EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Hunting, Firearms & Ammunition:


Whether you choose to travel with your own rifle or hire one of ours, we're happy to help you find the right setup for your African safari. Many guests prefer hiring one of our premium rifles to simplify international travel, while others enjoy hunting with a firearm they know and trust.

Recommended Calibres
Southern Africa offers everything from small antelope to Cape Buffalo, so selecting the correct calibre is important.

For small to medium plains game, we recommend:

  • 243 Winchester
  • 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Similar calibres


For larger plains game, we recommend:

  • .270 Winchester
  • .30-06 Springfield
  • 7mm PRC / LRM
  • .300 Winchester Magnum
  • .300 PRC
  • .300 Weatherby Magnum
  • Similar calibres


For dangerous game, most Southern African countries legally require a minimum calibre of .375. We recommend a .375 H&H Magnum or larger for buffalo and other dangerous game species.


Bullet Selection:


Bullet construction is often more important than calibre.

For plains game we recommend premium controlled-expansion bullets such as:

  • Barnes TSX
  • Swift A-Frame
  • Trophy Bonded Bear Claw

These bullets provide excellent penetration and reliable performance on African game.

For dangerous game, we generally recommend carrying 80% soft-point ammunition and 20% solids, allowing you to handle a variety of hunting situations safely and effectively.


Travelling With Your Own Rifle:

If you decide to bring your own firearm, ensure it is transported in a high-quality lockable hard case. Ammunition should be packed separately in accordance with airline regulations.

We also recommend bringing a soft rifle case, which protects your firearm during daily hunting and allows it to be securely carried in the rifle racks on our safari vehicles.


Zeroing Your Rifle:

Always zero your rifle before leaving home.

Although every rifle is checked upon arrival, international travel can occasionally affect scope alignment. Before your safari begins, your Professional Hunter will confirm your rifle's zero to ensure complete confidence in the field.

Variable-power scopes generally offer the greatest versatility across Southern Africa's diverse hunting terrain.


Firearm Import Permits: 
South Africa requires all visiting hunters travelling with firearms to obtain a Temporary Firearm Import Permit.

To make the process as smooth as possible, we strongly recommend using a professional firearm clearing service. Our Travelling with Rifles & Bows guide explains the complete import process, required documentation, airline regulations, and recommended clearing agents.

 

Cameras & Electronics:


An African safari offers countless photographic opportunities, so be sure to bring a camera or smartphone capable of capturing both your hunting memories and the incredible scenery.

We recommend bringing:

  • Camera or smartphone
  • Spare batteries or power bank
  • Battery chargers
  • Extra memory cards
  • Lens cleaning cloth or kit
  • A USB flash drive or portable hard drive for backing up photographs
    Many guests also enjoy receiving copies of the photographs and videos taken by their Professional Hunter during the safari. Bringing a USB drive or portable storage device makes transferring these memories quick and easy before you depart.


Power & Charging
South Africa operates on 220–230V AC electricity. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter, as South Africa primarily uses Type M and Type N electrical outlets. Many of our lodges also provide USB charging ports, but having your own adapter ensures you can charge all your devices throughout your stay.