Is there a Safari 'Easy Button' ?

[AJ Peacock]

Back in the day when I was doing 200 roundtrip flights/year (glad that is in my rear view mirror), I had a travel agent that was my 'easy button'. All I had to do was give her a call as I ran through the airport and by the time I hit the ground on the other end, my travel issues were resolved.

So is there an 'Easy Button' for Safari that can take care of everything from flights, guns, safari, layovers, transfers ... ? Not that I can afford such a service, but while doing my initial research it seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks,
AJ

 

[Hooknbullet2]

Gracy Travel.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Back in the day when I was doing 200 roundtrip flights/year (glad that is in my rear view mirror), I had a travel agent that was my 'easy button'. All I had to do was give her a call as I ran through the airport and by the time I hit the ground on the other end, my travel issues were resolved.

So is there an 'Easy Button' for Safari that can take care of everything from flights, guns, safari, layovers, transfers ... ? Not that I can afford such a service, but while doing my initial research it seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks,
AJ

For travel? Yes. Gracy Travel as mentioned above. I personally use PWP Travel and they will handle all flights, traveling with firearms and in the case of South Africa will help with that gun permit. The good ones like PWP will come to help when the doo doo hits the fan in the middle of the trip.

For the safari part, well that's where you and researching things yourself here on AH, attending the conventions and whatever else comes into play. Alternatively you can use a booking agent. If you go this route however, do your research carefully. Not all booking agencies are alike. Some are great from what I read, others not so much.

The booking agents aren't travel agents, but they can certainly help with advice.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Another vote for Gracy Travel. They can handle layovers, gun storage, multiple flights within one or different countries, gun permits and meet & greet. In the grand scheme of things, their fees are minimal.

 

[Russ16]

The outfitter and travel are the way part for me.

Shipping trophies back in still confused about. Have my first trip coming up in August and I’m still a bit lost.

 

[wesheltonj]

Gracy can take care of those problems, ask for Nicole x234.

 

[Firebird]

Gracy-travel is the most daunting part of the trip for me and they took every worry out of the way for me.
Planning the actual safari, that is a joy and a pleasure and I keep that for myself.

 

[Goose Cracker]

I don't think there is an "easy" button for Africa, even for travel. I'm headed to Zim for my 6th trip to Africa next week. I've only been to SA prior to this trip, but have been to Limpopo, the Kalahari, and the Cape. I've done travel myself, I've used Travel Express, and I'm using Gracy for this trip. I've had good experiences with Travel Express and underwhelming ones. So far, I've been underwhelmed by my experience with Gracy also. We'll see how everything goes when I check in next Tues, when I land in JNB, and when I check in to Vic Falls on Thursday. Maybe my expectations are too high. I'm happy to pay for service, but I expect that service to be efficient and effective.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Back in the day when I was doing 200 roundtrip flights/year (glad that is in my rear view mirror), I had a travel agent that was my 'easy button'. All I had to do was give her a call as I ran through the airport and by the time I hit the ground on the other end, my travel issues were resolved.

So is there an 'Easy Button' for Safari that can take care of everything from flights, guns, safari, layovers, transfers ... ? Not that I can afford such a service, but while doing my initial research it seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks,
AJ

Our own @Philip Glass takes / coordinates groups of hunters on safari every year. That's who I thought of instantly when I read you seeking an Easy Button! I don't think he provides a fee for service, rather he helps fellow hunters.

Philip made a bunch of how-to safari YouTube videos that are worth watching, https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=philip+glass+safaris

His "Air travel with guns" video may be just what you need,

 

[bakerb]

I’ve used PWP recently with very good results. They set up the flights, the Johannesburg VIP meet, and the hotels. And they work with you. For instance they recommend using Africa Sky for lodging in Johannesburg. African Sky is great, but it is a 20 minute drive from the airport. So if you’re flying the next day to somewhere else you depend on them to be on time. So this year I wanted to stay at the city lodge. They had no problem with that and took care of those arrangements even though they generally recommend Africa Sky.

Having an agent take care of this is helpful. Especially with flights into places that don’t have a lot of flights. For example my wife and I just booked flights to London and then home from Edinburgh. I did it myself. So many flights that even with hiccups we shouldn’t have problems (hopefully). But with hunting, I use an agent.

I had canceled flights flying to Petropavlovsk in 2018. Having an agent to help me get rebooked was HUGE

 

[Rare Breed]

Back in the day when I was doing 200 roundtrip flights/year (glad that is in my rear view mirror), I had a travel agent that was my 'easy button'. All I had to do was give her a call as I ran through the airport and by the time I hit the ground on the other end, my travel issues were resolved.

So is there an 'Easy Button' for Safari that can take care of everything from flights, guns, safari, layovers, transfers ... ? Not that I can afford such a service, but while doing my initial research it seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks,
AJ

There is actually an easy button that costs about $300 using my preferred lady Jennifer at @TRAVEL EXPRESS who has done all my hunts or some people use Gracy both do exactly what you are asking…I can’t imagine one of my safaris without Jennifer!!!

 

[JimP]

Another vote for Jennifer.

As for needing a rifle import service, it will depend on where you are hunting and if your outfitter offers to help you through the SAP's process. I've used two different services, Air 2000 and Rifle Permits. With Air 2000 they were waiting for me as I walked off of the jet way at Joberg, took me through the VIP lane at customs and then to take care of my rifle. They left me at security after making sure that my tickets on my connecting flight were taken care of. On the way home they met me just outside of baggage claim and then once again left me at security once we went through the ticket process and were on our way home.

I'm sure the Henry at Rifle Permits would of done the same but we were with a group with a Phillip Glass who knew the process.

For getting things home I used Safari Specialty Importers. They took care of everything once my trophies hit the skinning shed until I had them sitting in my driveway without me having to do or make any arrangements as some other importers do. They cost a little bit more but I think that they are worth it.

 

[Philip Glass]

Our own @Philip Glass takes / coordinates groups of hunters on safari every year. That's who I thought of instantly when I read you seeking an Easy Button! I don't think he provides a fee for service, rather he helps fellow hunters.

Philip made a bunch of how-to safari YouTube videos that are worth watching, https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=philip+glass+safaris

His "Air travel with guns" video may be just what you need,

Thanks Mark and there are more informative videos that will help. Maybe it can be considered the "Easy Button"!

 

[TTundra]

I booked my first two trips over myself to RSA. No issues.

Third trip to Zim we used Travel Express with a night at Afton and Mr. X and it was very easy.

Fourth trip to Zim for this August flights were not lining up as I had hoped with the agency so I looked to book direct. Fortunately I have flown more trips than I care to count internationally so I didn't mind. I booked for my party direct from ORD-Joburg and then on to Harare. Looking myself saved about $4k in airfare plus fees...so that buys most of a Buffalo.

Just need to pay close attention to layovers and which airlines to use and their regs. Mr. X is still essential for us as it is as efficient as it gets for firearms clearing.

 

[Beck]

Combine Gracy Travel with Cabassa Safaris in one of their South African concessions.

 

[Justbryan]

I have booked many flights around the world and have gotten stranded. My wife works for a major airline. We plan a few extra days of travel before and after the hunt as a cushion. I have been delayed by 3 days in South Africa without a travel agent to help. It is easier to relax when something goes wrong when you build in a cushion (2 or 3 days). Mr. X at Afton Safari Lodge helped us at the airport to be able to reschedule through one of his connections. We enjoyed the extra time in the area.

For some people they need a travel agent to get them home in difficult situations. We have always been able to solve the issues without much help. We have been to 53 countries and booked a ton of trips ourselves.

I personally feel more secure doing everything myself. I am picky about the length of layovers, where I stay, excursions, travel routes, overall cost, so it is just easier for me to do it myself. For me it is easier to plan (easy button) it myself. I enjoy the planning process.

On your first trip you cannot completely eliminate anxiety even with the best travel agent. It is exciting just enjoy the process.

 

[Paul K]

Gracy Travel

Paul

 

[Throwback]

Back in the day when I was doing 200 roundtrip flights/year (glad that is in my rear view mirror), I had a travel agent that was my 'easy button'. All I had to do was give her a call as I ran through the airport and by the time I hit the ground on the other end, my travel issues were resolved.

So is there an 'Easy Button' for Safari that can take care of everything from flights, guns, safari, layovers, transfers ... ? Not that I can afford such a service, but while doing my initial research it seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks,
AJ

For Africa I think you will find the travel from your home to destination is one service, such as PWP or Gracy and the related comments thus far. The rest of the trip (safari) is your outfitter which is a different service.

Many outfitters can do everything else meaning picking you up at the airport, all the travel, the hunt, meals, places to stay, rental guns, take care of the taxidermy, etc... and then drop you off at the airport when you leave. They can also arrange tourist activities in addition to the hunting. Some outfitters are more "turnkey" than others but there are ones out there for what you are looking for. I dont personally know anyone I can say "one phone call away" but it is probably two calls (1- Flights and 2- Outfitter) depending on the area you want to hunt. Also, if you hunt in Europe, Argentina or New Zealand the "all inclusive" type approach is pretty easy, but again you will need to get yourself to the destination. One call to PWP or such can make that happen. Cheers

 

[JG26Irish_2]

For me, the hardest part of the 1st Safari was choosing an outfitter/PH. There are many good ones and a few bad ones and as a Noob it is darn near impossible to know which is which and how to make a choice. The different regions in Africa also are a total unknown to a newby and makes deciding on where and what to hunt a total guessing game.

This forum was a great resource in figuring out which airlines are good to use and which locations might be harder to get to as well as how to travel with firearms, what to pack. YouTube was my constant friend but just take it all in with a grain of salt and use your own judgement. Trusted friends can be useful too. The shows like DSC and SCI also were modestly helpful. I booked a DG hunt in Limpopo RSA for two years out but after almost a year of prep, I decided to book a PG hunt first as my "Practice Hunt". That was a great move as I learned a lot about the animals, the climate, and hunting in general thru my PG hunt. The outfitter was great and we returned the year after for the DG hunt and more PGF hunting in both Free State and Limpopo. SA is easier than many other countries and is a good place to start. While I booked my own travel for RSA, if I good to Botswana, Zim or Moz, I would likely want some help. Same if flying thru Europe or Middle East to get there.

Right now, I am pondering a trip to Namibia, to the Northeast part of the country near Etosha to hunt Eland and a few others with a possible diversion to the Caprivi. Am still wondering about how best to handle the details on that one.

 

[Green Chile]

I understand the original question but I would answer that the easy button is this AH forum. AH has helped who knows how many thousands of people to plan a good trip to Africa. AH has also inspired many trips and helped keep the fever alive in between trips. Over 100k members and many more visitors are testament to that. AH makes Africa more accessible and more successful to the average member.