Best Time Of Year

  • South Africa is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are the opposite of Europe with mid-summer being December/January and mid-winter June/July.
  • The rainy season is between October and April and between April and September it hardly rains. This is the best season for hunting as there is less leaf on the trees and game is more visible and the temperatures allow for longer hunting sessions.
  • Typically the temperatures in the winter can be 25C during the day, falling to 5C at night. The sky is clear and the stars are large. African night skies are the envy of the world.

Arrival

  • Most international flights will arrive at O R Tambo, the Johannesburg International Airport.
  • The airport is only two hours drive from Swala.
  • You can rent a car at the airport or arrange for a taxi.
  • It is very easy to get to Swala and we can provide you with directions.
  • Car hire in South Africa is relatively inexpensive compared to Europe.

Food and Drinks

  • Swala is approximately 35 kilometres from the nearest town of Bela Bela where you can purchase all the provisions required for a week’s stay. For those on the standard package you can stop there on your way to Swala and we can arrange to meet you there. Further details can be provided with booking confirmation.

Typical Day

  • Rifles will be zeroed on our range.
  • Hunters will be collected early in the morning by the Professional Hunter and tracker in the hunting vehicles. Bring drinks, binoculars, camera, suncream, hat etc.
  • The Professional Hunter will guide the hunt and will help you identify suitable quarry.
  • You will get down from the vehicle and stalk the game with the Professional Hunter.
  • You will probably take your shot from shooting sticks which we provide but it will be a good idea for you to have had some practice with this method of shooting.
  • The other members of the party will remain with the vehicle whilst waiting for the hunter and Professional Hunter to return.
  • After the morning’s hunt, you will be taken to the skinning shed before returning to the Farmhouse.
  • You will then have time for lunch and have a rest before going out again in the afternoon.
  • The afternoon session will probably set off at around 3.30pm where you will continue hunting until sundown, at which time it will be likely that you will build a fire in the bush and take a well-earned drink and enjoy the wonderful views.
  • After an hour or so you will return to the Farmhouse driving slowly and using a light to look out for Jackals.
  • We generally eat outside so when you return to the Farmhouse it will be time to cook dinner on the fire in the fire pit.
  • A few drinks, time for bed, and ready to do it all again tomorrow.