CITES & TROPHY DOCUMENTATION

Hunters wishing to hunt Elephant, Leopard, Crocodile and now possibly Lion, will be required to obtain a CITES import permit from United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS)

See link to: USFWS CITIES Import Permit Application Form - 3-200-19  

Make at least three copies of your documents to facilitate trophy exportation and shipping for the relevant authorities in Zimbabwe. Keep the originals, to be handed to your clearing agent once your shipment arrives in the USA.

If you are not importing your trophies into the USA, make sure you have the relevant documentation for the country of final destination.

It is a good idea to bring your own trophy tags and cable ties, with your name and address, as well as taxidermy and clearing agent instructions. These are often already provided by your taxidermist.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

When packing for your hunt/safari please bear in mind the following:

• Being in the southern hemisphere, Zimbabwe experiences its winter months from approximately May to September. During this time temperatures may fluctuate from freezing (0°C) to the high 90’s (38°C). During the hot drier months temperatures can rise above 100°F.
• Camouflage is illegal in Zimbabwe; however there seems to be a tolerance for non-military looking camo clothing.
• Laundry is done on a daily basis.
• All laundry is ironed; please inform camp staff if any special care is required.
• Bring casual clothing for around camp and travelling.
• Clothes should be in neutral colours: browns, greens, khaki, olive. Cotton fabrics have proved to be the most comfortable and practical.

Clothing List

• Long trousers (jeans)
• Short pants
• Long sleeved shirts
• Short sleeved shirts
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Heavy and light weight fleeces
• Warm jacket
• Lightweight rain coat
• Hats (wide brimmed), caps and beanies
• Hunting boots
• Casual shoes or sandals
• Thick socks
• Gloves
• Swimsuit

FIREARMS & AMMUNITION

It is highly recommended you bring your own firearms and ammunition.

 There are however, firearms available for hire and ammunition to purchase, should you not wish to travel with your own or have other complications getting them here. Please advise well ahead of time if this is your intention.

 The Zimbabwe Government have minimum size calibres for the following species:

• Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo - minimum calibre .375
• Eland, Crocodile and Lion - minimum calibre .300
• Hunting of medium size game - minimum calibre .270
• Shotgun gauges/bores all allowed for bird hunting.

The maximum amount of imported ammunition is 100 rounds per calibre.

 Most of your shooting will be done with a medium calibre rifle from .270 to .375. Use a rifle that you are familiar with and that you are comfortable shooting. The actual shooting distances will vary anywhere between 50 and 250 yards.

African game is thick skinned, heavy boned and muscular which requires good bullet penetration for clean humane kills. Slow heavy bullets are more successful than fast, light ammunition, which tends to be easily deflected under our brush hunting conditions. Swift A-Frame, Barnes X and Trophy Bonded all make good African hunting bullets, which is so important for the successful outcome of your hunt.

TRAVELLING WITH FIREARMS

Check with your travel agent and/or the airlines well ahead of time as to what the restrictions and rules are regarding travel with firearms.

USA

For US citizens, Form 4457 must be completed as proof of ownership, for US customs officials, upon returning to the USA. It is also required by the Zimbabwe officials as proof of ownership for the temporary importation of firearms into Zimbabwe.

Firearms should be packed and locked in a safe, hard, secure case.

Ammunition should be packed in a separate locked container. Bear in mind that the airlines will have various weight restrictions for this.

See link to:  USA Customs Form CBP 4457

South Africa

The most direct and convenient airline route will take you through Johannesburg in South Africa, which normally means an overnight stay. For this reason you will require a Temporary Firearms Import permit, SAPS Form 520.

There are companies that specialise in meet and greet and facilitation of hunters passing through Johannesburg with firearms. Please enquire for information regarding this.

See link to: SAPS Temporary Import Form e520

Zimbabwe

Importing firearms into Zimbabwe is relatively simple. Upon entering the country you will be required by customs to complete, in triplicate,  Form FR20.

There is a possibility that these forms will be unavailable at your point of entry. It is suggested that you follow the link below and complete the forms before arrival. It is important to ensure that the forms are stamped by Customs upon entry.

See link to: Visitors Certificate to possess firearms and ammunition form FR20 

Cash Payments in Zimbabwe

It is very important to note that should you wish to pay any part of your safari/hunt in cash, Customs declaration Form 47 must be completed and stamped by a Customs official, on entry into Zimbabwe.

See link to: Zimbabwe Customs Declaration Form 47

MEDICAL

Medical and evacuation insurance is essential before the start of your safari.

There are no vaccinations required to enter Zimbabwe. It is however considered a malaria area, and taking malaria prophylactics is highly recommended.

Please bear in mind that the nearest pharmacy and shopping facilities are hundreds of miles away from the conservancy. It is therefore essential that all and sufficient quantities of medicines and toiletries are brought with you.

PASSPORTS & VISA INFORMATION

Valid passports, and visas for certain nationals, are an immigration requirement for entering Zimbabwe. Check with your travel agent or other relevant authority regarding visa requirements. Often, visas are purchased from the immigration official at your point of entry.

When completing the Zimbabwe immigration form, one of the requirements is a local address. Please use the following:

Mazunga Safaris
8 Norfolk Road
Hillside, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 9 241425