Below is a step-by-step explanation on how to plan and book your safari with us. Should you need any other information please feel free to contact us, or one of our agents in the US.
You can find their contact details at the bottom of this page.
Where and what to hunt
First you will have to decide on one/or more of our hunting areas namely:
South Africa: Plains-game, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile, Lion
Central Namibia: Plains-game, Leopard, Rhino
Caprivi – Northern Namibia: Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, Cape Buffalo, Lion
Botswana: Elephant
Tailored Hunting Safari Proposals
Once you’ve decided on your preferred hunting location and species, we will create a personalized proposal based on your selections. This proposal will outline your safari experience, giving you two different options for how your trip can be structured:
Option 1: Standard Safari Package (Most Common)
The Standard Safari Package is designed for hunters looking to experience a flexible, enjoyable hunt with luxury accommodations. This option is priced on a daily rate, multiplied by the number of hunting days you choose. During your safari, you can add animals to your hunt as opportunities arise. Our extensive price list includes a wide range of species available for hunting.
What’s included:
- Luxury Accommodation
- All Meals & Soft Drinks
- Airport Transfers (to and from international airports)
- A Professional Hunter to guide you throughout the hunt
- Recovery, Skinning, and Field Dressing of Harvested Animals
This package offers a relaxed yet comprehensive hunting experience, making it ideal for hunters who wish to select animals on the go and enjoy a range of services throughout their stay.
Option 2: Big Game & Dangerous 7 Hunts (For more specialized hunts)
If you’re looking to hunt the Big 5 or pursue any of the Dangerous 7 species, we offer a specialized package tailored specifically for these types of hunts. This option is best suited for hunters who seek an exclusive experience and involves travel from South Africa to Namibia, which requires chartered flights. Typically, these hunts are part of a 14-day+ safari.
This package will be fully customized based on your desired species and hunting area, ensuring you have the best opportunity to pursue your dream game.
In Both Options:
- Additional trophies can be added from our price list as opportunities arise during your hunt.
- All guests are personally greeted upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) or Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek), and we’ll arrange transportation to and from the airports for the duration of your safari.
- Add-on tours and photo safari day trips are available, allowing you to experience even more of the stunning African landscapes and wildlife.
General Safari Information
At Kaiwhai Safaris, we understand that booking an African safari can raise a lot of questions. Our team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, providing expert advice and tailored recommendations to ensure your hunt is everything you’ve dreamed of. Whether by email, phone, or WhatsApp, we’re available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries or to share real-time information as you plan your journey.
Booking Confirmation
Once you’ve selected your safari package, we will send you a detailed proposal along with a contract. After reviewing and signing the contract, a deposit of US$2000 will be required to confirm your booking. The exact deposit may vary depending on the nature of the safari.
Flights to Africa
You can book direct flights to either O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (South Africa) or Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek (Namibia). If you don’t have a travel agent, we can recommend a trusted partner to help arrange your flights and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Let us help you plan your dream African safari – we look forward to making it an unforgettable adventure!
Please follow the link to our page for flights and bookings:
If you are a US citizen, you only need a valid passport with two clean pages to travel to South Africa. If you are NOT a US citizen, you might require a visa.
Importation of hunting rifles
A temporary import permit from the South African Police Service is required to bring your rifle into South Africa. Follow this link to our web page to assist you in bringing your own rifle:
We will also put you in contact with Mr X (our contact at the airport), who will assist you with this process and meet you at customs at the airport to clear your rifle upon arrival.
Arrival at the airport
We will personally meet you at the airport and help you to collect your rifle. From there we will drive out to the Lodge. From OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg – South Africa) it is a 2-hour drive to our lodge and from Hosea Kutako Airport (Windhoek – Namibia) it is 2 ½ hours’ drive.
Health Precautions
No shots are needed for South Africa. Our hunting area is Malaria and yellow fever free. Malaria medication is required if you are traveling to the Caprivi. Please contact us if you need more info.
Hunting Areas
Please follow the link to our page for hunting areas:
Weather and Temperatures
Namibia and South Africa’s seasons are reversed from the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. So summer here is when its winter up north. For the most part, early mornings are crisp and cool but warm up around 9am. Mid-days are sunny and warm but it can start cooling down from late afternoons and can range a great deal, so you must pack to dress in layers each day.
What to wear
Laundry is done daily at all of our lodges so you dont need tons of clothes: khaki or camo works, so whatever you prefer. A range of temperatures may be experienced in one day so dressing in layers is advisable. Please see the recommended “What to bring on an African Safari” for more detailed guidelines:
Payment after your Safari
We require a small deposit to secure your booking for your trip. After the safari, the balance can be paid in USD cash or via wire transfer before departure. We do have an American Bank Account with First Citizens Bank. Please make necessary arrangements ahead of time with your bank or a friend to make this payment on your behalf. We have found that the easiest is to make an electronic payment from your banking app or website.
Payment of other items
For puchases of gifts and souvenirs you can always use your credit card so local currency is not really needed. Most stores outside of the airport WILL NOT accept dollars. Most stores WILL accept ONLY MASTERCARD AND VISA credit cards, and not AMEX or DISCOVER. We will assist you to exchange Dollars into Rands at the airport should you require to do so.
South Africa’s currency is called “RAND” – the symbol is R.
Namibia’s currency is called “Namibian Dollar” – the symbol is N$.
Your trophies after the hunt
The field preparation is done on the hunting property. After that your trophies will be taken to our taxidermy. Our local taxidermy, Mr Raymond Hoffman will personally meet you at the lodge to discuss what you would like to do with your trophies. There are 3 options:
- Do the taxidermy work in South Africa and ship the completed trophies to your country of residence.
- Dip & pack your trophies and send it to your country of residence.
- Tan & pack your trophies and send it to your country of residence.
Please click here for more info on the options for Taxidermy of your trophies.
Tipping
“How much should I tip my PH? How much should I tip the skinner/tracker & Lodge staff?”
It is always a difficult question to answer. Tips are by no means obligatory and are at your own discretion.
Here are some suggestions – merely a point of reference:
Tips can be given in US Dollars or included in your final check when you pay for your safari.
On a typical basic 7-10 Day safari to the value of US$8,000 – US$10,000, the average tip for the Professional Hunter is around 10% of the total value of the hunt.
On a big game hunt, the tip is generally more than on a plains game hunt.
We recommend US$30 per Skinner (3 skinners usually), for the entire trip.
The lodge hostess and supporting staff may be tipped at your discretion. For a 7 day stay at a lodge we recommend about US$ 50 for each: Hostess, cook, laundress, servants, and other supporting staff on duty. It will, more or less, amount to 3 staff members at most of our hunting lodges. Please ask us for an envelope and then present it to the Hunting Outfitter.
Tips are greatly appreciated by our lodge staff as a sing of appreciation.