Ethiopian through Addis to Victoria Falls Experiences?

[Brandon.Gleason]

Anyone have any recent experience with this airline/layover? I'm particularly interested in the experience with firearms interactions in Addis as well as the overnight accommodations/food situation.

We are flying into Vic Falls in May for our hunt and TWG is showing very few airlines with a route from the New York area through to VFA and being able to accommodate more than 1 rifle per hunter. I'd really prefer to travel with 2, myself. The ticket includes an overnight voucher for a hotel in Addis.

 

[MLindsay]

Brandon, I flew the same route in June with a buddy, There were 4 hunters on the plane in Addis, they met us as we got off and took us downstairs to the Hole. 3 gun cases arrived with mine being lost. I missed the plane, had to overnight in Addis, they flew me to Joburg the next morning then on to Vic Falls after a 6 hour layover. My gun case showed up 3 days later, had to drive in from Matetsi to Vic and pick up.

A total mess!

 

[Mountaineer]

I flew Washington Dulles to Addis to Namibia in July. No problems with my two guns. On return our plane was late and we missed our connection and had to wait until the next night to catch a plane. I did not care for the hotel selected by Ethiopian Air. I would be picky about where you stay. Addis like all city’s have places you are comfortable and places you are not. I would drive to DC and try not to overnight in Addis or do your research on hotels. You will not have the armed guards standing by you if your not in New York either. I try to avoid that also.

 

[BigGame]

Leaving on Friday, to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and ultimately to Dar es Saleem. Original flight was cancelled. I have a 4 hour layover. Should make for an interesting journey. Hopefully I won't have to go downstairs to "the hole" and make any payments.

 

[Mountaineer]

If you fly with guns you will be escorted to the hole. Hopefully you will not make payments while there.

 

[Traveler1]

As for overnight layover....
Back in the day, say 30 years ago.. the Addis Ababa Hilton was top notch. To this day hands down the restaurant in the Hotel made the best pizza I have every had. It had an original style Italian brick oven and the restaurant was 3 star plus in food quality all day long. My father and I stayed there 5 to 6 times from 1988 to 1994. Back then we never had any problem with guns or traveling around the city. On two different occasions we got stuck in the hotel for about three or four extra days. The first time, was when Micky Leland's plane crashed in Aug 1989. Our scheduled charter flight as well all other available planes were looking his plane. The second time was during the Somali Civil War all flghts were grounded for a few days. During these times we explored the city and surrounding areas. Amazing history and culture. In the 90's the items you could get on the black market were awesome. From stolen Embassy/UN computers to AKs to grenades.

 

[BigGame]

Leaving tomorrow for Addis Ababa Bole International Airport! I'll keep the forum updated on my travels.

 

[Doublerifle40]

I will be there by next week, wondering what it feels like .

 

[mark-hunter]

Anyone have any recent experience with this airline/layover? I'm particularly interested in the experience with firearms interactions in Addis as well as the overnight accommodations/food situation.

I went from Vienna (austria) via Addis Abeba to Windhoek, Ethiopian airlines.
No issues.

Procedure in Adis (for gun transit):

On arrival to Addis, somebody from airport will meet you on arrival gate.
he will take you to cargo handling area. (basement)

There they will bring, your gun case and ammo case to check point desk
You will open gun case, and police authorities will check serial number.

To make it smooth, prepare full set of photocopies of all firearm papers that you have.
Give photocopy to them.
They will appreciate this.

(Because people who dont have photocopy of firearms papers must be taken back, two floors up, make photocopy with accompanying official, and come back to cargo area with this photo copies, loosing time)

Once all is clear. lock the gun case, and go to gate of connecting flight.

 

[BigGame]

I went from Vienna (austria) via Addis Abeba to Windhoek, Ethiopian airlines.
No issues.

Procedure in Adis (for gun transit):

On arrival to Addis, somebody from airport will meet you on arrival gate.
he will take you to cargo handling area. (basement)

There they will bring, your gun case and ammo case to check point desk
You will open gun case, and police authorities will check serial number.

To make it smooth, prepare full set of photocopies of all firearm papers that you have.
Give photocopy to them.
They will appreciate this.

(Because people who dont have photocopy of firearms papers must be taken back, two floors up, make photocopy with accompanying official, and come back to cargo area with this photo copies, loosing time)

Once all is clear. lock the gun case, and go to gate of connecting flight.

This is just what I needed today! THANKS!!!

 

[Mountaineer]

It’s a smaller airport worked by mostly happy people. They don’t always know all the answers, but they try. I comfortable there. If your taking a gun there should be a representative when you get off the plane holding a sign with your name on it. If not find one immediately. You have to verify the serial number on your rifle. I also take a dozen copies Ethiopian’s firearms declarations form and US Customs 4457. It makes it much easier when you can give out the forms at the airlines checkin counter and inspected crew.

 

[mark-hunter]

This is just what I needed today! THANKS!!!

Good hunting Amigo!

 

[BigGame]

Here's a few pictures of "the hole" at Addis Ababa airport. I wasn't supposed to take them but, after 17 hours of flying I just did it for the forum and didn't care.

First they drove me there... where we had to enter the building.

All my paper work was completed on the steel table.

Best advice is to have a multiple photocopies of the following: Passport, Customs Form 4457 (USA), and Ticketing gate paperwork from airlines. (I flew Ethiopian)

These copies came in handy with several different stops along my journey. They did pull my other suitcase and make me show them all my ammunition at Addis Ababa. All of my copies were used in a folder and sent along to Tanzania. If you don't have copies add 20 minutes or more for them to go make copies.

Also, Tanzania banged me $100 for a Visa at 3am and $79 for the Import License. They wanted cash so, I paid via Visa. No sense arguing at that time of night!

 

[VonJager]

Ethiopian to Harare last August. On the way over, it was fine, they were waiting for me as I deplaned, knew my name and took me underneath, and got me to my connection. Each ongoing flight had a person escorting that group onwards.

Coming back, not so much. I kept trying to find someone to tell them I had to go to the basement to check the gun, but no one seemed to understand, and just kept ushering me to my gate. Once at the gate they assured me it was fine, and I could board even though I protested.

After boarding started, a new person was frantically searching for me, found me, and took me down under, and then sent me back through security…

 

[BigGame]

Ask for Mr. Salute next time at Addis Ababa. He's a boss and has been there 10 years. It was a total pleasure watching him direct the process though all the people at the airport and call in rides to the hole on his walkie talkie. Had my firearms and ammunition checked in record time.

 

[Traveler1]

Earlier when someone mentioned basement, I was literally think a basement. Dim light, wet and foul smelling, Maybe a guy in the corner with a toothpick and pliers making sure you had all your paperwork.

 

[BruceS]

Anyone have any recent experience with this airline/layover? I'm particularly interested in the experience with firearms interactions in Addis as well as the overnight accommodations/food situation.

We are flying into Vic Falls in May for our hunt and TWG is showing very few airlines with a route from the New York area through to VFA and being able to accommodate more than 1 rifle per hunter. I'd really prefer to travel with 2, myself. The ticket includes an overnight voucher for a hotel in Addis.

My experience thru Addis was very good. Plan on same route next trip.

 

[gillettehunter]

You are actually on the ground floor. PITA. They had an employee waiting for us a year ago. Coming home they did not. We spent some time asking around. Finally at the lounge at the waiting area we were able to find someone to go down and double ck the serial numbers. Be sure and take the copies of your paperwork as mentioned above. It will make it a lot easier.
Bruce

 

[Traveler1]

Sounds like Addis is not bad then. Glad to hear it.

 

[MarkB]

Used Ethiopian last summer, as others state do what you have to so basement goes well. Take all paperwork copies and hand out as asked for. It really is no big deal, never felt unsafe, people are friendly and want to help, just seams many forget, each gun routine is everyone's first, even after they completed the guy ahead of you in line.

Leaving Toronto was delayed 12 hrs so we missed connecting flights, Ethiopian had us Visa's and letters to leave airport (You need and can buy/pay at exit). We had excellent hotel, custom made pizza for my sisters who are food picky and a great day in Addis. As every big city travel was safe, just be aware. Even after a basement trip my guns never arrived in Joberg, but did on later flight. Reason I always have extra days in Africa before and after every safari.

MB