Namibia flights

[Lobster.mike]

I'm planning to fly from the northeast, most likely New York, to Windhoek Namibia in September. It might be wishful thinking but I'd like to avoid spending the night in Joberg if possible. It's not a deal breaker but I didn't have the most pleasant experience last time. There is a non stop out of NYC to Joberg on SAA.
Does anyone have any suggestions or alternatives. Thanks!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I flew on the SAA flight from JFK to JNB back in July 2018. I was on business and had a tight connection of about 2 hours, connecting on another SAA flight to Luanda, Angola. My check bag was lost for a week.

The SAA flight gets into JNB in the morning, so just make sure you have 3-4 hours or more and you should be good. There are several flight to WDH each day, so you should be okay.

 

[Lobster.mike]

That may be what we end up doing. I've flown from Atlanta but arrived in the evening.
Has anyone here have any experience flying to Windhoek through Europe?

 

[MMAL]

I did saa from jfk to Windhoek. If you do the 2 hr connection get an expediting service that will wish you through immigration and security. Guns checked right through. Good luck.

 

[Lobster.mike]

Good to know.
Have you used a travel service? Any recommendations ?

 

[Lee M]

I flew Ethiopian airlines last July. Wash Dulles to Windhoek. Thru Addis Ababa (spelling?). Short connection but no issues with anything not making it on time. Sept should be lower cost as well.

 

[Philip Glass]

I'm planning to fly from the northeast, most likely New York, to Windhoek Namibia in September. It might be wishful thinking but I'd like to avoid spending the night in Joberg if possible. It's not a deal breaker but I didn't have the most pleasant experience last time. There is a non stop out of NYC to Joberg on SAA.
Does anyone have any suggestions or alternatives. Thanks!

Lobster.mike,
Yeah can make that connection because SAA flys from JFK to JNB arriving AM. then on to Windhoek and several flights to choose from. Easy!
Philip

 

[cagkt3]

Didn't go to Namibia, but did the JFK to JNB and then on to Bulawayo in late August. Had about a 2.5 hr layover and made it just fine.

 

[Bwana Bob]

I'm planning to fly from the northeast, most likely New York, to Windhoek Namibia in September. It might be wishful thinking but I'd like to avoid spending the night in Joberg if possible. It's not a deal breaker but I didn't have the most pleasant experience last time. There is a non stop out of NYC to Joberg on SAA.
Does anyone have any suggestions or alternatives. Thanks!

I took that flight in 2011 and 2017. I did the 5 hour layover in 2011 and the 2 hour layover in 2017. The 2 hour layover was tight even though the plane got into Jburg 45 minutes early. Good luck on your trip.

 

[MMAL]

I used bid air for the service through the airport.

 

[DmacD]

Have you looked to see if KLM out of Amsterdam would work for you? I flew KLM from Toronto to Amsterdam, then Amsterdam to Angola for a quick stop to change crew, then directly into Windhoek. The layover in Amsterdam is long, but after the overnight flight from Toronto, I grabbed an airport "Pod" hotel, got some sleep and a shower and was good to go. The paperwork that the Dutch authorities require to transit their country with a firearm was simple and could be e-mailed to them. The bonus was that since I was flying KLM the entire journey, my luggage, including gun case, was forwarded straight onto Windhoek and arrived safe and on time with me.

 

[ack]

Lori at " Travel Express" is working on our Namibia flight plan now..Her no. is on here..She also can handle emergency and travel insurance...

 

[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

If there is a way we can be of help to you please feel free to call or send us a message.

 

[Lobster.mike]

Thanks to all of you! Very solid advice.

 

[johnnyblues]

FYI I’m leaving on Memorial Day to Namibia for my hunt. Departing JFK at 11 am arrive in Joberg at 8 am. I only have an hour and a half to connect since SAA only runs one flight into Windhoek. I’ve retained the services of Henry’s rifle permit service to VIP me thru in transit transfer. Well worth the $100 bucks IMO. Now if the baggage makes it thru were golden since it’s a 6 hour drive to camp.

 

[Rob404]

Good to know.
Have you used a travel service? Any recommendations ?

Lori at Travel Express

 

[sestoppelman]

When last I did that run in 2017, did it with no issues, luggage checked thru to WDK, had enough time to transit Jo no problem. Lori set it up for us.

Years ago before things got complicated I was returning from either Zim or Botswana, cant remember which, and forgot to check my luggage thru to final, the states. Realized this as I was getting off the plane at JO, with no accompanying paperwork, and thought, uh oh! I quickly snagged an airline rep and explained my idiocy and the situation. She grabbed me and we ran to find the luggage and rifle case, ran thru SAPS, she did all the talking luckily for me, I was exhausted, stupid and useless! This wonderful gal got it all sorted out with all concerned and got me on the plane with all my gear. I was late getting aboard and they actually held the doors open for worthless me, and they had given my seat away by then but they moved me upstairs in the cattle car jumbo and off we went. It might have been BA I was flying with, long time ago.

 

[Philip Glass]

Have you looked to see if KLM out of Amsterdam would work for you? I flew KLM from Toronto to Amsterdam, then Amsterdam to Angola for a quick stop to change crew, then directly into Windhoek. The layover in Amsterdam is long, but after the overnight flight from Toronto, I grabbed an airport "Pod" hotel, got some sleep and a shower and was good to go. The paperwork that the Dutch authorities require to transit their country with a firearm was simple and could be e-mailed to them. The bonus was that since I was flying KLM the entire journey, my luggage, including gun case, was forwarded straight onto Windhoek and arrived safe and on time with me.

How long was the Angola layover? Thanks for sharing this experience.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Lori at " Travel Express" is working on our Namibia flight plan now..Her no. is on here..She also can handle emergency and travel insurance...

@Travel Express is a great choice!

 

[Philip Glass]

FYI I’m leaving on Memorial Day to Namibia for my hunt. Departing JFK at 11 am arrive in Joberg at 8 am. I only have an hour and a half to connect since SAA only runs one flight into Windhoek. I’ve retained the services of Henry’s rifle permit service to VIP me thru in transit transfer. Well worth the $100 bucks IMO. Now if the baggage makes it thru were golden since it’s a 6 hour drive to camp.

Curious what the service with Henry is for since you are in transit? I think someone else mentioned a VIP service on an in transit connection. If the bags are checked through all one does is clear the quick passport check, hit the duty free shop, and find your gate.
Most days there are multiple flights to WDH are you sure that day there is only one?
Philip