Is there a single national hunting licence?

No. Hunting is licensed by each province under its own conservation legislation, with national law layered on top for protected species and CITES.

Can a foreign hunter bring their own rifle?

Yes, with a SAPS temporary firearm import permit. Ammunition limits apply and the paperwork should be prepared before travel.

What is a TOPS permit?

A permit under the Threatened or Protected Species regulations of NEMBA, required for restricted activities involving listed species.

Do I need a hunting proficiency certificate?

Several provinces require proof of hunting proficiency or membership of a recognised hunting association. Check the province before you book.

Tourism & Conservation

Temporary Hunting Permit

In plain English

Hunting in South Africa is regulated province by province. You generally need a provincial hunting permit or licence for the species and area, landowner permission, and — for visiting hunters — additional permits for firearms and trophy export.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Local and visiting hunters, professional hunters and outfitters, and landowners hosting hunts on their property.

When is it required

Before the hunt. Species-specific permits (especially for protected and TOPS-listed species) must be in hand before any animal is hunted.

Eligibility

You have written permission from the landowner or the outfitter's booking confirmation
You hold the required hunting proficiency or licence for the province
Your firearm is licensed, or you have a temporary firearm import permit
The species and season are open in that province

Documents you need before applying

Provincial hunting permit or licence application
ID or passport
Landowner's written permission or a registered hunting farm booking
Firearm licence, or SAPS temporary import permit (SAPS 520) for visitors
TOPS permit for threatened or protected species
Professional hunter's register entries for client hunts
Veterinary and transport permits for moving carcasses or trophies between provinces

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Confirm which province and which species
Each province has its own conservation ordinance, seasons, bag limits and permit forms. A permit from one province does not cover another.
2
Book through a registered outfitter if you are visiting
Visiting hunters normally hunt with a registered professional hunter who handles the provincial permits and the register.
3
Arrange firearm permissions
Visitors apply to the SAPS Central Firearms Registry for a temporary import permit, usually processed at the port of entry with pre-submitted paperwork.
4
Get TOPS permits where the species requires it
Threatened or protected species need permits under the NEMBA TOPS regulations, issued by the province or the national department.
5
Arrange trophy export documentation
Trophies need veterinary clearance and, for CITES-listed species, CITES export permits before shipping.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The provincial nature conservation authority for the province where you will hunt; SAPS for firearm import; DFFE for CITES and TOPS matters.

Fees

Provincial permit fees plus outfitter, trophy and daily rates. Confirm provincial fees with the relevant conservation department.

Processing time

Provincial permits can often be issued within days to a few weeks; TOPS and CITES permits take longer.

Validity

The hunt dates or the season stated on the permit.

Renewal

A new permit is required for each hunt or season.

Common mistakes to avoid

Hunting a protected species on an ordinary permit
Assuming a national 'hunting licence' exists — it does not; the provinces license hunting
Arriving without the SAPS temporary firearm import paperwork prepared
Moving carcasses across provincial borders without transport permits