Import of Rifles

Firearms and Documents

We at Kuche Safaris are hunters not experts on ballistics. However, we base our knowledge on experience that we gained in the field about what works and what not.

Bring a rifle that you are used too and feel comfortable with. A good accurate rifle, with a good penetration ability. African animals are tough and doesn’t bleed a lot, therefore shotplacement are more important than calibre although it goes hand in hand.

I have seen Impala and Warthogs going for miles after shots with big calibre rifles and then we have seen Eland killed with a 7mm calibre. Thus it is all about shot placement which the very most important part of your hunt.

It is therefore very important that you bring a rifle you can trust and one you are used to.We recommend 300 calibres upwards for bigger plainsgame. You will need about 40 rounds of good Ammo. Remember a dollar more for a good bullet is not a lot of money when you shoot at an expensive trophy animal.

Although there’s a few rumors about the importation of your rifle in South Africa, 90% of them are not true. If you follow these easy steps, you will have no problems on your arrival in SA. It is really easy to bring rifles into South Africa.

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM AND SEND TO US BY E-MAIL (HUNT@KUCHE.CO.ZA) IN ORDER TO ASSIST YOU IN REQUIRING YOUR RIFLE IMPORTATION PERMIT FOR SOUTH-AFRICA. THIS IS FREE OF CHARGE ALTHOUGH THERE IS COMPANIES THAT MIGHT CHARGE YOU FOR THIS SERVICE.

Importation of rifles

  • A temporary import permit (SAPS 520) from the South African police service is required to bring your rifle into South Africa. This permit is issued on your arrival at Johannesburg.
  • There are companies and individuals offering an importation service at a fee. It is not necessary, if you follow these easy steps it will save you money.
  • You are allowed to bring 2 rifles per peron (NOT OF THE SAME CALIBER) and 5 pounds of ammunition for each rifle.
  • We will apply for the permit on your behalf for free if you send us the next documentation.
  • Documentation needed are;
  • a. Copies of passport,
  • b. Stamped customs declaration form DA 4457
  • c. Airline Itinerary.
  • d. Please complete the Rifle importation sheet under documentation on our website.
  • e. We will have your letter of invitation with us on your arrival but if you decide to use a rifle broker we can reccommend Adel at www.hunterspermitsafrica.co.za @ $130 USD
  • NO semi-automatic/automatic rifles or 2x rifles of the same caliber is allowed.

Hints

  • South African professional hunters mainly use shooting sticks as the grass are normally to high for bi-pods.We recommend that you practice form shooting sticks in a standing position.You will do most of your shooting in this way.
  • Shooting distances vary from 30 – 200 yards in the Limpopo province and up to 300 yards in other areas. For your comfort we have hunting rifles available. Ammunition can be bought in town. For the conditions you will be hunting with a good telescope with a 4X – 6X which will be adequate.
  • Make copies of all the documents and have them put away in your hand luggage together with your plane ticket and passport on arrival.
  • We personally use .280 Remington and 30-06 with ammo weighing about 160gr for all our plainsgame. Therefor a .270, 30-06 & .300 will do well.
  • Barnes TSX bullets perform very well on African game.