Travel Questions

[358 Norma]

I used Gracy Travel, money well spent! I will use them again in 2026!

 

[Fatback]

I’ve used Gracy Travel on all of my trips to Africa and will be using them again for my trip in August this year. One stop shop and they have done a fantastic job for me.

 

[375Fox]

I used Gracy for 3 trips. Their people on ground in Johannesburg are great but there were small problems with every booking. I wasn’t impressed. I’ve used travel express the last 5 or 6 trips and have been really happy with their service. Travel express combined with Africa Sky, Afton, or Rifle Permits on the ground offer the same service as Gracy.

 

[Rare Breed]

Our trip is exactly a year out we’ll be flying out of Houston, staying a night in Joberg then onto Port Elizabeth
1. Who does everyone use for Travel Agency in the U.S. for their African Safaris.?
2. When to buy your airfare & do you pay it all up front.?
3. Preferred Airline for best price.?

Travel Express with Jennifer. As soon as the airlines let me

 

[Rare Breed]

I used Gracy for 3 trips. Their people on ground in Johannesburg are great but there were small problems with every booking. I wasn’t impressed. I’ve used travel express the last 5 or 6 trips and have been really happy with their service. Travel express combined with Africa Sky, Afton, or Rifle Permits on the ground offer the same service as Gracy.

Completely agree with @375Fox only I like staying at airport for ease so I use City Lodge. Jennifer at Travel Express books both my air and City Lodge for me. I book direct with Henry at Rifle Permits. Never on 8 safaris have I had any problems

 

[Philip Glass]

Our trip is exactly a year out we’ll be flying out of Houston, staying a night in Joberg then onto Port Elizabeth
1. Who does everyone use for Travel Agency in the U.S. for their African Safaris.?
2. When to buy your airfare & do you pay it all up front.?
3. Preferred Airline for best price.?

I personally use Patrick Wright for these flights but please use a TA to book whoever it may be. I begin looking with his assistance 10 months out. We have been flying Delta and Qatar exclusively. Emirates never has a schedule I can work with but maybe someday. At this time I would not consider any others. Price is only one of many factors.
With my safari groups we typically stay at City Lodge at JNB for convenience. TA makes those reservations as well.

 

[Philip Glass]

You don't need a travel agent. Book the flights yourself. Contact afton house and Mr. X for the rest. Extremely easy process

It's his first time. What if he uses Google Flights and winds up on an airline that does not carry guns? Bad advice for a first timer IMO.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have used Shawn at Gracy travel 7 times since 2013. They are a one stop shop. The small price paid for a travel agency's service is worth every penny. You can book you own flights but when something goes sideways their services are worth it. Have a couple friends that have used Jennifer at travel express and also say great things about their service.

 

[Trogon]

I have made four trips to South Africa (without bringing guns) and have used Travel Express with Jennifer twice, and for my trip this past March to Angola and South Africa, I used Shawn at Gracy Travel. I realize not alot of data points, but I have been very satisfied with both travel agencies. As many on this thread have mentioned, certainly worth the money spent, and insignificant (to me) in the total cost of each trip.

 

[fourfive8]

Travel agents have no say when airlines change/cancel flights. They help sort things out when regulations and third parties cause disruptions. I’ve noticed that trend is more the rule than the exception the last few years. My guess is the bureaucrats and airlines do it, many times, for no reason other than they can. I’ve used Gracy Travel for all manner of international travel for years and will continue to do so. I will using them for non-hunting trip to SE Asia in a few weeks.

Seems a no brainer to simplify and de-stress your life for first safari to RSA. Use a travel agent like Gracy Travel. For overnight, stay at City Lodge at OR Tambo………. or do whatever you think is best