Rifle Requirements

RIFLE REQUIREMENTS

Choosing the Right Rifle for Your African Safari

Selecting the correct rifle is one of the most important decisions you will make when preparing for your African hunting safari. The ideal rifle should be one that you are comfortable shooting accurately and confidently under field conditions.

At Across Africa Tours & Safaris, we strongly believe that accurate shot placement is far more important than excessive calibre.

RECOMMENDED PLAINS GAME CALIBRES

The following calibres are suitable for the majority of African plains game species:

• .270 Winchester
• .308 Winchester
• 7mm Remington Magnum
• .30-06 Springfield
• .300 Winchester Magnum
• .300 Weatherby Magnum
• .338 Winchester Magnum

These calibres are effective for species such as:

• Impala
• Springbok
• Blesbok
• Warthog
• Kudu
• Gemsbok
• Blue Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Waterbuck
• Eland

DANGEROUS GAME CALIBRES

For dangerous game hunting, larger calibres are required by law in many African countries.

Recommended calibres include:

• .375 H&H Magnum
• .416 Rigby
• .404 Jeffery
• .458 Lott
• .470 Nitro Express

These calibres are commonly used for:

• Cape Buffalo
• Elephant
• Lion
• Leopard

Your Professional Hunter will advise you on calibre requirements for your specific safari destination.

RIFLE SCOPE RECOMMENDATIONS

A quality scope is essential.

Recommended specifications:

• 2.5-10x42
• 3-9x40
• 3-12x50
• 1-6x24 (Dangerous Game)

A low-power setting is often beneficial for close-range opportunities in thick bushveld.

AMMUNITION

Bring premium-quality hunting ammunition that has proven accuracy in your rifle.

Recommended bullet types:

• Bonded Bullets
• Premium Soft Point Bullets
• Monolithic Copper Bullets
• Controlled Expansion Bullets

We recommend bringing a minimum of:

• 40 rounds for Plains Game Safaris
• 60 rounds for extended safaris
• Additional ammunition for sight verification and practice

SHOOTING DISTANCES

Typical hunting distances in Africa are:

• Bushveld Hunting: 50–150 yards
• Plains Game Hunting: 100–300 yards
• Mountain Hunting: 200–400 yards (occasionally)

Most shots are taken from professional shooting sticks.

For best results, practise shooting from standing and sitting positions using shooting sticks before your safari.

RIFLE HIRE

Quality hunting rifles are available for hire through Across Africa Tours & Safaris.

Rifle hire includes:

• Rifle
• Scope
• Sight-in verification
• Professional setup assistance

Ammunition is charged separately.

FIREARM IMPORTATION

Hunters bringing their own rifles into Africa will require:

• Passport
• Flight itinerary
• Firearm ownership documentation
• Temporary Firearm Import Permit
• Invitation letter from Across Africa Tours & Safaris

Our team will assist you with all necessary documentation and travel preparations.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

If you are planning your first African safari, a .300 Winchester Magnum with premium ammunition is one of the most versatile choices available. It offers excellent performance on a wide variety of African plains game species while maintaining manageable recoil and outstanding accuracy.

Above all else, bring a rifle that you know, trust, and can shoot confidently.

"Where Legends Are Hunted and Memories Are Made."