It's looking like I may have to fly to Victoria Falls next summer from LAX. I can fly from LAX to DC, then to Jo'berg and from there to Vic Falls all on SAA.

Since it's all on SAA can I check my baggage/gun straight through to Vic Falls? Is a 2 Hour, 10 minute layover in Jo'berg enough time for the transfer to Vic Falls?

I just found some fares at $2095 is this reasonable?

In my book that is a great deal...

If it is all the same airline, or airlines with baggage agreements, you should be able to check it all straight through...

Smoking deal, especially from LAX.

Bags should check all the way.

However, 2:10 is a really short turn around in JNB. I booked travel with Gracy today and they said many of the folks that try to make the two hour exchanges in JNB are not getting their bags/guns. They recommend overnighting, which is not to my liking, but its better than not getting your bags and guns for three or four days.

Or consider leaving home a day early and overnighting in Vic Falls (which aint' a bit bad!) before driving to the safari area. That'd give your bags a chance to catch up with you and you don't have to go through SAPS in JNB.

Ultimate Lodge (Russell, the owner, posts here) will pick you up at VFA and show you the Falls, etc. and feed you well for a good price. I'm doing that in September.

The price sounds really good from LAX to JNB. I've paid that from JAX-ATL-JNB-VFA and I think my price this year is about the same.

Frank,

From my personal experience and that of my clients a 3 hour break between flights in JNB is about minimum. As others have said it seems that a layover somewhere it Africa to allow for the baggage to catch up is almost mandatory if flying SAA.

As for the price it is a smokin' deal from LAX.

Mark

I know it is extra time and cost, but I would overnight in Jo'Burg and catch a morning flight to Vic Falls for an overnight. You will never regret the time in Vic Falls. I have done it twice and loved every minute there.

Thanks for the information guys. The price of an overnight in Vic Falls is inconsequential to the more peace of mind that it may provide on the luggage situation.

I'd as soon not overnight in Jo'berg just because of the hassle of getting the firearms checked in and out of SA.

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
Smoking deal, especially from LAX.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
. . . smokin' deal from LAX.
Mark

We use the same slang, we drink the same gin, we wouldn't think of taking a safari without our lovely brides by our side . . . .

Mark, are you my daddy?

Will,

If I say yes will you take your old man on safari?

Mark

Fjold - instead of going LAX/DC/JNB and doing an overnight in Johannesburg - consider doing LAX/JFK/JNB using the non-stop SAA flight out of JFK and then connecting to Vic Falls. Presently connection time in Johannesburg is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

I would also recommend going in a day earlier to Vic Falls and spending the night.