traveling with a bow to SA

I am traveling to SA in May. Are there any suggestions regarding problems with traveling with my bow? Flying nonstop from Dulles to JBerg. What to expect at JBerg? I will be traveling with 2 firearms and my bow, along with my ten year old son. ANY advice would be appreciated to a first time African hunter.

I have never had any problems traveling to Africa with a bow. I think compared to traveling with your guns you will find it a breeze. I always take a second bow set up the exact same way. I take that bow completely apart and put the limbs and riser in pieces wrapped in my regular luggage. I used to take both set up but its nice to use a smaller case and only carry one bow strung. A protable bow press, extra string, pully pins and clips etc are all good things to have with you.

I also put some arrows in my luggage and some in my bow case. By having a set up in both bags could be a big plus if your bag or bow case gets lost. It happend to me twice.

There are scattered reports at various times of Bows being secured in the firearms office. I have even heard of tips being asked for to get them out of there. (Ask for a reciept)
In 2009 Generaly there was no problem. The oversized baggage came out at a different spot than your regular luggage.

When I went last summer with the bow, we were treated just like the gun hunters right up until we found the right porter and greased his hand with a $10 bill. I know technically I did not have to do this, and should have been able to bypass all the same security as the gun hunters, but there were 5 porters that came over to the baggage carousel and grabbed anything that looked like a gun and put it on a cart.

We then had to follow them to a separate room where we had to sign a registry of importation of firearms - or something like that. After this the porters were then taking guys to the police station with their fire arms. When I came out of the room, my buddy was standing next to two porters, one with a big smile and another with his hand out. From the look on my buddies face I could see what was going on. To me it was a small price to pay to avoid the hassle they were trying to put us through. Once I greased his palm, we were "free to go" as they put it.

I suspect since you are bringing rifles too that you will have to go through the entire process anyway. Don't know if this helps, but it was my experience.

nd

On my first trip i had the same experience as above....it pissed me off so much that i figured there had to be a better way. So, i quit using my awesome SKB double bow case and put the bow in my bag! Holy cow, life is much easier now.

I have a good sized rolling duffel bag with a drop bottom compartment. I put my bows (compound whole and recurve in pieces) with lots of foam all around them in that bottom compartment. I then use MTM travel cases and fly rod tubes to put all my arrows in.

Next step, don't dress like a safari dork. No wide brim hats with zebra skin around it. No "safari wear" while travelling. That way, when you get there you blend in better and are on your way with your rolling duffel. Completely avoids the porters and their hijinx!

Thanks Tom. I have heard several people say to avoid looking like a hunter at all costs while in JBerg airport. Anybody ever done rifle and bow combo? Any regrets? I.e. should've taken more with bow or less. We have 11 days of hunting with a hit list of 9 species-10 animals total. Would animals would you recommend definitely going after with a bow?

we went to an area beside the baggage carousel where the gun and bow cases come out. they asked what flight we were on and the flight number. they went and retreived our cases. we were led to the police station where there is now a sign stating that there is no charge for this service. DO NOT give them any money. point to the sign and we did not have any problem. i only brought my bow and after opening my case, i was on my way.

Last time I went through Joberg I used an expediter. IMO the best money I spent on trip. I was met at baggage claim. She found my bags and rounded up my Tuffpak with rifles and my SKB bow case. I followed her to the police station, we went to the front of the line and was there maybe 5 minutes total. No tipping of baggage claim officials to get the oversize cases and no tipping of porters in fact she ran them off.

Originally Posted by Uncompahgre

Last time I went through Joberg I used an expediter. IMO the best money I spent on trip. I was met at baggage claim. She found my bags and rounded up my Tuffpak with rifles and my SKB bow case. I followed her to the police station, we went to the front of the line and was there maybe 5 minutes total. No tipping of baggage claim officials to get the oversize cases and no tipping of porters in fact she ran them off.

Uncompahgre,
What company did you use? Cost? Thank you

It was the expediter service offered by Aspen House. I honestly don't recall what the cost was. All the paperwork for the SA gun permits was UPS'd to Aspen House weeks in advance.

Not sure if you mean Afton.
Here is a link:
Afton Guest House - The Traveller's FRIEND in Johannesburg

You are correct. It is Afton House.

I noticed that the Afton House no longer does the expediting service. Looks as if they only can meet you once you leave customs. Does anyone else use an expediting service? I have my 4457, letter of invitation and the South African Police forms filled out correctly. I also have 3 hours between my JoBerg flight and my flight out to P Elizabeth. What would be everyone's recommendations???? Leaving in 16 days!!

Some will say do it yourself, but for around 100 bucks I think its worth it to smooth the process. PHASA can do it and there are others who do it as well. I used Afton in 2009, didnt know they were out of that end of it.

Did you contact Afton House? Boy, I have a hard time believing they got out of the gun expediting business. They made a lot of money on that venture!

Their website said August 2009, but i could be wrong. Anybody else use a different service????

This is the PHASA link:
Temporary Firearm Import Permits

Try the old fashion way of communication and call Afton House and see if they still provide the expediter service. If you are going to use an expediter you need to arrange one soon because you do have to deliver your documents to them by UPS or FedX.

dreaming,

I've heard good reports on the following outfit for helping you get into RSA with your rifle. I've not used them, but as I say, I've read good things.

South African Firearms Permit Information

Here is a link to a few companies listed in AH directory: Firearm Permit Document Services