I'll be making my first African hunt in a couple of months. I'm flying to Windhoek, Namibia via Johannesburg. All travel will be on South African Airlines, and I understand that I will never see my luggage--I land in Johannesburg in the morning, and take of for Windhoek on the afternoon of the same day, so the luggage will remain in the hands of the airline.

My travel agent, who is very experienced in dealing with hunters traveling to Africa, told me that I don't need to worry about a South African firearms permit, as I will never be in possession or control of my rifles while in South Africa. However, I've spoken with some locals who have flown to other African countries via Johannesburg, and they are cautioning me to get a permit.

I also note that my PH's website talks about a South African law that prevents direct shipping of firearms to their ultimate destination, which is a little cryptic, but is causing me concern.

As a first-time African hunter, I spend a lot of time worrying about what might go wrong. I'd appreciate any advice that anyone who has actually been there and has real-world experience can tell me.

Thanks.

Call Shawn Kennedy at Gracey Travel (210.698.2611). They are THE experts and will assist you promptly.

+1 on calling Shawn

Don't listen to your travel agent.
He is obviously out of date with his assumptions.

Listen to those who have travelled through J'berg, and enjoy your trip without the hassle of red tape.

+3 on calling Shawn.

whiteeagle....Think of this happening by chance...that you do not catch the flight to Namibia for whatever reason and you have to overnight in JNB (either that or on return). You do not want to have to overnight there with no gun permit from SAPS. I would get the permit.

Thank you all for you replies

+4 on Shawn of Gracey Travel.

BTW: Shawn booked me on a connecting flight out of J-berg to Harare. No RSA permit. But SAA cancelled the flight with less than 1 day to go. Shawn rerouted me on Delta to stagy overnight in J'berg. You need a permit to do that.

Indy--

I think that is probably the real-world situation that I need to worry about. You spelled it out precisely. I don't need the RSA permit if everything goes right, but that "if" makes getting a permit advisable.

Thanks.