Climate:
South Africa has a varied climate, with the northern provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga experiencing generally hot and rainy summers (October to April) and mild, dry winters (May to September).  The Western Cape climate is more Mediterranean with cold and wet winters and hot, dry summers.  KwaZulu Natal is hot and humid in summer and warm in winter. The use of a hat and sunscreen is highly recommended. Here is a table of average temperature and rainfall recorded in Vaalwater (the closest town to our main lodge). This is an idea of what the weather will be like.  The table is in Fahrenheit and inches.

Here’s a link to a weather station that is at our Main Lodge in Vaalwater.  CLICK HERE 

eCommunication:
We have Wi-Fi available at the lodge and limited cell service. If you bring along your phone, get an international plan. In an emergency, one of our phone numbers will always work.

Documentation:
You will be required to complete and sign an “Indemnity form”, as well as a “Hunt Contract” between the Hunter and Outfitter, before you arrive at the lodge. As soon as your dates are confirmed we will send you copies of the documentation for you to review and sign.

Electricity:
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 volts.  Van Wijk Safaris has adaptors and converters for your convenience. High wattage appliance like hairdryers and curling irons do not convert well. We do have these available so no need to pack it. If in doubt, send us an email to see if your equipment will work here.

South Africa currently has what we call Loadshedding (similar to brownouts).  Sometimes this will occur during the night.  If you use a CPAP machine, please make sure to pack a battery pack.

Entry Regulations:
Travellers from the USA do not require a Visa. A passport must be valid at least 60 days after the end of your trip and must contain at least two unused pages. 

If you are traveling with children under 18, please consider bringing along an unabridged birth certificate. If only one parent is traveling with minor, he/she needs an affidavit from the absent parent along with the unabridged birth certificate.

Medical:
Although we do everything in our power to keep you safe, we very strongly advise you to take out Medical Evacuation Insurance with GLOBAL RESCUE. Download their SERVICE DESCRIPTION and APPLICATION here. South Africa does not require any shots for entry.  We recommend that you keep your Tetanus up to date. Travellers are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against Malaria. We have 2 medical doctors in Vaalwater. At least one of them is always on duty and is only 6 miles away.

Payment:

Van Wijk Safaris accepts cash or credit cards (VISA and Master Card only – No American Express is accepted) as payment for your hunt or tour. Deposits may be paid by cheque, sent to our Maryland address. (You may bring a cheque with as a back-up) Please EMAIL us for more details.
Remember to let your bank know that you will be leaving the country and using your card in South Africa.

Rifle Importation:
If you want to bring your own rifle to hunt with, it is not a problem at all.  There is a process and some paperwork that you will need to have, but this is no big deal. We strongly suggest a Pre-Issued Permit.  We will gladly assist with this process.  Please note that we need the documentation at least 5 weeks before arrival. To Export your rifle out of the USA, you will need to go to your local Customs office and get a stamped & signed US 4457. Please make sure that the printed date, in the top right-hand corner of your US4457 is the year that your hunt will be taking place.  You will also need a Letter of Invitation from van Wijk Safaris and a Motivation Letter.  We will need some information from you for the Letter, but can finalize this as soon as you let us know you are bringing your own rifle. To import your rifle into South Africa you will need to complete a SAP520 form.

Taxidermy and Exporting your Trophies:
If you have a reliable taxidermist in the USA, we recommend you make use of the Packing and Dipping services that SWIFT DIP offers. If you opt for the option of using a South African based Taxidermist, we recommend BULL’S EYE TAXIDERMY . Please contact us for more information and price lists for both these companies. Shipping is a volumetric measurement and is very hard to estimate.  If you are interested, we can get an estimate from a shipping company.  We will need to know the animals that you wish to hunt. Shipping is not included in the Taxidermy or Pack & Dip Fees. All taxidermies has their own shipping companies that they recommend.  This is something that you as the client can choose.  van Wijk Safaris recommend Safari Air Cargo Systems. We will deliver your trophies to any South African taxidermist free of charge.

Tips/Gratuities:
Tipping is customary and appreciated. We at van Wijk Safaris believe that a tip should be deserved and not demanded. Tipping will be left up to your own discretion. We can email you a suggestion upon request.

VAT (Value Added Tax)
VAT of 15% will be charged on all animals wounded and not recovered.  VAT can be claimed back at the airport if you can show the physical item on your invoice (wounded and lost animals as well as day fees cannot be claimed).