First timer here. The rest of the group decided not to take their own rifles because of concerns.

I'm taking my rifle and have the same concerns but all the game I've taken over the years has been taken with my own rifle.

Is there an "easy" way to pick up my rifle at the other end?

BTW what all should I be putting down on the CBP form 4457 other than my rifle and scope? Do I need a backup scope?

I'm looking at the South African Police Service Import / Export permit and it's a bit intimidating

I'm not leaving until June so I have some time

If you are the only one in a group taking a rifle, be prepared for a bunch of pissed off travelers. They will have to wait around while you are clearing your rifles. Might take awhile. This, after a long flight and dealing with customs, is not a good way for you and your group to start off.

If you book through a good travel agent, experienced in international travel with guns, they will tell you what is needed and connect you with the right people who can help you.

These people are able to obtain the needed SAPS permit and facilitate and expedite your ability to jump through the hoops.

I would not give a minute's thought to others who do not take their own rifles.

Their choice; their problem.

You will be able to look at them, smile broadly, and wave your rifle at them, all while they are trying to learn a new one.

Having said that, I do fully understand their reluctance, and am not wholly without pity.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
If you book through a good travel agent, experienced in international travel with guns, they will tell you what is needed and connect you with the right people who can help you.

These people are able to obtain the needed SAPS permit and facilitate and expedite your ability to jump through the hoops.

Very good advice. Company’s like Air2000 or RiflePermits.com or PHASA, for a relatively small fee will obtain your permit prior to your arrival and meet you as you deplane, help you through passport control, gather your luggage then escort you to and through SAPS. Best way to go…

I have used gun clearing services many times at the JB Airport. Yes, they can help with the permits, but what if they are backed up with many arriving hunters. It can take hours. This group chose not to bring guns just to avoid this, but one person has to be different. Selfish, if you ask me.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana1:
I have used gun clearing services many times at the JB Airport. Yes, they can help with the permits, but what if they are backed up with many arriving hunters. It can take hours. This group chose not to bring guns just to avoid this, but one person has to be different. Selfish, if you ask me.

Selfish?

Too funny.

Next time you want to buy a rifle and take it on an international hunt costing many thousands of dollars, why don't you let a casual acquaintance, who happens to be a tremulous old lady by the way, choose it for you, no questions asked?

If you post the same thing twice does it make more emphatic?

I used Africa Sky in Joberg. The PH helped in East London (much smaller airport)
Well worth the peace of mind to use someone who deals with it daily.

quote:

Originally posted by safarihunter:
First timer here. The rest of the group decided not to take their own rifles because of concerns.

I'm taking my rifle and have the same concerns but all the game I've taken over the years has been taken with my own rifle.

Is there an "easy" way to pick up my rifle at the other end?

BTW what all should I be putting down on the CBP form 4457 other than my rifle and scope? Do I need a backup scope?

I'm looking at the South African Police Service Import / Export permit and it's a bit intimidating

I'm not leaving until June so I have some time

Not to be rude and there is certainly nothing wrong with a good question. With that said, has your PH and/or Outfitter been in communication with you? They (He) should be able to assist you with this and in my opinion should have discussed with you.

Sent you a PM..

safarihunter,

What Mike R. said. Do yourself a favor and contact Gracy Travel, Travel With Guns or Kathi Klimes. These folks make their living sending people to Africa with guns. Particularly on your first safari use an expert. It will be the best money you ever spent.

Mark

I’m in the camp of using a service if you can.

It cuts out the BS of folks asking for bribes. It has a local guy who knows the rules and can deal with folks who are just not knowledgeable that work there.

They also have priority at the sites often.

It’s just less of a headache to have them involved.

If you mean physically what happens at Joberg…

You get off the plane and head to customs. You need to use the non African foreign citizen line. You will have a few questions and they take an e photo.

You then go to the baggage claim and collect your non firearms baggage.

You then need to go a ways to the SAPS office and check with them to get your rifles. They will often want to see the form pre filled out, and then they will inspect the rifle with you to ensure the serial number matches (this is very important). They may or may not want to look at ammo. They will give you the permit completed. Do not lose this… it’s also required to get it out back home. They might want to see your US customs form as part of this also.

You will then go to the open atrium to meet your transportation (or go rent a car/hire a taxi) from there.

Lots of places someone will approach you and try and help for a tip… and chances for theft. Be very attentive to personal security.

ETA… South Africa is very big on ammo being in a separate locked case from the rest, unlike the US. Have your ammo in a separate locked case and be prepared to remove it from your bag on a flight originating in Africa. They tend to think the case is part of the ammo for weight, so the 11# includes the case there. You may get gigged for an extra bag fee over it.

The problem is how long is the wait at SAPS for them to inspect your rifle and permit. Yes, you can use a service to pre obtain the permit and help you ( I have done this many times), but how long for them to inspect your rifle, while your group waits just for you.

quote:

Originally posted by safarihunter:
First timer here. The rest of the group decided not to take their own rifles because of concerns.

I'm taking my rifle and have the same concerns but all the game I've taken over the years has been taken with my own rifle.

Is there an "easy" way to pick up my rifle at the other end?

BTW what all should I be putting down on the CBP form 4457 other than my rifle and scope? Do I need a backup scope?

I'm looking at the South African Police Service Import / Export permit and it's a bit intimidating

I'm not leaving until June so I have some time

Not to worry.

Using Gracy Travel, I have them obtain the SA-520 for my firearms. Plus I use the VIP service.

You will find that you will clear customs before your group. and If you provide pictures of your packed bags to Gracy travel. They will have your bags waiting for you and walk you to firearms. Then you will be waiting on your group to pick up their bags to meet up with you.

on your 4457 just list your rifle, nothing else.

you do not need a backup scope unless you are taking it along for the PH.

.

All above is good advice. You could also send Mr X (real name) a whatsapp and he will help on the Temp Firearm Permit and meet you in arrivals hall and gets you thru very quickly. He also works for Afton House but you can use him privately as well. Tel / Whatsapp + 27 76 106 3359. Quite a few AR members will know him.

Cheers

.

I've been through Joburg 32 times with my own rifles. I've regularly used 3 or 4 different services. In my experience, Bruce at Afton house, and Vincent at Africa Sky have been the best. Moreover, those using a firearms clearing service have priority 99% of the time in the SAPS office over those who do not, and those with a service will be called first. I would hire a service now and fill out the SAPS form and get that back to them with the required information and documentation so they can get pre-approval and then it's totally a piece of cake. That is not going to be a hold up for the rest of the group and what has been said about using a service will get you through the hoops much faster than the rest of the group. Use your own rifle and enjoy it!

Maybe not 32 times through JNB and SAPS but more than 20 times for me, too. Even with that experience, I find a professional gun permit service useful.

1. When I had very expensive double rifles to be cleared, it was a great angst reliever to have a pro with me who dealt with the SAPS folks daily and already had pre-approval of the paper work.
2. More than once I’ve had regular baggage not show on the carousel and guns not appear at the SAPS office. The pros were invaluable in getting me reunited with my stuff every time, be it bags missing a connecting flight or (once) my takedown gun case coming out on the regular carousel and being put in lost baggage.
3. I’ve had “short course” South African PH’s provide rifles with Buck Roger’s scopes, FMJ ammo for plains game and muzzle brakes that made the rifle terribly unwieldy. My daughter once went through three rifles before she got one that would reliable feed. Most outfits will do better, of course, but why take a chance, particularly if you’re in a large group and there will be multiple loaners.
4. It’s really cheap compared to the total cost of the safari.

Judge G. - I haven't seen any posts from you in quite some time. Good to see you back. I always look forward to seeing your posts.

Yes, good to hear from Judge G. again!