Joberg airport question?

[Rtsj]

This will be my first Safari and trip to africa. I see that using the VIP service when getting there gets u through immigration and such and then the gun service getting u through SAPS. We r having Henry at rifle permits to do both of these for us. He is also meeting us at city lodge in the morning to get us off to and checked into Airlink for our connecting flight. My question is……. On the return trip is it worth having him meet us back at airlink and back through the process? Do we need another VIP service again to get us back through immigration and to the delta counter to check guns and bags? Appreciate any help or insight!

Thanks Roy

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

This will be my first Safari and trip to africa. I see that using the VIP service when getting there gets u through immigration and such and then the gun service getting u through SAPS. We r having Henry at rifle permits to do both of these for us. He is also meeting us at city lodge in the morning to get us off to and checked into Airlink for our connecting flight. My question is……. On the return trip is it worth having him meet us back at airlink and back through the process? Do we need another VIP service again to get us back through immigration and to the delta counter to check guns and bags? Appreciate any help or insight!

Thanks Roy

You don’t but it wouldn’t hurt. When you return to Tambo on the Airlink flight, you’ll have to find in the baggage area where the SAPS officer is. This is behind closed doors with no windows and a “tip” will likely be requested. From there you now have your weapons again and need to head to the check-in counter for the airline you’ll be taking home.

This is where it can be annoying at Tambo. You head out of the baggage claim area and will be virtually assaulted by those wanting to help you and do so of course for money. And these guys are relentant, it‘s part of what gives the airport a bad name with hunters. They’ll get you where you’re needing to go if you pay them, but the whole deal can be intimidating and very maddening.

By having Henry or one of his reps there to handle the return leg, you’ll avoid this mess.

CAVEAT: After posting above I decided to add this caveat. I haven’t been thru Tambo since 2019 and it’s possible things have improved since then and you don’t have the guys hanging out waiting to jump the dumb American hunters anymore.

 

[JimP]

CAVEAT: After posting above I decided to add this caveat. I haven’t been thru Tambo since 2019 and it’s possible things have improved since then and you don’t have the guys hanging out waiting to jump the dumb American hunters anymore.

They are still there but in their defense it was worth it to me to give one $5 to drag my luggage from baggage claim up to the Qatar counter which is quite a ways.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

They are still there but in their defense it was worth it to me to give one $5 to drag my luggage from baggage claim up to the Qatar counter which is quite a ways.

Yah I’ve paid them too just so I didn’t have to stand there any longer arguing about it. But it is a bit of a walk I agree.

 

[Andrew62]

I imagine you know this, but if you don't, this is something to know. When you fly from the States to Africa you put your ammo in your checked baggage. When you fly from JNB to Port Elizabeth or anywhere on Airlink, you will need to put your ammo in its OWN luggage case, I used a Pelican 1200 I think it was. You'll need to do the same on return to JNB. When you get back to JNB to come stateside, you'll put that little ammo luggage in your checked luggage. Also, you will need to pay around 1200 to 1500 Rand, each way, from JNB to wherever it is you are going to in South Africa. Can you navigate JNB on your own with a rifle, absolutely! Is it worth paying Henry or Mr. X to help you, yes! Good luck on your trip!!

 

[Vintageguy]

I used Gracy Travel my trip a year ago and Bruce met me before Check in and I sailed straight through past a long line and my rifle was gone to the plane. I will not think of doing it any other way in the future.

 

[markm]

I used Gracy Travel my trip a year ago and Bruce met me before Check in and I sailed straight through past a long line and my rifle was gone to the plane. I will not think of doing it any other way in the future.

Have used them always and Bruce is the man

 

[uplander01]

Worth every penny, less stress and worry the better

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Agreed. If you arrive along with other large flights you can be in the passport queue for an hour. By then your luggage has been put somewhere else and the mess compounds.

 

[WAB]

Use one of the VIP services departing as well as arriving. When JoBurg gets backed up it can take hours to get through security. The VIP folks will find a way around. I’ve been taken through the diplomatic line more than once to avoid a backup on departure.

 

[TerryBlauwkamp]

I absolutely agree, use a service coming in for sure, but at least for your first time or two departing,
it will help you get the hang of it.

I use Air2000 both coming and going, and have for 15 years. It just takes all the hassle and uncertainty
out of it.

 

[Vintageguy]

I will add that no one asked me for a tip of any kind, Bruce shot me through so quickly no one really had a chance. But in the SAPS office after quickly verifying my rifle’s serial number the officer said he was personally going to see it onto my flight. Did he really? Don’t know, but I felt that warrants a tip if for no other reason than preventing the rifle from going in the “cheap bastard’s” pile, lol. I did however see him going down the hallway carrying my rifle only while no one else was in the office and I had no issues.

 

[kesha]

I would recommend using them on outbound as well as gun drop off is different location than when you came in and they stay with you through ticketing and dropoff and escort you to security line.

 

[Mekaniks]

Our PH escorted us through the airport. He stayed until our gun and luggage was checked and we were headed through security. I think it makes good sense to have someone help you navigate the check in process

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Our PH escorted us through the airport. He stayed until our gun and luggage was checked and we were headed through security. I think it makes good sense to have someone help you navigate the check in process

@Mekaniks , please call out your PH by name for going above and beyond in his service to you!

 

[Mekaniks]

@Mekaniks , please call out your PH by name for going above and beyond in his service to you!

It was Ig Kritzinger "Proppie" from Paw Print Safaris.

Paw Print is no longer, but Proppie is still hunting. And yes he is a great PH, always willing to go above and beyond. I still keep in touch with him occasionally. He is working as free lance PH last I talked to him.

 

[Rtsj]

My Ph would for sure if he was dropping us off at Tamno but we have a connecting flight bringing us in from Port Elizabeth so not an option.

Roy

 

[PARA45]

I used the services of Africa Sky, and it was money well spent. Gilbert from Africa Sky was there waiting for me, went to SAPs and within 10-15 min we were walking out with my rifle, and the other guests. When Gilbert took me to Airlink, the line was super long. He said to wait in line and that he would be right back. He sweet talked to a cute girl behind the counter, and next think I know I'm in front of everyone. Paid for my ammo case, and through security. I will use them again when I go back.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have used Riflepermits and there meet greet every trip. They are great at navigating thru customs and luggage.
I have never used them for return check in.
My PH has always stayed with me thru luggage and gun check in. All the way up until I start thru security check.

 

[shootist~]

Our PH escorted us through the airport. He stayed until our gun and luggage was checked and we were headed through security. I think it makes good sense to have someone help you navigate the check in process

Mine (Chris Troskie), did this also (2021). And jumped down the throat of a pretend baggage handler assisting our luggage after we were at the check-in counter.