AfricanSky vs Afton Safari Lodge

I've stayed at the airport hotel, Africa Sky and Afton numerous times. All have positives to offer. Africa Sky and Afton will both help you clear guns and the food is good at both. Gilbert is one of the most helpful, polite, interesting people in the hospitality business I have met in Africa. I have spent the most time with Africa Sky because of Gilbert. He's a great guy and knows everyone at JNB.
To me after staying at both the decision comes down to the following for me:
1. Am I flying out in the morning?
2. if so, I do not want to leave the airport and want to stay at City Lodge if on a budget or Intercontinental if budget does not matter
3. If I am staying for two nights in JNB then traveling away from airport does not bother me…hands down Africa Sky…in my opinion Afton is operating on the past…I was very disappointed with them
 
I've stayed at Africa Sky 3 different times and have no qualms recommending it, only the caveat that 2019 was the last time. Gilbert never fails to pick you up or get you back to the airport on time.
But I would not was to use it as a destination. 24 hours is enough.
 
I've only been once, stayed at Africa Sky. It would be hard for me to give up the niceties they have there. Rooms are really nice, food is amazing, the "bar" is on the honor system.
 
Give a look at Sunrock Guesthouse. I have stayed at Afton many times but just gave this a try and it was great. Better food and about 2/3 cost of Afton, plus it is half as close to the airport. About 8-10 minutes.

https://www.sunrock.co.za/
 
For my part, even if the food were NOT better I would still want the services of Gilbert. That's the tipping point for me. Any of the various places work fine but Gilbert makes the difference for me. I say that having used at least 3 places so far. I coach leaders for a living and told Gilbert that with his work ethic and good attitude, he could be very successful in many roles. He's remarkable.
 
Plus one on Gilbert - you can't put a price tag on what it is like having him in your corner at O.R. Tambo in Joberg! Gilbert will be prominently featured in my hunt report on Coutada 11 (once I get around to doing it). I wouldn't even think about going through Joberg without him!
 
I've stayed at the airport hotel, Africa Sky and Afton numerous times. All have positives to offer. Africa Sky and Afton will both help you clear guns and the food is good at both. Gilbert is one of the most helpful, polite, interesting people in the hospitality business I have met in Africa. I have spent the most time with Africa Sky because of Gilbert. He's a great guy and knows everyone at JNB.

+1 to this comment. Gilbert is the bomb! The line to get through at the airport was long. Gilbert said to me, I’ll be right back. Next thing I know he is using his charm and sweet talking the ticket agent and before I knew it I had my boarding pass with me. He is great and I hope to see him next year. (y)
 
We were trying to get through security and everything was
Plugged up. Gilbert took us to a secure hall I had never seen before for diplomats. There was no one in line, he worked his magic, and we were through!
 
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.
I have been to Africa Sky several times and enjoy it. I Usually do not have time for it but sometimes it works out. You will find good service, food, and many like minded hunters staying there.
 
Always stay at the Sky. Gilbert is the man. I have him in my contacts and no matter the complexity of your travel plans or issues that come up he just takes care of it. Reassuring to have someone like that in your corner. The staff and rooms and food are great also
 
I regret not getting Gilbert's contact info. That's a good idea.
 
Africa Sky gets my business also. Just booked again for May.
 

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Grz63 wrote on roklok's profile.
Hi Roklok
I read your post on Caprivi. Congratulations.
I plan to hunt there for buff in 2026 oct.
How was the land, very dry ? But à lot of buffs ?
Thank you / merci
Philippe
Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
Chopped up the whole thing as I kept hitting the 240 character limit...
Found out the trigger word in the end... It was muzzle or velocity. dropped them and it posted.:)
Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
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Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
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Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
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