I'm new but am going 2011, what can I take in ammo per rifle?
Regulations I need to be aware of?

quote:

Originally posted by Billsan:
I'm new but am going 2011, what can I take in ammo per rifle?
Regulations I need to be aware of?

Sorry S.A.

These type questions are best answered by your PH/outfitter.

You are restricted to a total of 11 lbs. of ammunition by IATA - the airlines.

...5kg in EU,

Billsan,

You need an agent to guide you through the pitfalls.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Billsan,

You need an agent to guide you through the pitfalls.

Mark

Don't even think of making your first safari without using an agent experienced with Africa HUNTING travel. Kathi, who posts here, Custom Travel, etc.

I've done ten safaris, plus trips to some pretty unusual places. 99% of the experienced Africa hands here will agree.

These should help:

http://www.shakariconnection.c...l-with-firearms.html

http://forums.accuratereloadin...1411043/m/8211034541

Get an agent. Also recommend you book your air travel through a travel agent experienced in African travel, such as Gracy Travel or Kathi.

Mark Young is a reputable booking agent. I have booked two buffalo hunts through Wendell Reich. 866-209-7346.

Booking and travel agents will save you a world of trouble. I think most here would agree. Shakari's website is excellent for advice on anything African. It may cost a few bucks more booking through a travel agent, but believe me, if you're stuck in some s**thole and need to change your reservation, or you're having trouble getting your trophies released by an African government agency, or myriad other negative possibilities. these professionals are worth their weight.

You can do it all yourself. All it takes is time, patience and a little research. Agents are just another (third party) person you have to pay money too. Money I'd rather spend on animals

You have already started your research by asking a sensible question here. Good luck and you won't regret going.

billsan,
you pm did not come though to me it came in blank. i will send you my email address

Since you are going to RSA I believe all you have to be concerned about is the weight limit which is 11 lbs. And you are only allowed to take ammo for the rifles you are carrying. It would also be good to have a ammo box that you can lock in your checked baggage. There are also forms and paperwork to have when traveling with firearms. Be sure to go to your local customs office and get a 4457 for your rifles. For entering RSA you will need the SAPS 520 and invite letters from your PH/outfitter. Be sure to talk to your PH/outfitter to get all the correct paperwork. There are also some outfits that can do all this leg work for you over in RSA, they charge around $150 I think.

check with 458aubs he does customs clearing too

Maybe taking care of details himself is part of the fun for Billsan.

Billsan, in most cases, you will eventually get the answer to whatever question you ask here. But you will also get a lot of answers to questions that you didn't ask.

Generally speaking you can take ammo only for rifles that you are taking. 11 pounds total. Check in the travel forum on this website for up to date info related to safari travel. It can change quickly.

Taking care of the details is part of the fun.

But, I would not even dream of going to Africa, or hunting to any other country for that matter, without going through both a reputable travel agent, and a reputable booking agent.

Whatever money you think you are saving, and something goes wrong, you would regret it.

This is just like when we take insurance, to make life that much easier should something unplanned goes wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by David Culpepper:
Since you are going to RSA I believe all you have to be concerned about is the weight limit which is 11 lbs. And you are only allowed to take ammo for the rifles you are carrying. It would also be good to have a ammo box that you can lock in your checked baggage. There are also forms and paperwork to have when traveling with firearms. Be sure to go to your local customs office and get a 4457 for your rifles. For entering RSA you will need the SAPS 520 and invite letters from your PH/outfitter. Be sure to talk to your PH/outfitter to get all the correct paperwork. There are also some outfits that can do all this leg work for you over in RSA, they charge around $150 I think.

One word of caution here! You may fill out all the forms before you get to Africa, but don't sign them. Most customs people want you to sign them in front of them.

The USA 4457 customs form is simply a form that shows the rifles you took are owned by you and are from the USA. Get a second one for your cameras as well especially if they are not USA made, and most are not!

The 4457 form has become something that is asked for by customs officials in many African countries. It seems they have become to think of the form 4457 as a USA gun permit, and it makes you clearing customs sasier on both ends of the trip. Something else that will save you some time and agravation is to dig out your passport, and paper work before you land in Africa so it is in hand when you get to sustoms!

...............Enjoy your first Safari, it will be the first of many in most cases!

Boy, I guess there are really some varying opinions on this. His question was about "ammo per rifle" and regulations to be aware of. I'm not sure what you mean by ammo per rifle, but here are my answers.

You can only take ammo for the calibers of rifles you are taking.

You can take a maximum of 11 lbs. of ammo per passenger. (plenty)

The ammo must be in the manufacturer's box or a maufacturer-type of box made from fiber, wood or metal. (no loose rounds)

To travel to SA you MUST have at least 2 full blank pages in your passport for them to stamp. If you don't, they will turn you around in JFK or ATL or where ever you are departing from - I've seen it happen, and there are no exceptions to this rule.

If your PH is a good one, he'll tell you the types of forms you need to fill out (the 4457 and SAPS 520 are the only ones I know you'll need for SA, print the SAPS 520 off the internet, the 4457 from either the internet or your local customs office) plus a letter of introduction from your PH to prove who you will be hunting with. Like MacD37 said, a second 4457 form with your other expensive equipment (cameras, scopes, binoculars, etc.) is a very good idea.

I have never used a travel agent or a safari booking agent for my African hunts, ever. I have never used a "gun clearing agent" at the JNB airport to help me clear my weapons either. My PH is very intelligent and reliable and gave me all the info I needed to do it all by myself, but maybe he's the exception. I have never had a problem.

It depends on the type of person you are. If it makes you feel better to have someone hold your hand through the whole process, then spend the money and do it. For me - agents smagents!

Thats a damn good post....


Only thing to add is like someone else said get a small lockable box that in a pinch you could check seperate if asked to.

Billsan,

The reply by Molepolole is spot on. Print it and put it in your notes for your trip.

On my first African hunt I was more or less oblivious to any possible troubles with the gun clearing process, mainly because our PH provided such excellent information. It went very smoothly for the four hunters in our group. Prior to my second hunt I became an AR member and started reading the many postings that warn about needing a gun clearing service. I fretted about that and had halfway convinced myself that we would need to pay someone to help us clear our guns. My hunting partner reminded me that we had all the info we needed from our PH, and again it went smoothly and quickly (we were the first ones into the office and it took all of ten minutes, at most).

I'm one of those who enjoys handling the details myself, it becomes part of the experience and the anticipation and the adventure and the memories. As Molepolole points out, a good PH will help you be prepared, and once you're over there he'll take excellent care of you and "make a plan" if anything unforeseen comes up.

It's your choice to use an agent or not, or a gun clearing service or not, but it CAN be done without them, and quite easily, as thousands of hunters can attest. Do what is best for you, and enjoy your hunt. The only warning I'll give you is this: be prepared to become addicted to Africa!

Dale