Travelling to South Africa for a Hunt, Looking for airline and route advice

We flew to Namibia through Frankfurt . Customs was a breeze. They checked the rifles and stored them until our connecting flight. I would just get another luggage tag when we picked up the boarding pass and they would put them on the plane.We even spent 3 days there. No charge. The only hassle was Air Canada getting there. If you can check them through all the way you don't even have to do that. A friend went through London and wanted to spend a few days there. That was a real hassle.
 
I have completed a few safaris in ZIM, Namibia and SA, the world has changed in the last few years, and more for Covid recently. My first hunts travelling with firearms was simple, fill in a form, have checked at departure and receive at other end in special baggage. Those days are long gone, now you have paperwork from Canada and then EVERY country you land in and fly out off. Then the SAPs in SA paperwork. Invite letter, permits and more paperwork, plus the gun haters/misinformed at every counter. If you want a layover in England good luck, research that closely and be ready to pay the $500 fee.

Your first question you need to answer is are you taking guns or ammo? If no then any flight, country and layovers that work for your trip are OK. If you want to take your weapon/s then your are severely restricted or have a fat wallet. Every airline has firearm transport fees, some are more than a new gun.

My 21 day safari for 2020 was postponed due to Covid and is now booked for June-Aug 2021. After a ton of investigating the best for me was/is Van-TO, TO to Addis Ababa, then on to Joberg on Ethiopian air. That route and flights are the only ones where the costs to travel with my rifles do not exceed the cost to buy a new gun or rent one. I can check all baggage straight thru. Last trip I went thru US, huge mistake, cannot check baggage thru and all firearms must be opened and inspected upon entry and exit. Make sure you have hrs at each airport as its a PIA. I am stubborn and for me it provides more gratitude knowing I hunted, shot and reloaded every round that I used to hunt those amazing critters.

For a first time flyer with firearms I would suggest getting a well versed knowledgeable travel agent. One that knows every airline and country's current regs. Or be prepared to do a ton of internet work and plan yourself. Worse is this dam Covid BS as its changed the face of travel, who knows what airlines will not be around when this is over. Just recently new rules and flights with guns within SA has become a huge problem.

Good luck.

MJB
 
I flew from Toronto to Paris France, to Doku Quatar then Johannesburg then to cape Town (stayed there 7 days) then took a small 8 seater to Limpo province SA where I hunted.

My PH let me use his two Blaser rifles so I didn't bring mine.
 
I've done pretty much all the routes into RSA over the years and as has been mentioned above a lot has changed. If you want to bring your rifle be prepared for the paperwork but it is doable including your EXCOL from Canada, SAPS from RSA and any points in between. My favourite route is still through Frankfurt as I like to break the flight up into two with a layover in Germany. Best advice I can offer is for a first timer to use an import rifle service in RSA like riflepermits.com to ease the pain. Most of our guys use our rifles which gets rid of the problem altogether but if you are attached to your rifle you can do it, planning is everything.
 
Donkin said:
I’ve heard it’s best to avoid going through the US with firearms (possible, but a PIA) I brought back 2 firearms with me last August, and flew with Swiss Air / Air Canada via Zurich, no problems. A friend did the same but with BA via London no problems. For me the biggest risk is handing your firearms over to incompetent people in SA on the way back and hope like hell it makes it onto the flight. When I go again for another trip, I’ll rather arrange to use a loaner rifle that side....much less hassle and stress.

Enjoy the planning and the trip, skiet raak boet.
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Excellent advice . If you have a rifle that has value money or sentiment wise ; then leave it at home and get a loner/rental rifle at your destination . It will save you a lot of worries .
 
I flew Pearson to Atlanta georga the georga stealing johnasburg return wat johnasburg to Amsterdam amsterdam to Pearson I did not take firearms used a Remington 700 from my guide
 
I flew Pearson to Atlanta georga the georga stealing johnasburg return wat johnasburg to Amsterdam amsterdam to Pearson I did not take firearms used a Remington 700 from my guide
 
And to add, if I was going, I would seriously consider KMG Canada, as I have spoken to them in person at the Toronto Sportsman's show.

Good hunts at good prices
 
Thanks again for the replies and advice, this definitely helps my planning. Based on your feedback the most likely route is via continental Europe. The Ethiopian routing looks good as well - I've heard Addis Abbaba is a nice city so may spend a couple of days there.
It's also looking like I might be best served to borrow my mates .375 (he's a PH so would be carrying his .450 I reckon). I wasn't thinking to bring ammo with me as he has a reloading station and I'll be using a common caliber. Might bring him some bullets and/or powder.
Now, if only this damn C19 would go away. June 2021 might still be a bit aggressive given that Europe is seeing infection rates spike and there's been little improvement south of the border.
 
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