Documents and Information | Sofala Safaris

Sofala Safaris

Our distinctive tours travel to destinations unique for abundant and photogenic animals, birds and nature

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What you need to know

Documents and Information

Safari Hunts are usually take place between May and September, but can be requested at other dates.

Hurry to make your 2020 booking!

Call:
601 914 0330

Booking and Payment Terms:

A deposit of 50% of a selected package is required to make a booking.

The balance is payable 2 months before the commencement of the safari hunt/tour.

Any animal wounded and lost will be charged at full trophy fee.

All fees and rates are quoted in United States Dollars.

Gun Rental:

For those who wish not to bring a rifle or shotgun. $25 per gun per day. Hunters can buy ammunition once they arrive on the game reserve.

Liability:

As Sofala Safaris is concerned with your safety and pleasure, we recommend that clients insure at least the following: luggage, travel, trip cancellation, and medical issues. Sofala Safaris takes no liability for any loss, illness, injury, disability, or death or any other accident or misadventure. (These lists are not all inclusive. Some items may not be included where we, Sofala Safaris, take no responsibility or liability.)

Importation of Firearms:

YES, you can bring your own rifle or shotgun for the hunt.

Temporary Import Permit for Taking Firearms to South Africa:

In order to get a temporary import permit for bringing your firearms to South Africa, we recommend that you use the services of PHASA (Professional Hunters Association of South Africa) to issue a permit for you. The cost of using PHASA is about $150 for up to 4 firearms. Note each firearm must be a different caliber.

The following information is from the PHASA website and are needed for the temporary importation of a rifle and/or shotgun to South Africa:

Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA)
Link: http://www.phasa.co.za/legislation/firearms/firearms-import-permits/pre-issued-permits.html

Temporary Import Permits Service
PHASA endeavors to ensure all international hunting tourists a trouble-free arrival in South Africa.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3
1. PHASA can apply on your behalf, for your temporary importation permit or in-transit permit prior to your arrival.

2. A representative from Bangy Travel will meet you, on behalf of PHASA, in the SA Police office at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport with your permit.

3. The representative will assist you with the clearance of your firearms.

Please take note of the following and do not hesitate to contact Mrs Du Plooy from our office at phasa@phasa.co.za should you need any further information. She will gladly assist.

I. COST/S PAYMENTS: PERIOD 1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2016:

A. $150.00 USD per applicant.
B. PHASA accepts credit card payments and bank transfers. (Request the authorization form from PHASA)

III. BASIC REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE ISSUING OF A TEMPORARY IMPORT

PERMIT:

A. Maximum of four (4) firearms or shotguns per applicant.
B. Not more than one of the same caliber or gauge.
C. Only 200 rounds for each permitted firearm or shotgun will be allowed.
D. No ammunition for other firearms (not accompanying you) is permitted.

E. Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can be identified. The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed manner on the barrel, the frame or the receiver of the firearm.

IV. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS: (Subject to pre-approval only: documents must reach us at least 35 days prior to arrival)

A. Handguns are allowed into the country for hunting purposes only and therefore you need to submit the following additional documentation:

– A letter of invitation from the outfitter stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes only;
– A motivational letter from you stating that you will be using the handgun for hunting purposes only and any other relevant motivation.

B. Semi-Automatic shotguns:
– A letter of motivation from you must be submitted, stating the reason/s for bringing it into the country.

C. Any person under the age of 21 that wishes to apply for a temporary import permit has to include a motivational letter with the application proving that he/she is a capable hunter. Any additional motivational letters from third parties will help with the application.

II. DOCUMENTATION:

* Scanned, readable documentation not bigger than 4MB can be emailed to phasa@phasa.co.za. Documentation can also be couriered to Mrs T. Du Plooy, PHASA, 71 Lobelia Lane, Irene, Centurion, 0157, Republic of South Africa
* PHASA needs the following documents at the latest 25 days prior to your arrival.

(Please note item IV regarding handguns, semi-automatic firearms and applications for persons under the age of 21, where applications need to reach us at least 35 days before arrival).

A. Form SAP520 (download):

ONLY the following sections need to be completed (use black ink):
Page 2 – Sections E 2.1 to E 24 (Natural person’s details)
Page 2 – Section 25 if you are married
Page 4 – Sections G1 to G 5 & G 8 to G 9.2 (Import/Export details)
Page 5 –Sections I 1.1 to 2.2 (Details of firearms etc.)
Page 6 – Section J (Signature of applicant)

B. Notarized copy of Applicants’ passport – page on which the photo and passport details are reflected. (Certified as a true copy)

C. Notarized copy of Proof of ownership of firearm, eg. legal licence, permit, certificate, authorization or any other documentary proof confirming lawful possession of the firearm: (Certified as a true copy)

Examples of documentation to proof ownership:
– USA: Custom Form 4457 (contact your nearest airport for this)
– UK, etc: Copy of your firearm License or Certificate
– Europe: Firearms Possession Licence (Waffenbesitzkarte)
– European Firearms Pass (Europaeischer Feuerwaffenpass)
– Other: A letter from your local sheriff in the form of an affidavit confirming ownership or Invoice from a gun shop where you have purchased the firearm

D. Copy of flight itinerary from airline or travel agent
E. Copy of Invitation letter from your Hunting Outfitter
F. Proof of payment or payment by credit card must accompany your application.

Weather

One of South Africa’s main attractions has always been the pleasant weather conditions, year round. The climate during the hunting season with Sofala Safaris adds to the wonderful experience of hunting inSouth Africa’s Limpopo Province.

The Sofala Nature Reserve and our surrounding hunting areas in the Limpopo Province have dry winters (May to August) with very little to mostly no rain and low humidity. Hunters wear a warm jacket or sweater in the morning (mid 40’s) that can be taken off as the temperature will rise around 9am to 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and then drop down again (to mid 50’s) around 5pm. In the winter sunrise is usually around 6:30am and sunset is usually around 6pm.

Kruger National Park, located in the Mpumalanga Province and has very similar weather conditions except that the daily high temperatures in the summer months are a little lower than in the LimpopoProvince. In Cape Town tourists can expect sunny and pleasant weather with some rain and windy conditions during the winter months (May- August). Average temperatures for the region of the Limpopo Province where the Sofala hunting areas are located as well as Kruger National Park.

Average temperatures for the region of the Limpopo Province where the Sofala hunting areas are located as well as Kruger National Park.

Temp:	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUG	SEPT	OCT	NOV	DEC
Fahrenheit (high)	86	86	84	81	75	70	70	75	82	84	86	86
Fahrenheit (low)	66	66	63	57	48	44	43	50	57	61	64	64
Celsius (high)	30	30	29	27	24	21	21	24	28	29	30	30
Celsius (low)	19	19	17	14	9	7	6	10	14	16	18	18

Average temperatures for the Johannesburg area.

Temp:	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUG	SEPT	OCT	NOV	DEC
Fahrenheit (high)	79	77	75	72	68	63	63	68	73	75	77	77
Fahrenheit (low)	57	57	55	50	44	39	39	43	48	52	55	57
Celsius (high)	26	25	24	22	20	17	17	20	23	24	25	25
Celsius (low)	14	14	13	10	7	4	4	6	9	11	13	14
Celsius (low)	17	17	16	14	14	12	12	12	13	14	15	17

Average temperatures for the Cape Town area.

Temp:	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUG	SEPT	OCT	NOV	DEC
Fahrenheit (high)	77	79	75	72	68	66	64	64	66	70	73	75
Fahrenheit (low)	63	63	61	57	57	54	54	54	55	57	59	63
Celsius (high)	25	26	24	22	20	19	18	18	19	21	23	24
Celsius (low)	17	17	16	14	14	12	12	12	13	14	15	17

Customs and Immigration:

All visitors to South Africa are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. Visas are not required for citizens from USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany and Spain. Visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days. You may be requested to show a return ticket.

Preference List:

Traditional South African food and beverages will be served, but a preference list will be handed to each client so that you may indicate your preferences regarding food and drink.

Shoes and Clothing:

During the safari hunt medium to dark khaki color shirts and pants are recommended but camouflage can also be worn. Among other normal clothing, be sure to bring a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and good walking shoes; ankle boots work best for walking in long grass