Gun Storage Options in South Africa

Mike B.

Gold supporter
AH veteran
Joined
Jul 6, 2015
Messages
241
Reaction score
631
Location
Utah
Media
46
Hunting reports
Africa
3
USA/Canada
1
Hunted
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, British Columbia, Western US
I am planning a trip in 2017 and I am looking at the possibility of some shark diving before my actual hunt in Namibia. I am trying to figure out if I take my own rifle, what is the best option for storing a rifle while I am doing our sightseeing in South Africa? I see that riflepermits offers that type of service but is that the best way of going about this? Does anyone have other options that might be better? I am thinking that I would need storage for about 3-5 days. Thanks!
 
I am going next year for the first time. I am looking at African Sky in Johannesburg. I believe they can help with gun storage and permits. Good luck and have a safe trip.
 
My suggestion hands down is not to travel with your rifles unless you are hunting the Big 5. Too much hassle and PH's have phenomenal gun rifles which you can negotiate a deal with. I made this mistake my first trip and my following two trip's I have used my PH's rifles without issue at no/low cost. The only reason I would bring a big bore is to say this rifle has been with me for dangerous game. Just my thoughts.

dt
 
I can't help with the gun storage but it does sound like it would be best to rent/borrow one from your PH and not go through the hassle of trying to find a safe place to store it.

About the shark dives, have you figured out where you want to go? This last May I did in in Mossel Bay and it was fantastic.
 
I was really considering just renting a gun but I keep leaning towards having a gun that I am extremely comfortable with. I guess in reality, if the shots are 200 yards or less, then any gun should be just fine. I will have to really consider the rental option.

As for the shark dive, I just did a quick search and found some that go out to Dyer Island. It looks like there are a couple of operations that head out from close to Gansbaai. We have been looking at a live aboard trip to the Guadalupe Isles in the near future but if we are already in South Africa, this might be a great option and a ton cheaper to just incorporate it into my hunting trip. My sister and her husband aren't certified divers. There are a few operations that you don't need any type of diving experience because you aren't using air while inside the cage. This looked like a possible alternative that all of us could enjoy. If they don't go for this part of the trip, then our options open up a lot. I'd be more than happy to hear any suggestions for operators for Great White shark diving that you have done.
 
There are different kinds of operations. Make sure that they are providing what you are really looking for.
Scuba or standing in a cage?!


shark-diver-cages.jpg




IMG_0830-800x600.jpg




Onto the rifle storage thing.
I have kept mine with me when I travel. It is currently on the floor of the guest house room and just travels with me where I go.

If you just don't want to worry, of course storage at a guest house of rifle permits or a gun dealer are options.
That borrowing a rifle will work too.
 
Take you own rifle - the hassle does not compare to the confidence of using your own rifle that feels like it is part of you.

RE: storage - I would suggest talking to your PH - they should know the best way to store safely.... Mine does!

Ado
 
I would talk to Henry Durheim at @riflepermits.com . I have yet to hear a bad word about the service he provides and he may prove to be a valuable resource if you need advice or have questions that inevitably seem to come up.
Let us know what route you end going (y)
 
The shark dive that we did was with Shark Africa Mossel Bay. It was in a cage that was tethered to the boat and they provided everything, wetsuits, mask, and a lunch afterwards. We stood in the cage and once a shark was near or coming in the person that was bringing them in with a head of a tuna would yell for us to submerge and what direction to look. The boat anchors just off of a island that is home to a lot of seals which are these sharks primary food source and it doesn't take long to chum them into range of the boat. There is even a upper platform on the boat so that if you don't want to go into the water you can watch a lot of the action and get some great pictures if you are quick enough to get the camera onto a shark as it is coming into the boat.
 
im with bricko , taking it with in a car while travelling aint so bad , if you have room , I did it in canada , and last year in the east cape , the 3 motels/ guest cottages we stayed at never had a problem with it ,
we did the tourist route from port Elizabeth ,to cape town ....
agree on his advice ,with the cage diving too , the one we were first booked with only took 7 or 8 people at a time out of hout bay, but the water was too dirty and they rekon the swells were too big , so we travelled near four hours back the way we just came , to do the sardine tin dive , which was still ok and heaps cheaper , but you got what you paid for ......
 
  • Like
Reactions: lcq
I'm a big believer in shooting my own rifles. You know the gun and what to expect. I'm sure Henry from rifle permits can help. Who you hunting with in Namibia?
 
I am in the process of booking with Kowas Hunting Safaris. I am already so excited, I am not sure how waiting until June 2017 will go. Thanks for all of the help from everyone. I am just as excited to get into the ocean to see some sharks as that is another huge passion of mine.
 
Hi Mike B.
Please email : omalanga@omalanga.pl
This is Paul Kardasz, my agent safaris. Paul is hunter and diver.
I have full confidence in him. He will help you.
Good luck and all the best in Africa.
Witold
 
In 2013 we did our plains game safari on the eastern cape and then a photo safari in Kruger Nat Park. Gracy travel coordinated for a gun store owner to meet us at the airport between domestic flights (PE to Joburg to kruger area and back to Joburg) and sign for our rifles, and then be there so we could pick them back up and check in for our flight home. Cost us a couple extra bucks but was very easy and pain free.
 
I had the same question, and contacted rifle permits and they offer the service you need. There is another company at the other airport that offers storage.
I will be using Henry next summer.
 
Hi!
Have the same question.
Want to go to Joburg in November, make a Safari and a trip to the Victoria Falls. So I have the problem to store my weapons at Joburg airport. Who stored his weapons there and can help me?
 
Hi!
Have the same question.
Want to go to Joburg in November, make a Safari and a trip to the Victoria Falls. So I have the problem to store my weapons at Joburg airport. Who stored his weapons there and can help me?
Hi Julia, AH sponsor @riflepermits.com will be able to help you with the storage of your weapons in Johannesburg, just contact Henry and check out their website regarding gun storage at http://riflepermits.com.
 
I have heard good things about Air2000 and am currently working with them on the same issue for my upcoming hunt in March.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
53,614
Messages
1,131,150
Members
92,669
Latest member
WillieBurk
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Impact shots from the last hunt

Early morning Impala hunt, previous link was wrong video

Headshot on jackal this morning

Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

20231012_145809~2.jpg
 
Top