General Pros and Cons of different countries

[mark-hunter]

Zimbabwe very easy

The issue in Zim, is alleged embargo to import firearms from some countries. This has never been clarified on forum, what are those problematic countries.

I remember a post on forum, when somebody posted that two German hunters were detained in Germany on airport, (possibly in Frankfurt), for taking hunting rifles to Zimbabwe.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

There is no problem with import. The problem is on export. I believe Frankfurt in Germany is a problem. I do not know about other departure points in Getmany.

Lon

 

[Doug3006]

What of Zambia?

Hi Kevin. I thoroughly enjoyed hunting the Luangwa Valley! The amount and variety of game there was remarkable. The only thing holding Zambia back as my recommendation for first timers is the cost. Zambia is right up there with Tanzania in this regard. If this isn’t a deal breaker, then I’d agree that Zambia would be a great option.

 

[Doug3006]

Let me add to the question.
What about gun import regulations for sporting hunter?
I know South Africa and Namibia are friendly.

Lets better comment where import of rifle is difficult? In which countries?

I’ve never no issues in Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe or South Africa. I think if you follow their rules the worst you’ll have to deal with is slow moving civil servants. I’ve always paid for clearance help. Mostly with Gracy Travel.

 

[autofire]

I have hunted Botswana multiple times (as well as Namibia and RSA).
Botswana opportunity for both PG and DG is unbelievable.

I prefer PG cull hunts, and there are tremendous number of game farms with numerous species that are readily available at extremely reasonable pricing.

Trophy hunting for PG and DG is also extraordinary in terms of pricing and species available.

Good luck with whatever hunting package you choose!

 

[wesheltonj]

That’s exactly the type of info I’m looking for. Plains game will be the focus of my first (of hopefully many) hunts. I am still contemplating my wish list of animals to hunt and I’m sure I will be asking many more questions along the way. This forum is great. Thanks Cullen

Well RSA is going to be the easiest. Lots of flight choices from the USA and Europe into JNB. Game Farms have a large variety of different animals. Accommodations range from tents to 4 & 5 star hotels/resorts, with food and drink to match. I would look for a large continuous acres property with on-site accommodations. Personally, if you have to drive to different farms every day, that's a pass for me.

Namibia, I've been but have not hunted, Air not as many choices, but the properties are large. Again accommodations range from tents to luxury hotels/resorts.

Zimbabwe, again been but not have hunted. Air not many choices. Large game blocks with lots of DG but not much variety of PG. Also ranches, like BVC.

Botswana, also been but not hunted. Both game blocks and private ranches.

Zambia, I've hunted. You have GMA's which can be great or poached out. You also have government action and lawsuits over tenders and you never know if your GMA is available. Private ranch, you don't have that problem. You have game that's only native to Zambia, but you have to travel all over the country to collect it. Prices can be reasonable like Takeri or just short of Tanzania prices.

Tanzania, have not been or hunted, but it's next on my list. Most expensive of all. Large game blocks, but you do have locals and livestock to contend with. Animals you cannot get anywhere else and most priced that way.

 

[lockingblock]

Zimbabwe very easy. If you have your Visitors temporary form filled out prior to traveling, which is very simple. You open case show rifle serial #. They do pay close attention to ammo.

One tip if you go in with lets say 40 rds. they want to see you depart with 40 mt & loaded rds. I have never known anyone having a major problem, but it can cause delays. If you accidentally forgot a box of .375 H&H try and find a box of fired cases before you head to the airport.

Lon

are you saying that customs wants you to bring out fired casings matching how many rounds you imported?

 

[Scott CWO]

are you saying that customs wants you to bring out fired casings matching how many rounds you imported?

Yes as close as possible but you always lose a few and that’s not a problem.

 

[375Fox]

are you saying that customs wants you to bring out fired casings matching how many rounds you imported?

I’ve never had a problem even when I’ve “lost” more than a few rounds, but the more you leave with the less questions there are to ask. Never leave with zero unless you are prepared for some questions.

 

[Scott CWO]

If you’re talking about going more than once and can afford it, consider spending more money and hunting the wild, free-range concessions in Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It’s the real deal. Send me a PM if I can be of assistance.

Mozambique - Wild areas with diverse opportunities and cheaper than Tanzania and Zambia. Niassa Reserve in the north is wild with good numbers of plains game and dangerous game. Just approved for lion imports to USA. Lots of leopards. Same species available as in Selous in Tanzania but probably cheaper. Other areas such as Coutada 9 or 10 or 11 have lots of plains game and some dangerous game. Good outfitters and strong anti-poaching. There are a few other good areas but be careful.

Zambia - One of my favorites. Expensive but a bit cheaper than Tanzania. Awesome areas and outfitters. Some unique plains game species and huge sable. Good numbers of dangerous game and plains game. Occasional upheaval in concession assignments caused by government corruption.

Botswana - Expensive for elephant and buffalo on the open government concessions but great quality. If lion ever opens, there will be some tremendous full-maned lions taken. Can hunt leopard on government concessions or on private lands. Awesome trophy quality kudu, eland and plains game on private lands. Some plains game available on concessions but small quotas so book early.

Tanzania - As stated before, expensive but generally great hunting for dangerous game and plains game. Some unique plains game not found in other southern countries.

Zimbabwe and South Africa - See other posts.

Namibia - See other posts and also some good elephant and buffalo near Botswana. Bushmanland, in particular, has some big elephants. I know a guy who has taken several 80+ pounders there but he goes every year.