First SA Safari Travel Help

[TBacon86]

Hi Africa Hunting,

I've been a long time reader of threads here, but first time posting. I've dreamed of hunting SA for over twenty years since I went on a highschool rugby tour of the country back in '03 (we got smoked), but have always let excuses push it off - starting a career, buying a home, having kids etc...but am finally pulling the trigger on getting it done this coming May, almost certainly with Crusader Safaris. I'm trying to fly to Paris, to meet up with an expat friend and spend a night there, mostly to imbibe some at Hemingway's before starting the Safari. Cliche to be sure, but why not. The issue I am running into is what to do with my rifle for the day/night in Paris - I understand that if you leave your luggage/rifle checked, you don't have to clear it through French customs. I am leaving from Toronto, Canada, and can't seem to find flights from Toronto - Paris - Joburg - Port Elizabeth that will make this possible. I've come across a few US Travel Agents that can make this happen from the US, but so far none will book flights for Canadians as they are unfamiliar with regulations relating to temporary export of firearms.

Forgive the long winded background explanation - but does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent who might be able to help a Canadian organize the logistics here? Preferably one with experience booking hunters/firearms.

Thanks in advance!

Taylor

 

[JimP]

Jennifer at Travel Express has mentioned that she is familiar with the Canadian logistics.

You might give her a call or send her a email.

International Hunting & Safari Travel Agents in Corvallis, MT | Travel Express

Travel Express is a hunting and safari travel agency who books excursions to Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Central Asia. Click here to learn about their discounted airfare to Africa!

www.travelexpressagency.com

 

[wesheltonj]

You might call Nicole at Gracy.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Or rent a rifle for your first trip.

 

[Sika98k]

I’m thinking Air France maybe. Airlink will be the airline in South Africa for the Jo,burg to PE leg.
I just had a look at their website. There is one option giving you a 14 hour layover in Paris.

 

[Hogpatrol]

We flew Air France from Washington D.C. in 2014 and had a sixteen hour layover in Paris, didn't have to deal with the firearms, they were checked through to Joburg.

 

[migrabill]

I would just rent a rifle from my PH. No way I am trusting a Frenchman to do this.

 

[spike.t]

...I hope Jerome ain't checking this thread.....

 

[Philip Glass]

Hi Africa Hunting,

I've been a long time reader of threads here, but first time posting. I've dreamed of hunting SA for over twenty years since I went on a highschool rugby tour of the country back in '03 (we got smoked), but have always let excuses push it off - starting a career, buying a home, having kids etc...but am finally pulling the trigger on getting it done this coming May, almost certainly with Crusader Safaris. I'm trying to fly to Paris, to meet up with an expat friend and spend a night there, mostly to imbibe some at Hemingway's before starting the Safari. Cliche to be sure, but why not. The issue I am running into is what to do with my rifle for the day/night in Paris - I understand that if you leave your luggage/rifle checked, you don't have to clear it through French customs. I am leaving from Toronto, Canada, and can't seem to find flights from Toronto - Paris - Joburg - Port Elizabeth that will make this possible. I've come across a few US Travel Agents that can make this happen from the US, but so far none will book flights for Canadians as they are unfamiliar with regulations relating to temporary export of firearms.

Forgive the long winded background explanation - but does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent who might be able to help a Canadian organize the logistics here? Preferably one with experience booking hunters/firearms.

Thanks in advance!

Taylor

Contact Patrick Wright at PWPTravel.com. He books Canadians.

 

[BRICKBURN]

...I hope Jerome ain't checking this thread.....

 

[BRICKBURN]

I’m thinking Air France maybe. Airlink will be the airline in South Africa for the Jo,burg to PE leg.
I just had a look at their website. There is one option giving you a 14 hour layover in Paris.

https://wwws.airfrance.ca/en/information/bagages/bagages-speciaux-hors-format-airfrance
Air France flies the route.

I am thinking it will be a stretch to have the airline store your firearm.

Maybe Jenn can help you figure it out.

 

[Throwback]

id consider renting a rifle, its just way easier. talk to crusader about exact gun, scope etc and you can get more comfortable. i bet theyll send you a pic if you want. just a thought.

 

[MarkB]

Welcome to the best Africa site there is fellow Canuck. Over the years I have done all flight options I think. Landed in London Eng and stayed with family a few days on first trip=was easy. That was years ago and in a different world, as was the 3 day tourist stop in Frankford. Then did the enter US and leave thru Atlanta, that was the worst nightmare, BUT from recent threads on here it may be better now. Now I only go Ethiopian Toronto to Addis then SA. Love that day in Addis to see sites. This does not help with your issue of extended gun storage in Paris. That I have no idea on.

As for any US travel agent knowing Canadian firearm export rules, definitely verify, do they engage with Global Affairs for you????. You must call Global Affairs Canada, (if still there ask/talk to Surge, he is awesome and will walk you thru all details) complete all paperwork with impeccable, perfect serial numbers and details. Scopes, magazines, ammo (amount, calibers) and guns all on form perfect. This is reviewed and needed at Canadian airports, layover airports and SAPS, and again when returning. Have signed and STAMPED upon return by CBSA then send back to Canadian Gov to confirm all came back, get confirmation that your return paperwork was PUT in the system. Then you get Gov email validation.

Good luck on your Paris gun issue. Hope someone can provide proper validated advise.

BTW @BRICKBURN has an awesome thread with all details for Canadian gun travel somewhere on this site. I think its all still valid.

MB

 

[TBacon86]

Thanks for your reply's everyone! Shawn at Gracy was super helpful and it looks like I'll be able to store the rifle/firearm at CDG for the extended layover which they will organize. I should be all good to go on getting the rifle out of Canada - have travelled to the US for a few hunts/shooting comps in the past and have gotten triggers out of the country for the past 10 years - I manage operations for a trigger manufacturer here called TriggerTech.

Can't wait to get this hunt on, going to be a tough wait!

 

[MarkB]

Thanks for your reply's everyone! Shawn at Gracy was super helpful and it looks like I'll be able to store the rifle/firearm at CDG for the extended layover which they will organize. I should be all good to go on getting the rifle out of Canada - have travelled to the US for a few hunts/shooting comps in the past and have gotten triggers out of the country for the past 10 years - I manage operations for a trigger manufacturer here called TriggerTech.

Can't wait to get this hunt on, going to be a tough wait!

That's awesome news. Safari coming together all organized.

Ryan at your work (TT) needs a pat on the back. Just received my annual 2 Black Monday on sale triggers in mail after our mail hostage issue, installed them this week. You work for a dam good company making a dam good product. Just did a review this week. Good job.

Please complete a hunt report after your safari so we may all go on your safari after you return.

Mark B

 

[bakerb]

Granted it was 8 years ago, but my first safari was with crusader and Andrew had some good rifles to rent. My favorite was a pre-64 Winchester in 338.