I couldn't agree more with Bwana 338. 3 trips now to Africa, (2 with my wife), all three done through Gracy Travel. Never so much as a hiccup on any of them. No doubt there are others that also do a good job. If possible, do a day or two of sightseeing before you begin your hunt. It will give you time to adjust to the local time/rythym/environment. Above all, don't sweat the little problems along the way--it IS Africa after all! Keep focused on the big picture. AND...take plenty of cash, and call your credit card company(ies) and let them know you are going so they won't lock down your cards. It's a real bitch to miss out on special purchases because you bank locked down your card.

Muletrain so you are the SOB taking so much time when I am standing in line almost letting it rip!

All kidding and advice aside I remember my first trip (prior to 9/11 which has changed the travel experience) anticipation of the hunt kept my mind racing and not thinking so much about the flight. I am sure you will have great hunt and probably much different than what you are use to in Penns woods. Ditto on Kathy and Ann at AIR 2000 is great with the guns. If you need to ovenight in Joberg there are many good places, I like The Safari Club near the airport.
Cheers.

From a neighbor a litte futher outside Hershey.

Thanks fellow hunter. I will take your recommendatins to heart. One of these days. ...Budget went out the window this past month with unexpected expenses. Have fun.

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Ferrall:
I couldn't agree more with Bwana 338. 3 trips now to Africa, (2 with my wife), all three done through Gracy Travel. Never so much as a hiccup on any of them. No doubt there are others that also do a good job. If possible, do a day or two of sightseeing before you begin your hunt. It will give you time to adjust to the local time/rythym/environment. Above all, don't sweat the little problems along the way--it IS Africa after all! Keep focused on the big picture. AND...take plenty of cash, and call your credit card company(ies) and let them know you are going so they won't lock down your cards. It's a real bitch to miss out on special purchases because you bank locked down your card.

Thanks for the post Tim. I do appreciate aLL posts. You are all a class act. Ray

You go once, you will spend countless hours figureing out how to go back.

Look at all of the great advice and see what works best for you. Personal comfort is the key. Everyone is gonna be in that tin can for 16 hours. I've found fellow travelers to be friendly and helpful. It is all part of the experience. Just think of how many people wish they were you

I just got back from a hunt in south Africa two days ago. 19 hour flight on the way back; you can do what I did. Sleep. Watch a movie. Read. Repeat

I met one of my now very good friends in the airport in Frankfurt as we were waiting to board the plane to Namibia.
We got to talking, it carried over into the flight, we exchanged e-mail addresses, have stayed in touch & he & his wife have even spent a weekend in our home.
Going to Africa is way more than the hunt! It's an incredible journey.
FIND A REPUTABLE OUTFITTER & JUST GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gees guys,
the flights aren't that bad unless ..........you get stuck next to a heavy African gov't official with a huge smile, dressed in a bad poly suit and a big tie. Especially if you smell him as he is approaching your isle and not even starting flight time yet.

Or if get hit with the airflow from the toilet every time the door opens. Or get an aisle seat from hell with an ass stuck in your face every 2.3 minutes for 16 hours... Hmmm, do the math.

Check out this letter to an airline-
http://www.lettersofnote.com/2011/03/seat-29e.html

There is always a few terror filled moments while the plane is loading passengers that is equal to the closest of encounters in the bush with the most dangerous of quarry. Give me an pissed ele cow or two with my 450 in hand any day. At least you control your own destiny......

You can always change seats or if the flight is full, Pray. Actually you can always sleep while standing, drink to much and prop yourself in the john.... better on the legs anyway.

The up side is much much bigger than the down side!

I do all inclusive packages starting at $4,000.00.

You are welcome to PM me if you are interested or email me at charl@infinito-safaris.com

Good luck, and do not put this of too long....you might just have found yourself an addiction!