Frequently Asked Questions

Passport:

A valid passport having at least 6 blank pages and having an expiration date that is 6 months beyond the date of entry is required to enter most African countries. If you need to renew or request more pages for your passport you can visit the US Passports website.

Visa:

Citizens of the US are not required to have Visas to enter The Republic of South Africa and Namibia. If you are entering another country you can visit Travel Document Systems for information on that country.

Immunizations:

A list of immunizations that are recommended for traveling to African countries can be found on the CDC website. Or contact your local public health department. 

Medical Evacuation Insurance:

In the Salt is a safe travel partner with Global Rescue and we recommend that all our guests purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancelation, medical emergencies, field evacuation, emergency assistance and travel delays.

Traditional Travel Insurance:

Traditional travel insurance is available through many airlines when purchasing airfare. There are several companies providing this type of coverage. We recommend Jennifer with Travel Express Agency.

Guesthouse:

Staying at a guest house can ease your worries and make your stay more comfortable. We recommend Come 2 Africa or WitWater Guest House & Spa.

Airfare:

Airfare may be booked as one continuous travel itinerary or may require several different flights on both domestic airlines and an international airline. We recommend Jennifer with Travel Express Agency.

Airport Pickup & Return:

If you are booking a package hunt, this may or may not be included. Be sure to ask your outfitter if you do not see it displayed on your contract or on the description of the package. This fee can run up to $700.00 hundred dollars or more. You may want to look at a charter flight to your remote destination.

Package Hunt vs. Daily Rates + Trophy Fee Hunts:

There are basically two types of African safaris. The first type is a package hunt, where the daily rates are combined with a list of trophy fees for a select list of included animals, or a trophy fee allowance is included. After shooting the included animals, or exhausting the trophy fee credit, you pay trophy fees for any additional animals shot.

The second type of hunt entails paying a daily rate that covers all of the safari related expenses except for trophy fees. You will then be charged trophy fees for any animals you shoot while on safari.

You need to choose which type of hunt you are taking and use the appropriate lines during the budgeting process.

Some outfitters include the Value Added Tax (VAT) on daily rates in their package prices. Other outfitters will charge extra for the VAT, so you should find out if the VAT on daily rates is included or is extra. If not included, ask the outfitter what his daily rates are. Daily rates are generally higher for dangerous game hunts. Many countries charge a tax on daily rates and a different tax on trophy fees. Be sure you understand what those tax rates are, and budget accordingly based on the trophies you expect to take.

Under South African law, if trophies are to be exported, the trophy fees are exempt from VAT.

In Zimbabwe, a 2% tax is currently charged on daily rates and a 4% tax is charged on trophy fees. These taxes go to the Zimbabwean government but are collected by the outfitter. Other countries rates vary, so be sure to ask your outfitter about these taxes. 

Observer Fees:

Observer fees are typically charged on a per day basis. Some countries such as Namibia require a tax on the observer rates. Be sure to ask your outfit about these charges.

Firearms Rental and Ammunition Charges:

If you do not wish to bring firearms with you on your hunting safari, most outfitters offer rental firearms and ammunition for a fee. Ammunition charges are significantly higher in Africa than in North America, so do not be surprised if you are charged $10 and upwards per round in some African countries. Ammunition for calibers larger than 375 are especially expensive in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries. Be sure to ask your outfitter about these costs, so you can budget accordingly.

Hunting License:

Some outfitters include the cost of your hunting license, if required. In some countries, you will have to pay up to $200 to obtain this license. Ask your outfitter about the requirements for the country you will be hunting in.

Permit Fees:

Many animals will require a permit either in advance or at the end of the hunt. Be sure to ask your outfitter whether the costs of these permits are included in your package hunt, will be paid separately by you.

CITES Permit Fees:

Animals that are listed under the CITES treaty require special paperwork to be able to have an export permit issued by the exporting countries’ Government. Animals that are covered vary by country. Leopards, elephants, rhinos and bontebok are among the many trophies that are regulated by CITES. Be sure to ask your outfitter and your customs broker about requirements and Permit costs to import animals regulated by the CITES treaty. You can find information on CITES through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Special Weapon Permit Fees:

Zimbabwe currently requires a $1500 permit to be able to hunt dangerous game with a bow in Zimbabwe. Be sure to ask you outfitter about any special fees if you are planning on hunting with a bow, crossbow or handgun on your safari.

Trophy Prep:

Some outfitters charge extra for preparing trophies prior to shipment to a dip and pack agent. This charge is prevalent in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries and may in certain instances be combined with Documentation fees.

Documentation Fees:

Some outfitters may charge for producing the paperwork necessary to transfer trophies throughout the exporting process. This charge is prevalent in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries and may in certain instances be combined with Trophy Prep fees.

Gratuities:

If you are happy with the performance of your Professional Hunter (PH), it is customary to tip him from 5 – 10% of the hunt’s value.  Or $100.00 a Day for your PH. With a dangerous game hunt, you will have to pay more for a tip.

For tipping your tracker, $ 20.00 a day.

For the remainder of the camp staff, ask your PH for guidance. Can be anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 a day. 

Delivery of Trophies to a Dip & Pack Agent:

Check with your outfitter to see if this is included in your safari. When hunting in remote areas, there may be an additional charge, as trophies have to be transported out separately after you have departed.

Dip and Pack Fees:

All trophies must be treated prior to shipment to an overseas location. In many cases, a veterinarian’s certification requires that the skulls have been boiled and the capes have been treated with insecticides. There is generally a schedule that varies by animal size that determines cost. The cost of crating the trophies for shipment abroad is also included in this fee.

Shipping:

This is the cost of shipping to the port of entry and may in some cases include shipping to your destination. The best way to help keep this cost down is to ask the Dip and Pack agent to take three quotes from reputable shipping agents. You will receive estimates by E-mail and will be asked to pay the shipping agent direct by wire transfer or by credit card.

Customs Broker Including Shipping to Final Destination:

You should select your Customs Broker prior to departing on safari. Discuss with them the list of animals that you expect to harvest and any special import permit requirements. The customs Broker will clear your trophies through the paperwork process into the US or Canada. Shipping from the port of entry to your taxidermy or home will be included in this bill. We recommend Copper Smith.

Taxidermy:

This is the total cost of mounting your African trophies for display. You may choose to have your mounts mounted in Africa or at your own taxidermist.

• Choose and book your dream Safari! Give yourself more time if you are wanting go during the popular season (usually June-August).
• Book your flights. This can become tricky with the multiple connections you will need. We recommend using Travel Express Agency.
• Airport Pickup & Return: If you are booking a package hunt, this may or may not be included.  Be sure to ask your outfitter if you do not see it displayed on your Contract or on the description of the package.  This fee can run up to $700.00 hundred dollars or more. You may want to look at a charter flight to your remote destination.
• Book Pre- & Post-Hunt Accomodations: Staying at a guest house can ease your worries and make your stay more comfortable. We recommend Come 2 Africa or WitWater Guest House & Spa.
• Traditional Travel Insurance: Traditional travel insurance is available through many airlines when purchasing airfare.  There are several companies providing this type of coverage. We recommend using Travel Express Agency.
• Get in Shape: You’ll be walking a lot on safari, so be sure to start exercising now. We’d advise a few miles per day several times per week.

• Passport: A valid passport having at least 6 blank pages and having an expiration date that is 6 months beyond the date of entry is required to enter most African countries. If you need to renew or request more pages for your passport you can visit the US Passports website.
• Visa: Citizens of the US are not required to have Visas to enter The Republic of South Africa and Namibia. If you are entering another country, you can visit Travel Document Systems for information on that country.
• Immunizations: A list of immunizations that are recommended for traveling to African countries can be found on the CDC website. Or contact your local public health department.
• Practice Shooting: Be sure to practice shooting from a shooting stick, kneeling and in the prone positions. A useful book you can order is called The Perfect Shot: Mini Edition for Africa.
• Footwear: If you are buying new boots, do so now and start breaking them in. Keep exercising daily.

• “Letter of Invitation” from your Outfitter: If you do not already have this from your outfitter, be sure to request it.
• 4457 Form: Contact your local customs & border patrol agent (usually at your local airport).
• Hunter Information Sheet: Return this to your outfitter along with your flight information.
• Firearms Permitting Service: It is possible to fly with your own rifle, shotgun or hunting handgun. There are forms that you MUST fill out and turn in for each location you are traveling to and from. This process takes at least 30 days, so do not put this off if you want to use your own firearm. Hunters Permits Africa is a reputable company that can help you take care of all the necessary details so everything goes smoothly.
• Firearms Rental and Ammunition Charges: If you do not wish to bring firearms with you on your hunting safari, most outfitters offer rental firearms and ammunition for a fee.  Ammunition charges are significantly higher in Africa than in North America, so do not be surprised if you are charged $10 and upwards per round in some African countries.  Ammunition for calibers larger than 375 are especially expensive in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries.  Be sure to ask your outfitter about these costs, so you can budget accordingly. 
• Special Weapon Permit Fees: Zimbabwe currently requires a $1500 permit to be able to hunt dangerous game with a bow in Zimbabwe.  Be sure to ask you outfitter about any special fees if you are planning on hunting with a bow, crossbow or handgun on your safari. 
• Hunting License: Some outfitters include the cost of your hunting license, if required.  In some countries, you will have to pay up to $200 to obtain this license.  Ask your outfitter about the requirements for the country you will be hunting in. 
• Permit Fees: – Many animals will require a permit either in advance or at the end of the hunt.  Be sure to ask your outfitter whether the costs of these permits are included in your package hunt, will be paid separately by you. 
• CITES Permit Fees: Animals that are listed under the CITES treaty require special paperwork to be able to have an export permit issued by the exporting countries’ Government.  Animals that are covered vary by country.  Leopards, elephants, rhinos and bontebok are among the many trophies that are regulated by CITES.  Be sure to ask your outfitter and your customs broker about requirements and Permit costs to import animals regulated by the CITES treaty.
• Trophy Prep: – Some outfitters charge extra for preparing trophies prior to shipment to a dip and pack agent.  This charge is prevalent in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries and may in certain instances be combined with Documentation fees. 
• Documentation Fees: Some outfitters may charge for producing the paperwork necessary to transfer trophies throughout the exporting process.  This charge is prevalent in Zimbabwe and certain other African countries and may in certain instances be combined with Trophy Prep fees
• Unstable Countries: If you are traveling to a politically unstable country, register your trip with the US Department of State.
• Credit Cards: Set up a PIN on at least one of your credit cards as you may find it necessary in certain circumstances. Be sure to have either a Visa or Mastercard with you as American Express is not always accepted.
• Exercise: Keep walking daily!

• Medical Evacuation Insurance: Medical Evacuation insurance is recommended for travel too many African countries, and especially to remote areas.  We recommend Global Rescue.
• Order Trophy Tags: This should include your personal information and your custom broker.
• Customs Broker including Shipping to Final Destination: You should select your Customs Broker prior to departing on safari. Discuss with them the list of animals that you expect to harvest and any special import permit requirements.  The customs Broker will clear your trophies through the paperwork process into the US or Canada.  Shipping from the port of entry to your taxidermy or home will be included in this bill. We recommend Copper Smith.
• Exercise: Keep walking daily!

• Packing List: Review the Packing List (will be clickable to download list); make sure you have everything you need.
• Passport & Visas: Double-check that these are in order and ready to go.
• Currency/Traveler’s Checks: Order foreign currency and/or traveler’s checks
• TSA Locks: Be sure to have good TSA Locks for you gun case(s) and suitcases.
• Duplicate Important Documents: Make 2 copies of all your important documents; leave one set at home with a reliable contact and take one set with you. Do NOT store that set with your originals.
• Medication: Be sure to have all medication you will need for the time you will be gone.
• Pack: It’s time to start packing! (If you haven’t already)