Looking for recommendations for Sat phone rental for use in South Africa this July.. I've used Outfitter Satellite in the past for Alaska trips - am wondering who everyone else is renting from...

Scott,

If you are actually going to be hunting in the country of South Africa I wonder if you really need a Sat Phone.

While I have not been everywhere in South Africa, there are very few places that I've been that do not have cell coverage. [perhaps others can testify as to the coverage in the Northern areas.]

You can use many US cell phones "as is" in South Africa, or if your phone is "unlocked" you can rent or buy a SIM card in the airport in South Africa to use while there [ it is somewhat cheaper than dialing direct - or was]. I like to use a local card as it gives a local phone number for those you may need to contact withing the country.

Les

I've been wondering about that myself.. I have Verizon here in the states so mine won't work but I would consider renting a cell phone in country... We will be in the northern Kalahari region - not sure what kind of coverage I would have...

Scott,

Our Verizon phones worked in the Northern Province and most of RSA has good land line service. Perhaps a sat phone is overkill.

Mark

See this Verizon Coverage Map for coverage in RSA.

One other factor is that your phone needs to be a tri or quad band phone [which many are].

Also see Vodacom for phone rental information.

You should also check with your outfitter/PH to determine availability in the camp. Land lines are probably available and EVERYONE I've met in RSA has a cell phone.

Good Hunting.

Les

Am I dreaming (very possible) or did I read on anothe post that it was possible to rent a Sat phone in the Jo-Berg airport. Pick it up on the way through and drop off on the way back? Thought I saw something on that now I cannot find it?
G

Do NOT use All Roads Communications as suggested eslewhere in this forum! They did not honor the rate as Kathi quoted, and charged me $300 instead of the rate seh quoted!

Just returned from RSA. In the past i have both rented sat phones as well as rented cell phones. In RSA it is my opinion that cell phones are the way to go. This last trip was 30 days long. I called the states every third day and used it almost daily calling friends and associates in RSA. My total charges, including rental and airtime was under $130 US. Another neat thing is Vodophone, who I rented from, includes loss/theft protection for peanuts.

Most of you know this but just in case, Vodophone and MTM both rent phones from J-Burg airport arrivals area. Pick up and drop off is super easy.

Nkonka,

Now my wife won't accept my excuse that I can't call home and she can't call me cause there is no cellphone service there!