General Information
Upon landing in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport you will be met by one of our professional guides. He will be accompanying you throughout your whole stay and will be there to answer any questions you might have. If you are traveling with rifles, he will assist you in taking care of the necessary paperwork. From there you will travel to your designated lodge where our staff will look after your every need.
RIFLE HUNTING
We have a variety of rifles available for hire if you don’t wish to travel with your own.
These include .22 LR, .270 win, 2
x .308 win, 300 H&H, 2 x .375
H&H, .416 Rigby, .458 Lott, 9 x 12 gauge Beretta SP1.
Most of our medium calibres are fitted with suppressors which make them easy to handle for all sizes and ages.
General calibre guide for species:
Small Game: Shotgun or .22 LR Plains Game: .270 to .375
Dangerous Game: .375 and up.
BOWHUNTING
Gateway to Africa Safaris has excellent options for any bowhunter, including different areas and blind options to accommodate crossbow hunters, compound bow hunters, as well as longbow and recurve bow hunters. No legal documents are required when bringing a bow into South Africa which makes traveling with a bow very easy.
Hunting with a bow and arrow in Africa is possible any time of the year. However, to improve your chances of completing a successful hunt, it is advisable to schedule your trip during drier months (July to October) and Closest to dark moon.
WHAT TO PACK
Valid passport (6 months from date of entry) with at least two blank pages. If kids are accompanying you, ensure you have an unabridged birth certificate and travel confirmation from both parents.
Sunblock, insect repellent, necessary medication and personal items. Easy wear-clothing in natural earth colours, comfortable shoes, a hat and light jackets. When packing keep in mind a laundry service is available on a daily basis.
Field gear for hunting and photographic trips such as binoculars, range finders, cameras, etc.
CLIMATE
Qur temperatures range from minimum 65°F (18°C) to maximum 90°F (33°C) in the summer months {November to March), while the winter months (May to August) range between a minimum of 40°F (4°C) to maximum 75°F(24°C).
Guidelines for bow hunting:
Average shooting distance will be from 10 to 40 yards, but we will assist you in achieving your goals regardless of the limitations.
BIG GAME
Bow Kinetic Energy: 80 ft/lbs arrow weight: 700 grain. Suitable for Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo, etc.
MEDIUM GAME
Bow Kinetic Energy: 70 ft/lbs arrow weight: 550 grain. Suitable for Kudu, Eland, Oryx/Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable Antelope, Roan Antelop, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, etc.
SMALL GAME
Bow Kinetic Energy: 40 ft/lbs arrow weight: 400 grain. Suitable for Warthog, Nyala, Springbok, Impala, Bleskok, Duiker, Steenbok, Ostrich, Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, game birds, etc.
TAXIDERMY AND TROPHIES
A field preparation process is done at the skinning shed where skins are dipped, properly salted and then folded.
After the hunt they are picked up by the taxidermy who follow the propel administrative process to have Is legally exported to your country of residence.
You can choose to have your trophies mounted in South Africa or only have the skins dipped and shipped where you can have them mounted by the taxidermy of your choice.