Michigander heading to South Africa

[Coltcc]

hey all, coltcc here going on a plains game hunt in begining of April this new year. i have the hunt booked and find lots of Great discussions here on AH but some point are still blurry in the scope u might say. Any help would be appreciated.
1. medical insurance- read some poor reviews on Global Rescue. whats the typical used provider in South Africa for MEDICAL issues.
2. Money - Bring travelers cks, cash, US or Rand or use Credit cards
3. Damn 11 hr overlay in Johannesburg- is airport nice enough to just hang out there or definitely get a room for the night.
thanks for the input in advance and im sure discussions will spur more questions.

 

[Bhfs300]

1 never have had any.

2 cash for tips PH US$. Skinner, trackers, maids etc Rand.
Cash for spending money Rand
Card for rest of trophies and hunt.

3 there are several hotels that will give you a good night sleep and drive you both ways from the airport. Don’t think I would want to spend a night in the airport.

 

[CAustin]

Welcome to AH sir!
Check with your outfitter on use of cash or credit! Remember the US dollar is very much appreciated
South Africa has good medical facilities and as long as you are in good health medical insurance can only be a personal preference.
No the airport is no place to stay for 11 hours. Actin House is not far and they can arrange your pickup and delivery back to OR Tambo.

 

[BRICKBURN]

1. Global rescue is not medical insurance. It is for rescuing your ass. You will need medical insurance

2. Bring some USD. Use your CC to get money locally at an ABM.

3. Walk over to the city lodge and get a room.

 

[Therack]

Check with your health insurance provider and see what is covered overseas. My provider only covered something major.

Take US dollars and one credit card, notify them ahead of time of your travel plans.

Africa Sky is a great layover hotel.

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard and best of luck!

 

[enysse]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Coltcc]

Thanks all for the welcome
some good tips for sure
what is a rand card?
i guess i was referring to "get my ass" out of africa if i was injured not the medical insurance part of it. but it does seem some if the poor reviews i read about global was in fact people obvious though they would cover more then they did.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Coltcc!

 

[cls]

Check with your outfitter on use of cash or credit! Remember the US dollar is very much appreciated

+1
As far as getting your ass out... I think you would be OK in South Africa other parts of Africa not so much.

 

[cls]

By the way, welcome and enjoy your "First" African Safari.

 

[BRICKBURN]

.....
i guess i was referring to "get my ass" out of africa if i was injured not the medical insurance part of it. but it does seem some if the poor reviews i read about global was in fact people obvious though they would cover more then they did.

Exactly. Understand what you are buying.
No matter what service you are arranging: Flights, Safari, Permits, etc.


ps. Welcome to AH.

 

[Kowas Adventure Safaris]

hey all, coltcc here going on a plains game hunt in begining of April...
1. medical insurance- read some poor reviews on Global Rescue. whats the typical used provider in South Africa for MEDICAL issues.
2. Money - Bring travelers cks, cash, US or Rand or use Credit cards
3. Damn 11 hr overlay in Johannesburg- is airport nice enough to just hang out there or definitely get a room for the night.
thanks for the input in advance and im sure discussions will spur more questions.

Dear Coltcc
Welcome to this great FORUM. Enjoy gathering information for your upcoming and scheduled safari.
We advise to also consult your outfitter and/or PH for their recommendation.
We are waiting for a hunt report.

 

[Nyati]

Welcome to AH

Don´t worry too much about RSA, been there a few time, came back without any issues.

 

[Coltcc]

yes i will get advice from the outfitter as well. i do enjoy and see a value in these open forums.
its not that i am worried about travel to SAjust not sure if their medical system but it does sound like it is sufficient for emergencies as i would think it would be.
I guess its not like BLACKHAWK DOWN in SA.

I read something stating that u shouldnt give US currency to anybody except the PH as other staff can not use it. why is this if true?

 

[Hogpatrol]

My 2¢

#1. Global rescue IS for transportation and assistance ONLY with medical issues or for additional costs, security. There are short term insurance companies like Travel Guard that cover a multitude of sins from medical to trip cancellation insurance.

#2. Cash, CCs for store purchases, nice to have some rand to buy small stuff at the airport. Never found anybody that wanted traveler's checks. If possible, exchange U.S. dollars for rand with your ph/outfitter. Kiosks at the airports, especially the ones in the U.S. are only missing masks and guns when they exchange your money and U.S. banks make shylocks look good.

#3. Stay over at CitiLodge. The guest houses have a spotty record of safety and hospitality. Locals will tell you NEVER venture from the airport into Joburg. Crime against foreigners is not uncommon.

 

[Coltcc]

thanks for that 2cents hogpatrol,
yeah i have a much better concept of the rescue/medical insurance deal now with everyones help on here. I think i will just have a very good international med plan.

as for the money deal it is obvious i need to confir with my outfitter. i am surprised that traveler's checks AREN'T so popular there.
i really dont like carrying that much cash around. again maybe work something out with the outfitter there.

no travel away from the airport? geez would be nice to carry my .40
i see they have 2 hotel at a Casino- hows that ?

 

[Philip Glass]

My opinion is that you are unlikely to need Global rescue in RSA. Cash for tips but wire most of the money before or after the trip.
Stay at City Lodge at JNB. How do you have an 11hour layover? There are also nice Lounges at JNB that are reasonable for layovers.

 

[Coltcc]

hey Phillip, i agree about Global Rescue maybe a good idea for some other areas.
i would rather do a wire if possible. will discuss with outfitter.
11 hr layover- my understanding is no flights out of jnb to port elizibeth till morning so 11 hr wait. travel time total from michigan to port elizibeth is 37 hrs. that was the shortest flight out there then 25 hrs back home.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

A layover in JNB will help with the jet lag. Get a room at the City Lodge hotel (https://clhg.com/), as many others have already recommended. It's connected to the airport terminal building, so it's easy and safe to get to. They have a great breakfast too, included with the room. For your connecting flight to PE, try to avoid Mango Air, the discount airline owned by saa. If you haven't booked your flights already, there are lots of flight from JNB to PE, so you might look at a slightly later flight to PE (turn your 11 hr layover to 15-18 hours and get rested up and not so rushed). If you get into PE late morning to early afternoon, you will still have time the first afternoon to shoot your gun at a target and do a late afternoon hunt.