Frequently Asked Questions

Your motto is, “Come prepared to walk and stalk the game.” Jut how good a shape do I need to be in?
When is the hunting season and how long is it?
What rifle or rifles do I need to bring?
How long are my shots likely to be?
What is a typical hunting day like?
What type and how much clothing and gear do I need?
What is the difference between your package hunts and a traditional safari?
Can I make substitutions in a package and do I get a refund if I do not get some of the animals?
Am I expected to tip the staff?
How difficult is it to secure the proper gun permits?
Should I buy trip/travel insurance?
Do you make travel arrangements?
What do I do to book my safari?
Why is the deposit non-refundable?
Do I need any special vaccinations or medicines to visit the Eastern Cape?
How many other hunters can I expect in camp?
If I should tire of hunting do you offer any non-hunting activities?
In addition to hunting I wish to visit other tourist attractions in the area. Do you arrange such pre or post hunt activities?
How do I get my trophies home?

Your motto is, “Come prepared to walk and stalk the game.” Jut how good a shape do I need to be in? It is more important that you be able to walk a few hundred yards quietly than to be able to cover longer distances. Of course, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy your hunt. If you are not very active we recommend you start walking several times a week several weeks before your Safari. If you can work up to doing a mile at a brisk pace without resting you'll be more than ready for your hunt. If possible work a little hill climbing into your exercise regimen. You will be hunting in a very game rich environment so the need to walk great distances is not necessary. That said, the terrain of the Eastern Cape can be rough and steep, intimidating to many hunters. Therefore, if you are in poor condition or have some disability which could prevent you from negotiating the country, PLEASE let us know in advance. If you'll let your Professional Hunter (PH) know your limitations up front a lot of the rough and steep terrain can be avoided.
When is the hunting season and how long is it? In South Africa the wildlife belongs to the land owner, therefore they do not have hunting seasons in the sense we do here in the United States. Technically the game could be hunted all year. However, we limit our hunting to mid-March through August. Remember, you are in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are reversed. The above is the equivalent to mid-September through February here in the States.
What rifle or rifles do I need to bring? First, bring a rifle you are familiar with and can shoot well. In other words, do not buy a new rifle just for your safari a few days or weeks before departure time. If bringing only one rifle (our recommendation) it must be capable of taking the largest animal you plan to hunt. Unless eland is on the menu something in the 270/30-06 class with good quality bullets (Barnes, Trophy Bonded, Swift A-Frame, Nosler Partition, etc) should be considered a minimum. If eland is on the menu then one of the 300 magnums or preferably one of the 338 magnums, or larger, is recommended, again with premium bullets. If bringing two rifles, a fast 6mm. or 25 caliber, even a 22 centerfire, all with premium bullets would work as your light rifle. In such a case your large rifle would likely be a 30 caliber or larger. Now, why do we recommend one rifle? In Africa you never know what may step out. Say you are stalking a springbuck with your super accurate 22-250 and at 250 yards the kudu of a lifetime steps out. It is very unlikely your PH would allow you to try a shot at a 600-700 pound animal with such a light rifle, thus a great opportunity is lost. Scopes? You really don’t need anything bigger than a good quality 3x9 variable, with the emphasis on “good quality.” Ammo? If bringing two rifles, 40 rounds per rifle should be adequate. If bringing one rifle, 60 rounds should be enough.
How long are my shots likely to be? This is one area where you need to be totally honest with your PH. The Eastern Cape terrain and vegetation lend themselves to rather long, 200-300 yard, cross canyon shots. However, if you are not comfortable taking shots at such ranges, be sure your PH knows. He will go to great lengths to get you as close as you need to be. That said, most of us can learn to reliably make such shots on game. The key is practice, practice, practice. Sight your rifle in at a minimum of 200 yards and know your bullets trajectory out to as far as you feel comfortable shooting. Once the rifle is sighted in forget the bench rest. Your PH or the tracker will carry a set of long shooting sticks (best when shooting standing up). But a significant number of your shots can be taken from the sitting position. We have had excellent success with the Stoney Point Shooting Stix. They are light weight and readily adjustable for elevation by simply moving the sticks closer together or farther apart. You need to practice from sticks both standing and sitting. Another bit of advice, having something solid to rest the right elbow on (left elbow for lefties) makes shooting from sticks much steadier. The rest could be a convenient boulder or your PH’s knee or shoulder, if standing. Again, know your own shooting limitations and let your PH know!
What is a typical hunting day like? You'll be up before daylight and after a light breakfast of coffee, tea, juice, and rusk (something similar to a dry granola bar but homemade) you'll be off. If kudu and/or bushbuck are on the menu you will spend the first couple hours of daylight on a “stand” watching habitat where these cover loving species are likely to be seen. Likewise the last couple hours of daylight will be spent on such a stand, until you have taken your kudu/bushbuck. After the morning hunt you will return to camp for a full blown breakfast. Then it is off to more open country to hunt springbuck, impala, blesbuck, etc. These animals can be hunted productively all day long. Or you may get to take a nap! After the evening stand for kudu/bushbuck you'll return to camp, probably after dark. You'll have time to shower, put on your freshly laundered cloths and adjourn to the campfire for a pre-dinner drink and to visit with your hunting companions before dinner. Dinner is typically a three course affair, starting with an appetizer or soup, followed by an entrée consisting of a delicious venison dish and locally grown vegetables, and capped by a mouth watering desert. It is then back to the campfire for an after dinner drink and to finish rehashing the day’s hunt. Its then to bed and the all too soon wakeup to start all over again. On average you will take one animal per day of hunting. However, kudu and bushbuck which have habits similar to our elk and whitetails, can be tough to get.
What type and how much clothing and gear do I need? One of the good things about hunting in Africa is that it does not take a lot of clothing or gear. Typically your gun case and a medium sized duffle will carry all your needs. Daily laundry is a fact of life so 2-3 changes of hunting clothes and 4 changes of underwear and socks is about all that is required. In June and July it can get rather cool in the morning, below freezing, so a good windproof jacket, gloves and possibly a stocking cap or other warm headgear is advisable. Since there is no shooting from the vehicle you will not be riding around in the back of an open pick-up. A lightweight packable rain suit is also a good idea. Even on the cold mornings it will usually warm up nicely, 50-70 degrees, by mid-day, so it is good to layer one’s clothing. If you book a hunt we will provide you with a detailed list of necessary clothing and other gear.
What is the difference between your package hunts and a traditional safari? First let me describe a traditional safari. On such a hunt you contract for a specified number of hunting days at the current daily rate fee. You then pay current trophy fees for the animals you take. You must also pay the trophy fee on any animals wounded and lost. On a package hunt you are contracting for a specific number of hunting days and a specific package of animals. As a rule package hunts usually cost about 10% or so less than if you did a traditional safari for the same number of days and the same animals. As with the traditional safari, if you wound an animal and it is not recovered, that animal is considered taken. On a package hunt our obligation is met if we provide you with a reasonable opportunity to take a mature specimen of the package animals. Other game may be taken on a package hunt by paying the current trophy fee. In short, a package can be priced cheaper because we know we have sold a certain number of animals. Most first time African hunters are content with packages because they are put together to include the species most first time hunters want. Later on a hunter may want to use a traditional safari as his desire for less common game develops or if he wants to hunt for exceptional trophies.
Can I make substitutions in a package and do I get a refund if I do not get some of the animals? Because of the discounted price of packages, substitutions are not allowed. As previously stated, you can take additional animals at the current trophy fee. Neither do we offer refunds if you fail to get some of the package animals. Over the past several years we have a 95% success on package hunts. Most hunters who failed to get all their package animals either missed or passed up acceptable animals in hopes of a larger one. As previously stated our obligation is met if we provide you with a reasonable opportunity to take a mature specimen of each package animal. On the positive side, over the same time period approximately 90% of the game taken with Mankazana Safaris has made the SCI record book. This includes game taken on package hunts. If you are a serious trophy hunter and wish to hold out for exceptional trophies we recommend you book a traditional safari. Having said that, we do not reserve our exceptional animals for hunters booking traditional safaris. If booking a package and the first kudu you see is an exceptional gold medal trophy, you will be allowed to take him.
Am I expected to tip the staff? Yes, tipping is expected. Some hunters like to bring inexpensive gifts for the camp staff and perhaps give their PH a pair of binoculars or a hunting knife. However, the preferred tip is cash. After all, one can only use so many tee shirts or binoculars. No one in the safari business is getting rich, especially the camp staff and the PH’s. Even the outfitters are not making a killing. Besides, you will be treated so well that you will want to show your appreciation by tipping. As for tipping guidelines, for your PH a good starting point is the equivalent of the daily rate for one days hunting, this for the entire hunt. If you think he deserves more let your pocketbook be your guide. As for the camp staff, about $15 per day for everyone is a good starting point. If you are paying for more than one person in your party, say a child or spouse, another $5 per person per day is about right. In the past we have also tipped the tracker separately, usually at the rate of $10-$15 per day. Typically all tips are given at the end of the safari and are paid to the PH or outfitter when you settle up. You tell him who gets what and he will see that everyone gets their tips.
How difficult is it to secure the proper gun permits? In South Africa the gun permit is free and is actually not that difficult to get. However, the application form can be very intimidating. Currently if you arrive with the permit application properly filled out it will probably take 45 minutes to two plus hours to get through the line and receive your permit. The time depends on the number of hunters on your flight. You have another option, which we recommend. There are several outfits in South Africa who can secure your permit in advance, avoiding waiting in line. Of course there is a charge for this service. If you want to do it on your own we will assist you with the permit application. If you wish to get your permit in advance, avoiding waiting in line, we will provide contact info for those who offer this service. One other thing that is very important. Before leaving the US you must take your rifles to the nearest US Customs office (usually at the nearest large airport) and fill out US Customs Form 4457. This form can also be used to prove ownership of other gear such as cameras, video equipment, binoculars, etc. There is only one copy of this form filled out and it is given to you. The form serves two purposes. First, in South Africa it serves as a proof of ownership of your firearms. FYI the US is the only major nation on the face of this old earth where the citizens are not required to have some sort of permit or license to own a firearm. If you appreciate this fact, thank the NRA and if you’re not a member you need to join. Second, when you return to the US it shows our Customs folks that these are indeed the rifles, or other gear, you took out of the country with you, making your return much easier.
Should I buy trip/travel insurance? Given the fact that you are booking your hunt and making a substantial non-refundable deposit a year or more in advance it is certainly in your interest to secure travel insurance immediately after your deposit is made. We offer for sale the Sportsman’s Travel Protection Plan by Travel Guard which is tailored to hunters and fishermen.

CLICK HERE to review the coverage and to purchase a policy. You get a few extra perks if you purchase a policy within 15 days of booking your hunt. You need to purchase enough insurance to cover your non-refundable deposit(s) and the non-refundable portion of your airfare. We recommend that you also consider purchasing the optional Medical Coverage Upgrade which doubles the medical and evacuation coverage, among other things. We have used this company on several occasions and recommend it highly.
Do you make travel arrangements? We are a small Mom and Pop (literally) operation, so we do not make final travel arrangements. We will help you plan your itinerary so you know exact dates when you contact a travel agency. We do recommend a travel agency which specializes in travel for international hunters. Of course you are at liberty to book with any agency you please, but be advised there are some special considerations for travel with firearms within South Africa the average travel agency may not be aware of.
What do I do to book my safari? A non-refundable 50% deposit guarantees your safari and hunting dates. If booking two or more years out a 25% deposit now with another 25% due within 12 months not only locks in your safari and hunt dates, but also locks you in at current rates. The balance is payable to the outfitter in cash or American traveler checks prior to the start of your safari.
Why is the deposit non-refundable? As soon as you book a hunt several things take place. First your hunt dates are set aside to make sure no other hunters are booked at the same time. Other planning also begins to make sure your hunt is the enjoyable experience you want it to be. If we did allow cancellations it may be difficult or impossible to book other hunters into your time slot on short notice. Your best protection is trip/travel insurance. See FAQ 11 for additional info.
Do I need any special vaccinations or medicines to visit the Eastern Cape? The Eastern Cape of South Africa is free of malaria and all of the other infectious diseases typically associated with Africa. However, you should check with your physician to see what he recommends. A vaccination for hepatitis A&B and an up-to-date tetanus vaccination are normally all that are necessary.
How many other hunters can I expect in camp? It is most unusual for there to be any hunters in camp other than your hunting party.
If I should tire of hunting do you offer any non-hunting activities? Yes, should you or a non-hunting observer tire of hunting we offer a variety of non-hunting activities ranging from visits to local rock art sites, nearby game reserves, shopping excursions, and even fishing trips. If the hunter takes part in these activities there is no additional charge. However, if a non-hunting observer wishes to take part in the offered activities and the hunter DOES NOT, there will be an additional fee to cover an extra guide and vehicle.
In addition to hunting I wish to visit other tourist attractions in the area. Do you arrange such pre or post hunt activities? In some cases we can actually make such arrangements for you or we can recommend other facilities. Such activities will be arranged independent of your hunting safari. If you prefer a pre-hunt activity we will arrange to pick you up at the conclusion of the activity and transport you to the hunting area, assuming the activity is in the Eastern Cape. If a post-hunt activity, we will drop you off at the activity site, again assuming it is in the Eastern Cape, and you will be dependent on them to get you back to the airport in Port Elizabeth.
How do I get my trophies home? Your trophies will be shipped to you via air freight, probably several months after you return from your safari. Some freight forwarders require you to pay the freight charge up front, requiring you to wire funds to Africa, while others will ship COD. Cost varies depending on whether you are shipping finished taxidermy mounts or capes and skulls. Taxidermy is cheaper in Africa so some hunters opt to have it done there. However, the increased freight charge for the larger crate may negate any savings on the taxidermy work. Shop wisely in this regard. Your trophies can be shipped to only a few airports, identified by our Fish and Wildlife Service as ports of entry. Google “USFWS port of entry” and then look for “designated ports” for a list. Clearing your trophies through Customs, USDA, and USFWS is rather complex, plus it may be taking place at an airport many miles from your home. We recommend you secure the services of a customs broker to handle this task. If we do not know of a brokerage firm at the port of entry nearest you, we will help you find one. Once the shipment is cleared you can pick it up or the broker will arrange truck transportation to your home. There is a fee for the broker and any surface transportation of your trophies.