Headed to Mozambique on the 23rd with my youngest son. We will be leaving via SAA from Dulles. We will check everything through to Harare. From there it is private plane into the Tete area of Moz. I have followed events with the Dulles green weenies of SAS and have developed a great angst regarding our rifles and luggage arriving with us in HRE. I have retained Optima to check on our luggage through Joburg. I don't know what they can do short of letting me know wether it is on the plane or not. Also, I hope things remain quiet enough for us to pass through HRE without issues. This will be my sixth trip and never have I had more concerns. I can deal with Zimbabwe but not having my rifles would really piss me off. Anyone else flying out of Dulles on the 23rd?

It sounds like a great trip MSC. How old is your son? What will you be hunting for, and with what outfitter?

As you have probably done, pack the carry-on's as though they were all you would have, and dress in something that could serve double-duty, just in case. I also split up gear/clothes and ammo between the suitcases in the event that one makes it and the other does not. My son and I flew out of Dulles in March (no connecting flight, which makes things a little simpler) and all went smooth, it was a very full plane but the weather was cooler and I guess weight was not an issue (I am unclear if they are off-loading to make room for cargo, or extra fuel). I have always been able to check at the gate in Dulles with the SAA attendant to confirm that my luggage was physically on the plane (although if off-loaded they may not know or tell you I suppose, but still worth doing). As a seasoned hunter, you are well aware of the fact that as a charter is required to the area from SA Harare, the delivery of baggage if they should become waylaid is complicated, and as such I would make absolutely sure that there is a suitable backup rifle/scope and decent ammo in camp available for your use. And with should come some of piece of mind. Good luck, and good hunting!

Bill, my son is 20 and this will be his third trip although his second with a rifle. We are on a Hippo/Buff/Croc hunt with some plains game included. The safari company is Safaris de Mocambique. The charter is out of Harare. So, you are right...a cockup with the luggage would not be a good thing. As for hunting with house rifles, my rifles are kind of personal and I would not relish the thought of going that distance and spending that kind of money and not having my gear. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

Do you know where your camp will be?

I believe that it is the Kafukudzi camp on the south side of Cahorra Bassa. Based on my observations of the terrain we should be very close to Swainson's Masau camp on the Zambezi. They show the location on their website.

msc: Looks like you've done everything humanly possible to ensure your firearms get there. I just wouldn't take any grandfathers' or other beloved ancestor's smokepoles over. I leave out of Dulles to Zim Aug. 20th. 'Taking my wife for her first look. (My third trip.) Hopefully whatever is going to happen in Zimbabwe will be over and done with by then, but you know good ol' mother Afrika. Best wishes for your trip with your son. I look forward to your report on Mozambique.

Are you laying over in Joberg?

If not check your bags thru to HRE and you should have no trouble, I am assuming all flgts are with SAA.

No layover in Joburg...straight through to Harare. We will overnite in HRE and fly out the next morning. Cazador, no heirlooms but a couple I am mighty fond off. Just in case I checked with my NRA endorsed insurance policy provider to be sure it covers airline loss.

Sounds like a great trip almost here. Good luck.