quote:

Flew SAA to JNB, then on to Vic Falls.

Here are some "new twists" that you may have to deal with

1. SAA (United) want $250 if either of your bags is over 50lbs, even if only by 1 lbs

2. TSA don't blink if your ammo is not in a lockbox, provided it's in a locked case. This saves your having to go back to open your ammo box, as some airports put your bags (other than your guncase) on a belt and then TSA gets into them after you have already done through security

3. TSA seems to think it's OK to put TSA locks on your guncase

4. Don't believe SAA when they say your bags "will be on the next flight". They will show up 2 to 5 days late

5. SAA domestic and regional flights are now weighing hand baggage at JNB, and forcing you to check your carry-on if it's over 8 kgs (excluding a laptop if you have one). SAA will tell you, when you buy your ticket, that hand luggage has to be under 20 lbs, but 8kgs is in fact 17.6lbs. You can avoid this by walking over to the international check-in, showing your boarding pass, and then going to your gate. They don't weigh carry-ons at international check-in.

6. United wants the ammo in a separate case. TSA doesn't care. When leaving Zim, they don't care either. But if checking bags at JNB, they want your ammo in a separate bag.

7. Zim is counting ammo coming in and leaving. Be prepared to account for any ammo that is "used up" while in Zim. If it's more than a few rounds, they start asking LOTS of questions. Vic Falls is very bad for this. They want to put you in a pickle and then they name the price to get you out again.

8. You can get to Vic Falls via Frankfurt/Windhoek. Probably a good option, to avoid JNB during the 2010 soccer nightmare.

9. You can fly to from JNB Livingstone (Zambia) for SAR 900 (about $125) each way. But not with guns .. unless you get permits in advance. SAA is charging $450-600 round trip to Vic Falls.

10. SAA Airbus had electronic problems going (fire extinguishers in the cargo holds discharged, requiring all cargo to be offloaded); and coming (toilets on LHS of plane wouldn't flush. I don't think they are on top of the maintenance of these planes. And you will get the runs eating SAA food.

11. SAA flights all come and go from the same terminal at JNB now, international, regional and domestic. This is a good thing.

12. Make sure you get a "double entry" visa when you get to Zim, if you plan to go to Botswana for a side trip. Otherwise you will pay 2x.

13. Zim management elephant hunts are on hold, Parks is not issuing permits, even if they promise them, they don't issue them. Don't book a mgmt elephant hunt without a plan B.