So, the big game hunting safari to South Africa has been identified, planned and the most suitable rifle for the safari hunting application has been chosen. What to do now?
Well, besides the obvious, i.e., load development, range time and choosing the best bullet tip, solid, expanding or monolithic, know that as always, paperwork and back-office administration is required.
In order to import a firearm for trophy hunting in South Africa, SAPS (South African Police Service) currently led by the most incompetent Police Minister, Bhekokwakhe “Bheki” Hamilton Cele will require all visitors applying for a temporary firearms import permit to complete a SAPS 520 form. Unfortunately, Mr. Cele spends more time shopping for hats to match his comical dress code than actually working on easing paperwork.
The SAPS 520 form is an all-encompassing form for numerous firearm related transactions.
Before choosing to import your own firearm into South Africa, while she may be precious, know that South African outfitters do have quality firearms available for rental on a daily basis. If you are planning for leisure purposes, to visit numerous African countries, it may be worthwhile considering the renting option, otherwise you will have to ensure that every hotel you visit has rifle safes ect.
But the choice understandably has been made. It really is special to bring your own rifle on an African hunt. The hunter knows her capabilities and limitation which creates confidence. So, let us review the import temporary license application:
The SAPS 520 form can be rather unclear for first time users purely because it is used for so many firearm related issues. When completing the form, tackle the challenge into bite sized chunks. It really is not that complicated (remember, the SA government also has to understand the form, and dealing with the minimum pass rate requirement of 30% for grade 12, could result in obstacles at SAPS level).
SAPS 520 and Assistance
There are many companies who will be able to assist the hunter with the importation of the rifle and required permits, of course for a minimal administration fee.
When booking through Game Hunting Safaris, know that our assistance is free of charge. By sending Game Hunting Safaris your completed SAPS 520 along with all the supporting documentation, GHS will send off your application and obtain pre-approval. What does this mean for your hunting safari in South Africa? Well, less admin, freeing up more time, allowing the hunting safari to commence quicker. Time waits for no man.
Hunting in South Africa does not have to be complicated, frustrating or waste any precious hunting time.
Your Hunting safari in South Africa and the additional Documentation
In order for the temporary permit to be granted by the South African Police, additional supporting documents will be required.
If the hunter is a resident of the United States, a US Customs 4457 will be required.
What is the US Customs form 4457?
The US Customs form 4457, is the Certificate of Registration for personal effects taken abroad which is basically a verification of ownership.
Action to be taken re the 4457 form
A few weeks before departing on the hunting safari to South Africa, pack the selected rifle/’s and head off to your nearest CBP office with the completed form. An agent will cross check and verify that the serial numbers on the actual rifle/’s match what has been documented on the form. The agent will then certify the form.
The certified and completed form will thus confirm proof of ownership when arriving in South Africa. Whatever happens during the hunting safari, make sure that this documents is not misplaced or damaged. The hunters needs this form to be able to take the rifle/’s back out of South Africa again.
Always ensure that you have the most updated version of the form, showing the correct dates of issue and dates of expiration.
Additional Documents when Hunting in South Africa
- If you are travelling from international countries which exclude the USA, be sure to bring along your firearm license and proof of ownership. For American citizens, the 4457 will confirm ownership.
- A copy of your flight itinerary
- The South African outfitter, on their letterhead will need to provide you with a letter invitation providing details of the hunting safari.
- Passport: Your passport must have at least two free pages in it and must be valid for a period of at least six months after your trophy hunting safari in South Africa comes to and end. It is always wise to bring along a few certified or notarized copies.
Tips when Hunting in South Africa
Trophy hunting in South Africa takes hunters to remote destinations, therefore perfect safari hunting conditions in terms of weather and luggage handling cannot always be guaranteed. Ensuring that documentation when on an African hunt is safe and waterproof is of critical importance. A simple waterproof plastic bag will more than suffice.
Important Note when Hunting in South Africa
South Africa does not allow the temporary imports of any fully automatic or military weapons into the country. Not two firearms of the same caliber may be temporarily imported into the South Africa.
Storage of Firearms while Hunting in South Africa
So, the permit is approved, and the hunting safari is about to begin. Hunting lodges in South Africa are geared in terms of protecting clients’ valuables which can include cash, travel documents, other valuables and most importantly the magnificent rifles which will be used for the purpose of game hunting.
Adequate facilities are provided by African outfitters to safeguard the hunters’ assets. Hunters can relax, take in the beauty that is Africa and make memories of yet another dream hunting in South Africa experience.
Author: PC van Wyk