First timer…. Travel agent?

[jstafng]

Hello all!
First time heading to RSA with the wife in May 2027 for some plains game!
I’m leaning towards using a travel agent, PWP or travel express. Recommendations on the two? Went to New Zealand two years ago and I handled everything but based off what I’ve been reading an agent might be worth it.
Plan on using rifle permits Or one of the guesthouse services not 100% sure yet for rifle permits.

Any other things you might think a firstimer needs to know??

Thank you!

 

[Hedge774]

I'm going to NZ in a year, and I am definitely using an agent. For approximately 5% of your trophy fee, a lot of worry is alleviated. Travel Express is a sponsor and very highly regarded. I can't speak on the other though I'm sure some can. Good luck!

 

[Firebird]

Gracy Travel out of Texas is worth checking out for you. They do a meet and greet at Joburg and have a full time gun service there as well.

 

[mdwest]

Gracy Travel… ask for Nicole… she has done a lot of work for several members here…

My youngest is literally at the airport as I type this, boarding for an international flight that Nicole helped us out on..

 

[Spartan5]

We are using @TRAVEL EXPRESS for our first trip next June. I reached out to both them and Gracy and Travel Express was the only one who got back to me.

 

[jstafng]

We are using @TRAVEL EXPRESS for our first trip next June. I reached out to both them and Gracy and Travel Express was the only one who got back to me.

Copy. I’ve reached out to both PWP and @TRAVEL EXPRESS both got back to me within the day. Both said I was a little early but I had some questions and I’m excited I will try to reach out to Gracy see what happens.

 

[Andrew62]

I use Hannah with Gracy Travel, worth the 300 fee!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Jennifer at @TRAVEL EXPRESS, she has handled all my trips and several had last minute hiccups and she sorted it all quickly. I won’t use anyone else.

 

[BryceM]

Gracy.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Hello all!
First time heading to RSA with the wife in May 2027 for some plains game!
I’m leaning towards using a travel agent, PWP or travel express. Recommendations on the two? Went to New Zealand two years ago and I handled everything but based off what I’ve been reading an agent might be worth it.
Plan on using rifle permits Or one of the guesthouse services not 100% sure yet for rifle permits.

Any other things you might think a firstimer needs to know??

Thank you!

I've used PWP travel for 2 previous trips and for my upcoming trip next month. They got us sorted out in Uganda in 2022 when there was an Ebola outbreak. We had to get rescheduled to arrive in Atlanta to be screened. All was taken care of, good folks there too.

 

[revturbo9967]

I have used Jennifer at @TRAVEL EXPRESS twice and is excellent. Will use her again on my next international hunt.

 

[375Fox]

I use @TRAVEL EXPRESS and Africa Sky. I’ve been really happy with the level of service and attention to detail provided by both. Jennifer got me home in March 2020 after my flight was cancelled, which I still really appreciate. Other hunters with different travel agents weren’t as lucky. However, If I was going to a difficult destination, I think I’d use PWP because he sends more clients to those destinations. I used Patrick once while he was at travel with guns for Cameroon. He was very good to work with.
I previously used Gracy before 2020. I don’t plan on using again. Their people on the ground in Johannesburg are great, but it’s nothing that Africa Sky or Afton doesn’t do equally well. I’m not impressed by their people in the US. I had to double check and confirm things I didn’t think I should have to. The flights they suggest are good, but their attention to details such as seat selection and gun permit confirmation are not (or at least weren’t). I don’t recognize the names people are suggesting with them now, so maybe there have been changes.

 

[dogcat1]

After 15 trips to Africa and over 100 others out of the USA - yes, you need a travel agent.
Tracy is good.
I use Kathi Klimes as she hunts and travels everywhere. Very personalized.
For travel to RSA, get a meet and greet service for sure. If you have guns, get the expedited clearance service! Some of the best money you will spend.
I speak from experience in many places.

Also, fly business class….coach is painful.

 

[jpr9954]

On both my trips to the Eastern Cape with firearms, I used @TRAVEL EXPRESS and Rifle Permits. The pre-trip communication with both companies was excellent. Additionally, Rifle Permits will breeze you through SAPS In Johannesburg and walk you to your hotel or the shuttle to it. Anna and Marius of Rifle Permits welcome staff are wonderful.

 

[Rare Breed]

Hello all!
First time heading to RSA with the wife in May 2027 for some plains game!
I’m leaning towards using a travel agent, PWP or travel express. Recommendations on the two? Went to New Zealand two years ago and I handled everything but based off what I’ve been reading an agent might be worth it.
Plan on using rifle permits Or one of the guesthouse services not 100% sure yet for rifle permits.

Any other things you might think a firstimer needs to know??

Thank you!

Jennifer @TRAVEL EXPRESS handels everything for me

 

[Hunt anything]

Jennifer at @TRAVEL EXPRESS handled all our needs during a trip in 2021 in the chaos of the Covid panic. Not sure how many times she had to rebook our flights. Worth every dime.

 

[375er]

I can't say enough good things about Jennifer @TRAVEL EXPRESS. I won't use anyone else.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Jennifer @TRAVEL EXPRESS (she saved my bacon at the last minute getting to Bulawayo from Jo-burg) And Afton (Elize, Mr. X, Joseph and, of course, dinner with Richard) I won’t use anyone else again.

 

[wesheltonj]

I use Hannah with Gracy Travel, worth the 300 fee!

Hannah’s not there anymore. Ask for Nicole x234.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

my vote is for Jennifer @TRAVEL EXPRESS, she is handling my 4th trip this coming Sept and she is first class, even though I can't afford to fly first class she makes up for it Ha-ha. You will find she will answer all your questions quickly and will not rush you on the prone. Great lady to deal with, and if she can put up with me that says something!