Frequently Asked Questions
Weather
South Africa is located in the Southern hemisphere. Spring is in September, October and November during the flowering period and birth of the animals.
December, January and February are the summer months. The climate is dry and can be around 90 degrees F during the day.
March, April and May are the months of autumn. It’s the reproduction period so males of each species follows the females.
June, July and August are the winter months. this season is marked by significant changes in temperature between day and night. During the winther, you can expect temperatures to drop to 40 degrees F (5 degrees celsius), and rise to 80 degrees F (26 degrees celcius). In summer it ranges between 50 degrees F (10 C) to 95 degrees F (35 C).
Firearm & Hunting Course
We can arrange a short hunting course for those hunters who feel they are not well prepared for their hunt. We have a gun sighting-in area, where the hunters will test their rifles for accuracy with your professional hunter. We can also help with accurate shot placing and a bit of training if necessary.
Should you not have a suitable firearm, or do not want to endure the stress of travelling with one, we have firearms available for hire.
The rifle cost per day is US $25, and ammunition varies between US $2 – US $4 depending on calibre.
US citizens importing a firearm for your hunting safari, will need to obtain a document from US Customs before leaving. This gets done well before departure date. The document required is a Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad, Customs Form 4457. The rifle will need to be cleared in South Africa at Custom Clearance, with Form SAP520.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a necessity, and contacting your medical insurance provider is necessary to establish medical coverage in case of an emergency. We have medical facilities in Grahamstown, and close by major cities if the need should arise.
Vaccination
It is not compulsory for any vaccinations, but it is a good idea to be up to date with your routine vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanos and Typhoid vaccine.
Spoken languages
At Majeje Africa Safaris, our staff can communicate with you in English, French, Afrikaans and Spanish.
Clothing
In winter it is a good idea to have a warm jacket, hat and gloves. It is best to dress in layers, as clothes can then be taken off as needed. Your room will be fully equipped with additional blankets in the winter months. Towels are provided. Laundry is done on a daily basis, so it is not necessary to bring much in the way of clothing. Two or three sets of hunting clothing, and casual clothing will be sufficient. Good footwear is essential; you will need well worn-in boots and sneakers for the evening. In spring, summer & autumn, it is generally hot, so you definitely need to scale down on the layers!
Gratuities
Tipping is always at the client’s discretion. Obviously tips depend on how hard you think the staff have worked to make your safari successful. Tips are to be paid directly to the PH/Tour guide, and other member of your team.
Here is the recommended amount of tips to give according to the safari you make:
- Safari photo: $75 to $ 100 US per day for guide, +/- $10 US per day for ground staff)
- Hunting Safari (per vehicule or per tent): $75 to $ 100 US per day for guide, +/- $15 US per day for tracker, +/- $10 US per day for ground staff
Electricity and Internet
South Africa runs on 220 volt electricity. Depending where you come from, you may need a converter. Most of these are available in our lodges for use. Internet access, as well as a PC is available at the lodge should the need arise. You are able to bring your laptop / tablet and connect to the internet from our camp.
Here is an example of a plug/convecteur you might need during your trip to Majeje Africa Safaris.
Travel and Airport
Most flights are routed to Johannesburg – Tambo International Airport, and then a short flight to East London Airport or Port Elizabeth Airport. Your professional hunter will meet you at the airport at the specified time, and travel around 2 hours to our safari camp. If travelling with firearms, it is a good idea to invest in a solid steel construction case with good locks. Keep the keys with you at all times. Soft-type gun cases can be used from the Lodge for use during your safari for transporting your firearm to and from the field.