I really enjoy reading peoples comments on the forum, so I figured I would ask the following questions here.

1. I am flying from Atlanta to Joberg to Windhoek. All on SAA. If I check my rifles in all the way to Windhoek, would I have to pick up my rifles in Joberg and then check them in to Windhoek, or will SAA do that, so I don't have to go through that crap?

2. I am going to be hunting Mt. zebra. Do I need a cites to bring that back?

Thanks for your help.

As long as you don't overnight in Joburg, or leave the airport and take possession of your guns, the airline should take care of the transfer for you.

Your outfitter (or shipping agent) should get the CITES export permit for you. You don't need anything for import if you have the appropriate Namibian permit.

Have fun in Namibia!

You should get one of the expeditors to make sure your guns get on the plane to Namibia. Call Kathi as she has nothing better to do!

If you are overnighting in Atlanta or have enough time, consider checking your bags to Atlanta and claiming them there, rechecking them on SAA. Then you are reasonably certain they are on the plane with you.

When you check in here initialy make sure that your guns are checked through to Windhoek. Check the baggage tags to be sure.

465H&H

Here's how it is. Some people are extremely cautious.

Even if you are EXTREMELY cautious, however, you should check everything straight through from Atlanta to Windhoek. As others have said, you do not want to have to go through (and you certainly don't need to go through) the permitting hassles in Johannesburg as long as you do that.

Expeditors, such as Air 2000 or Optima, are likewise for the EXTREMELY cautious. The risk you run in Johannesburg, as long as you are checked through to Windhoek, is the same risk that you run at ANY airport when you change planes. It's not a permitting risk--it's the risk that the airline will misplace or lose your luggage, including your rifle(s). So, as for retaining the services of an expeditor, go ahead and do it if your personality requires it. It's short money (US$70 or so) anyway, so maybe, for you, it'll be money well spent for the peace of mind it buys.

Last time I did this, I watched them load my rifles onto the Windhoek bound plane from my seat in the 737 (which, BTW, was way more comfortable than my seat in the %$*@_+! Airbus)!

As for CITES, as Desert Ram has said, YOU don't need a CITES import permit to bring back a Hartmann's mountain zebra, but your outfitter needs, and if reputable and reliable will obtain, a CITES export permit.

mrlexma,

Expeditors are not necessarily for the extremely cautious. For some reason it is always the guns that do not seem to make it on the connecting plane. Luggage yes, guns no. I wonder how much of that is on purpose. I willingly fess up the $30 to make sure someone makes sure they are on the plane. The boobs in Africa operate on a different wavelength.

Coming back never seems a problem. They have always got on the connecting planes. Coincidence? No way.


If flying into Atlanta and overnighting you should to claim your baggage and guns. I'm not sure you can check them the day before to Joburg, but have never tried it. Doesn't sound reasonable to expect the airlines to keep them overnight.

Okay.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
For some reason it is always the guns that do not seem to make it on the connecting plane. Luggage yes, guns no.

A friend of mine's guns have not made the connecting flights (with more than ample time)on 2 out of his last 3 trips.

Both times in Joburg. Bags made it... guns didn't.

Use Optima or another handling service.

Thanks for all the comments. I guess I just want everything to go the way it should. I should just quit worrying and whatever happens-happens. Just need to enjoy the experience of Africa.