English

Firearms

Choice of calibre is a matter of personal choice. The most important issue is that you are confident with your rifle, and know the trajectories of your calibre. Do keep in mind that most of your shots will be taken at relatively short distances, so you do not need a calibre with an extremely high velocity.

The tried and trusted 30-06 will do well on all species up to kudu. For eland and giraffe we suggest something in the .375 or 9.3X 62 classes. With solids the .375 is also an excellent choice for the smaller species, as it causes little tissue damage.

It is important to use good quality bullets, as some of our African animals are extremely tough.

Black powder hunters are more than welcome. We suggest a .50 or .54 calibre. We can supply you with FFFg powder and percussion caps if arranged prior to your safari.

You are also welcome to hire one of ILANGA’s firearms for the duration of your safari.

Importation of firearms

Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes must complete a SAP520 form (Temporary Import Application). It can be downloaded from the SAPS website at www.saps.gov.za, or be filled out on arrival. We recommend that you complete the form before your arrival in South Africa to streamline the entry process.

When completing the form, please take note of the following:

Use only black ink.
DO NOT SIGN THE FORM! The form must only be signed when all the documentation is finalized
in front of the police official issuing the actual permit.
Complete the following sections of the form:
1. Section D
2. Section E 1-25.4
3. Section G
4. Section I (Fill in all details requested)
5. Section J (Remember not to sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)

On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, the following procedure should be followed:

Clear passport control in the Terminal where your flight arrives.
Claim your general baggage at the carousel. Proceed to the relevant Airline Help Desk to pick up your
firearms from the airline company and sign a receipt for the firearms. Ask the Airline Help Desk to direct
you to the South African Police Firearm Office.
Go to the South African Police Firearm Office. Do not at this point proceed to customs.
On receipt of the temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office, proceed to Customs, the Red Zone,
where you declare the firearms and finish other customs clearance procedures.

The following documentation will be needed to obtain your temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office:

Proof of ownership: Firearm licenses. For USA Citizens, a Customs Declaration Form 4457
(officially stamped) is acceptable.
Proof of export from country of origin.
Motivation letter from client: A letter from the client stating that he is temporarily importing the
referred firearms for the purpose of hunting. List the species to be hunted.
Invitation letter from the Hunting Outfitter: ILANGA will forward the necessary letter to you before
your departure.
Any other supporting documents.
All firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial numbers match those of the licenses
(proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.

Please take note of the following:

No more than one firearm per calibre and 200 rounds per firearm will be permitted.
Handguns for self-defence will not be permitted.
Military weapons, fully automatic weapons and semi-automatic weapons are prohibited.
Ammunition must be packed and sealed in a container specifically designed for ammunition.
It may be stored in the gun case with the rifle.
Ammunition may never be laying loose in the gun case, or be in the magazine or rifle.
The rifle bolt must be removed from the rifle.
The gun case must be locked.
Permits will only be issued for ammunition that is accompanied by a rifle of the same calibre.

back

top