Vehicles and Hunting

On your South African hunting safari Richard Holmes Safaris offers only fair chase hunting.  4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers are used to locate game.  Thereafter walk and stalk, ambush or wait - This is NOT physically difficult as stalks are usually not long. Rifle shots are taken at an average of 200 yards (180 m), however fairly regularly closer shots present themselves, so please dont panic about the 200 yard average. But Please practice shooting with sticks and bipods at 200 yards (standing and sitting), as that elusive one you want may well require this distance ! Your PH ( Professional Hunter ) will not expect you to shoot beyond your comfort range and will attempt to get you within your comfort shooting range.

Hunting Season

The  hunting season runs from February to November.

Certain species require advance notification to obtain the necessary permits and quotas.

Firearms

We recommend a bolt action rifle, scope of 4-12 or larger, about .30 calibre  with  2 - 3 lbs trigger pull and a 28" Harris Bipod attached to the rifle for plains game hunting.  

We have a bench rest and targets for zeroing.  Use soft point bullets.  Solid copper bullets ( FMJ) are not allowed.  Your tried and trusted rifle with which you have shot big game before is the best.

South African Customs will issued you a permit for your firearms on your arrival in Johannesburg.  You must get this permit even if your guns do not arrive with you.   Do not lose this permit.

Locktite all as long distance travel causes screws to come lose ( stock and scope screws = all )

Trophy Handling

Fully trained trackers and skinners are provided.  Trophies are cured (salted, dried and cleaned on the ranch ) and picked up by a local taxidermist for shipping and/or mounting and secure packing - see  www.taxidermyafrica.com

General

We provide clients with a list of things/equipment to bring and Travel Hints.  Please read and follow all Travel Hints to make your journey and your safari easier. Click here for more info.

All export permits, trophy documentation for packing of trophies and freight are arranged by us  (100% success rate over many years).  All your trophies get home in one piece with no hassles.

Daily Routine

Wake before sunrise. Coffee/Tea/Snack at base. Go hunting before sunrise.
Brunch/picnic while hunting.  We are out most of the day and your food and drinks are with you on the truck.
Evening sit-down dinner or BBQ at base LODGE.

Liability

Clients will be expected to sign indemnity absolving Richard Holmes Safaris from any accident, illness, loss or damage. All necessary safety precautions will be taken.

Side Trips

For any of our guests who wish to enhance their South African visit or for spouses and other non-hunters we offer a variety of interesting side trips and activities.  Please click here for more info.