Caliber, Entry Requirements,
Rifle Import & Shipping from Namibia
Are there non-stop flights to Namibia?
Flights
No non-stop flights from the U.S. Fly via Frankfurt, Munich, Doha or Addis Ababa. With a rifle, avoid transiting South Africa.
How long is the flight to Namibia?
Flight time
About 20–30 hours of total travel from the U.S. Namibia is 6–9 hours ahead.
Do I need a visa for Namibia?
Visa
Required since April 2025: NAD 1,600 (approx. €85), up to 90 days. Apply online or on arrival.
What about my passport?
Passport
Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond your trip.
What insurance do I need?
Insurance
Travel medical insurance incl. evacuation (proof required on entry). Trip cancellation recommended.
What should I pack for a hunting trip?
Packing list
Click here for a complete packing list for your hunting trip to Namibia.
Which caliber is right for Namibia?
For small game & antelope such as:
- Duiker
- Steenbok
- Damara dik-dik
- Klipspringer
- Springbok
- Oryx
- Red hartebeest
- Wildebeest
- Warthog
- Kudu
- Impala
- Waterbuck
e.g. these calibers
- 7mm Rem. Mag.
- .308 Win.
- .30-06 Springfield
- .300 Win. Mag.
with a flat trajectory for open country
For eland and zebra, e.g. these calibers
- .300 Win. Mag (& up)
- 9.3 x 62
- 8 x 68 S
- .375 H&H
- Elephant
- Hippo
- Buffalo
.375 (or metric equivalent) & up / 5,400 joules (approx. 4,000 ft-lbs)
We also recommend a 4x or 6x scope (or a variable scope in that range).
Handguns and semi-automatic or fully automatic firearms are not allowed.
Bringing your own rifle to Namibia
How the firearm import works
Can I hunt in Namibia without a hunting license?
Yes. You do not need a hunting license from your home state or country.
- Foreign hunters may only hunt with a state-licensed hunting guide or professional hunter
- The farm applies for your hunting permit in advance; it is issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)
How much does it cost to bring my rifle?
It depends on the airline – some carry the rifle as part of your baggage allowance, others charge up to about €250 per leg. Always register the rifle with the airline by phone in advance and check its current rules. With a rifle, avoid transiting South Africa unless you have a South African temporary firearm permit (SAPS 520).
Before you leave the U.S., register your rifle with U.S. Customs on CBP Form 4457 so you can bring it back without problems.
Can I bring my own rifle into Namibia?
Yes. Semi-automatic rifles and handguns are not allowed. Hunting rifles may currently only be imported between February and November. After landing in Windhoek, go to the Namibian Police firearms desk and present the invitation letter from the farm, your CBP Form 4457 (or other proof of ownership) and the completed import/export form. You receive a temporary import permit that you show again when you leave. You can download the form here and fill it in in advance:
Please note:
- We recommend 40–60 rounds per rifle. Airlines limit the amount (typically max. 5 kg / 11 lbs of ammunition per person, class 1.4S).
- The rifle travels unloaded in a sturdy, locked hard case
- Ammunition goes in checked baggage, separate from the rifle, in a sturdy locked container – never in carry-on
- Label all your bags clearly
You can also rent a rifle on the farm. Depending on the farm it costs €20–50 per day, ammunition approx. €5–7 per round.
These farms offer rental rifles
Haris
The Garbade family
- Free-standing chalets with panoramic views
- Horseback safaris, activities for companions
- Only 1 hr from the airport
Game: Kudu, Oryx, Eland, Hartebeest, Springbok, Warthog, Mountain Zebra, Steenbok, Duiker, Giraffe, Waterbuck (not native, free-ranging remnant population), Leopard, Hyena, Baboon, Jackal
Onduno
The Garbade family
- Very comfortable farmhouse, outstanding food
- Pool and riding horses
- Up to 12 guests, max. 6 hunters
Game: Kudu, Oryx, Eland, Hartebeest, Springbok, Warthog, Mountain Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Steenbok, Duiker, Klipspringer, Giraffe, Leopard, Hyena, Baboon, Jackal
Onverwacht
The Lühl family
- Large oryx and springbok herds
- Cozy, rustic guest farm
- Max. 4 guests
Game: Kudu, Oryx, Hartebeest, Springbok, Warthog, Steenbok, Duiker
Omambonde-Tal
The Düvel family
- Large free-range eland herds
- Pool and riding horses
- Ideal for two couples
Game: Kudu, Oryx, Eland, Hartebeest, Warthog, Steenbok, Duiker, Dik-Dik, Baboon, Jackal
Petersfarm
Axel Cramer
- Guided by former NAPHA president Axel Cramer
- Farm and concession hunting
- Apartment or bush camp
Game: Kudu, Oryx, Eland, Hartebeest, Springbok, Warthog, Mountain Zebra, Steenbok, Duiker, Waterbuck (not native, free-ranging remnant population)
How do your hunting memorabilia get from Namibia to the U.S.?
Every step of the shipping chain to the U.S.
From Namibia to your door: many steps and several parties are involved before your hunting memorabilia reach you. To show transparently what happens in the background – and where costs arise that cannot be calculated in advance – here is the whole shipping chain:
Swipe through the timeline below
Choosing your species
After you book, the farm applies for your hunting permit for the species you want from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).
Hunting permit issued by MEFT
The farm organizes your personal hunting permit for your stay.
Hunting
You hunt with an experienced guide. No more than two animals of the same species may be exported.
Use of meat & bones
The meat is used: it feeds the farm staff and their families and is also served to guests as steaks, biltong, sausage, broth and more. Nothing goes to waste.
Field preparation
Each item is labeled for later identification. Depending on the mount you want:
- the skin is salted
- the skull is boiled and bleached
Information & pickup
The farm tells the shipping agent, who coordinates everything, what items there are. The agent arranges pickup from the farm. We recommend this reliable partner:
Handover to the taxidermist
The shipping agent hands the raw items to the taxidermist – or prepares them as “dip and pack” if you want them mounted in the U.S.
Consultation & mounting
The taxidermist discusses your wishes with you, quotes the cost and mounts your animal. Mounting can take from a few months up to a year!
Measurements & handover
The taxidermist sends the final sizes and weight to the shipping agent, who then sends you a shipping quote.
Export & import documents
Once you approve the cost, the shipping agent arranges all documents needed:
- Veterinary certificates
- Namibian export permits (and CITES permits where required)
- Customs
- U.S. import requirements (USFWS)
Freight
Items are shipped by air or sea freight. To keep your costs down, the agent waits for a suitable consolidated shipment.
Arrival in the U.S.
On arrival, a U.S. customs broker clears your shipment with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs at a designated port of entry.
Delivery to your door
The wait is over: you can finally hold the memento of your hunt in your hands. Please note that the broker and the final domestic delivery to your door are billed separately.
Any questions?
This guide is meant to help you make the right decision for your hunting trip. Need more information?