AfricanSky vs Afton Safari Lodge

[rdb]

Has anyone stayed at both or either one. My wife and I are going in June and are thinking about flying in a couple days before our hunt. Just to get use to the time change and incase of flight delays. Thank you all for all of the information.

 

[Joedad]

Stayed at the Afton House twice. Great place.

 

[WAB]

We stay at Africa Sky every time we transit JoBurg. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

 

[sureshot375]

Witwater guest house is the way to go, especially if you are bringing the better half.

 

[Mark R]

I have stayed at both. A while ago but Afton leaves me cold.

 

[375Fox]

I’ve stayed at both. I prefer Africa Sky.

 

[Ku-winda]

I've stayed at both as well and echo what @WAB stated - Africa Sky is really hard to beat and you won't be disappointed. If you are traveling with weapons and are fortunate enough to have Gilbert by your side shepherding you through O.R. Tambo, you will know exactly what I'm talking about when it is all said and done. Good luck!

 

[V.Veritas]

I’ve stayed at Afton House. I was advised by my PH that recently Africa Sky is a better option, so I'll try them out next.

 

[wesheltonj]

I have stayed at Africa Sky and Intercontinental. Stay at airport, Intercontinental or City Lodge.

 

[The Engineer]

I have stayed at both a couple of times. I find the ambiance at the Africa Sky to be a bit better but the dining room at the Africa Sky was definitely better (Exccellent actually.} than the Afton House. However, with some of the current issues in JB if I were leaving know I would probably stay on the airport.

 

[Tanks]

I like Afton. They will also do your firearm clearance for you.

 

[The Engineer]

After my previous response I realized it might leave the false impression that safety dictates staying at the airport. That is not the case. I have been to SA in times of reported upheaval and never had safety fears. Obviously, as in any large city; you must be alert and not do anything stupid. My comment was based on my travels being such that I only stay in JB for one night. Therefore, I would not be taking advantage of the AfrikaSky rifle permits, available tours, fine dining, etc.

No matter where you stay, I would take advantage of having a rifle permit upon arrival to avoid what can be very long lines at the firearms office. With a prearranged permit it is a walk-in walk-out process that someone with hotel/company that obtained the permit walking you thought.

 

[KKovar]

Another vote for Africa Sky.

 

[widetrackjack]

I've stayed at both as well and echo what @WAB stated - Africa Sky is really hard to beat and you won't be disappointed. If you are traveling with weapons and are fortunate enough to have Gilbert by your side shepherding you through O.R. Tambo, you will know exactly what I'm talking about when it is all said and done. Good luck!

I second this and Gilbert was awesome!

 

[Cam300]

I stayed at Afton last September and did not have a great experience. I will be staying at Africa Sky on my trip next year.

 

[fourfive8]

A couple of days early? Are you renting a car or relying on lodge/hotel shuttle? Is your PH/outfitter picking you up to hunt or are you flying out of OR Tambo to final destination? Reason I ask is wandering around town on foot is not recommended so one day may be plenty hanging around lodge security grounds. Might ask your outfitter for recommendation.

 

[Marcus bock]

I've stayed at all. City lodge in Airport (elevator from second level parking area) is convenient and decent. No animal trophies to look at, thought. Good breakfast. No transport to other lodge. Intercontinental across street from airport...but more expensive.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Done all 3 as well. I suppose City Lodge for convenience, although dinner and wine and ambiance at AfricaSky are my go-to now. Leoni is pleasant to deal with.

 

[Rare Breed]

A couple of days early? Are you renting a car or relying on lodge/hotel shuttle? Is your PH/outfitter picking you up to hunt or are you flying out of OR Tambo to final destination? Reason I ask is wandering around town on foot is not recommended so one day may be plenty hanging around lodge security grounds. Might ask your outfitter for recommendation.

@Kevin Peacocke has an excellent post under A day in JNB. In particular visiting curio shops, Africa furniture with paintings and dining. Sorry I don’t remember exact posting name but should be easy to find