Everyone says the airport is a horror show, the customs goons shake you down, there are pickpockets, luggage thieves, etc.

What about anything more violent? What is the worst thing that happend to you or someone you were with?

I was there last July. My PH was waiting for me when I came down the Ramp, So everything went very smooth as I had my paperwork all filled out for the SAPS people. He did the talking and from there it was in his truck and heading north. There was a sign on the wall in the SAPS office that said something to the effect of "No Tipping or Bribes" Coming off the Plane customs and passport control went very smooth. Free luggage carts where my luggage came out.I will be going there again in a few days and hope it goes that well again.

I have been thru JNB airport and SAPS 4 times and never had any problems. I have heard stories of customs people telling their friends outside who was traveling with large amounts of cash. Then their friends would try to rob them, even once hearing of a shootout on the roads.

Me too, hassle free, but I knew to check everything thru to Harare so they didn't get to play with my stuff.

I leave in four days for Jo-Berg. My PH will be waiting for me there, so it should go smoothly.
This time next week I will be hunting...

Rich

I have had the locals openly seek bribes more than once. It is uncomfortable.

The airport hotel there really sucks. The room I got was filthy.

There is a hell of a lot of crime there but I have never experienced it fortunately.

I honestly don't think O.R. Tembo is anywhere near as bad on average as it has been depicted. I do believe that some folks have problems there but with the new terminal which is beautiful and super efficient I found my latest transit through extremely easy and far easier than entering the States.

My clients use Gracy Travel and their guy Bruce just handles everything in JNB. O.R. Tembo does not need to be a problem.

Mark

I had a guy try to take my luggage cart as I was walking to the police office at the JNB airport. I had to generally make a lot of noise, yelling things like NO Leave me alone! Don't touch my bags! After I created a small scene the guy was gone as quickly as he arrived. Not fun...but I still feel lucky that was my worst.

Working with the Afton House for SAP gun service and pick-up, it was seamless. My 4457 was even off by one number and SAP personnel were very understanding without even suggesting I "buy some tea for may ailing grandmother".

I've only been thru there once, 2 yrs. ago. We had zero problems, and as a matter of fact a very kind official took us the "back way" to the SAPS office, and no issues. Sometimes I think that the people that have issues, tend to bring it on themselves. But that is just my opinion.

Mad Dog

I've been thru Jo Berg over 20 times and have had a couple" incidents", but nothing being a bit "street smart" can't handle.

I use Air-2000 for my gun permits, and it goes very smoothly.

We once had an armed escort to the parking garage with one of my PHs' who also had someone watching his truck.