Legal Information
Navigate Namibia’s hunting laws with confidence. From permit requirements to firearm regulations and ethical guidelines, this is where responsibility begins. Because at NAPHA, legal knowledge is not just a formality—it’s part of conservation in action.
Hunter Responsibilities
To avoid misunderstandings, and to protect the hunters' rights, hunters should:
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Sign a written contract with their outfitter covering hunting duration, game species, pricing, and additional costs.
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Verify that their outfitter is a NAPHA Member.
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Request to see the hunting permit before starting their hunt
Trophy Hunting Season
The Namibian trophy hunting season runs from 1 February to 30 November each year. Clients must ensure that they book with a registered Namibian hunting operator and a qualified Namibian hunting professional.
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Hunting Hours: Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
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Location: Trophy hunting is permitted only on properties where the landowner has granted permission
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Bow Hunting: Bow hunting shall be conducted exclusively in the company of a registered hunting professional with an additional bow hunting qualification.
Additionally, two specialist qualifications exist:
Hunting Professionals in Namibia fall under three categories
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Big Game Professional Hunters - passed the Big Game Examinations
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Bow Hunting Professional Hunters - Additional Qualification for Bow Hunting
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Hunting Guides
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Master Hunting Guides
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Professional Hunters
Hunting Professionals in Namibia
Trophy Hunting Permits
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All permits must be issued before the hunt begins
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A separate permit is required for each individual hunting client
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Special permits are required for hunting leopard, cheetah, and lion
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A maximum of two trophies per species per hunting client per permit
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A maximum of four rifles of different calibers per person is allowed
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100 rounds of ammunition per rifle may be imported import-tax-free.
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Black powder rifles are legal, but black powder and percussion caps cannot be transported and must be purchased locally
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Bows may be imported for bow hunting without a permit
Fair Chase & Conservation Commitment
NAPHA enforces the Fair Chase principle, ensuring ethical hunting practices that support Namibia’s conservation goals.
Payment & Tax Guidelines
Proper financial documentation and tax compliance are key aspects of a lawful hunting experience in Namibia.
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A detailed tax invoice must be issued for every hunt
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15% VAT applies to services and trophies not exported by the operator
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0% VAT applies to trophies exported by the operator, provided proper documentation is submitted
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VAT is applicable on wounded game not recovered
Traveling with Firearms to Namibia
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Take full insurance for all firearms before traveling
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If transiting through South Africa, ensure firearms remain in transit
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Secure your rifle in a sturdy carry case
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Ammunition must be in a separate, locked container in your checked luggage
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Verify your baggage tags to ensure correct final destination (WDH – Windhoek Airport)
Ethical Hunting & Social Media Guidelines
In today’s connected world, hunting professionals and clients are encouraged to share their experiences with sensitivity and awareness.
Images posted on social media can easily be taken out of context, and when not thoughtfully presented, may lead to misunderstandings or unintended negative reactions from the public.
All visitors to Namibia must travel with a valid passport. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality—some countries are visa-exempt, while others require a visa in advance or may be eligible for a visa on arrival.
Because regulations may change, it’s always best to confirm the latest visa requirements with your travel agent or the nearest Namibian embassy before travelling.
The immediate export of trophies requires:
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Veterinary Certificate
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MEFT Export Permit
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Import Permit for the Destination Country
Exporting Trophies
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No solid point cartridge is allowed to be used (as per the Nature Conservation Ordinance No 4 of 1975) on any other species than pachyderms (Elephant, Hippo, Rhino).
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Handguns, Automatic and Semi-automatic weapons are prohibited in Namibia for trophy hunting purposes.
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Hunters visiting Namibia may import 60 cartridges per caliber.
Bow Hunting Equipment:
Firearms - Minimum Caliber Requirements:
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Long Bow, Recurve Bow, Compound Bow - is allowed
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Crossbows - are not legal in Namibia
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Small Game (Springbuck, Duiker, etc.) - Minimum 1350 Joule
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Medium Game (Oryx, Kudu, Eland, etc) - Minimum 2700 Joule
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Dangerous Game (Buffalo, Lion, etc) - 5400 Joule
