Looking to get airfare to Bulawayo Zim from Anchorage- what’s the recommended way? I can get some good deals on Ethiopian Airlines but not sure I should travel them with rifles?
Depends if you are weak hearted, emotional and sensitive person or not? Or a true cave man hunter with macho stamina?
So, if you travel via connection on Adis Abebba, as per local rules, they will take you to cargo bay of the airport which is like basement or dungeon.
From passenger transit area you will be escorted by security and you will go by shuttle car from one area to another.
There, you will open the rifle case, and they will check serial number of the rifle, and compare serial number in documents.
With two trips, I did it four times.
To do this smoothly, have all your documents photocopied.
And during the check, give them copy of your papers. They will appreciate, because they dont have a copy machine there in cargo bay, and somebody will need to run upstairs (back with shuttle car, then by stairs) to copy documents and come back which cause delays, while you and security in cargo bay will be idling without chair to sit, between forklifts, waiting half an hour for the guy to come back with paper copies..
On my first trip, I was informed, and I knew this in advance. For me this was interesting experience that adds to the entire adventure experience of the hunt.
There were also some pleasant moments:
On the way back, from hunting there was several hours to next flight, and some delays in cargo bay luggage transfer to next flight.
Security did not want to loose time to search for me and a friend in passenger transit areas, so they took us to business lounge, and told us to stay put there and dont move, till they are ready for rifle security check. (we travelled on economy)
So, we had a very nice drinks, beer, wine, smoked salmon, snacks, and meals for free in the lounge by their courtesy.
If not mentally prepared to do this, sensitive, emotional and weak hearted international hunters take it as total stressful situation, expecting to be arrested for life. And swearing later never to use Ethiopian air lines ever again, or denouncing hunting in Africa with their rifles for ever!
For me, this was basically all interesting and pleasent. Security is very polite, all fine.
When and where else, I would be able to see an international airport cargo bay area, and automatic cargo belts, and forklifts?
From my point of view, it was generally routine, albite unusual experience. (So, be a man, and dont worry)
Some points and anecdote:
Layover time: make sure to have at least 3 hours of layover time to connecting flight in Adis, to give time for this procedure. Two hours, as minimum is sufficient, but three is better.
Last trip (2024) anegdote:
A friend and me, went down to dungeons with security to check the rifles, it was our second trip to Africa and back, via Adis, thus, business as usual.
All went fine, all security personnel were very kind, all routine.
At my check desk I noticed one small detail.
On the same desk where was my gun case, there was left a set of keys, presumably of some other gun case. A passenger before me, in total stress, probably left his keys on the desk.
I am sure, he would have a surprise, surprise moment when he lands in his next destination. Loosing the keys, might ruin his day.
Bottom line, stick to your key at all times, consider having back up key, or using coded lock.
Dont forget to have several copies of all gun and travel documents!
www.travelexpressagency.com
) Cooler than the plane. Enjoy.
