I haven’t ever used trip interruption insurance, and I’m sure at some point in life I’ll wish I had…knocking on wood…I haven’t seen merit in it yet.
I would absolutely get a service for your rifle permit. It will save a LOT in hassle and time. You could absolutely do it yourself once you arrive, but you’d be stumbling through it, take up multiple times longer in the police station and just a true PIA. Plus every other hunter that comes through around the same time will hop in front of you for processing. Not rudely so, but the officer will take care of Henry’s (rifle permits.com) clients and Mr. X’s folks first, then turn to anyone wanting to fumble through the process.
I’ve used both Riflepermits.com and Mr. X, both excellent and worth the meager fee. I used Mr. X last trip in April which he told me if I elected to bring a second rifle, just let him know and even the day before he could make it happen. He’s a handy gentleman to know for all kinds of local needs and wants as you travel into or through JNB and has worked with hunters’ favorite lodges local to the airport for years.
I don’t think one option is necessarily better than another for the rifle permit…but Mr. X won me over just offering to help with extra things, like last minute expediting through the airport when I ended up moving from Zimbabwe over to Botswana, so had to fly back through JNB from Harare then to Maun, super early in the morning and with a scary short window for my transition. Mr. X personally walked me through all the steps, which I knew the where and how, but he gets you to the front of the lines, through security checks and every stage with a lot more efficiency…and on that morning meant making my connection and camp adding a day of available elephant hunting I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
He also can hold bags for whatever time you need if hopping different counties. A local leathermaker mailed him my culling belt, which he had in hand for me when I arrived.
Couple buds who have hunted all over Africa for many, many trips, Matt Boyer and
@MacJenkins were both saying to give him a try…and have to say both gave me sound advice.
Now both those same two gents give me 5-kinds of hell for flying regular class and making my own flight arrangements. I keep saying I’ll use one of the hunting agents, but then end up booking my own airfare. Think it comes from all the travel I did with a big firm in Dallas…secretary made my travel arrangements and through an agent…but it often ended up being more work and hassle than if I did it myself…and doing myself I knew the alternatives should changes occur. Then if changing on the fly I’d have my secretary or agent make the needed swap. Maybe I just like fiddling with my options and knowing. BUT…my point is even with my weird compulsion to handle my own airfare…I don’t mess with the annoying hassle of South Africa rifle permits. Hire one of those and it will make you feel smart and happy…and your outfitter/PH will as well if picking you up at the airport.
I would also recommend the VIP arrival service. Especially when traveling with family or first time. You’ll have someone waiting at the gate with a sign when you arrive…and they escort you through security, gather your bags, through customs and hand you off to Henry or Mr.X.
It’s cheap and just takes any and all guesswork out of where to go and efficient processing through the airport. Highly recommend if transitioning between countries through JNB as well…especially with firearms. Ideally Airlink checks through but if there is a hiccup, it’s nice to have.
Enjoy your trip, and wholeheartedly tell any friend or acwuaintance heading over for their first time that the rifle permit system is easy peasy if you just spend the little money to let Henry or Mr. X handle it. It’s not to be feared in the least.
