Travel through Ethiopia

[Tasos]

Hello fellow hunters. I am looking at a future hunt and normally use frequent flier miles to get tickets to Africa. There are some interesting flights available with Ethiopian Airlines thru Addis Abba but I have heard there have been issues with travel thru there. Everything I have heard was second hand. Some issues with firearms checked thru to Zim and/or South Africa but Ethiopian officials wanted paperwork even though you were only transiting thru and not actually touching your luggage. Others mention issues with having binoculars and them stating binos are for spying and need money and/or papers for your binos. Has anyone had any experience using Ethiopian Airlines or transitting thru Addis Abba?

 

[Happy Myles]

I had two lengthy safaris in Ethiopia landing in Addis Ababa and do not recall any problems with firearms. However the trips were long ago and my outfitter deceased .

 

[rosecitymike]

I transited through Addis to Namibia and had to go to to security/luggage sorting and unlock my rifle case and show paperwork both coming and going. Got a little hairy with catching my connecting flights but everyone was super pleasant to work with. I had my binos in with my rifle and nobody said anything about it. All my luggage made it through to final destinations. I don’t quite understand the point if you’re just transiting—the gov is probably concerned that some arms might wind up being “left” in country.

 

[bwanamrm]

Not actually transiting through but I hunted there last March. Thorough review of rifle, ammo and all of my paperwork. About an hour and a half process for me. Even with my operator present and running interference, it was time-consuming. But, hey, I was actually staying in-country... so transiting could be a different ballgame.

 

[Wheels]

Not actually transiting through but I hunted there last March. Thorough review of rifle, ammo and all of my paperwork. About an hour and a half process for me. Even with my operator present and running interference, it was time-consuming. But, hey, I was actually staying in-country... so transiting could be a different ballgame.

R, welcome to AH. Glad to have you sharing your experience and knowledge over here.

 

[Hank2211]

I hunted there a few years ago and while things took some time, there were no real issues, but then I had my outfitter's agent with me.

On departure, after all formalities (go here, go there, get a bunch of paper, etc.) were done, and the agent gone, they called me down to the baggage holding area and started making a fuss about the rifle. I stood firm, played dumb (not hard - not a lot of English was spoken and Amharic? Not even a word on my part), and kept saying it was all OK and walked away. In future, I would keep the agent's phone number handy for these situations.

I am hunting there again in March . . . will update in the hunt report.

 

[MarkB]

Left Toronto and transited thru Addis in 21 on way to SA. Plane was delayed 12 hrs from Toronto so missed connection to SA, Ethiopian got us hotel, food, chauffeur, paid for entry Visa's and treated us very well. I will go this route again. Travelling with guns is a pain but compared to me (Cannuk) entering US then leaving Atlanta or leaving Toronto with layover in Europe, Amsterdam, London, or Frankford Addis is better, more fun and Ethiopian had no gun baggage fees, and I used Avion points.

As for guns, lots of info on a previous thread on here somewhere. Yes you do the "basement walk" when transiting, meaning a bus picks you up at gate upon entry, takes you down to the luggage area where you open your case and verify guns as per paperwork, for Canadians our exit gun forms, 4457 for US residents I think. Its frustrating, somewhat unorganised with minimal understanding/communication but I never had any issues. I would recommend the flight with a 9-12 hr layover, Addis Abba has lots to see. If your not that adventurous book the flights with 90 mins min, 2 hrs better layover.

Lastly they did leave my guns behind, they never showed when we received luggage in Joberg, but they were delivered next day, another reason I always book extra days before and after a safari.

MB

 

[Mountaineer]

Through Ethiopia is my preferred route to Namibia. Yes, you need to print 6 copies of your 4457 and the Ethiopian gun declaration form. Have both completed before you leave the USA. Upon arrival you will look for someone with your name on a sign right outside your gate. They will take your passport, 1 copy of 4457, and 1 copy of the Ethiopian rifle declaration form. Then they escort you to the dungeon under the airport (it’s actually the baggage area for ADD). There you open your gun case and luggage. They verify ammo and serial number of rifles, you lock them up again, and you’re back on your way to your departure gate. It’s easy. I have done this a few times with last time being last summer and we are booked on this flight again in May 2024. Happy hunting.

 

[375Fox]

I flew through to Zimbabwe 1.5 years ago. I’d do it again. It’s inconvenient that I have to have them verify serial numbers against my 4457 because the connections were tight, but it worked fine. Bring a multiple copies of 4457 and Ethiopian airline declaration. On the flight from USA to Addis Ababa make sure you declare to gate agent you have a firearm on the flight not just at initial check in wherever that might be. I was quite surprised how professional everyone in Addis Ababa was, really helpful and no one asked or suggested a bribe or tip for their help.

 

[Tasos]

Great information! Thank you all.

 

[mark-hunter]

Everything I have heard was second hand. Some issues with firearms checked thru to Zim and/or South Africa but Ethiopian officials wanted paperwork even though you were only transiting thru and not actually touching your luggage

I travelled last year with Ethiopean airlines. Stopover in Addis Abbeba. destination windhoek
No problems.
Procedure in Addis Abeba
When exiting aircraft, official will meet you.
You must have available with yourself photocopy of all your firearm papers.
They will take you to cargo area, and they will bring your rifle case.
Open the rifle case in safety area desk, and check serial number with airpot official (security).

In cargo area there is no copy machine, so for this reason you must have availabe photocopy of everything.
Once the serial number of firearm is checked, give them a photo copy of the papers.
Lock the case, they will send it to your connecting flight

Thats it.

After that, go to your boarding gate, have coffee, and wait for your next flight.

Ethiopean airlines dont charge anything extra for firearms transport (unlike some other air lines)

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

We had clients who flew Ethiopian yesterday. They arrived one day late, due to a late departure out of Toronto. They had nothing but good things to say about Ethiopian airways. They said that they actually prefer the delay. They arrived rested.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hello fellow hunters. I am looking at a future hunt and normally use frequent flier miles to get tickets to Africa. There are some interesting flights available with Ethiopian Airlines thru Addis Abba but I have heard there have been issues with travel thru there. Everything I have heard was second hand. Some issues with firearms checked thru to Zim and/or South Africa but Ethiopian officials wanted paperwork even though you were only transiting thru and not actually touching your luggage. Others mention issues with having binoculars and them stating binos are for spying and need money and/or papers for your binos. Has anyone had any experience using Ethiopian Airlines or transitting thru Addis Abba?

It is best to use a hunting specific travel agent. The advice online can be beneficial (NOT FB!) on AH but is still a lot of here say. It is best to pay for flights with guns for many reason. Not to say you can't use miles. I have done it twice. Once was a disaster and once was fine. Do like I do and use your miles for family trips. That said you can use miles and still use a TA.
You will get many reports here on Ethiopian. For me it sounds like the least desirable route from the options available to me. Delta, Qatar, and even BA would be better options IMO.
Enjoy the safari planning and we are here to encourage you along the way!

 

[MarkB]

It is best to use a hunting specific travel agent. The advice online can be beneficial (NOT FB!) on AH but is still a lot of here say. It is best to pay for flights with guns for many reason. Not to say you can't use miles. I have done it twice. Once was a disaster and once was fine. Do like I do and use your miles for family trips. That said you can use miles and still use a TA.
You will get many reports here on Ethiopian. For me it sounds like the least desirable route from the options available to me. Delta, Qatar, and even BA would be better options IMO.
Enjoy the safari planning and we are here to encourage you along the way!

US Citizens have many more options than us Canadians. If I go thru US I must do the exact same thing that I do in Ethiopia when I enter US and again when I leave US, that's 4 baggage inspections vs 2. Europe connection has become a pain, with fees, and gun regs, for me Ethiopian was by far best option. Also a few $100 less and no $100 gun baggage fees each way. So saved about $700 Cnd. That's an extra PG TF. Plus in all my trips Delta was the only one who lost my guns for 6 months and told me to find them myself after they sent the $3K we're done check. Took me 3 days to locate them and get shipped. Yes I am sour on Delta.

I have used Canadian TA that stated they understand African travel but quickly found that they had no better rates, flights and especially African safari and gun knowledge than I. Canada does not have the hunter numbers travelling that the US does. Never used the knowledgeable US TA as Canadian rules are different. Each airline has their rules on-line, I take copies of those to enlighten check in people most times.

Biggest thing is I have the time but not the extra funds to toss around. Seams the Ethiopian route is a popular one for Canadian Safari goers. Ethiopian worked for us and I certainly hope they have same route for next trip.

BTW Philip, keep your reports coming, love reading them, keeps me on more safari's thru you.

MB

 

[rookhawk]

It is best to use a hunting specific travel agent. The advice online can be beneficial (NOT FB!) on AH but is still a lot of here say. It is best to pay for flights with guns for many reason. Not to say you can't use miles. I have done it twice. Once was a disaster and once was fine. Do like I do and use your miles for family trips. That said you can use miles and still use a TA.
You will get many reports here on Ethiopian. For me it sounds like the least desirable route from the options available to me. Delta, Qatar, and even BA would be better options IMO.
Enjoy the safari planning and we are here to encourage you along the way!

The two reasons people fly Ethiopia is that A.) If you're going to Namibia, it avoids Jo'Burg, B.) If you're going to Vic Falls, Zim you can land at Vic Falls.

In the latter case, the better alternative for organization is of course Emirates into Harare, but you're now 7 hours on the wrong side of the country and due to arrival times, you must overnight in Harare before you can move west to Bulawayo, Vic, or elsewhere the next day.

Thus, the preference for some to use Ethiopia is the logistics coming into underserved airports in Africa.

 

[375Fox]

The two reasons people fly Ethiopia is that A.) If you're going to Namibia, it avoids Jo'Burg, B.) If you're going to Vic Falls, Zim you can land at Vic Falls.

In the latter case, the better alternative for organization is of course Emirates into Harare, but you're now 7 hours on the wrong side of the country and due to arrival times, you must overnight in Harare before you can move west to Bulawayo, Vic, or elsewhere the next day.

Thus, the preference for some to use Ethiopia is the logistics coming into underserved airports in Africa.

Also much easier to travel from non-major airports in USA. I was unable to fly Emirates to Harare Zimbabwe from Pittsburgh without rechecking my firearms. Ethiopian allowed me to check in with United at Pittsburgh once instead of having to claim and check in again at a different US airport. Also (at least at time) no need for an overnight stay anywhere like traveling through South Africa. I’d fly again I saw nothing wrong with the airline.

 

[Hank2211]

Also much easier to travel from non-major airports in USA. I was unable to fly Emirates to Harare Zimbabwe from Pittsburgh without rechecking my firearms. Ethiopian allowed me to check in with United at Pittsburgh once instead of having to claim and check in again at a different US airport. Also (at least at time) no need for an overnight stay anywhere like traveling through South Africa. I’d fly again I saw nothing wrong with the airline.

I think it helps a lot that both United and Ethiopian are members of Star Alliance. Emirates is not a member, so United might not be able to check luggage through, absent unusual circumstances.

 

[steve white]

Left Toronto and transited thru Addis in 21 on way to SA. Plane was delayed 12 hrs from Toronto so missed connection to SA, Ethiopian got us hotel, food, chauffeur, paid for entry Visa's and treated us very well. I will go this route again. Travelling with guns is a pain but compared to me (Cannuk) entering US then leaving Atlanta or leaving Toronto with layover in Europe, Amsterdam, London, or Frankford Addis is better, more fun and Ethiopian had no gun baggage fees, and I used Avion points.

As for guns, lots of info on a previous thread on here somewhere. Yes you do the "basement walk" when transiting, meaning a bus picks you up at gate upon entry, takes you down to the luggage area where you open your case and verify guns as per paperwork, for Canadians our exit gun forms, 4457 for US residents I think. Its frustrating, somewhat unorganised with minimal understanding/communication but I never had any issues. I would recommend the flight with a 9-12 hr layover, Addis Abba has lots to see. If your not that adventurous book the flights with 90 mins min, 2 hrs better layover.

Lastly they did leave my guns behind, they never showed when we received luggage in Joberg, but they were delivered next day, another reason I always book extra days before and after a safari.

MB

I want more than 2 hrs layover because of all the flight rescheduling before you even leave the states!! Maddening!

 

[Houston Bill]

I too almost always use my United points to travel to Africa. I have flown Ethiopian Airlines twice to Africa in the last couple of years. Once to Namibia and once to Uganda. On the trip to Uganda I was rerouted by United to Ethiopian Airlines after my Turkish flight was cancelled. On both occasions I had to go through the firearm process down in the airport baggage handling area in Addis Ababa but each time the folks were very professional and helpful throughout the process. Follow the instructions and advice others have provided about having copies of your passport and 4457 and you will be fine.

In the next month or two I am going to book my trip to Zim for 2024 and we are likely going to fly Ethiopian Airlines because we can fly into Vic Falls from Addis Ababa without an overnight stay in Addis and I can check my guns in with United in Houston all the way to Vic Falls.......of course I will have to travel to the dungeon and show the paper work in Addis

 

[MarkB]

I want more than 2 hrs layover because of all the flight rescheduling before you even leave the states!! Maddening!

I agree, our flight was in 2021 airports were Covid quiet then, travel is now somewhat mayhem, an unorganised mess. I am not sure what Ethiopian has now for layover times but do think 3 hrs would be minimum with guns.

MB