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Rifles · ammunition · permits

Bringing Your Rifle to Zimbabwe: Firearm Permits Explained

You can hunt with your own rifle in Zimbabwe. Here is how the temporary import permit works, what you can bring, and how to travel through South Africa with firearms.

[Check every figure on this page with ZPWMA, ZRP and your airline before publishing. Our source was a 2020 SCI guide.]

Temporary Firearm Import Permit

Declare rifles and shotguns on arrival and receive a temporary import permit at customs. Keep the permit with your rifle for the whole trip; you'll need it again when you leave.

[Name of the current form and what to fill in]

Ammunition Limits

Bring ammunition only for the calibres you bring.

[Rounds allowed per rifle; airline ammunition weight limit, usually about 5 kg]

Minimum Calibres

# Game Minimum
1. Dangerous game .375
2. Plains game [X]

For plains game, a .270 to .300 Win Mag handles most species; eland need a .300 or larger.

Banned Firearms

Automatic and semi-automatic rifles cannot be brought in for hunting.

Handguns and Bows

Handguns and bows need special permits, which we apply for on your behalf well in advance.

Bow hunting

Transiting South Africa with Firearms

[SAPS temporary permit process for travelling through Johannesburg with firearms]

Rifle Hire

Rifle and ammunition are not included in our hunting packages.

[Rifles available from ATB, calibres and hire prices]