I need the benefit of other's knowledge and experience here. I plan to travel from Dulles to Harare in late March and return from Harare to Dulles in mid April. I have no plans to clear customs in South Africa. I would like to bring two rifles in 450/400 for my hunt. I know that the gun laws in South Africa prohibit bringing 2 rifles of the same caliber into the country. With my gun case checked through to Harare on my trip over and through to Dulles on the way back, is there any prohibition or risk of having 2 rifles of the same caliber in my gun case? Are there any foreseeable circumstances that would force me to clear customs in South Africa (like missing a connecting flight etc)? If anybody has been through this before, I would really like to hear from you!

I did some research on this very subject for a client this last season. As you mentioned there is always the possibility of missing flight and having to overnight in RSA. If you claim your luggage and guns upon entry to RSA which I would recommend you will need an RSA gun permit. If you have a letter explaining that the other same caliber rifle is your necessary back up and it appears on your SAPS form your good to go. I don't know exactly the wording you need but Christy with Gracy Travel would be happy to assist with that.

Mark

Hey Dave,

I would suggest you have your "Invite Letter" include both your rifles by serial number and caliber, which most do now anyway, and make a statement that they are to be used as back-up to each other should one malfunction. I think that would give you good cover in the event something goes awry.

Gonna be at DSC?

Many thanks to Mark and Lion Hunter - I hope to see you both at DSC in January!