Routes to Zim

[MLindsay]

My yearly method to get to Zim is Delta from Atlanta, either Premium Select or Comfort Plus. Debbie's people take care of me in Joburg and I overnight at City Lodge, Simple!
I hear about Emirates and a few other airlines but it seems many have long layovers. Can someone explain to me their routes and why they like them over Delta.
Thanks so much

 

[deewayne2003]

Been to Zimbabwe 1 time, but I have traveled internationally a considerable bit…..

Having said that, I will not be taking the Qatar route again without a QSuite; I did economy last time and never again.

Africa Sky was amazing all around; Intercontinental in JNB on return was as nice and modern hotel as I have ever stayed in.

 

[wesheltonj]

I think most prefer Emirates & Qatar as : (1) early morning arrival at JNB, no overnighting in Jo'burg (2) Better food (3) Better FA service. (4) The lounges in Dubai and Doha are the best you will find anywhere. Of course most are flying Business. ECO is ECO. Direct/Fastest is best when in cattle class.

 

[Tusker]

Check Ethiopian Airlines. From Europe to Zimbabwe is 16-19 hours and business class in $2,000 round trip. Yes, you have to match the layover with the departure and that is the key to success to make it shorter than any other route.

 

[Altitude sickness]

If given the choice I’m going back to Delta and Joberg connection. Half the travel time for my route. Qatar airline is great while you’re in the air. But.

Doha was too crowded. I’m not a fan of the cattle hauler bus system

 

[rookhawk]

My yearly method to get to Zim is Delta from Atlanta, either Premium Select or Comfort Plus. Debbie's people take care of me in Joburg and I overnight at City Lodge, Simple!
I hear about Emirates and a few other airlines but it seems many have long layovers. Can someone explain to me their routes and why they like them over Delta.
Thanks so much

I've been to Zim many times via Emirates. They fly out of 7-8 US cities so you'd need to see if they have service near you.

The good part:

You do your own gun permit online on Emirates and its easy. They take guns very seriously and your guns will never get lost, there are security people waiting for you at the gate in Dubai to confirm "Mr. Smith is entering the plane, please load his weapons". It's very first rate.

You also have a great seat. Coach is a smidge smaller than the US to London British Airways business class section. The emirates business class is lavish: rare lamb rack, lobster tails, $200 champagne, $300 wine. Business class also gets you a free hotel room in Dubai if you want it, provided your layover is greater than 6 hours. Also free limo to your local airport in the USA. Also free lounge access in Dubai which is REALLY nice. Also a free upgrade to 70lbs per bag which allows a three gun safari without baggage fees.

You also get to layover in Dubai which is a fascinating airport with more luxury shops than Rodeo drive.

They also are always on-time.

They also get you from the USA to Dubai, then to Lusaka (you sit on the plane in your seat for 45 mins, then you're an hour away from Harare).

The bad part:

Chicago to Dubai has a 14 hour layover inbound awaiting that Harare flight. Not nearly as bad on the return home (6 hours?).

My conclusion: The certainty your guns will fly, that they are on the plane, and that you're on a direct carrier into Zim without overnights/SAPS/Afton House/SA Airlink/Riflepermits.com makes it all worth it for me. You may disagree.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Emirates is the best airlines I have personally flown on.

 

[375Fox]

I’ve flown Ethiopian and Qatar to Zimbabwe. They both worked but I’ll plan to fly through South Africa next time. I flew Ethiopian during a Covid year because it provided the best route. The flights are fine similar to any domestic airline, but the rifle procedure in Addis Ababa is extremely unnecessary and adds some stress. I’d fly Qatar again if I could check in directly at a Qatar hub, but even on a partner airline you must reclaim your rifle and ammo and recheck directly on Qatar. It adds some unnecessary stress particularly when line is very long and American transferred your firearm directly when they should not have. The positive is Qatar doesn’t lose firearms. They will arrive in Zimbabwe. The South African route is best for me. My rifle and ammo will go through to Johannesburg. The rifle procedure there is easy then I can get a good night sleep and recheck in morning. The rifle procedure in Johannesburg is considerably easier to me than trying to recheck with Qatar in Chicago.

 

[375Fox]

I think most prefer Emirates & Qatar as : (1) early morning arrival at JNB, no overnighting in Jo'burg (2) Better food (3) Better FA service. (4) The lounges in Dubai and Doha are the best you will find anywhere. Of course most are flying Business. ECO is ECO. Direct/Fastest is best when in cattle class.

There is no need to stop in Johannesburg with Qatar.

 

[Surgeon1]

Qatar or Ethiopian in business class

 

[CAustin]

My yearly method to get to Zim is Delta from Atlanta, either Premium Select or Comfort Plus. Debbie's people take care of me in Joburg and I overnight at City Lodge, Simple!
I hear about Emirates and a few other airlines but it seems many have long layovers. Can someone explain to me their routes and why they like them over Delta.
Thanks so much

Went Qatar in Qsuites and it was great! It takes awhile and layover in Doha was several hours.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Flying economy? Fly Delta or United. Get your ass to Joburg ASAP. Overnight at Africa Sky. Enjoy a wonderful night. Dinner, time around the fire. Glass of whiskey. Cigar. Get in the Africa frame of mind.
Catch your flight out in the AM.


My $.02.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I think it depends where in Zim you are going. If going to Bulawayo, I would go to JNB, overnight and then Airlink. If going to Harare, I would likely go through Europe or the Middle East. In addition to the airlines already mentioned, I would look at Turkish Airlines through Istanbul. Their business class is competitively priced and they fly from several US major airports with 787s.

 

[375Fox]

I think it depends where in Zim you are going. If going to Bulawayo, I would go to JNB, overnight and then Airlink. If going to Harare, I would likely go through Europe or the Middle East. In addition to the airlines already mentioned, I would look at Turkish Airlines through Istanbul. Their business class is competitively priced and they fly from several US major airports with 787s.

For me, the airport I initially fly from matters more. Those that can fly direct from major hubs like Chicago or Dallas have better options than those that have to connect through them. Leaving security, going to baggage claim, and Rechecking a rifle with Qatar in Chicago makes me rethink choosing them again.

 

[MLindsay]

I fly to Bulawayo so the Jburg, Airlink is pretty simple but I just wanted to see what others are doing

 

[Green Chile]

Flying economy? Fly Delta or United. Get your ass to Joburg ASAP. Overnight at Africa Sky. Enjoy a wonderful night. Dinner, time around the fire. Glass of whiskey. Cigar. Get in the Africa frame of mind.
Catch your flight out in the AM.


My $.02.

Exactly. Some like to fly with upgrades, miles, etc and that's great of course. If you are flying coach, take the 16 hour Delta flight and get it over with. Gilbert picks you up...use the VIP option and skip the Customs line! Get a good meal and rest then he will get you back to Air Link in the morning...skip the friggin panhandlers by security and get downstairs for your easy flight to Zim. I've gone several different ways but that is my favorite to shorten travel time/cost and get to camp quickly.