Johannesburg Guns at Hotels

[spike.t]

Used city lodge last year for first time when meeting @Vanguard2279 for his buff hunt...had my rifle in room ...was very impressed with the place...food ..staff in bar/restaurant...would happily stay again

 

[ILDRHNTR]

All good to know as we also will be utilizing an overnight at Jo’burg this year (City Lodge) for the first time. Thanks @Tom Leoni for refreshing this thread.

 

[Cotton King]

Overnighted at City Lodge in 2023 and kept rifle in the room. I enjoyed the hotel, felt safe and secure, with no issues. Would definitely stay there again.

 

[Dakota Hunter]

Africa Sky is my favorite and the least hassle

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I will use City Lodge for the first time in April, Afton House and Africa were great the last 2 times.

 

[ftrovato]

Maybe you have had some first hand bad SA experience to base your opinion? Maybe you have encountered first hand the crime you state about? Personally had your car broken into? We heard this all the time from media, and few on here, but never experienced anything of the sort. Was the same as people saying how dangerous it was to travel alone, we found that to also be BS. Never once did my sisters or I feel unsafe. Did same in Zim and Namibia some time ago, no issue.

I was in Military so very used to travel, keep your wits about you, stay alert and don't do stupid things (alcohol, drugs) and I have never had any issues. Your and my definition of way to much crime may be different? According to media many places are to dangerous, even here in Canada. I tend to see first and leave the fear mongering to the media.

That's just me, so glad we did another trip and yes will do again.

MB

My Outfitter/PH insisted someone be at the truck at all times in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe when we were traveling and carrying valuables....

 

[Philip Glass]

All ~

I'll be taking the direct Delta flight from Atlanta this year, meaning that I'll have to spend a night in Jo'burg before my connection to Port Elizabeth at 1 the next day.

This thread is extremely helpful. Just to confirm, though: Once I take my rifles out of customs, I can take them with me to any airport hotel (as long as they allow the presence of firearms) as I spend the night there?

If not, it sounds like Africa Sky is the way to go.

Thank you

Tom

I recommend City Lodge as it is connected to the airport or Intercontinental if you want to spend $$$. This is especially true for short layovers. I love Africa Sky but I don't want to get up earlier than I have to after the long flight.

 

[Fatback]

I’ve spent several nights in City Lodge with my rifle over the years, without issue. Easy to get to, good food in the restaurant, friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms and hot showers. I don’t need anything else for a 12-16 hour layover in Joburg. If I was going to be staying in Joburg for longer I’d consider one of the guest houses that a lot of folks use. YMMV

 

[KuduKiller]

I’ve stayed at the Afton and City Lodge with no issues. Afton is nice but City Lodge is convenient. Good food at City Lodge, when I stayed at Afton they had a braii and I had to pay extra for a steak.

 

[CAustin]

@MarkB, Just a data point, Stayed at an upscale B&B in Richards Bay a few years back, either '18 or '19. It had twelve foot stone walls with electric wire. Thieves must have put a ladder up to a tree limb that hung over the wall, came over the top and broke in to two vehicles parked in the compound, not ten yards from the front door. Stole the in dash radios out of a Toyota SUV and an adjacent car.
Stopped at an eatery on the way from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown and there was a sign that said something about making sure your vehicle was locked, jammers in use. In my travels to RSA, we never left an auto unattended or without a lot boy watching it.

Exactly

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Same as at Africa. Sky

 

[Hunt anything]

All ~

I'll be taking the direct Delta flight from Atlanta this year, meaning that I'll have to spend a night in Jo'burg before my connection to Port Elizabeth at 1 the next day.

This thread is extremely helpful. Just to confirm, though: Once I take my rifles out of customs, I can take them with me to any airport hotel (as long as they allow the presence of firearms) as I spend the night there?

If not, it sounds like Africa Sky is the way to go.

Thank you

Tom

Since the delta flights from Atlanta arrive so late I normally just stay at Citilodge, you can leave the SAPS station and be escorted by who ever you hire to get your rifle permit. Citilodge has a pretty good restaurant and if flying out early the next morning to PE they can meet you again in the morning to check your guns to PE.

 

[Tom Leoni]

I ended up contacting Africa Sky, where I also booked a room since I arrive at 7:40 PM an my plane for Port Elizabeth isn't until 1 PM the next day. They will do my permit, meet me, help me through customs and drive me to the hotel.

Thanks everyone for your excellent suggestions. I had used Qatar before, but the Delta direct from Atlanta to Jo'burg seems to be so much more convenient, plus it gives me a whole night's sleep before I start my safari.