MABULA PRO SAFARIS PRESENTS SOME PERSPECTIVES

• In today’s age of global communication, we have the ability to share knowledge, offer guidance, and provide insights. Here, we present a few noteworthy facts:
• The value of huntable wildlife populations has experienced significant growth in recent years. Fueled by a growing global interest in hunting, South Africa’s rich biodiversity has garnered immense attention.
• These market dynamics have fostered a collaborative effort between government and private sectors, aiming to restore underutilized and marginal land to its original wildlife inhabitants.
• In a competitive landscape, the benefits stem from a more stringent control over the well-being of hunted populations and the land they inhabit. Wildlife management programs, originally developed in South Africa, have now found application on a global scale.
• The ongoing enhancement of vast South African landscapes holds the promise of bequeathing future generations with territories boasting wildlife populations reminiscent of the days before the arrival of ‘old-style’ hunters centuries ago.
• At the helm of it all, Christo and Stella Gomes founded Mabula Pro Safaris, instilling within its operational framework values and structures that align with the long-term sustainability of the hunted wildlife populations across our many reserves.

Firearm Permit Information: Preparing for Your Hunt

If you’re considering importing firearms into South Africa for your hunting safari, you’ll be pleased to know that the process is more straightforward than you might expect. To facilitate the use of your own rifles during your South African hunt, we recommend using services provided by companies that offer pre-approved import permits.

The Application Process

To bring your firearms into South Africa, it’s essential to complete the temporary firearm import permit application (SAP520) in advance, if possible. This form must be filled out using a black pen and should remain unsigned until it’s finalized in the presence of the police official responsible for issuing the actual permit at the airport.

Requirements for the Temporary Firearm Import Permit

Several requirements must be met for the issuance of a temporary firearm import permit:

• A valid passport and a return airline ticket.
• A letter from your hunting outfitter(s) inviting you to hunt.
• The completed SAP 520 Form (unsigned, as it should be signed in front of the official).
• A notarized/certified copy of Proof of Ownership for your firearm(s).
  • For visitors from the United States, the proof of ownership form is the Custom Form 4457 (available at your nearest airport).
  • For visitors from the United Kingdom, a copy of your firearm license or certificate is required.
  • European visitors must provide a Firearms Possession Licence or a European Firearms Pass.
• A letter from your local sheriff in the form of an affidavit confirming ownership or an invoice from a gun shop where you have purchased the firearm(s).
• Proof of export of specific firearms from your country of residence (CBP Form 4457 – Certificate of Registration for personal effects taken abroad).
• A personal letter of motivation written by you to clarify your reason for wanting to import firearms into South Africa.

Requirements and Restrictions

There are specific requirements and restrictions to keep in mind:

• Automatic or semi-automatic firearms are not permitted for import.
• Importing more than one firearm of the same caliber per person traveling is not allowed.
• The legal limit for ammunition is 200 rounds per person, per firearm.
• Handguns are not allowed for import unless their intended use is specified for hunting.
• A maximum of four (4) firearms or shotguns per person is allowed, with no more than one of the same caliber or gauge.
• Importing ammunition for firearms not accompanying you is not permitted.
• Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other identifying mark.
• The identification number must be stamped and affixed in the prescribed manner on the barrel, frame, or receiver of the firearm.
• Importers must be 21 years of age or older.

Preparing for your South African hunting safari involves adhering to these requirements and restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Mabula Pro Safaris are happy to assist you contact companies who will, for a fee, organise pre- approved rifle permits.

The PHASA website also has information regarding the firearms regulations for Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Netherland Transit, South African Airways, Emirates Airlines, SA Express and SA Air Link, to help you select the best airline to take responsibility of your firearms for flight to South Africa. For more information you can visit the PHASA website..

Things to Bring

1. Suitable headwear for sun protection, preferably in natural colors.
2. Comfortable shoes for bush wear. Serious hunters and hikers should consider ankle boots.
3. Suitable clothing and underwear for summer and winter.
   • For summer, light, comfortable clothing, preferably in natural colors.
   • For winter, warmer clothing is advisable, as our weather can be really unpredictable.
4. Remember to bring:
   • Binoculars
   • Camera and video equipment to capture the beauty, you will witness
   • In the evening, a flashlight could be handy, as well as a pocketknife and gloves.
   • Batteries
   • Sun protection creams
   • Any eyewear you might need, plus an extra pair.
   • Small magnifying glass (in case you lose or break your glasses).
   • Various size 4 mil Zip Lock bags, rubber bands, safety pins, electrical tie straps, and a couple of 39-gallon trash bags (I put my luggage in a trash bag to keep out dust, etc.).
   • Roll of nylon strapping tape (not silver duct tape) which will fix nearly anything.
   • Lens cleaner fluid and tissues for various optical lenses.
   • Screwdrivers and wrenches necessary for screws on your firearms and scopes.
   • Bug spray with Deet.
   • Leather gloves and a full-brim hat (not a baseball cap).
   • 3 pairs of everything: long pants, long-sleeve shirts, long socks, underwear, etc. Laundry is done every day in camp. You can always cut off legs and sleeves.
   • Two pairs of broken-in footwear and extra laces.
   • Down jacket
   • Bandannas
   • Rain poncho
   • Sweaters
5. Take lots of photos – of everything! These will highlight and become some of your best memories in later years. I kept a diary, which I wrote up each night. Animals seen and shot, birds, camp life, names and addresses of people met, etc. The diaries and photos of my trips are as important as the trophies that now hang in my home.
6. Make photocopies of your passport, shot record book, and prescriptions in case you lose them. Keep them separate from the rest of your luggage. Life will be much easier when you show up at our embassy to get new passports, etc. You will need a CITES permit to get your cats and elephant home. Take care of that before you go.
7. Tipping: Base tips on 5% to 10% of the daily rate. Leave camp staff a good tip but after first consulting with the PH. Staff may want tips in local currency.
8. Register with the U.S. State Department. Go to http://www.travel.state.gov and click ‘International Travel’. Then hit ‘registration with embassies’ from the menu on the left side of the tool bar. By providing contacts, your itinerary, passport number, and other information, you offer the embassy one simple means of tracking your whereabouts. If you give permission, they will also release information to relatives and friends that inquire about you. Simply another precaution to take in these sometimes turbulent travel times.