Testimonials
Because sharing your memories is important.
FAQ
Answering all your questions
HUNTING
How big are your concessions?
We hunt on various properties amounting to about 150 000 acres (± 90 000 hectares).
Can I hunt from a vehicle?
We strongly disagree with hunting from a vehicle, unless you are medically unfit. Hunting to us means fair chase, free range and wild.
When is the South African hunting season?
We hunt on concessions that have permits, allowing us to hunt all year round. Our peak season is in our winter months, ranging from May until September.
Are the animals I am going to hunt free roaming (wild) or canned?
We truly dislike the term “canned”. Due to human intervention across the globe and through the centuries, one might consider all animals to be canned one way or another. All our concessions have fences around them, this however does not mean that you will be hunting canned or tame animals. All the animals are free roaming, within natural populations or herds. We believe in fair chase, free range hunting, where the art of the hunt is outsmarting the animal, not trapping it.
Can I change my mind on the animals to hunt?
At the end of the day, you pay for the animals you harvest (or wound). However, if you choose to change your package, you can either swop you animal with an animal of equal value, or higher. We will try to accommodate you as far as we can, certain species are pre-booked, speak to your guide for alternatives.
Can I rent a rifle from you?
Yes, almost 90% of our clients prefer to rent a rifle from us as this makes travelling so much easier.
How far do I need to be able to shoot?
If you are hunting with a rifle, the average shot you need to take is 300 yards (that’s about 280 meters). Most of the shooting is added with shooting sticks. You can practice this in preparation if you have a pair. Hennie has also made a little DIY shooting sticks video which is available on our Facebook page.
We have two methods of bow hunting, hunting from a blind and walk and stalk. If you are hunting from a blind the shot would be an average of 30 yards (28 meters), when walking and stalking be prepared to shoot at least 50-60 yards (50 meters).
What rifle would you recommend?
For plains game, minimum calibre is a 7mm or larger. A .300WIN MAG is a good all-rounder, but you might also consider 30.06, .270 or a .243 for smaller game. If you are hunting dangerous game, the minimum calibre recommended is a .375 H&H and larger.
What species can I hunt?
You can browse our price list for the 40 species, from the Tiny 10 to Dangerous Game, on offer across our concessions.
What type of hunting do you do?
For rifle hunting we use spot, walk and stalk (walk and stalk for short), where we drive, either until we spot an animal, or from a vantage point where we would scan the area until a suitable animal is identified. Once the animal has been identified, your PH will get you as close and as comfortable as you need to make a shot. If you are hunting with a bow, and depending on the species you are hunting, you will either be placed in a blind or do spot, walk and stalk.
What happens if I miss or wound an animal?
Our Professional Hunters are trained and experienced, they will make you as comfortable as possible, and guide you in making the perfect shot. In the event that you miss an animal, your PH will first determine if you have missed the shot, or wounded the animal. We have long standing and good relationships with landowners, and would not, out of respect for the animal leave a wounded animal. If your PH has spotted blood, we have blood hounds and experienced trackers to track down your wounded animal. We will do everything in our power to retrieve your animal. However, if we do not succeed in finding your animal, that animal would be counted as a hunted animal and be ticked off on your list, and therefore you will need to pay.
What is the difference between a management animal (cull) and a trophy?
Because we believe in free range, fair chase hunting, the populations and herds you are hunting from are wild populations managed by landowners for exceptional genetics and therefore trophies. Management or cull animals, affected by drought or disease, overpopulated in certain areas (eg. Springbuck) or bad genetics, where we then hunt animals that either has not reached maturity, females in some cases, or old, that would not have the horn length or skin condition of a good trophy. Vermin or damage causing animals may also fall in this category. Where a trophy animal is normally a male animal that has reached maturity. In this case, the animal might also be old, with little or no teeth, but with a good or exceptional horn measurements, where the animal is being taken out of the population, and often replaced by new generations or new genetics (to eliminate inbreeding).
GENERAL
What does the word "Umzingeli" mean?
In Xhosa, the word Umzingeli roughly translates to Big Hunter.
How many days would you recommend for my hunting safari?
We advise between five and seven days, trust us when we say the days goes by so fast.
What does 2:1 and 1:1 mean?
1:1 means one hunter (client) guided by one professional hunter. The hunter may be accompanied by an observer for example husband and wife.
2:1 means two hunters (clients) guided by one professional hunter. The hunters may be accompanied by an observer, to the maximum of three people in total, not including the PH
What is an observer?
An observer is a non-hunting person joining the hunter on his/her safari. An observer may either accompany you on your hunt or relax at the lodge.
Can my child/children hunt?
Yes, we are all about family and shared experiences, we do accommodate minors.
I am a beginner hunter, what will I need for my safari?
A thirst for adventure, a comfortable pair of walking/ hiking shoes and socks, 3 sets of clothes, a jacket/ windbreaker, the basics (underwear, toiletries etc.), and if you have one available a pair of binoculars. We have rifles available for hire, so you do not have worry about tagging along extra luggage.
What happens to the carcass after being hunted?
When you have taken photos with your trophy, our trackers will do a field preparation of your animal. There after the animal will be prepared which involves skinning of the animal, the skin and horns will be placed in a proper salting facility, ready to be taken to your taxidermist. The carcass is then cleaned and kept in a cold room. From there the best cuts are prepared and served at the lodge, the remainder of the carcass is then sold to local butcheries, we believe in keeping it local, or the remaining carcass can be donated to our staff or local communities in need. We utilize the whole animal.
Is there WIFI at the lodge?
All our lodges are equipped with WIFI, so you can stay in touch with your loved ones.
How many sets of clothes should I bring?
Our temperatures are mild, and laundry is done daily. We recommend 3 sets of clothes, and a jacket/windbreaker.
Why should we hunt with you?
We have over 27 years of experience in the hunting industry, good standing relationships with all the landowners and produce exceptional trophies. Our lodges offer 5 star accommodation. All our staff are professional and friendly. We know that the company you are hunting with can make or break your experience, thus we strive to share our passion, working with you to create your dream safari.
HEALTH & ABILITY
Do I need to tell you if I have a disability or special needs?
We welcome hunters in all shapes, sizes and experience levels. We recommend that you inform us of your fitness level or any conditions that need monitoring and/or medication. This enables us to plan your hunt to suit your specific needs and comfort level.
Are you situated in a Malaria area and do I need any vaccinations?
No, most of our hunting is done in Malaria free areas and no other specific vaccines are needed. Upon booking we will inform you if your hunting schedule will take you to a high risk area, so you can take the necessary precautions. If you are still unsure, visit your local travel clinic or your personal physician.
TRAVEL
Can I drive myself to the lodge?
All our packages include all road transport from arrival from the airport till departure. Should you want to spend a few extra days traveling our beautiful country by yourself, we recommend arranging for a car from the airport, where we will then take you to the rental agency on you last day of safari with us.
Which airlines allow firearms?
Currently, only South African Airlines accommodate fire arms transport between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. When you are booking your linking flights, please make sure that you flight is booked on a South African Airlines plane, any other carrier will not accommodate your fire arm. We are aware of courier companies that will travel with your fire arm from Johannesburg airport to the lodge, leaving you to your original travel arrangements, but that may adversely affect the available time to hunt. We recommend hiring one of our fire arms, cutting out the hassle of the paperwork and worries travelling with your rifle.
Will I need a converter plug?
The voltage used at our lodges are 220/230 Volts, 50HZ, we do have adapters available. Should your equipment need a special adapter or converter, please bring that along.
Do I need Travel insurance?
Yes. You need to submit proof of travel insurance upon booking. Speak to your travel agent or trip advisor for recommendations.
Will I need a Visa?
Due to recent events travelling to South Africa or Namibia now requires a Visa. If your hunting schedule is taking you to Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a Visa in advance.
Is South Africa safe for tourists?
South Africa is as safe as any other country. We endeavour to keep you safe at all times during your stay. Saying this, we recommend that you make use of local professional guides if you want to tour in South Africa. We recommend and work closely with J9 Adventure Tours.
How do I get to South Africa and Umzingeli Safaris?
We recommend using a travel agency to help you book your flights, they will also assist you with other aspects of your trip as well. You would need to book a flight from your nearest airport to Johannesburg (JNB), O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORT), and from there a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ). Sometimes your connecting flight, usually form Dallas or Atlanta, will have you overnight in Johannesburg, and you will then fly out the next morning. You can speak to your travel agent about options for your layovers. We will pick you up at Port Elizabeth Airport for your safari.
BOOKING & PAYMENTS
Can I change my booked package?
Yes you can. Species can be exchanged. However they have to be of equal value, as no refunds will be made.
When do I pay the balance of my hunt and what do you recommend I tip the staff?
All your paperwork will be completed on the last day of your hunt and a final invoice will be submitted. You will have to pay the balance of your invoice by means of cash, in South African Rand (R) or US Dollar ($), an electronic transfer (EFT), before departing to the airport. We do not accept travellers’ cheques.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, a $500 non-refundable deposit per person is needed to secure your dates. Upon confirmation of your booking you must submit proof of your flight details and all other relevant legal documents.
TAXIDERMY
How do I get my trophies back?
We have trained skinning staff that cape your animal for the kind of mount you would like, the skin and skull is then put in salt, ready to be transported to the Taxidermy of your choice. The taxidermist will, according to your specifications either dip-and-pack or mount your trophies. Once that is done, your shipping company/ export agent will collect your crate and will send it to you.
Explain the taxidermy process?
On completion of your hunt, the taxidermist will collect your trophies should you want to dip-and-pack or mount your trophies in South Africa. We recommend using a South African Taxidermist, as they have the proper skills and knowledge to work with South African animals. The taxidermist will contact you to finalise directions and specifications, send a quote and complying with the laws and regulations apply for the export permits needed.
Once you have payed your deposit, the taxidermist will begin mounting your trophies. When mounted, you will receive a Final invoice. The taxidermist will give you some recommendations on shipping and export companies and as soon as final payment has been received, your shipping/export company will pick up your trophies from the taxidermist. When your crate arrives in your country, your shipping company will contact you and arrange for delivery or collection. Processing of permits such as CITES etc. can take long, patience is needed.