Layover in Johannesburg advice

[Pheroze]

We are heading to Port Elizabeth ultimately for our safari. The flight I am considering lands in Johannesburg at 9:30pm and the flight to PE is not until 6:30am. Does anyone have any advice on where to get a decent meal and a good nights sleep for that time? Is it feasible/advisable to have a diversion at that time of night in Jo'burg?

 

[greyfox]

I purposely stayed at Afton House, they handled my rifle permit, picked me up, fed me dinner (extra $25 - well worth it!) Shower, bed, breakfast and back to the airport, Helped to fight off the jet lag.
Diversion, no advice, I was just enjoying being in Africa!
Also, make sure your bags are tagged for Jo'Berg or you'll be living out of your carry on! My bags were tagged for Port Elizabeth but I had them change that.

 

[Rob404]

Landing at 9:30 and a flight at 6:30? I have a hunch you will be to wired to sleep much,,but if you can Afton House is a great place and very comfortable beds

 

[JimP]

For that short of a time I would just stay at the airport. Why go to a added expense for a room somewhere?

Odds are by the time you go through SAP's and collect your rifles and everything it will be 11pm then to have to be back at the airport by 4:30 the next morning for the flight to Port Elizabeth you'll have what perhaps 2 hours sleep?

 

[bluey]

either afton or African skye,will see you straight . both will escort you to their humble abodes , both have a great kitchen and a well stocked bar .......
both will get you up fed and at the airport in plenty of time ,to get you hunting
what about your riffles ?
does saps open that early/late ?

 

[lcq]

either afton or African skye,will see you straight . both will escort you to their humble abodes , both have a great kitchen and a well stocked bar .......
both will get you up fed and at the airport in plenty of time ,to get you hunting
what about your riffles ?
does saps open that early/late ?

bluey a man after my own heart "a well stocked bar" cheers mate

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I'd recommend Africa Sky or Afton Guesthouse. They can also help you with a pre-approved rifle permit and get you that much faster back to their place.

 

[lcq]

For that short of a time I would just stay at the airport. Why go to a added expense for a room somewhere?

Odds are by the time you go through SAP's and collect your rifles and everything it will be 11pm then to have to be back at the airport by 4:30 the next morning for the flight to Port Elizabeth you'll have what perhaps 2 hours sleep?

that math works out according to what I have experienced. Another option would be to check your luggage and gun on the flight to PE and find the nearest lounge for some food, booze, internet and a comfy chair 300 rand. I get very little sleep on a plane but lots of eyes closed rest so if it were me I'd do the lounge thing

 

[lcq]

I'd recommend Africa Sky or Afton Guesthouse. They can also help you with a pre-approved rifle permit and get you that much faster back to their place.

I witnessed first hand how much faster the pre approved people got through the lazy wankers staffing the SAPS. Palms are being greased for sure

 

[Billcollector]

I would do stay at African Sky. It is worth the money and it absolutely first class. The gun permitting system is also convenient and seem less. The other thing I would consider is moving your flight up to a later one to PE. Get some rest and relax. The harder you push the travel envelope the longer and and more severe the jet lag seems to be and screws up the first few days of your hunt.

 

[Pheroze]

Terrific guys, thanks for the info. I will look into both places. I was a little concerned about the timing after security etc but I am not sure if I will be wired or pooped!

 

[Rob404]

I would say in that a Hot shower and a few cold Windhoaks will help no matter how you feel

 

[lcq]

Terrific guys, thanks for the info. I will look into both places. I was a little concerned about the timing after security etc but I am not sure if I will be wired or pooped!

Everyone is different. Some have to be woken up in JNB some never sleep. Me I bring some noise cancelling headphones, watch 2 movies, don't drink too much, get up often to get the blood circulating. The space behind row 42 works well for stretching and close my eyes for as long as possible. When I emerge from the other side I'm not a total vegetable

 

[adgunner]

Pheroze, Lots of great advice above . We stayed at African Sky on our way thru to Zim this year, first class operation. One more thing, if you go Lufthansa, through Europe and watch the seat sales you can get the premium economy for the price of economy quite often, much nicer ride, especially for sleeping.

 

[Pheroze]

Pheroze, Lots of great advice above . We stayed at African Sky on our way thru to Zim this year, first class operation. One more thing, if you go Lufthansa, through Europe and watch the seat sales you can get the premium economy for the price of economy quite often, much nicer ride, especially for sleeping.

At this point KLM through Amsterdam is looking the best: shortest layover in Europe, and about $200+ cheaper than Leufthansa.... I am a bit concerned about taking the rifle through Amsterdam as I have heard some negative stuff. However, money talks my language lol

 

[slad68]

AFTON HOUSE.....
they will take great care of you. I also stay there when I return for Angola to SA.
All my clients who has a connection flight to Polokwane the next day make use of the Afton house.

They will meet you at the airport and drop you the next morning.

 

[Sand Rat]

At this point KLM through Amsterdam is looking the best: shortest layover in Europe, and about $200+ cheaper than Leufthansa.... I am a bit concerned about taking the rifle through Amsterdam as I have heard some negative stuff. However, money talks my language lol

KLM is a good choice for sure. I fly them at least 4 times a year from the U.S. to Saudi. Can't help you with the gun situation, I always use the PH's since my trips are tied on one end of a flight to Saudi so my rifles aren't an option. I can second the need to add a day to the Joberg layover and rest up at the Afton House to help with the jet lag. You'll definitely enjoy your hunt more. Tell Marius (the Afton house driver) to make you reservations for the Portuguese seafood restaurant, I think the name is Carlos's.

 

[vinnymbogo]

Depending on how much time you have, I always stay in Jo'Burg for 2 to 3 days before and sometimes after a safari. This gives you lots of time to get over any jet lag or tiredness you will experience on the long flights. I've stayed at African Tribes, Africa Sky and Zulu Nyala Lodge and they were all excellent. There is a ton of tours and shopping/nightlife/concerts you can do in Jo'Burg. Each place has drivers to take you around for a small charge. Unfortunately it sounds like your flights are already booked.....I would just stay at the airport for the few hours and veg out.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I've stayed at The African Rock Hotel (http://www.africanrockhotels.com/ ) several times. It is a small (9 room) upscale place. They meet you inside the airport and transport you to and from the hotel. First class, gourmet meals, good selection of wines and yes, a well stocked bar. For my next trip (photo safari to Chobe & Vic Falls with the wife and non-hunting friends) I couldn't get a room at the African Rock on the front end of the trip, so we'll stay at the airport at the City Lodge Hotel. I've also stayed at a "Day Room" in the Protea Hotel, which is in the secured area of the airport. I had a 6 hour layover after flying in on a red eye flight from Lagos. I think it was $100, but well worth the shower , internet and nap.

Trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...empton_Park_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html

 

[Big Country]

My wife and I had a similar connection at OR Tambo last fall and elected to stay at the City Lodge which is onsite and connected to the airport. A short walk from SAPS and baggage claim. You don't have to catch any shuttles or go outside the airport. It probably got us another hour or two of sleep that night avoiding shuttles and the like. They have a decent restaurant with a somewhat limited menu which we ate at before crashing. To be honest SAA had lots of pretty decent food on our flight and we weren't really all that hungry. The rooms were nice enough and had a large tub with jets. Nice for relaxing a little after a long flight. The price wasn't all that much different from any of the very nice guest houses like Afton, but for us it was a convenience factor. In the morning we simply walked down the ramp from the hotel to check in and were there. For being onsite at a very busy international airport, we didn't have any issues with noise either. Very well insulated for noise. Easy to reserve rooms via the web and check on your reservations. Safe travels!