Travel · Permits · Safety · Packing
Everything you need to know before you travel to the Northern Cape, in one place.
Most international guests arrive through O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg. There are two ways on from there.
O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) direct to the airstrip at Bateleur Lodge. About 1h30 in the air, for up to 7 passengers.
O.R. Tambo to Kimberley (about 1.5 hours), then a private transfer of about 1h20 in a vehicle seating 9.
Fly into O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg. From there, take a private charter straight to the lodge airstrip (about 1h30, up to 7 passengers), or fly commercially to Kimberley (about 1.5 hours) and transfer privately to the lodge (about 1h20, vehicle seats 9).
Many nationalities, including US, UK and most EU passport holders, can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport needs at least two blank pages and must be valid for 30 days beyond your departure. Always check the current rules with your nearest South African embassy before booking.
Yes, at the lodge. Out on the concession it is patchy, so plan to be pleasantly offline in the field.
Bring your own rifle on a temporary import permit, or hire one when you arrive.
Yes. Visiting hunters need a SAPS 520 temporary firearm import permit. We guide you through the process and refer you to permit specialists who can arrange it before you travel.
Yes. Rifles and ammunition can be hired at Bateleur, which avoids the import paperwork entirely. Hire rates are in the 2026 price list on our Hunting Safaris page.
Plains game such as kudu, gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest, plus buffalo. Combination hunts are the norm. The full species list and trophy fees are in the 2026 price list on our Hunting Safaris page, also available as a PDF.
Trophies are prepared and passed to a dip-and-pack or taxidermy company, which handles export permits and shipping to your country. Timelines vary by destination; we will guide you through the options.
The Northern Cape is semi-arid: warm to hot days and cool mornings for most of the year.
Mild, sunny days and cold nights. Pack warm layers for early mornings.
Hot days. Light clothing, a hat and plenty of water.
Warm days and cool mornings, layers are the answer all year.
A full packing list is sent when you book.
Planned with care. Guided with experience. Your well-being is our priority, and in remote country that includes a professional emergency partner on call.
Every hunt at Bateleur is planned with guest safety as a top priority. Our professional hunters, support staff, well-maintained equipment and thorough procedures work together from the moment you arrive. Before heading into the field, you are taken through the safety procedures and expectations, so everyone knows how to move, communicate and act responsibly. Our team stays attentive to changing conditions, terrain and individual needs throughout.
Emergency partner
Bateleur proudly works alongside ROCKET CONNECT, one of South Africa’s leading emergency medical and air-rescue providers. Their experienced teams are available around the clock to provide rapid emergency response when required.
Bring or arrange these before you arrive.