Need your assistance

[PARA45]

A good friend of mine who has never been to Africa talked me into going next year. So, we are going to the Eastern Cape to hunt. Now, both of our wives will be going, and after the hunt we are planning on spending a couple of days in Cape Town playing tourist. We are going to the Easter Cape (Game-4-Africa) because my friend's wife has never been to Africa and does not want to sleep in a tent or be out in the wild. LOL!!!

So, here is my dilemma. Since Delta is now flying into Cape Town, would it be better to fly there and take Air Link to Pt Elizabeth. Or would it better to fly to Johannesburg, Pt Elizabeth, Cape Town, and fly out of there on the way out? I know this may not make sense, but I don't know if the airport in Cape Town has a good grasp on how to deal with firearms like Johannesburg does.

- So, if you've flown into Cape Town, please let me know about your experiences, what would you do differently, and who did you use in country to help you navigate through SAPs, Customs, etc.
- Does Cape Town have the same services found in Johannesburg, like the services provided by Africa Sky for clearing rifles, and meet & greet?
- Does the airport in Cape Town familiar with tourist flying in/out with firearms? I'm the only one flying with rifles.
- Jennifer at Travel Express, I'll be reaching out to you, but if you see my post and can answer please do.
- Hotels to stay in Cape Town (without breaking the bank) that will accept us with firearms.

If I'm missing something, please let me know. Any and all inputs are welcome.

 

[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

Well hello @PARA45 ! Just saw your message and will reply there, thanks!

 

[375Fox]

I’ve flown through Cape Town once on way out with rifles. Cape Town is a very professional airport more similar to a European airport than Johannesburg. I ran into an issue with my rifle though. Airlink told me it would automatically transfer to United. I waited at baggage claim and police anyway but rifle never came so I assumed they were correct. I double checked with airlink reps prior to leaving baggage claim area. However, I heard my name on loudspeaker prior to flight and was told I should have rechecked my rifle. They told me to wait. They eventually brought my rifle to a police room and I signed the book. I was one of last on plane but I made it. It was frustrating but the airport employees and police were very helpful. They are not as familiar with firearms as Johannesburg. However, I find the airport and airport staff much more professional than Johannesburg. I don’t know if Cape Town has outside services for firearm assistance but any of the regular services can still arrange a pre-approved permit for you there just without their people meeting you in lobby. From my one experience, I’m not sure if the outside assistance taking you through airport is as necessary in Cape Town as Johannesburg. I’d have no problem flying through cape town again if it was a good route, but I’d prefer to fly through Johannesburg. Interestingly my rifle would have gone from airlink to United without me rechecking in Johannesburg.