Stuck in Johannesburg

[45bthompson]

Hey guys, I just finished my first South African hunt and it was amazing. My father and I were supposed to fly out today but due to a fuel shortage we are going to hang out in joburg till the 6th of May. We have 10 extra days. What should we do? We booked a trip to the cradle of life and the caves for Thursday but I'm looking for suggestions.

 

[Philip Glass]

No flights on other airlines? Wow sorry for the situation.
there is plenty to do but be careful in Joburg.

 

[45bthompson]

It's supposedly an airport wide fuel shortage. The direct flights back and fourth to the states are non existent. I've heard that European flights are still running as the planes can run without refueling. Those are all booked out for the next 3 weeks though. I've had worse problems.

 

[375Fox]

That’s crazy! Do you have any kind of trip insurance to cover it?
I’d keep hunting, maybe an outfitter can make you a good short notice deal from this post.

 

[Nkawu]

Go to the Safari and Outdoor store in Johannesburg or Pretoria. You could also rent a car and go to the Kruger National Park for a few days.

 

[45bthompson]

I have insurance. It won't get us home though. My dad is retired and I have plenty of leave built up but it's hard on my family back home. I'd love to do more hunting but I've already got taxidermy on a Gemsbok, Kudu and an Impala I need to save up for.

 

[45bthompson]

Go to the Safari and Outdoor store in Johannesburg or Pretoria. You could also rent a car and go to the Kruger National Park for a few days.

Is it called Safari and Outdoor store? This is the type of thing I was looking for. I'd like to buy some souvenirs and a Zebra hide.

 

[VertigoBE]

I have insurance. It won't get us home though. My dad is retired and I have plenty of leave built up but it's hard on my family back home. I'd love to do more hunting but I've already got taxidermy on a Gemsbok, Kudu and an Impala I need to save up for.

try to find a cull hunt, and either take no trophies or only euro mounts?

 

[cls]

Kruger driving tour is a great idea, did that in 2012.

 

[Mike B.]

United Airlines Cancels Johannesburg Flights Over Fuel Shortage

The carrier flies to Africa's second-busiest airport from its Newark hub.

simpleflying.com

Pretty low on details in this article. Doesn't mention other airlines, just United. Hopefully this gets fixed soon?

 

[tombkeeper]

Beware Fake Uber Drivers When Arriving in South Africa - Safari Club

International travelers going to South Africa should beware fake Uber drivers soliciting fares at Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo

safariclub.org

This was just posted on SCI’s website

 

[Mike B.]

About the only thing I had found in the Joberg area that ever interested me was the elephant and monkey sanctuary. That is always a fun time getting up close with elephants and then feeding the monkeys they have there.

 

[Anbessa Gedai]

You're already there . . do another hunt! . . . why "buy" a zebra rug when you can quite reasonably hunt your own? . . . there will be at least a few operators nearby that would love to fit you in on short notice . . . especially since it is still "low season" . . .

 

[45bthompson]

try to find a cull hunt, and either take no trophies or only euro mounts?

I gave my left over ammo to the outfitter and my PH but this sounds like an awesome idea. My PH told me a guy in Northern Cape was culling Gemsbok cause he needed the money from the meat. That concept blows my mind.

 

[45bthompson]

You're already there . . do another hunt! . . . why "buy" a zebra rug when you can quite reasonably hunt your own? . . . there will be at least a few operators nearby that would love to fit you in on short notice . . . especially since it is still "low season" . . .

I'd love that. I'm just not sure how to go about it. I was with Tony du Bruyn up near Sishen. He was great btw. Highly recommend! It's a long way from Joburg though. Plus I'm low on funds as I wasn't planning on that Kudu Bull till I saw him.

 

[Philip Glass]

It's supposedly an airport wide fuel shortage. The direct flights back and fourth to the states are non existent. I've heard that European flights are still running as the planes can run without refueling. Those are all booked out for the next 3 weeks though. I've had worse problems.

BA, Qatar, Emirates, Qantas, etc all flying currently according to Flight radar 24. Are you just waiting on UA?
I’d buy a ticket and go home.

 

[PARA45]

Oh sh*t, and I fly out in 29 days. Hopefully this will be resolved by then.

 

[saswart]

Until 5 may in JHB...no way!

Hire yourself a car, I would suggest a road trip, which can include a hunt.

My suggestions:

1) Hire a car and drive to Kruger National Park - it is out of school holiday, you will easily get accommodation. you can book on https://www.sanparks.org/ as well. DO the south of the park (enter at Malelane 2/3 days) exit at Hoedspruit. From there drive to Hoedpsruit, Ohrigstad, but just before Ohrigstad (20km) turn left and do the Blyderiver canyon route (3rd biggest canyon in the world, biggest green canyon. Biggest being Grand and 2nd the Fish), from their Graskop, Sabie, Lydenburg Dullstroom and back to JHB.

2) Since you have time, I can also suggest still doing the KNP, but enter at most Northern Gate and travelling the entire KNP North to South, 5/6 days. Then you exit at Malelane and from their you drive Nellspruit, Sabie and do the Blyde. On your way North there are a million hunting farms/lodges.

3) Fly to Cape Town and do the wine routes.

 

[CAustin]

Hey guys, I just finished my first South African hunt and it was amazing. My father and I were supposed to fly out today but due to a fuel shortage we are going to hang out in joburg till the 6th of May. We have 10 extra days. What should we do? We booked a trip to the cradle of life and the caves for Thursday but I'm looking for suggestions.

Check here on AH for an outfitter with a cull hunt and go shoot stuff.

 

[Philip Glass]

United Airlines Cancels Johannesburg Flights Over Fuel Shortage

The carrier flies to Africa's second-busiest airport from its Newark hub.

simpleflying.com

Pretty low on details in this article. Doesn't mention other airlines, just United. Hopefully this gets fixed soon?

Looks like UA and Delta while as usual Qatar and Emirates are flying daily. BA to London is flying also but may not be daily. There is no reason to be stuck in JNB for two weeks. I just checked Flight Radar 24 and you can see all the flights.