I'm headed out at the end of this week; ready to spend the balance of September in the Selous. I've got two questions. First, should I carry with me some sort of health certification showing I've had my yellow fever shot and such? I don't remember being asked to show that when going there 3 years ago, but it was mentioned to me recently that may have changed. I don't know where my certification is at the moment but I should be able to dig one up if needed.
Secondly, I'm probably carrying too much ammo. My son is going with me and we'll have 3 guns and probably have too much (again). On my last trip I was only asked about ammo weight when leaving TZ, which wasn't an issue. What would you do if they decided you were over while at the airport trying to leave the US? Dump some in the terminal?

You're allowed 11 lbs each of ammo. You'll be taking more than 22 Lbs?

I took 60 rounds of 375 H&H and 20 rounds of 300 WSM and was only at 10 lbs (including the metal lockbox).

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
You're allowed 11 lbs each of ammo. You'll be taking more than 22 Lbs?

I took 60 rounds of 375 H&H and 20 rounds of 300 WSM and was only at 10 lbs (including the metal lockbox).

About 60 rounds each of 300WM, 375, and 470 will put you over. Yes, that's probably more than we'll need, but with 2 of us on a fairly long hunt, I'd rather have too much. I know where I could cut in a pinch, but it would be nice not to have to.
On my last hunt I was asked how much ammo I had and simply said "5 kilos", which was all they wanted to hear.

Vic, my understanding is that you only need the yellow fever certificate if you are arriving at Tanzania from a departure point where the disease is endemic. That obviously excludes the USA. I have brought and will bring my certificate along anyway, just in case.

As for the ammunition, you and your son are entitled to 5 kilograms each, or 10 kilograms total, which is 22 pounds. That is a hell of a lot of ammo and I would suggest that you keep the total weight of whatever you are taking within that limit. No need for any hassle and headache at the last minute. Sometimes they do enforce the rules.

Best of luck on your safari!

Don't make the mistake of packing the two lots of ammo permitted into one container as if you do, you may very well have problems at the airport...............

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Don't make the mistake of packing the two lots of ammo permitted into one container as if you do, you may very well have problems at the airport...............

Excellent point. If you did do that you'ld be in violation of IATA rules.
IATA rules state that ammo should be limited to 5kg per PACKAGE. (NOT per person as airlines say)
Under IATA rules a passenger could carry 10 cases of ammo as long as each don't weigh over 5kg.

Vic,

I received from the Dr. a certificate of vaccination a small yellow folding paper which lists all shots given and dates...
As for your ammo 11 lbs apeice break up into separate luggage half in each...
Good luck...
That 5 kilo answer should suffice for you ane your son... You could also say " I said 5 kilos , meaning apiece..."

Mike

Vic,

Mike spoke of the little yellow shot recorder and we just pack it with our passports etc and take it as routine. Just in case.

I would not go with over the 11lb of ammo each and depend on MAYBE it will be OK. I think 60 rounds of 470 even for both of you is over kill. Cut back somewhere and don't depend on luck for anything you can control.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
I would not go with over the 11lb of ammo each and depend on MAYBE it will be OK.
Mark

Agreed, I did not mean that one should gamble and carry more. That is something one would have to get an agreement with the airline in question before the trip. A few competition shooters have managed that for some flights but its not easy.

When i was in Ivorycoast a couple of years ago a man stood just before the passport desk and checked everyone health cetificate and if you didn`t had taken the yellow fever shot for example - it was just to pull down your trousers and show your ass. I dont want that to happen to me in a stinky African airport.

AD

quote:

Originally posted by csxcs:
When i was in Ivorycoast a couple of years ago a man stood just before the passport desk and checked everyone health cetificate and if you didn`t had taken the yellow fever shot for example - it was just to pull down your trousers and show your ass. I dont want that to happen to me in a stinky African airport.

AD

Would you want to do that in another country's airport?

Fjold, from one lefty to another, I sure would if your avatar was giving the shot!

I've had counter people take my word for my ammo weight and I have only had one instance where I had to take it out and weigh it.

Like Mark said, 60 rounds of .470 seems a bit extreme.

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
I've had counter people take my word for my ammo weight and I have only had one instance where I had to take it out and weigh it.

Like Mark said, 60 rounds of .470 seems a bit extreme.

You're probably right, but we do have an elephant and six buffaloes on license and I've seen those fellows soak up some lead. Nevertheless, that's where I'll likely make some cuts.

BTW, I've carried my yellow Vacination Certificate all over the world. I keep it next to my passport in its case.

You should have a record of all your vaccinations, drug allergies, and your ocular prescrition on the form, just in case you require medical attention. The attending physician will have the record right in front of him. It's something I never travel without.

vic,

One other point is to not attract any more attention than is necessary. If you have over the limit on ammo you leave yourself open to further hassles and delays in check-in.

Mark