Planning for a game hunting excursion can sometimes (oftentimes) be a pain in the neck. Whether you’re penciling in a maiden voyage into the world of African hunts or looking to rack up your next record; having some extra hands when planning a hunting safari will never be unwelcome.
South African outfitters are the ideal (and let’s face it, sometimes needed) source of support and pillar of advice, guiding you through the preparations and arrangements that come with that dream game hunting safari.
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South African Outfitters: Who They are and What They do
At its most basic, a South African outfitter can be described as someone who organizes or presents a game hunting package for reward or remuneration and who is licensed to do so. As they say, hunting outfitters in South Africa handle the bookings and the books.
In the background, they organize the hunting safari paperwork, including permits, licenses, and trophy-related papers. Outfitters are also responsible for liaising and communicating with government departments to gain game hunting rights on the land they intend to use.
In a nutshell, they provide the accommodation, guiding, tracking, transport, and other services related to a hunting safari.
South African Outfitters: Rules & Regulations
Game hunting is a well-regulated and controlled industry in South Africa, and just like there are rules surrounding quotas and licenses, so too are there rules and guidelines for those wanting to become or renew their qualifications as hunting outfitters in South Africa.
Applying to become a Hunting Safari Outfitter
When one wants to apply to become a game hunting outfitter in South Africa, they need the following
- Attended and passed their professional hunting course.
- The applicant must have a permit from each of the provincial administrations for the provinces they wish to conduct their hunting safari
Requirements for Registering as an African hunts Outfitter
To register for and earn a permit to operate among the hunting outfitters in South Africa one must:
- Prove that they have completed the necessary training and examinations, both practical and theoretical, as well as show the required skills, knowledge, and experience.
- Be over the age of 21, this is a rule set by the Professional Hunter’s Association of South Africa (PHASA)
- Proof of operating as a professional hunter for a minimum of 3 years.
- Be a member of PHASA, this depends on the province the outfitter wishes to operate in, but being a member, in general, is strongly recommended.
- Be registered as a professional hunter in the province they wish to operate in.
- All hunting safari facilities including campsites and trophy handling operations must meet the required standards, as well as any vehicles, equipment, and staff.
- Promotional material needs to be approved by Nature Conservation officials as a measure to ensure that South African outfitters don’t mislead the hunters by advertising false or incorrect game hunting.
Hunting Outfitters in South Africa: Choosing One to Match Your Hunting Objectives
One Google search will bring up page after page of South African outfitters, each offering their best opportunities, promoting their proficiency, and giving examples of success stories. So with this glut of information in front of you, picking the best hunting safari outfitter can seem daunting. But by doing a bit of work on your end, finding the right outfitter for your South African hunts can be a walk in the park (or bush).
Do Your Research
In this day and age, the moment someone mentions a new product, restaurant, or service; the first thing we do is pull out our phones and hit up the Internet. So why not do the same when looking for your game hunting outfitter?
Opportunities for South African hunts seem to number in the thousands, with multiple South African outfitters seemingly offering similar packages and experiences. By spending some time online, and doing a bit of research you’ll ultimately narrow down your selections and be more likely to find the right South African outfitter for your game hunting adventure.
Types of Hunts offered
South African hunts cover a range of landscapes, species, and categories. From dangerous game and the Big 5 to plains game and some more exotic species, South African outfitters often offer a variety of packages for the hunting safari planner from which to choose.
By knowing what species you’d like to target, you can narrow down your search and focus on the South African hunts that appeal to your choices.
Areas of specialization: General or Targeted African Hunts
Following on from the above, some hunting outfitters in South Africa specialize in certain areas of game hunting while still offering alternative packages. If your goal is a leopard, elephant, or croc hunt, it would make sense to choose an outfitter who offers more of a specialty service with regard to the desired species.
If you’re still on the fence as to what species you’d like to target, looking at a South African outfitter who offers a variety of game hunting opportunities available to them, can give an idea of what’s on offer and of course, what it will cost.
Hunting Safari for One or More
South African hunts can be done as an individual or in a group setting, with both involving the services of a PH. Some hunting outfitters in South Africa focus more on individual hunting safari opportunities as a matter of personal preference, while others are keen and accommodating of game hunting in groups.
Keep this in mind if you’re going to be going at it alone, or looking at booking a group hunt; it can help in narrowing down your search results. Most South African outfitters will provide this information in the hunt advertisement on their site. Look for anything stating “individual hunt only”, “1x hunter”, or mentions of “multiple hunters”, “family hunt”, or “3–4 hunters welcome”.
On the right side of game hunting practice
It can be fair to assume that most hunters stand for or support conservation efforts and ethical hunting practices. And while South African outfitters are held to strict regulations, if you want to know where your non-–exported meat or hunting costs are going, keep a look out for posts or articles relating to community efforts and social responsibility contributions.
Knowing that your choice of outfitter is doing the right thing by the communities in which the hunt occurs can sway those looking to support those who go the extra mile.
Asking the right questions
While the Internet is a wonderful invention, often the best way to whittle down your options is by getting input from others who have been in similar situations. Asking fellow hunters about their experiences can really tell you about the service standards and offerings of the South African outfitters they’ve dealt with.
This also gives a good opportunity to explore other topics like travel experiences, costs, the proficiency of PHs available, and what to expect from that outfitter.
Responsibilities as a South African Outfitter
Travel and hunting safari accommodation
While hunting outfitters in South Africa don’t organize your flights into the country, they can and often do provide transport from your airport arrivals to your hunting safari destination. These transfers are often included in the package price if you are arriving at the closest airport to the final hunting destination or can be arranged for a small additional fee.
South African outfitters also book and arrange accommodation whether you’re staying at a 5-star hunting lodge with a wide array of amenities, or closer to nature in a simple bush camp. This includes informing any service providers of concerns relating to dietary requirements or medical conditions that need to be known and accounted for.
South African hunts can often involve challenging terrain that requires off-road equipped vehicles, and this responsibility also falls on the outfitter.
All-inclusive vs. self-catering accommodation
Some South African outfitters provide self-catering-style lodges and camps. Here hunters are responsible for providing their own meals; from those being had at camp, to provisions taken with them for the day. These can be good options for those wanting to keep the price down or families traveling together for a great game hunting expedition.
All-inclusive lodges and camps provide the full Monty. Here your meals will be catered for and lunch packs can be arranged as part of your package. Food costs are included in the price of the package or the day rate. Cool drinks, juices, and water are included, while some outfitters also include alcohol in moderation, but no hard tack. Other outfitters don’t place any limit on the bar, it all depends on the outfitter.
South African people are often referred to as one of the most welcoming and warm populations on the planet. If it takes a village to raise a child; you can bet that same village is going to welcome you with open arms, assist you wherever necessary, and make you look forward to coming back again and again.
Licenses and permits
The bureaucracy involved in South African hunts can seem daunting, but it is the responsibility of the outfitter to arrange these ahead of time. This paperwork relates to hunting permits for specific areas as well as permits for the species to be targeted, firearms permits, and trophy-related papers to prepare and export the trophy. In the vein of firearms, there will be documents that the hunter will need to complete, as well as proceed through the SAPS customs office when arriving.
Temporary structures and game hunting camps
While out on the hunt, hunting outfitters in South Africa are also responsible for the temporary structures like blinds or campsites that need to be erected as part of the hunting safari. If you’re going to be out in the bush for a few days; the outfitter will be responsible for moving the campsite to the next destination if needed, as well as ensuring that the campsite environment is not damaged or left in a poor state.
Provision of food and necessary support staff
While lodges can provide meals and lunch packs, it is up to the outfitter to ensure that this is arranged as necessary. If the hunt is going to involve camping and tracking in the bush; the outfitter is responsible for providing the food, water, and other refreshments as needed.
South African outfitters must also see to the arrangement of the PH and any guides or drivers that are needed for the hunt to be carried out successfully.
Securing Hunting Rights
This goes hand-in-hand with permits and licenses. Hunting outfitters in South Africa need to secure the rights to game hunting areas by engaging with government departments in the case of state land, or by communicating with the landowner if the area is privately owned.
Trophy Preparation
Taxidermy is an art, and South African outfitters can be responsible for the start of the process should the hunter want to take their trophy home. This kickstart involves the gutting and skinning of the trophy animal; as well as handling the meat that can be donated to local charities, feeding schemes, or communities.
Professional Hunters vs Hunting Outfitters in South Africa
Of all the role players involved in South African game hunting, the PH and the outfitter are the most commonly spoken of. And while their roles are related, they serve different and specific purposes when it comes to the hunting safari.
What’s the Difference?
As discussed above, the role and responsibilities of South African outfitters largely relate to the organizing side of a game hunting adventure, remember, they handle the books and the bookings.
The PH is the boots on the ground. The one who ultimately walks side-by-side with the hunter or hunting party. They are the ones providing information and insight to ensure that the hunter has the highest possible chance of success. A PH is there to be a physical guide to the hunter leading them and passing on knowledge of hunting aspects like animal behavior, shot placement, what makes a good trophy, etc.
Oftentimes hunting outfitters in South Africa fulfill both roles, serving as the outfitter and PH. This involves a heavy workload and is a testament to the passion and drive these folk have for South Africa’s game hunting industry.
Outfitters in South Africa: More than just hosting your Hunt
South Africa is a country blessed with some of the most beautiful, unique, and beloved landscapes, from the Karoo to the Coast and everywhere in between. The game hunting industry makes the most of a landscape as diverse as the people of this diverse land.
The hunting safari industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across different operations in South Africa. This economic injection allows hunting outfitters in South Africa to play their role in supporting and uplifting communities. Within the industry of African hunts, one can find hospitality staff, guides, professional hunters, and other service providers who play a role in this highly profitable and in-demand industry.
By supporting South African outfitters you can know that your costs are (one way or the other) going to end up back in the local business economy, keeping it going for years to come and ensuring that the communities closest to the game hunting industry will continue to be supported and uplifted through employment and training opportunities as well as other initiatives.
Finding the Best South African Outfitters
As hunting brokers, we at Game Hunting Safaris are seriously passionate about South Africa’s game hunting industry. And we want to give you the best that this country can offer when planning your next hunting safari. Our owners are qualified and knowledgeable across various areas of the African hunts on offer and will do their best to ensure the best possible outcome.
Having a company run by people with a true passion for the industry means they know what standards are acceptable and which are excellent. So be rest assured; we know what we’re doing when it comes to finding the best South African outfitters for our customers.
Game Hunting Safaris has a network of hunting safari outfitters on their books, and you can be assured that those outfitters have been thoroughly checked and vetted to ensure that everything is above board and ready and waiting for you. Contact us about turning your African hunts dream into a real-life adventure, we know what to do.
For the new hunters out there, reach out to us today; and to those returning, welcome back. Let’s write the next chapter of your African hunt experience.
Ready for your next game hunting safari? Be sure to check out our available African hunts!
Author: A. Baker