quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:

quote:

Originally posted by DonW28:
Compared to the rest of the money we spend on a trip it is hard to believe we are even having a discussion on it.
Don

I personally have never understood that perspective.

IMO $250.00 dollars is still a lot of money, regardless of whether you are spending $10.00 or $100,000.00.

The value of $250.00 is totally independent of how much money you are spending on other things.

I have a few friends (very few ) who are multi-millionaires, one thing they all seem to have in common is that they don't spend a penny more then necessary.

BH63

Sir, let me pose a question. If you missed a connecting flight because of either (a) the incoming flights was late or (b) there was a long line at international transfers, how much would it cost you? I can guarantee you that it would cost far more than $250 not to mention likely the loss of a day of your hunt.

Not only is there a cost when flights are missed, it is extremely stressful. I don't need that grief in my life.


After our experience on the way to Zim last year, I will NEVER again go without a meet & greet service.

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:

quote:

Originally posted by DonW28:
Compared to the rest of the money we spend on a trip it is hard to believe we are even having a discussion on it.
Don

I personally have never understood that perspective.

IMO $250.00 dollars is still a lot of money, regardless of whether you are spending $10.00 or $100,000.00.

The value of $250.00 is totally independent of how much money you are spending on other things.

I have a few friends (very few ) who are multi-millionaires, one thing they all seem to have in common is that they don't spend a penny more then necessary.

BH63

Then you likely shouldn't use a meet and greet service!

Peace of mind is worth something, at least it is to me.

For me, the cost of a meet and greet service is factored in as part of the trip.

The wife and I have both used Air2000 twice. The first time was in 2010. Somehow we missed the gentlemen upon arrival but, he did catch up to us as we were entering the SAPS office. It took all of 3 minutes for them to verify the paperwork and we were out the door. There were people in before us and still in after we left. To me that was money well spent. Upon leaving RSA we had no help but, it wasn't too much of a problem other than finding the firearm check-in.

The second trip was in 2014. This time we were traveling with crossbows in a SKB rifle case. I know the case would be a target so, decided for the meet and greet. There was some miscommunication upon the greeter and the AIR2000 office so, we did not meet at all. One of the local African gentlemen tried extremely hard to help with the "Rifle case" and I politely told him "no thank you. It's not a rifle." He kept trying and I just kept saying "no." We casually walked out to the exit and met our PH. No officer or security tried to stop us. Air2000 did contact us immediately upon our returned to the USA and refunded our money.

Leaving was a hassle and I'm glad our PH was with us. The ticket agent said we had to verify the content of the case. We tried to show her but, she insisted we take it to firearm check-in. The PH accompanied us and insured no bribe was given, although they asked. The PH was stern but, polite in convening that message.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:

quote:

Originally posted by DonW28:
Compared to the rest of the money we spend on a trip it is hard to believe we are even having a discussion on it.
Don

I personally have never understood that perspective.

IMO $250.00 dollars is still a lot of money, regardless of whether you are spending $10.00 or $100,000.00.

The value of $250.00 is totally independent of how much money you are spending on other things.

I have a few friends (very few ) who are multi-millionaires, one thing they all seem to have in common is that they don't spend a penny more then necessary.

BH63

Sir, let me pose a question. If you missed a connecting flight because of either (a) the incoming flights was late or (b) there was a long line at international transfers, how much would it cost you? I can guarantee you that it would cost far more than $250 not to mention likely the loss of a day of your hunt.

Not only is there a cost when flights are missed, it is extremely stressful. I don't need that grief in my life.


After our experience on the way to Zim last year, I will NEVER again go without a meet & greet service.

One thing you can always count on in Africa - nothing ever goes to expectation. If you're not prepared for the worst case scenario, you will be disappointed.

Every time I go through JNB, someone is crying that their bags didn't arrive, something was stolen, or they missed their connecting flight.

TIA

Only been once, but the service was waaaay worth the cost. No doubt I would do it again.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:

quote:

Originally posted by DonW28:
Compared to the rest of the money we spend on a trip it is hard to believe we are even having a discussion on it.
Don

I personally have never understood that perspective.

IMO $250.00 dollars is still a lot of money, regardless of whether you are spending $10.00 or $100,000.00.

The value of $250.00 is totally independent of how much money you are spending on other things.

I have a few friends (very few ) who are multi-millionaires, one thing they all seem to have in common is that they don't spend a penny more then necessary.

BH63

Sir, let me pose a question. If you missed a connecting flight because of either (a) the incoming flights was late or (b) there was a long line at international transfers, how much would it cost you? I can guarantee you that it would cost far more than $250 not to mention likely the loss of a day of your hunt.

Not only is there a cost when flights are missed, it is extremely stressful. I don't need that grief in my life.


After our experience on the way to Zim last year, I will NEVER again go without a meet & greet service.

One thing you can always count on in Africa - nothing ever goes to expectation. If you're not prepared for the worst case scenario, you will be disappointed.

Every time I go through JNB, someone is crying that their bags didn't arrive, something was stolen, or they missed their connecting flight.

TIA

Right you are sir.

I have been through Johannesburg dozes of times and never experienced what we experienced last trip. I didn't think it was possible. I was wrong.

The other thing which occurs to me is what happens if you do miss your flight? If that happens, I definitely want help.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:
Africa Sky rocks.

^^^^^^^^
This x100

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have used them when I am doing something other than transiting. However, after my last trip to Zim, I am going to use them even if transiting.

We arrived in the RSA. Headed toward international transfers. I have done this many times without problems . However this time, there was an unbelievable line. I am talking a 2-3 hour wait. The meet and greet would have gotten us around that.

I am doing it every time from now on.

I did not need anyone when transiting with baggage checked all the way to the final destination on a single ticket.I was wondering if you could still do this and if so why would you need anyone if you can?

I transited thru JNB to Harare in October. I flew SAA the entire way, checked my bags and guns to final destination. The flight out of Dulles was delayed so I ended up overnighting at Afton and flying on the next morning. My bags and guns remained in transit, made the flight in the morning and all was good...

I was a little worried but there were no issues because I flew SAA the entire way...

Folks,

What a turn around. I've been om this site since 2002 and when this subject of meet/greet came up in the past it was met with shear hostility. Few could see the need to hire someone to do what they could do just as well. One guy said he'd punch out anybody that hired a service and went to the head of the line. It would seem the members in general now can see that a little help can make your trip angst free.

We hunted in RSA Oct-Nov of this last year and I bought the full meet/greet package through Gracy. a gentleman met us as we got off the Jetway at O.R. Tembo, escorted us to baggage claim, retrieved our luggage, took everything through RSA citizens customs/immigration and on to the SAPS office where Bruce from Gracy was waiting. Soon the guns arrived, we checked SN's and Bruce walked us across the the street to the City Lodge and helped with check in. Bruce met us the next morning and got us checked onto our flight to Port Elizabeth. Seamless and worth every cent. The pre approved gun permit and the meet on the Jetway cost something if you book through Gracy but the rest of the service is included in your ticket price.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have used them when I am doing something other than transiting. However, after my last trip to Zim, I am going to use them even if transiting.

We arrived in the RSA. Headed toward international transfers. I have done this many times without problems . However this time, there was an unbelievable line. I am talking a 2-3 hour wait. The meet and greet would have gotten us around that.

I am doing it every time from now on.

I did not need anyone when transiting with baggage checked all the way to the final destination on a single ticket.I was wondering if you could still do this and if so why would you need anyone if you can?

I transited thru JNB to Harare in October. I flew SAA the entire way, checked my bags and guns to final destination. The flight out of Dulles was delayed so I ended up overnighting at Afton and flying on the next morning. My bags and guns remained in transit, made the flight in the morning and all was good...

I was a little worried but there were no issues because I flew SAA the entire way...

Good to know thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Folks,

What a turn around. I've been om this site since 2002 and when this subject of meet/greet came up in the past it was met with shear hostility. Few could see the need to hire someone to do what they could do just as well. One guy said he'd punch out anybody that hired a service and went to the head of the line. It would seem the members in general now can see that a little help can make your trip angst free.

We hunted in RSA Oct-Nov of this last year and I bought the full meet/greet package through Gracy. a gentleman met us as we got off the Jetway at O.R. Tembo, escorted us to baggage claim, retrieved our luggage, took everything through RSA citizens customs/immigration and on to the SAPS office where Bruce from Gracy was waiting. Soon the guns arrived, we checked SN's and Bruce walked us across the the street to the City Lodge and helped with check in. Bruce met us the next morning and got us checked onto our flight to Port Elizabeth. Seamless and worth every cent. The pre approved gun permit and the meet on the Jetway cost something if you book through Gracy but the rest of the service is included in your ticket price.

Mark

I Have used Gracy and it is very good service. Highly recommended like Mark indicated.

I have also done the do it your self route and do not recommend it to anyone. You fall behind all hunters using a service. My Waite time was 3+ hours and I had to make a connection that night. I also had all the paperwork filled out, however they indicated that it was not completed right and I had to fill out another form. and we did all taking time. I mad my gate with minutes to spare as the flight left early.

On top of using a service, you are not bothered with all the persons wanting money from you.

As my wife said that was the best value for the money spent on the trip.

I'm going to Zimbabwe in April. Less than a week ago I emailed my gun information to Annelise at Afton Guest House for my R.O.N. in Johannesburg. This morning I received confirmation that my S.A.P.S's permit was approved and in hand.

Lots of good services out there, but Wednesday to Monday morning ain't bad.

By the way, anyone on Delta 200 ATL to JNB on April 4th?

I would try as much as I can to fly without a night over.
One of these companies I contacted would not offer me that permit service if I did not buy my air ticket from them-I believe that was Gracy travel-infact I contacted them for two of my safaris.Another company required that I get a notarized copy of my rifles which I did.It cost me 300 bucks plus I had to field a lot of stupid questions from the notary and his wife.It turned out that one months notice before travel was not enough and we could not get the permit beforehand-but it was no big deal in getting it while I was there.I doubt they still have my notorized copies.Last hunt I had to try and contact them twice before I got a reply.
Notarized copy-300
meet and greet service250
tips to all involved 100
grand total 650 (not to include hotel cost)

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I would try as much as I can to fly without a night over.
One of these companies I contacted would not offer me that permit service if I did not buy my air ticket from them-I believe that was Gracy travel-infact I contacted them for two of my safaris.Another company required that I get a notarized copy of my rifles which I did.It cost me 300 bucks plus I had to field a lot of stupid questions from the notary and his wife.It turned out that one months notice before travel was not enough and we could not get the permit beforehand-but it was no big deal in getting it while I was there.I doubt they still have my notorized copies.Last hunt I had to try and contact them twice before I got a reply.
Notarized copy-300
meet and greet service250
tips to all involved 100
grand total 650 (not to include hotel cost)

George,

You write some nutty stuff sometimes which I ignore but I think your above statements might be misleading so I'd like to comment. First Gracy Travel is a travel agency not a RSA gun permit service like AIR 2000 or Rifle Permits. They provide the permit service for their customers. The service includes the gun permit and assistance to make sure it is filled out correctly, escorting their customers to and from the on site hotels and assistance with check-in for connecting flights for $150 and the VIP service that includes meet/greet at the Jetway and expedited customs and immigration clearance for an additional $80. I'm not familiar with Canadian gun permits but none of my Canadian clients have ever mentioned a $300 fee for notarizing anything. I'll have to check in to that. If your meet/greet included your gun permit and escort in the airport that sounds about right. Who did you give a $100 tip too? That sounds way over the top. I engaged the VIP service through Gracy last year and I tipped the VIP guy $20 and gave Bruce the Gracy rep $30. I thougth that was quite generous. I think if it cost you $650 for what I paid $280 for to include tip you got hosed.

Mark

I'll have to check the Gracy travel web site to see what was the case.The way I understood it was that they charge a fee for a meet and greet/rifle import thing.If it was stated someplace that I needed to purchase an airplane ticket from them to get this service I would not have bothered to call them and get rejected.As for the notary,he wanted a hundred for each rifle and one for the passport photocopy.A hundred for each of the three documents.As for the 100 dollar tip,there were four people that needed to be tipped.There were also two more that needed to be tipped the next morning but I did not include those.Oh yes I forgot to mention the cost of sending these documents to SA, ASAP by DHL.You could probably add another 100 to the 650 and make that 750.

I agree Mark. Last year I booked the VIP at Africa Sky, and am I sure glad I did. We (myself and ASky escort) happened to arrive at SAPS during shift change. There were about 15 of us there waiting for our guns to show up. The first couple showed up, then no more, so the rest of us were just standing around waiting. After about 10 minutes of this, my escort had a "visit" with one of the SAP guys and off they went behind closed doors, then arrived promptly with my rifle. Turns out that due to the shift change the workers just left the rest of the rifles back on the belt somewhere for someone else to sort out. A total of about 20 minutes through this fiasco and I was gone, but the other dozen or so hunters were still standing there waiting, while no more rifles showed up.

I paid a total of zero to stuff notarized, and I was able to scan and email everything to Africa Sky. It was very quick and easy.

George,

I believe there is only one permit service now in JNB that requires the SAPS form original be sent directly to them. Find another outfit that will let you e-mail the docs. If you make a mistake you have to send it to them again.

Mark

I had to mail them the original notarized copies not the SAPS form.BTW,I wish they still have them that way I don't have to go through it again.

Been out-of-the-USA for awhile (Guadeloupe, FWI), lot's of interesting posts.

I am still a little undecided. So far, I have found that I can save a lot of money on the flight if I book the Denver to JNB, followed by a JNB to Bulawayo.

If I do that I will go ahead and spend the night in Jo'burg (nice to rest up after a long flight) and then catch a plane the next day to Bulawayo.

That would give me an extra 24 hours or so, for my gun and luggage to catch up if needed, and would take away any concern I have of spending an extra 2 or 3 hours trying to get guns through the police check.

One question, though, would I need separate groups of gun permits for my ongoing flight to Bulawayo, and also the flights upon my return from Bulawayo and then the final flight back to the USA?

On my last hunt to Zim, it was booked through a RSA outfitter and he just met me at my hotel and I don't recall any issues with either the Zim flights (out and back) or the final flight out of RSA.

If I chose a "meet and greet" would I be charged for two separate services (in and out of JNB and then in and out of Bulawayo)? That would double the cost of the "meet and greet".

BH63

We did the exact flight scenario as you described with the overnight in JNB and the next morning on to Bulawayo. The service we used through Travel with Guns and Afton House also assisted us the next morning while processing through JNB to our flight to Bulawayo. There was no extra cost for this service on the next day.

I strongly, strongly, strongly urge you to use a service. On the second morning, our guy left us for a few minutes to assist people flying onward to Port Elizabeth. He said it would take just a few minutes. When he returned 30 minutes later, we knew something was up. "Mysteriously" one of the numbers on the SAP form had been changed from a 1 to an "L". It most certainly was a shake down. I can't imagine the grief of handling that situation without the assistance of a meet and greet person. It is NOT WORTH THE RISK!

BH63,

For your proposed hunt you only need a meet/greet/gun permit in RSA upon arrival. If you use a service it will take about 20-30 minutes from jet way to walking out with your guns. In Bulawayo you just get your gun permit upon arrival and it is a very simple form. Best to fill it out and have 3-4 copies with you to save time upon arrival in Bulawayo. Your safari operator should be able to provide a copy of the Zim gun permit. You'll also need a visa upon arrival and that's about $35. Have the correct change as they will have none. On the return just check your luggage/guns all the way home from Bulawayo. No need for a service.

Mark

Mark, SDS,

Thanks for you great information. I am definitely leaning toward a service now.

It seems things have deteriorated quite badly in RSA since the early 2000s.

BH63

BH63,

No problem. This stuff is my job.

Mark

To add one thing to Mark's comment this is a link to a clean copy of the Zim gun permit.

http://www.huntinafrica.com/im...mrifleimportdoc1.pdf

Save it to a PDF format and if you have a full version of Adobe you type everything in the blanks and like Mark wrote print 3 to 4 copies for your arrival in Bulawayo. Make certain you keep the stamped copy with you until you depart Zim.

^

Much thanks.

I have downloaded the form (although I expect my PH will be sending me some info on this as well).

BH63

I hunted RSA in 2010 and 2012. My PH just met me at the gate and escorted me and my baggage thru at no extra charge.

Seems to me, especially in this economy, that a PH should handle you from landing gate, until he walks you back to your terminal at the end of the hunt...

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I hunted RSA in 2010 and 2012. My PH just met me at the gate and escorted me and my baggage thru at no extra charge.

Seems to me, especially in this economy, that a PH should handle you from landing gate, until he walks you back to your terminal at the end of the hunt...

And if your PH is in another country what would you do?

What if you just got in behind 2 747 filled with hunters and you are in the back of the line it could take you hours to get through the SAP process PH or no PH . On the other hand having the permit preissued you go to the front of the line and are out of there in 5 minutes

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I hunted RSA in 2010 and 2012. My PH just met me at the gate and escorted me and my baggage thru at no extra charge.

Seems to me, especially in this economy, that a PH should handle you from landing gate, until he walks you back to your terminal at the end of the hunt...

quote:

Originally posted by shotgun46:
What if you just got in behind 2 747 filled with hunters and you are in the back of the line it could take you hours to get through the SAP process PH or no PH . On the other hand having the permit preissued you go to the front of the line and are out of there in 5 minutes

I've seen the line up at Customs over an hour long never mind SAPS. There are some conveniences in life I'll happily pay for. For others it not worth it. Each to their own!

Rich,

A PH would need a special security clearance to able to meet you as you got off the plane and walk you through customs etc. that is why there are meet/greet services that handle this as they do have the proper security clearance. Your PH can only meet you in the reception area and help you from that point onward. Of course that would only apply if you were hunting somewhere within driving distance of O.R.Tembo let alone if you were traveling onward to another country.

Mark

and people wonder why i use outfitter supplied rifles over the last 8-9 safaris. i figure i have saved thousands of dollars, hours of waiting and tons of stress.....and the return trip is even easier when you hit the US.to each his own, i suppose.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
and people wonder why i use outfitter supplied rifles over the last 8-9 safaris. i figure i have saved thousands of dollars, hours of waiting and tons of stress.....and the return trip is even easier when you hit the US.to each his own, i suppose.

Well, count me in. For the first time I'm using the outfitters rifles for my August safari in Namibia. Looking forward to avoiding the hassles.

First time I went I did it on my own,but I followed the booking agents instructions to a T. No problem at all. Second time I used Afton House great service. Third time I used African Sky not impressed,I had to "tip" the police. Coming back from Kimberly I used Air 2000 on short notice because of short connection time. I was not overly impressed with them either. Next year I will use Afton House again. As far as transitioning through JB to Windhoek, I had my luggage checked all the way through so no problems there.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I would try as much as I can to fly without a night over.
One of these companies I contacted would not offer me that permit service if I did not buy my air ticket from them-I believe that was Gracy travel-infact I contacted them for two of my safaris.Another company required that I get a notarized copy of my rifles which I did.It cost me 300 bucks plus I had to field a lot of stupid questions from the notary and his wife.It turned out that one months notice before travel was not enough and we could not get the permit beforehand-but it was no big deal in getting it while I was there.I doubt they still have my notorized copies.Last hunt I had to try and contact them twice before I got a reply.
Notarized copy-300
meet and greet service250
tips to all involved 100
grand total 650 (not to include hotel cost)

Who in Canada is notarizing your paperwork, it cost me $25 for all the paperwork to be notarized in Alberta

quote:

Originally posted by Spooksar:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I would try as much as I can to fly without a night over.
One of these companies I contacted would not offer me that permit service if I did not buy my air ticket from them-I believe that was Gracy travel-infact I contacted them for two of my safaris.Another company required that I get a notarized copy of my rifles which I did.It cost me 300 bucks plus I had to field a lot of stupid questions from the notary and his wife.It turned out that one months notice before travel was not enough and we could not get the permit beforehand-but it was no big deal in getting it while I was there.I doubt they still have my notorized copies.Last hunt I had to try and contact them twice before I got a reply.
Notarized copy-300
meet and greet service250
tips to all involved 100
grand total 650 (not to include hotel cost)

Who in Canada is notarizing your paperwork, it cost me $25 for all the paperwork to be notarized in Alberta

That's the maximum they can charge by law in Alberta I believe.

You can contract for he meet an great service by your self just google them should be able to get done for a lot less

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:

quote:

Originally posted by Spooksar:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I would try as much as I can to fly without a night over.
One of these companies I contacted would not offer me that permit service if I did not buy my air ticket from them-I believe that was Gracy travel-infact I contacted them for two of my safaris.Another company required that I get a notarized copy of my rifles which I did.It cost me 300 bucks plus I had to field a lot of stupid questions from the notary and his wife.It turned out that one months notice before travel was not enough and we could not get the permit beforehand-but it was no big deal in getting it while I was there.I doubt they still have my notorized copies.Last hunt I had to try and contact them twice before I got a reply.
Notarized copy-300
meet and greet service250
tips to all involved 100
grand total 650 (not to include hotel cost)

Who in Canada is notarizing your paperwork, it cost me $25 for all the paperwork to be notarized in Alberta

That's the maximum they can charge by law in Alberta I believe.

TJ you maybe right about the cap for a notary, still $100 per form is highway robbery. It's less then 5 minutes work, even my Sons divorce lawyer is not that high

quote:

Originally posted by Spooksar:
TJ you maybe right about the cap for a notary, still $100 per form is highway robbery. It's less then 5 minutes work, even my Sons divorce lawyer is not that high

Then again he is in Quebec!