Payment of other items
Your trophies
The field preparation and care of our client’s trophies are a TOP priority at Somerby Safaris. Trophies may have to undergo a Dip & Pack process to be shipped raw and mounted by your local taxidermist in the USA, or you can have them mounted in South Africa prior to shipping.
Tipping
We are often asked “How much should I tip my PH? How much should I tip the skinner/tracker? Lodge staff ?”. It is not an easy question to answer because tips are by no means obligatory and are at the discretion of the hunters. All staff are well informed of this fact and should accept anything given, as a bonus to their salaries.
Here are some suggestions – merely a point of reference:
Drom & Sune Beukes
(Cell – Jan & Feb only)
