I am planning to take another hunting trip to South Africa. However, I am also thinking about going to Namibia to see some sights and maybe fish. I have not done enough research yet on the sight seeing part, but don't want to drag the rifle around.

Is it legal to leave your rifle in South Africa and travel to another country and then return to get it? I would have a round trip ticket from the US to SA and also have a ticket to leave SA and then return before my flight leaves SA back to the US.

No it's not.

Technically, if you bring a firearm in on a temporary import permit, you are not allowed to leave the country without it.

I guess it's tempting to think you could leave the rifle with a gunshop to store whilst you leave the country and then collect it later but don't forget that sneaky computer system that scans the bar code on your passport.

Have you considered hiring a rifle in South Africa for your hunt so you don't have to bring a rifle with you?

Shakari,
Thanks for the response. I really want to use my own rifle even though it's a pain to travel with, but it's an option. I may just play tourist in Namibia when I decide to go there to hunt. Thanks

It'd be much easier to be a tourist in SA when you hunt in SA and then be a tourist in Namibia whenever you go to Namibia.

If you need ideas of things to see in SA whilst you're here just let me know.