FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q? Where in South Africa are you located?
A. Legadema’s hunting camps are situated in the well-known Limpopo Valley, nearby the border to Botswana.
Q? What must we bring?
A. An equipment list will be sent to you, which will include all important items. You may also find this list under Hunting & Travel Information.
Q? Who will meet us at the Airport and how will we recognise him?
A. A guide wearing Legadema identification and carrying a signboard with your name will be at the port of entry to meet you. All safaris commence at O R Tambo International Airport, except if arranged otherwise.
Q? How far is the camp from the Airport?
A. The main camp is approximately 3 hours’ drive from O R Tambo International Airport. Should another camp be utilised, you will be informed.
Q? Do we need hotel reservations before and after the trip, and at what cost?
A. No, except in the rare event that your plane is delayed. Legadema will however make all arrangements on your behalf at the normal observer rate, and including all normal observer advantages.
Q? What will the temperatures and weather be like?
A. In South Africa, temperatures are measured in Celsius. During winter, they range between 0°C (32F) to 20°C (72F). You will need a jacket in the morning and late afternoon (khaki, dark colours or camouflage), whereas it warms up during the middle of the day. May to August is winter and you can expect cold weather with limited possibilities of rain.
Q? What about gun permits and imports?
A. This is a rather lengthy affair at this point in time. Prepare yourself for anything between 1 and 2 hours to clear your guns with police at the port of entry. Automatic weapons will not be allowed. Make sure to carry your import permit with you all the times. It is recommended that you bring approximately 60 rounds of ammunition per rifle. Furthermore, you will need to have proof of ownership of your weapons, and you will also need a letter of invitation from your outfitter. You can download the SAPS 520 and invitation letter here.
Q? Do we need any medical examinations or injections?
A. You do not need any major medical shots or examinations when traveling to South Africa. Malaria precautions only need to be taken when visiting malaria areas (Kruger National Park and most northern parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal.) Cholera and Yellow Fever shots are only needed when traveling to Central Africa. In South Africa, you are always approximately one hour away from a medical treatment centre. Please ensure that you are fit to hunt and notify us of any special health requirements you may have.
Q? Can we drink the water?
A. The water is safe to drink in most parts of South Africa.
Q? How safe is South Africa?
A. As is the case in most countries, South Africa is generally very safe, with high crime areas dotted sparingly. However, your guide will not take you to any high crime areas.
Q? What activities are there for my wife to do at the camp?
A. Our lodges provide a variety of services to observers. Trips into town for shopping and sight-seeing can be arranged. There are swimming pools and observers can also be treated to game drives. Consider a day trip to Sun City, spend a few days trying to spot the Big Five in the Kruger National Park or visit the stunning Lowveld Escarpment.
Q? Can we eat what we shoot?
A. Absolutely. A client information list will be sent to you approximately two months prior to your safari. This is your opportunity to inform us of any dietary preferences and more importantly, which species you wish to hunt.
Q? How many species could I hunt?
A. South Africa is not called the plains game mecca of the world without reason. Excluding all the newly introduced exotics, you could hunt at least 42 different species. Moreover, South Africa is the only country in which you can hunt White Rhino, Vaal or Grey Rhebuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Cape Grysbuck, Kudu and Cape Bushbuck, as well as the rare Bontebok, White Blesbuck (common, not Kalahari), Black and White Springbuck. Since Blesbuck and Black Wildebeest are exported in limited numbers to Namibia, they are only available sparingly, whereas South Africa boasts the largest availability in the Limpopo Province.
Q? How will we hunt and what can we expect to find?
A. Tracking by vehicle is done to locate pockets of game. From here on stalking and hunting takes place on foot. Should your medical condition not allow for long stretches on foot, extreme care will be taken to get you as close as possible to the trophy to make a fair and ethical shot possible. There is always also the chance of coming across an opportunistic animal while driving, which will not allow for a walk and stalk opportunity. The option to take the shot is however yours. The more days you book the better your chances are for finding a larger specimen of species. Generally, we make provision for shooting one species per day although you could bag more than one in a day or none at all. If you are a bow hunter you will be able to walk and stalk or hunt from elevated and ground blinds placed near water holes, trails, salt licks or alfalfa.
Q? Who do you suggest for doing my taxidermy work?
A. Firstly, your trophies will be skinned and salted and transported to an agent of your choice. For the mounting of trophies, we suggest you have it done locally. Even though this process takes time and it may be at least 18 months before you will get your finished trophy, it is by far the cheapest option as you will not have to pay ‘dip and ship’ and taxidermy charges back home. You will however not have as much control over your artwork as you would with a taxidermist closer to you. The alternative is ‘dip & ship’, which is much quicker – approximately 6 months until you have your finished trophy – and you will also have greater control over the taxidermy process. Generally speaking, you would save around 33% to 50% of your costs by having your trophies done in South Africa.
Q? Are there any good places for shopping?
A. South Africa hosts three of the biggest shopping centres in the world namely Sandton City, Mall of Africa and Menlyn Park, all within 30 minutes’ drive from O R Tambo Airport. Shopping is usually reserved for the last day or two of your safari trip. We also have jewellers who come out to the camp, plus there are many curio shops within close proximity. Large curios bought can also be sent home along with your trophies.
Q? What currencies are accepted in South Africa?
A. In South Africa, we use the South African Rand. Your account will however be settled in USD$ at the end of your trip. The safest way of travelling is to carry traveller’s cheques and only limited amounts of cash. Bank transfers can also be done prior to your arrival. We accept Visa and Mastercard, although a 2.5% surcharge is applicable. Credit card transactions will be done in rands, the exchange rate being as stipulated by the bank on the day of the transaction.
Q? What amount should we tip our hunting guide, tracker, skinner and our lodge/camp staff?
A. The staff work very hard behind the scenes to make your trip enjoyable. In the USA, the norm is 10-15% of the total account. You may budget at least $20 per day for the tracker, $100 per day for your professional hunter, and $20 per day to be divided between the two lodge/camp staff members. The above is only a suggestion.