Rifles & Ammunition
Clients always ask me what type of rifle and calibre they should bring to Africa. My advice is always, bring the rifle that you are most comfortable shooting with, shot placement and premium quality bullets are more important than calibre choice. For plains game, I recommend any calibre between 270 and 375. However for dangerous game the minimum requirement by law is no calibre smaller than 375H&H.
We recommend using premium quality soft point ammunition like Swift A-frame, Woodleigh, Norma or Barnes. For elephant and hippo it is advisable to use heavy calibre solid ammunition. When hunting dangerous game a good quality low powered variable scope of 1.5 – 6 x 25 power. We recommend a higher powered scope of between 3 – 9 x 40 magnification for plains game. When transporting your rifle it should be transported on the airline and on any major road in a solid, lockable, hard case. Whilst travelling between hunting areas or on the back of the hunting vehicle we recommend that you bring a soft padded rifle bag.
Temporary importation of firearm into South
Africa:
It is advisable to get a professional meet and great service like Rifle Permits or Hunters Permits Africa to help you clear immigration and customs with your rifles. However if you choose to do it yourself, the SAPS e520a (temporary import form which is downloadable in the link below) form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalised in front of the police official issuing the actual permit at the airport. Ensure to keep your ammunition in a separate lockable container.
In order to import your firearm you will need:
+ Valid passport
+ Return airline ticket
+ Letter of invitation from your hunting outfitter(s)
+ Completed SAP 520 Form (Not signed – should be signed in front of the official)
+ Downloadable below Proof of ownership (CBP Form 4457 - Certificate of Registration for personal effects taken abroad)
+ Proof of export from country of origin (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad)
+ Letter of motivation (A letter written by yourself to motivate why you wish to import rifles)
According to South African
law the following firearms and ammunition will NOT be allowed to enter South
Africa:
+ Any automatic or semi-automatic firearms
+ More than one firearm per calibre per person
+ More than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm
+ Any pistol or revolver (unless specified for hunting)
+ If you are less than 21 years of age
+ Your application for a
temporary import permit will be refused and your firearms and ammunition will
be confiscated and will only be handed back to you when you depart back to your country of residence.
Remember The Issuing Of The Temporary Import Permits At The Port Of
Entry Is Free Of Charge. Do Not Tip Or Pay Any Saps Officer For This Service.
You Should Keep The Permit With You At All Times While In South Africa And When
The Firearms Are In Your Possession.
Prior to arrival in
Mozambique - Clients must provide the following documentation at least 3 months prior
to the hunt:
+ 2 copies of passport photos
+ 2 copies of passport
+ Rifle information (make, serial number and calibre) for each rifle
+ Copy of weapon license for each weapon, In the event that your native country does not require a license for the chosen weapon(s), then a document signed by a commissioner of oaths (notary public) to say you are the rightful owner will suffice.
Please Note:
In the event the above requirements are not received at least
three (3) months prior to the start date of your safari, De Wet Hunting Safaris
cannot be held responsible for any disruptions that might develop.
In accordance with
Mozambican law a maximum of 60 bullets per weapon are allowed into the country
for your safari