JNB Issues

[rsmurray]

Going back to Mozambique in July this time Coutada 10. Last trip (23) we flew Qatar Business Class DFW-Doha-Lusaka where we were picked up and taken to Luangwa to boat down to Chawalo. This trip is to the Delta so our agent (Gracy Travel) rec Delta One to JNB overnight then AirLink to Beira. I tried to take Qatar again b/c we had such a great experience last trip but we just couldn't get the timing down etc. Delta's business class is very expensive (15% higher than Qatar) but we want to sleep on the trip down and back. What is the biggest issue with JNB? We will be connecting with AirLink to Beira and chartering to camp.

 

[Doug3006]

Gracy will smooth out alll the wrinkles in JNB. Their guy in the airport is phenomenal. Rest easy and enjoy the trip.

 

[rsmurray]

Thank you. Debbie was a game changer last trip

 

[Firebird]

Agreed, Bruce is awesome-I assume city lodge hotel for the night-walking distance after you collext
Luggage and guns. Very pleasant but basic hotel-I like the food. Guns stay with you in the room overnight.

 

[fourfive8]

I was going to say same thing ^^
What issues were you expecting? If using Gracy, I’m sure they’ve explained the procedure at JNB. If overnighting there, stay at City Lodge. It’s not complicated

 

[rsmurray]

Yessir City Lodge

 

[rsmurray]

I was going to say same thing ^^
What issues were you expecting? If using Gracy, I’m sure they’ve explained the procedure at JNB. If overnighting there, stay at City Lodge. It’s not complicated

Just sounds like everyone wants to avoid JNB? I’ve never been through there, wife and daughter did 15 yrs ago but things have changed in SAfr bigley since then.

 

[Hunt anything]

Never had any issues with JNB, done City Lodge and Afton . Probably prefer City Lodge just for the convenience especially for an early connection and the food was good.

You should really enjoy coutada 10 but the Beira airport is hot , muggy and I think they invented “Africa” time.

 

[Scott CWO]

Just sounds like everyone wants to avoid JNB? I’ve never been through there, wife and daughter did 15 yrs ago but things have changed in SAfr bigley since then.

I try to avoid JNB because of the SA gun permit you must get to even spend the night before heading to Mozambique. Gracy will send you the link for the permit before your trip. Bruce and his team at the airport will help you through all the logistics, City Lodge and help you get checked in with Airlink the next morning. It’s pretty easy but I still prefer to avoid JNB whenever possible.

 

[DLSJR]

Going back to Mozambique in July this time Coutada 10. Last trip (23) we flew Qatar Business Class DFW-Doha-Lusaka where we were picked up and taken to Luangwa to boat down to Chawalo. This trip is to the Delta so our agent (Gracy Travel) rec Delta One to JNB overnight then AirLink to Beira. I tried to take Qatar again b/c we had such a great experience last trip but we just couldn't get the timing down etc. Delta's business class is very expensive (15% higher than Qatar) but we want to sleep on the trip down and back. What is the biggest issue with JNB? We will be connecting with AirLink to Beira and chartering to camp.

Did you look at Emirates? They’ve been less expensive than the others and are as comfortable as you’ll ever be flying to Africa. That’s who we are going to fly to JNB for a September hunt in Moz/C9.

 

[rsmurray]

Yes I assume Debbie checked everything. We were trying to squeeze in 3 days fishing at Vilanculos at the beginning and flying Qatar would have likely worked if we had booked flights in early Nov. I had a fist fulla Avios pts and Qatar had a special going on with multiple higher value point trades so if Awards seats were available we could have literally flown free. Alas I dont play the point game very well and drug my feet. Amazing these flights book up so early. We wanted it tacked down so finally went Delta One which is what Debbie wanted me to do from beginning. Just stings at checkout time $$$$

 

[coreydb]

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid paying $$$$. I look for ease of transition; like Debbie, and just grit and bear it. It's well worth it.

 

[Bandera]

We have had no issues at JNB.
We stayed at Aftons and Africa Sky. Both times we did the meet and greet as well as the VIP service.
Our flight was late on second trip, this caused a bit of an issue with the meet and greet from Africa Sky. They were dealing with two parties arriving instead of one.
One rifle was misplaced for a few minutes, but easily sorted out.

The group that was in SAPS area where you collect you firearms as we arrived, had a jackass in there acting up. He was mad about something. Hard to tell what he was saying, he had his rifle case, so who knows. Any ways him being a jackass definitely slowed things down. Definitely soured the attitude of the workers.

If I was doing a quick turn around I would stay at City Lodge.
The permit is not a big deal, just another part of paperwork.

 

[rsmurray]

Agreed.......it's the reason I will continue to use Gracy Travel, they're just the best. My 30 yr old daughter will join us for the first week. It will be her first safari. I told her same when she asked about arranging her travel, just call Gracy do what they tell you.

 

[Javaman]

‘Uncle Bruce”, Gracy’s guy on the ground at JNB, will have you sorted in a jiffy. Zero to worry about.

 

[rsmurray]

Thank you, the response here has been very encouraging!!

 

[Rickmt]

Africa sky has a vip service that handles everything and they have really nice lodging and meals cooked to your specifications.

 

[Andrew62]

I had a number of baggage 'issues' with this past trip to Zimbabwe, Gracy Travel smoothed everything right out, I just cannot imagine flying through JNB to another destination without using a TA. For me, the 300.00 they charge is the cheapest part of the whole trip.

City Lodge is right there at the airport, room was actually very nice, restaurant was nice, I'll definitely stay here in the future.

 

[Lowballoffersonly]

Bruce is the man, glad to see so many others have also had great experiences with Gracy.

 

[406LIFE]

You should really enjoy coutada 10 but the Beira airport is hot , muggy and I think they invented “Africa” time.

This is true. Last time there, almost lost my camera gear to a shakedown. If you have time in town, I have a few recommendations for food.