BUSH AFRICA SAFARIS

BAS is owned and operated by Schalk and Terina van Heerden. Schalk was born and raised on the same land he hunts today. Safaris are conducted from the main lodge on 10 000 acres of private land around the lodge as well as many thousands of acres privately owned under concession of Bush Africa Safaris. The outfit was formed 17 years ago and has achieved tremendous success. Al hunts are tailor made and personally directed by Schalk and Terina. Schalk was awarded Professional Hunter of the year 2002 by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa. Further more we have collected several SCI world records in the past few years.

The outfit has high quality equipment and no attention to detail is spared. We specialize in archery hunts and our success in this area is unsurpassed. Schalk represented the South African team in 1997 Archery World Championships and received a bronze medal. Our area are specifically set up for archery and the bow hunter can walk and stalk or hunt out of the tree stands or comfortable pit blinds.

All our professional hunters take a 3-year apprenticeship with us before they are allowed to guide. Expert guides form the base of your successful safari. If you want the highest quality friendly service you have come to the right place. Please make sure to contact our references mentioned on this webpage.

Hunting areas and species

Our main lodge is situated 3 1/2 hours north of Johannesburg International Airport. The area is in the Limpopo Province close to Ellisras (Lephalale) in the heart of the Bushveld. Bush Africa Safaris are proud to offer the client all the species available in South Africa. We have vast areas available to hunt animals in their natural habitat. We also offer taylor made safaris throughout Southern Africa for species not available in our area. You can be assured that the highest quality is carried through all our operational areas.

Travel

The easiest way to travel to South Africa is with South African Airways and lately Delta. SAA offers daily non-stop flights from Washington DC and New York and Delta operates out of Atlanta. At the check-in counter you should declare your rifles, they must be in a locked case. On your arrival in Johannesburg you will be issued a temporary import permit. You will need a passport to travel to South Africa. Although most of the areas you will hunt in South Africa are malaria free, it is good to check with your travel clinic and us before you come on safari. There are no restrictions on camouflage clothing in South Africa. You are limited to two check-in pieces and one piece of hand luggage if you fly SAA. On your arrival at Johannesburg International a Bush Africa Safaris staff member, who will drive you to the main lodge, will greet you.
 
Frequently asked questions
 
Is it safe?

Yes, the time that will be spent in the city is minimal. You will be met at the airport straight after you leave the arrivals lounge by one of the Bush Africa Safaris staff. You will be transported straight to the hunting area that is on private property in the country.

What is there to do for the wife’s/non-hunters?

Several side trips can be arranged, either day trips or 2-3 day trips.

For example:

·        Local town
·        Elephant back rides
·        African day spa
·        Sun City & Pilansberg
·        Kruger National Park
·        Etc.

How many people in hunting camp?
 
Depending on the size of the hunting party, usually the lodge is exclusive to a hunting party but if there is only one hunter there might be some other hunters in camp.

What clothing/equipment should I bring?

Laundry is done everyday so 2-3 sets of clothing is all needed.
Shirts
Pants (not noisy material)
Hiking boots
Jacket
Camera & film
Binoculars
Daypack for equipment
Power converter (from 220v to 110v)

What is the best time of the year to hunt and what is the weather like?

The recommended time of the year to plan a safari is from April – October. April is the end of summer when the vegetation is still thick and the temperatures are still fairly high. The cooler months are May – August with moderate temperatures, early mornings/evenings: +/- 40F and daytime: 

+/- 70F. For bow hunting we recommend late season, from June towards September, the drier part of the season,

What can we bring the staff and how much do we give for gratuity?

The camp staff usually appreciates any gifts if it is old clothes, batteries, flashlights, knives, T-shirts etc. We recommend a gratuity of +/- $150/hunter/total on average to camp staff and $ 200-$ 500 to the professionals. This is only a recommendation and still up to each hunter.

Is the hunting area a malaria area?

We don’t recommend you taking any malaria medicine as the area is a very low to no malaria area. There are very few bugs during winter, which is the hunting season. No other shots are required.

Is telephone and Internet services available?

Yes, it is available at a fee.

What is the recommended caliber and how many rounds of ammunition must I bring?

Anything in the .30 caliber range
For general plains game safari 60 rounds

What is the procedure to bring my firearm?

A temporary fire arm import permit is required. This can be obtained at  Johannesburg International Airport. In order to do so you need certain documentation. You can apply for the permit yourself or have an agent apply for the pre approved import permit, which we suggest. If you decide to do it yourself you can obtain the relevant information and necessary document from the following website: www.professionalhunters.co.za Go to General hunting information and look under SA fire arm importation procedures and suggestions.

We recommend the following rifle import agencies.

1. Air 2000 Hunters Support service - www.hunterssupport.com
2. TIF Solutions - firearmpermits@telkomsa.net