Motsomi Safaris

Planning your African Safari ?

Welcome to your dream Safari!Safari PlanningWe hope this planning guide will help you maximize your dream safari. It’s full of tips and helpful hints to allow you to get the most out of your trip.

The Motsomi Professional Hunters (PH’s) are highly qualified, experienced and competent with expert advice to offer for tough African game, hunting methods, equipment limitations that have been tested and proven in the field, as well as legislation introduced by the government ensuring the ethics of the sport is upheld. Motsomi is proud that they have carefully selected exclusive areas to ensure maximum success and quality of trophies on their hunts. Strict zoning policies and area usage ensure rifle hunting is excluded in preference to the bow hunting option. A combination of the above factors and the expertise of renowned Professional Hunters

will ensure the hunter an unforgettable safari of a lifetime

Motsomi Safaris

Pieter and Ria Potgieterhttp://www.motsomi.com

You’ll come as a Client and leave as a Friend!

Index• Safari Planning

CostsTravelFire ArmsSafari GearPersonal GearHealth HintsOther information

• Rifle, Handgun & Black Powder Hunting• Bow Hunting• Game Identification and Shot Placement• Some thoughts on African hunt expectations• Getting your trophies home

Please feel free to ask us anything else you don’t have clarity on.

Motsomi SafarisTel: 01127 83 4040 111Fax:01127 86 608 1688 Pieter Cell: +27 83 442 0578E-mail: info@motsomi.com / ria@motsomi.com

Cost: GeneralBudget Planning - General Costs of a Safari

Hunting: Day Fees and Trophy costs, tips, additional hunting permits.

Non-Hunting: Side trips, curios & gifts.

Travel: Air travel to and from South Africa.

Taxidermy and Shipping: Dip and Pack of trophies/Taxidermy work done in SA or US, Shipping of trophies to your destination, clearance fees in US, Delivery Fees in US.

As you plan your safari, keep in mind that with Motsomi Safaris, your cost of your safari is spread out over time, sometimes several years. For example, when you book your safari, you pay a percentage of your hunt cost, usually about 50% of the day fees to hold your dates. You pay nothing else to Motsomi until the last day of your safari when you settle and pay your bill. In the meantime, you book your airfare and pay for it. Then, after you hunt, your hunting invoice. Whenyour trophies is done through the process (Dip & Pack or Taxidermy) then you pay your dip & packor taxidermy Invoice (turnaround time 3 – 11 months after safari ended). After that your trophies is moved to the Shipping Company and you will receive an invoice from them to pay.

So you will agree that hunting in Africa is affordable.

Cost: HuntingYou can choose between the following:Hunting Packages: Special packages are always a good start for the first or second African Safari. They include day fees

and a choice of animals to hunt,(some animals can be substituted by prior arrangement), as well as all permit fees and taxes. There are a variety of packages that fit all needs. If you would like to hunt additional animals, you can just add the trophy fee to your hunting package from the price list.

For example: You choose the Kukama special which include the following animals: Blesbuck, 1 Blue Wildebeest, Impala and 1 Zebra/Red Hartebeestor Gemsbuck. If you would like to hunt a Kudu, then you can just add it to your package. Your cost would be the Kukama amount plus the Kudu amount on the price listed. Your day fees are already included in your package unless you would like to stay longer.

Animals from price list: This is usually for returning safaris. You already shot most of the animals on the packages and would like to shoot specific animals when you return. Here you need to decide how long you would like to hunt and then decide on your animals you would like to hunt.

For example: Choose the number of days of your trip @ daily rate plus the different animals you want to hunt from the price list. Depending on what you choose to hunt, you may have to travel to different areas, which takes extra time. Keep this in mind during your planning. There is Value added tax to be paid on day fees.

Big Game: Big game packages usually include the trophy fee and a minimum amount of hunting days. Adding additional animals needs to be discussed with us during your planning. You may need to add extra days to your hunt to harvest extra animals.

For example: Buffalo hunting requires a minimum of 6days hunting. If you finish early you might have time to take more animals, but to be guaranteed time to hunt other animals, you should add extra days to your safari.

Please refer to your Brochure for different prices or click on the links below:SPECIALS https://www.motsomi.com/specials/PRICE LIST https://www.motsomi.com/price-list/

Cost: Non –Hunting Activities

Why not plan excursions for the non-hunters in your group, or for yourself after or during the hunt?

SightseeingYou may want to add on days to travel to other areas of South Africa, such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town or Victoria Falls. This can easily be arranged and should be discussed when planning and booking your safari. Examples of non-hunting trips can be found at:https://www.motsomi.com/photo-safaris/

ShoppingYou will have an opportunity to go curio shopping, probably on the way to the airport at the end of your safari depending out of which lodge you did your hunting safari. If you have specific interests, please discuss these whenplanning your hunt.

Other costs - TipsPlease review the Tipping guide, but feel free to ask us questions: https://www.motsomi.com/downloads/

Travel VISAS US citizens do not need a VISA for SA. Your Passport must

be valid 6 months beyond intended stay, and contain two blank visa pages. Visas to Vic Falls can be obtained at the border post upon entry. Check details if you are traveling to other countries.

There are 54 international airlines serving South Africa. Many of these provide service to and from North America and South Africa.

Those that have direct flights from the US to South Africa are the best to use if you are bringing firearms. They include Delta (from Atlanta) and South African Airways (from Washington Dulles and New York). They may run on a code share basis with other airlines. We do NOT recommend transporting firearms through any other country on your way to South Africa.

South Africa is also considered the gateway to Africa, with flights between here and ports of call throughout the rest of the continent on a daily basis, with several African airlines, including South African Airways.

Check directly with the airlines of your choice or a travel website to determine your best way to travel and the best price.

Prices of airline tickets vary depending on the season you are traveling.

NOTE: Customs allowances can change at any time, so check with customs or your airlines for current information.

Fire Arms and BowsRifle and ammunition:• A .30 caliber is a good all-rounder for plains game but for women and children you can bring

lighter calibres and the minimum for hunting the big 5 is a .375. • Bring enough ammunition with; especially if you have a caliber for which ammo isn’t readily

available. Bring at least 5 rounds per animal that you intend to hunt + 1 box extra, your rifle might need to be sighted in.

• Due to the toughness of African animals only the best premium bullets must be used such asBarnes TSX.

Bow and Cross bow:• Depending on the size of the animal but 50 - 70 pond bows will normally be adequate with

enough heavy arrows with at least 100grain or heavier broad heads with 2 to 4 fixed blades. Remember your release, a spare string & release and judo heads or similar for bird hunting.

• According to Nature Conservation the following is recommended kinetic energy: - Impala 45 ft / lb energy - Kudu 60 ft / lb energy - Blue wildebeest 70 ft /lb energy.

(If you are close to this you will be fine)• The formula to calculate Kinetic energy is: ft / lb energy =

(Arrow speed)² X Total arrow weight / 450240 .• Crossbows are allowed and very popular we have some to rent as well.• No permits required to travel with bow or cross bow.

Fire ArmsImportation of Firearms

- Temporary Firearm Import Application – SAP 520 is REQUIRED

You have 2 options:

• One: Do all the paperwork yourself, and hand it in upon arrival.

• Two: Strongly Recommended: Have PHASA(Professional Hunters Association of South Africa) at a minimal fee of about $160 supply your Importation Permit.

Privileges of doing so:

1. No long lines at the airport which could be up to 3 hours.

2. You know before hand that your importation permit is issued.

3. If your Rifle does not arrive on the same flight with you; you do not need to drive back from the hunting area and loose a day or 2 of hunting to sign for it upon its arrival. It will be delivered free of charge to you where ever you are within SA.

More details and forms can be obtained at the PHASA website:

https://phasa.co.za/

Allowances and Specifications• Maximum of 4 firearms, but no more than one firearm per caliber and 200 rounds of ammunition per

firearm will be allowed into the country per client. The only exception to this is for shotguns, where more than one shotgun of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting purposes if the client produces on arrival at the South African Police Gun Office an acceptable written motivation as to why he/she requires more than one shotgun of the same caliber.

• Permits will only be issued for ammunition which is accompanied by a firearm of the same caliber. • Check with your airline carrier as to how ammunition should be packed. Ammunition must be in a

hard box (preferably that can be locked). Declare it when you check in for your departure.• Temporary Import Permits will not be issued for anyone under the age of 21.• Firearms that may NOT be imported are: (Section 32 of the Arms and

Ammunition Act, 1969) (Act NO. 75 of 1969)Automatic RiflesSemi-automatic riflesAutomatic or Semi-automatic ShotgunsHandguns for self-defenseWeapons that fall under military categories

• Strict controls on automatic and semi-automatic firearms are enforced. This will affect clients wanting to bring in semi-automatic shotguns on temporary import permits. The latest requirement which is in effect that no temporary import permit will be issued for a semi-automatic shotgun unless an application is made in 30days in advance together with a motivational letter as to why the shotgun is needed. The application must be made through the Central Firearms Registry.

• Handguns will only be allowed for hunting purposes and must be accompanied by a letter from an association/club in the country of origin, stating that the handgun will be used for hunting purposes as well as from us, your outfitter.

Please check the PHASA Website at www.phasa.co.za for any updates to this

information.

What to do at Johannesburg International Airport:• Clear passport control in the arriving terminal.• Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. • If you have a bow case, it may it may be at oversized luggage or with the firearms.• Ask an airline representative where to find firearms they will direct you to a small office where

you will identify your rifle case and sign for it, if required. You will not receive it yet, unless it is a bowcase.

• Proceed to the arriving terminal from where you go to the South African Police Firearms Office (SAP), where one of Motsomi’s representatives will meet you. For passengers arriving in Terminal A1 or A2 turn right upon entering the arrival hall and keep on walking, look out for the SAP office.

• Here you will receive your Importation Permit. If you applied for a Pre-approved Permit from PHASA, their representative will meet you with all your documentation that you need to clear your rifle. If not a Motsomi representative will be with you to help you through the process.

• Your firearm(s) and ammo will be checked against your temporary import permit after which you will be free to leave.

For a bigger picture please click on link below:https://www.motsomi.com/downloads/

Safari GearLaundry is done on a daily basis, so there is no need to over pack. clothes.

The following is just an indication and not a complete list:

• Warm jacket

• 3 sets of hunting clothes, zip off pants in case it’s hot. Bring COMFORTABLE clothes that you can layer since it can be cold in the mornings and evenings while quite warm during the day.

• Quality socks that have been worn with your boots.

• Boots that have been broken in and are comfortable. Boots must have quiet flexible soles.

• Gaiters to keep grass and seeds out of shoes when wearing shorts (optional also available at Motsomi Curio Shop arrange with us before hand please)

• Long underwear (or silks) if you are coming in mid-winter.

• Relaxing clothes and shoes for the evening. Casual clothes for possible sightseeing.

• Swimsuit – for certain times of the year.

• Something to read or to do during the day or when sitting in a blind.

• Complete packing list of WHAT TO BRING ALONG is available on our website – download page:

https://www.motsomi.com/downloads/

Hunting Colours Muted colours like khaki, olive, green and brown work great, as well as camouflage in the same tones. No light khaki or beige for the bush. No ‘hunter orange’ or luminous warning badges or stripes are required.

Natural Fibre vs. synthetic Safari clothes made of natural fibres like cotton are far more comfortable and quiet when you are walking. There is the trend now to wear synthetic clothing. Synthetic clothing does not hold up in the thorny bush and can be noisy to walk in. In addition, your clothing may return from the laundry with a melted hole in them if you had not warned the ironing person.

Wear and Tear on clothing Don’t bring clothing that is too good to get torn by thorns, get permanently stained with mud, blood and other natural bush ‘ stains’ or undergoes subtle and not so subtle colour changes due to the sun.

Permethrin If you are susceptible to insect bites, consider treating your clothes with Permethrin to reduce insect bites. You can do this yourself with the many Permethrin products available or buy ready-impregnated clothes from

manufacturers like ‘Buzz Off’.

NOTE: Winter months have hardly

any insects.

Personal GearSuggested items to bring:

- Personal medicine - Bring extra prescription medicine that may be needed. Be sure to place it

in your carry on.

- Extra glasses. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, be sure to bring an extra pair.

- Toiletries

- Sunglasses

- Sunscreen

- Camera with extra memory sticks and extra batteries

- Video camera with enough sd cards/cd’s (Not a necessity)

- Binoculars

- Range finder (Not a necessity)

- Flashlight

- Insect Repellant

- Other hunting accessories you feel you will need

- Hair dryers are supplied in rooms as well as soap, shampoo and lotion. Towels are supplied and washed daily.

.

Health HintsGet fit! Get your body in condition for the rigors of an African buffalo and elephant hunt.

Pay attention to small details like getting the correctly fitting socks and boots.

Vaccinations or inoculations No special vaccinations are required coming into South Africa. Check with your physician, they may suggest a tetanus shot. However, if you plan to travel to other African countries, check requirements before leaving home.

Malaria Motsomi’s main hunting areas are in a Malaria Free zone. However, if you expect to travel in a malaria prevalent area, such as Sable Lodge/Buffalo Lodge, Kruger and Vic Falls precautions are advised. Malarone is a good choice but consult with your physician.

Drinking Water Tap water is safe throughout most of the country, but Motsomi Safaris always offers bottled water to clients.

Illness or Injury Check with your health insurance before you travel. You will be hunting in remote areas. We will strongly recommend you subscribing to Global Rescue. They will evacuate you from where you are and take you to the nearest medical facility to stabilize before taking you back to the states. For more info on this plan visit www.globalrescue.com.

Motsomi Safaris subscribes to Global Rescue for

their own employees.

Other informationElectricityThe current is 220/240 volts. Check if your appliances are compliant with 220V, most are except those with heating elements such as curling irons. An adapter plug will be provided to fit US plugs.

Currency The South African currency is the Rand. It is divided into cents. It is advisable not to carry too large amounts of cash. Unless you are travelling on your own, you will only need Rand for curios or gifts. You can exchange your US dollars for SA Rand at the airport in South Africa. Major credit cards are accepted at most larger shops or establishments. ATMs (Automatic Teller machines) are virtually everywhere for credit card use. Remember that the South African Rand is a fairly volatile currency and the exchange rate tends to change on a daily basis.

Motsomi Safaris does not accept personal checks, but do accept cash, bank wires and credit cards as payment. Please confirm type of payment prior to trip.

SafetyCrime and security in South Africa are much debated both locally and by the international media. Motsomi will not take you to any hot spots and out in the bush there is virtually no crime at all.

InsuranceTravel insurance is always a good idea, for yourself and your belongings, as well as for delaysand cancellations and other unexpected situations. Medical insurance is also a good idea, particularly if you are going to be in remote bush areas.

Communicating with family and friends in the USCellular telephones may be rented/purchased at major airports and at other outlets. We do recommend you rather take out an international calling plan on your US phone to use when you are in South Africa. South Africa’s international code is 01127 and for mobile phones just +27. To call out of Africa to the US precede all numbers with 001. Most of Motsomi’s lodges do have wifiin camp that you can use. If you are travelling in Kruger you might have limited internet. Please contact Motsomi if you have any other questions regarding this.

ClimateAfrica has a wide range of climate zones, although generally it may be considered to have a moderate climate. Chilly mornings, warm/sunny days and cool evenings are normal with a possibility of rain but very unlikely. Hunting is mostly done during the winter months from April to October, so you´ll be dealing with temperatures between 10°C/50°F and 32°C/100°F. Driekoppen Lodge is much colder and temperatures can be below 30°F, please check with us before you arrive.

Food and Drink

Your safari is designed with you in mind! When signing up for the safari, you will be asked to provide your food and drink likes, dislikes, allergies, and special requests. Catering can be done for specific dietary requirements.

The mornings are greeted with a traditional African brunch whilst the long, hot days are ended with a delicious three course African feast. Evenings are spent around a large log fire, with the roar of the wild in the distance many memories of a good day’s hunt are both shared and enjoyed by all.

Rifle , Handgun or Black Powder Hunting

Assume you have skills in the fundamentals of shooting – distance, aiming,

trigger squeeze, breath control and follow through. So what is going to be

different for a hunt in Africa?

Your new rifle

Lots of hunters buy a new rifle for hunting in Africa, often a larger calibre rifle specifically for dangerous

game. For some hunting clients, the first time they shoot that rifle is at the sighting-in range in the hunt

area – in Africa. Time and opportunity are pressing factors for everyone, but a hunter intent on having a

successful African hunt must get really familiar with the rifle(s) he is going to use. Try to go to a range to

get a feel for your firearm. Get to know your rifle like a woman knows her handbag. If it is a new high

calibre rifle learn not to be afraid of it and the recoil.

Shooting Positions

Include lots of different positions in your shooting practise, like sitting and kneeling, making use of trees

or sticks, anything else you can find for a rest – just get away from the bench. Practice shooting offhand

too, though this can sometimes be difficult to master. Most shots will be of tri-pod hunting sticks.

Practise at Home

If you don’t get the time or opportunity to go to the range then practise at home. Try dry firing,

getting into various positions, using sticks, using the sling etc.

Do your HomeworkThere is a lot to be said for getting your mind “in practice” for the hunt – start studying the animals you want, visualising shot placement and believing you will be successful.

Shooting SticksShooting sticks are commonly used in Africa and you would not believe how these can baffle a hunter who is not used to them. Sticks are mainly tripods but can also be a bipod on your hunt.

Make Shooting AutomaticPractise shooting quickly. Try to train yourself to make quick and sure shooting decisions, judging angles through sometimes thick cover.

Hunting with a Professional Hunter(PH)Most important.... Trust your PH! Hunting in Africa is different than going off on your own in the US. Your PH will guide you in positioning and shot placement. Listen and learn, he normally does this for 200+ days per year.

Bow Hunting

The best months to bow hunt are the dry winter months July to Oct. They are usually conducted in three ways:

BlindsMost hunting will be conducted from permanently constructed blinds. These

are situated approximately 20 yards from waterholes and salt licks. Some blinds are elevated from the ground, and others are ground blinds, depending on the terrain, sun and wind direction. These blinds are spacious and have roofs overhead. Shooting ports are adjustable to suit both standing and sitting archers.

StalkingThis method is used for the “more difficult” species or those that do not frequent waterholes. Some concessions offer the ideal terrain for this method. In April, May and June, thick vegetation makes it possible to get within bow range. You have to be an exceptional ”stalker” to be successful.

OpportunityThis includes a variety of hunting methods. The most used is locating animals while cruising in a 4x4 vehicle. A large area can be covered using this method without losing valuable time walking through dead terrain. Once game has been sighted the stalk is planned and the vehicle drives off leaving the hunter and his PH in a suitable position. A PH can also select an active game trail used by a specific trophy and erect a tree stand or temporary blind.

Game Identification and Shot Placement

Shot placement is a key element in hunting African animals. It is different than most North American animals. Study shot placement for the animals you want to hunt. If you miss the vitals (heart/lung), you are standing the risk of loosing your animal.

Follow this link to access the Shot Placement Guide on our Website:

https://www.motsomi.com/downloads/

African Hunt ExpectationsAs with any hunting experience, you need to have realistic expectations. Be sure you communicate your expectations to us during the planning stage of your safari and to your PH. You will get out of the experience what you put into it.

Shot OpportunityMotsomi will provide an opportunity to shoot specified species for a client who is assumed to be a reasonable shot and reasonably capable of getting themselves around. The hunter must be fully prepared for the hunt (physically fit, proficient with your weapon, comfortable boots, etc).

Missing or Wounding an AnimalYou pay for every animal dead or wounded, even though you might not recover it. Please keep this in mind and discuss it with your PH before you keep shooting at animals.

Viewing Game AnimalsIf you want to have a game viewing trip, we will help you plan a trip to one of the many game parks. When hunting, rememberyou are hunting in the wilderness, and may not see animals around every corner. Animals are free to move around in hunting concessions and may require you to work hard for quality and success.

Unforeseen Circumstances - Be FlexibleA hunter in Africa should understand from the outset that there are events that are genuinely beyond an outfitter’s control. Motsomi strives to provide you with the best experience possible. For example, if it rains during a bow hunt, animals will no longer need to come to a waterhole. It is possible that your PH will move you to another location, or offer rifle hunting. But be sure that we will do everything possible to ensure your success and satisfaction.

What makes a Memorable Hunt?It is more than shooting animals, it is the entire experience. It is the sights, sounds, and smells of the African Bush, the camaraderie around the campfire, the hard hunts, and the successes. It is the little things like seeing a dung beetle, watching a giraffe drink water, or watching a brilliant sunset. You are creating memories of a life time.

Getting your Trophies homeYour trophies will be fully skinned and salted after every hunt. You need to decide if you would like your trophies done in South Africa by a South African Taxidermist or if you would like them to be shipped to the States and be done there. Who you would like to use is entirely your decision. We work closely with the following companies:

Taxidermist SA - Nylstroom Taxidermy – Talk to Paul. Turn around time for your trophies will be anything from 10 – 12 months. Please visit link below if you would like more info.

http://nyltaxidermy.com/

Taxidermist US – Artistic Visions Wildlife Taxidermy – Talk to Aaron. Your trophies will be dip and packed in SA and then send to the US for mounting.. Please visit link below if you would like more info.

https://www.artisticvisionswildlife.com/

Dip and Pack –Swift Dip – Talk to Natasha. They will prepare your raw but dried trophies for export and will send it to you within 3 months. Please visit link below if you would like more info from them.http://www.swiftdip.co.za/

Shipping Companies – We use different companies. They will ship out your trophies mainly by air or sometimes by boat to a destination of your choice. Please let us know if you need more info regarding this.