Johannesburg Hotel

[Buffalo1]

I have stayed in both Afton and African Sky. Both are nice, safe and hunter friendly. I think you will find Afton costing a little less.

 

[Mountaineer]

It sounds like trying to save a few dollars by staying away from Afton house or Africa Sky may not be the best option. What I’m reading is those locations are like buying insurance that you get to enjoy. Thanks for helping.

 

[Philip Glass]

I hear the Zafron House and African Sky House are great, but I need to conserve some money if I’m going to make it to SA during the next year or two. I see many beautiful hotels listed by Marriott. Has anyone used these hotels? If so, did you use the hotel transfer, have rifles along, and would you do it that way again? Thanks!

City Lodge

 

[Philip Glass]

Wow! "ten foot wall with high voltage wire on top"? Sounds like a scene from Jurassic Park? LOL

Everything in a Johannesburg is like that. Stay at City Lodge and you don’t leave the airport. Especially if you have an early departure. I’ve stayed at all of them. If I have a bit more time I’d stay at Intercontinental but usually I don’t. Just need some food food and sleep and that’s what you get for a good price at CityLodge.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Bush tent in the middle of nowhere. The criminals would be too lazy to come out there and steal your stuff.

 

[matt vejar]

Hi,
Marriot Garden Court by airport. I’ve stayed their 5 times. Last year $70 bucks. Plenty good room and food.buffet usually breakfast and dinner if not available the adjacent bar/ restaurant will do. Shuttle runs every 30minutes. 10 minutes max travel time. Really close. Two thumbs up Siskel and Ebbert!! LOL

 

[matt vejar]

Marriot,
I leave my gun in room now- but they have a vault room in lobby I used the first time when I had both my 375 and 300 H&H pre 64’s

 

[Mountaineer]

So you can take your guns with you to the Marriott now?

 

[AB2506]

I use City Lodge right at the airport.

 

[Rob404]

I stayed at Afton House it was worth every dime I spent

Having stayed at City Lodge and Afton in the past I would probably lean towards Afton for the experience, you can sit around a fire and talk to other hunters look at taxidermy eat a good steak and just relax and not in a hotel room. I just got a note from Richard at Afton the other day and they are gearing up for a very busy season. I missed them in 2021 due to Covid as we went straight to the camp and tried to minimize contact with other peopl.

I was picked up at the airport by their driver who zipped me right past customs without the usual BS, plus the Beer was cold

 

[AB2506]

I think your point is really worth noting. City Lodge is a nice hotel, but impersonal like most hotels. If you have issues with gun, luggage, anything at airport and didn’t use Gracy travel, I think you are on your own. The hotel isn’t going to help. If you stay at Africa Sky, I know Gilbert will do everything he can to help you. I’ve stayed city lodge, Afton, and Africa Sky but was most impressed by Africa Sky.

I have used Air 2000 Hunter's Support. They escort me to and from the City Lodge to the police station in the airport. Money well spent.

 

[Frederik]

Here is my view on this for saving a few.
Go to the hotel with guns and find a paranoid anti gun clerk at the desk who has no clue what to do and handle the situation.
Go to Afton or African Sky everyone understands guns and your more likely to meet a hunter or two.
Rather save somewhere at home by not buying coffe or lunch at work.

 

[matt vejar]

You can take your guns anywhere you want once you have your permit!

 

[Frederik]

You can take your guns anywhere you want once you have your permit!

Yes but please bear in mind not all South Africans know how to handle gun and the laws.
Most likely 95% of our whole population has never even touched guns before.

 

[fourfive8]

Stayed overnight both ways after JNB arrival. Depends on wishes of PH and if driving from JNB or transiting with fight connection. Simplest for connecting flight next day is City Lodge at the airport with Gracy crew- no gun issues. Allows for peace of mind and maximum rest break. Really no worries especially important after the horrendous previous 2 days of travel without sleep. Gracy crew gathers you up next morning at City Lodge and walks you to flight check in- whether you are fuzzy headed or awake or not. A 10-11 AM departure is ideal as it allows for excellent breakfast at the hotel.

 

[Areaonereal]

Will be at Afton overnite in two weeks. $180.00 for two and dinner is optional and 30.00 each. Breakfast is included and very good. Transportation to and from airport included. Been there 7 times….no issues.

 

[AB2506]

Here is my view on this for saving a few.
Go to the hotel with guns and find a paranoid anti gun clerk at the desk who has no clue what to do and handle the situation.
Go to Afton or African Sky everyone understands guns and your more likely to meet a hunter or two.
Rather save somewhere at home by not buying coffe or lunch at work.

Horse puckey. You're manufacturing an issue. I use a TuffPAK. As far as a clerk is concerned, I have golf clubs in the case. I also have the Air 2000 staff member with me. No issues, the case stays in my room with me.

 

[WAB]

I think you’ve got to decide if you want the overnight to be part of the “experience” or just another link in a tedious travel itinerary. If the latter, stay at City Lodge. If the former, stay at Africa Sky, enjoy a great meal and time around the fire. If you have enough time going or returning, have Gilbert drive you to Cambano’s and Safari & Outdoor.

 

[Zambezi]

Horse puckey. You're manufacturing an issue. I use a TuffPAK. As far as a clerk is concerned, I have golf clubs in the case. I also have the Air 2000 staff member with me. No issues, the case stays in my room with me.

Not saying it has happened and not saying it hasn't, but criminals know what a gun case is. Try explaining to the police that you left your guns in your room while you went to supper and they were stolen. Goodbye safari and much more.

Unless you keep your weapons under your direct control they HAVE to be locked up in an approved gun safe by law.

Most hotels will probably have a suitable safe/strong room, just ask.

 

[AB2506]

The "meal" at Afton House or African Sky mean nothing to me. I fly KLM and the flight arrives at 2230. By the time I've cleared the police station, it's probably 2330. Who wants to eat a steak at that time and i doubt one would be offered. KLM feeds me pretty well.

After 22.5 hours of travel, I don't feel I want a shuttle ride anywhere, plus I often have an early flight the next morning.

Apario from Hunters Support escorts me to and from City Lodge to the police station. It's my security blanket.