I just booked my flight yesterday. I'll Leave Ontario, CA and fly Delta to Atlanta, SAS to Dakar, then Joburg, and finally Harare.

Since I am flying all the way through, I was wondering if I should go ahead and get the SAP forms just in case I hit a snag and get stuck there (RSA)?

It makes me nervous to assume my guns and luggage will make it there with me since I'll be checking them here at home, but I have 1.5 days to hang out in Harare with my PH's wife and kids before I head up to the valley, so hopefully if there are any problems, I'll have time to "make a plan".

Anybody else do this? Think I should do the SAP forms and have them with me if I get delayed or something? I guess my guns and stuff will continue to be checked bags all the way through to Harare, but???

I flew from JAX (through IAD) to HRE in March. My bags were delayed enroute and didn't leave Dulles until After I arrived in Harare. They made it through Jo'burg and arrived on the evening flight the next day. I had SAPS forms ready, but had no need or opportunity to use them.

Where you might need them is if you miss the last Harare flight, which I believe is scheduled to leave at 7:00 p.m. You may well be required to go through customs in RSA and return the next evening to fly on up to HRE. I guess you could stay in the transient hotel (not uncomfortable, but boring), and not retreive your gun case, but I'm not so sure I'd like to leave it sitting somewhere in the airport with the assumption that some minion is going to figure out that it needs to be "put back in commerce", so to speak.

The solution is to use Optima or one of the others, even though you are not planning on staying in Jo'burg. They will meet you at the gate, get your baggage numbers, physically follow your bags from airplane to airplane, and right before you get on the Harare flight, confirm that your stuff was loaded on the plane. They will do this coming and going. If the bag is delayed, they will make sure it gets on the next plane. If you have to RON, they will help you get your guns through customs so you can spend the night with Louis at the Afton House.

I've done it both ways... the last time I was lucky, even though there was a bump in the road. I didn't take the precaution because I was hunting with a rifle that I could afford to "lose" (a Model 70 custom worth $3K) and not a $15K double. JMHO.

What is a SAS flight?

Mark absolutely...Prepare for the worst and all will be fine..

Have a great hunt...I assume Shumba is going with you also...

Mike

Mark, I believe you will be flying Dal all the way to JNB. I'm often wrong but Saa doesn't fly out of Atl anymore and Dal stops in Dakar for fuel. Dal doesn't have the in seat entertainment but plan to in the near future. I really enjoyed Saa when they flew the 747 out of Atl and am thankful for the BOEING of any sort on the route that Airbus is dreadful. Adrian

Mark,

If you used Gracy Travel call them and ask their advise. Even if you didn't use them I'm sure they would venture an educated opinion. Nobody sends more people hunting than they do and I've found them to be spot on.

Mark

Mark, Having the SAPS form filled out is a great idea and as you know you can download one from several sites. The Afton kouse is another great idea if the wheel does run off and take your rifle if you can. Great Mbogo! Adrian

Thanks guys.

I don't have the itinerary in front of me, but maybe I am on Delta to Dakar. At 6'7" I prefer SAS as they take bribes for good seats!

In any event, I think the SAP forms will be a safe bet, and using an intermediary is a good idea. Shumba and I stayed at the Afton House last time, but I'm doing a solo trip this time, and just going iron man all the way to Harare.

1.5 days there to aclimitize, charter to Chifuti Camp and drive from camp back to Harare on the way home. Should be a great trip.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
What is a SAS flight?

Will,

SAS is an airline. Scandinavian Air Service I believe. They are a very nice airline.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Mark,

If you used Gracy Travel call them and ask their advise. Even if you didn't use them I'm sure they would venture an educated opinion. Nobody sends more people hunting than they do and I've found them to be spot on.

Mark

I booked my hunt through Tim Danclef and Chifuti Safaris. They directed me to go through SA Adventures in Georgia. They assured me there would be no problems, but I like to hedge my bets when I can.

I've been watching a lot of elephant videos and my palms are sweating already!