Place to layover in Joburg

We have stayed at Aftons and Africa Sky.
I prefer Aftons. My wife likes some of the aspects of Africa Sky.
We have had nice rooms at both locations.
The Airport Pick up service was better from Aftons.

We had a “misplaced” rifle and Gilbert did not help us sort it out. Saw the rifle case go into pick up area but did nit did not make it to the actual pick up room.

Additionaly we paid for a VIP service Africa Sky but was lumped in with another group. Our group was 12 people. It turned into a goat rope when the other group was added to ours. I discussed this with Africa Sky and we were refunded the appropriate fees. So hats off to them for making it right.

Our return trip in 27 will be a stay most likely at Aftons.
 
I have stayed at both Afton and Africa Sky, this last trip I stayed at the Airport Intercontinental. No hassle, no car ride - just grab a cart and roll your stuff across the street.
 
Is there a meet and greet option at city lodge?
If you book with Gracy, their person at JNB will take care of that. (Ask for Nicole x234) Also Rifle Permits can too.
 
In six trips over, I have needed to layover. But for 2026 I am arriving 2 days early before departing to Moz with Tsala. I chose to stay Africa Sky, so far it has been easy process to book. Leoni was pleasure talk to on phone and handle booking.
 
Is there a meet and greet option at city lodge?
I always use rifle permits for my meet and greet with them helping me through customs, immigration, police station then collect my baggage to City Lodge
 
My family and I stayed at Afton at the end of June (2025). Another good experience, and since it ain’t broke, I will likely stay there next trip.
 
Ah yes Mr. X!

Afton took good care of us. Stayed at City Lodge unplanned on the way back after flight was canceled and we were there an extra day. SUPER convenient with good food. I would have preferred a gun storage other than leaving it in the room.

I will try African Sky next time since I hear great things.
 
Saxon Hotel in Sandton - the best!
 
I was at the city lodge last month. Its super convenient that it's basically attached to the airport. It was nicer than I expected and pretty affordable. I ate dinner and breakfast there and the food was quite good.
I second this
 
This is my experience and YMMV. stayed at Citi Lodge multiple times. Can't remember which but first time over in 2013 with either the Afton House or Africa Sky, was loaded in to a van with a group, sardine ride. Gun cases rode in a trailer behind the van. Steak dinner wasn't worth the extra money. One or the other also was invaded by criminals with clients in the rooms. My owner/outfitter/PH, a former SA local LEO, army officer and member of the South Africa shooting team told me never go in to Joburg. I hire Gracy and Bruce walks me and my bags over to Citi Lodge, reasonable rates and good food. For me, having to travel the next morning early, it's stress free and a time saver. Wife doesn't travel with me so you're options may be limited.
 
Afton last month and last Nov. Pickup was smooth, really nice place quiet and like minded folks, arranged a quick trip to sporting goods store, drop off smooth. Doesn’t get much better. Best . J.
 
This is my experience and YMMV. stayed at Citi Lodge multiple times. Can't remember which but first time over in 2013 with either the Afton House or Africa Sky, was loaded in to a van with a group, sardine ride. Gun cases rode in a trailer behind the van. Steak dinner wasn't worth the extra money. One or the other also was invaded by criminals with clients in the rooms. My owner/outfitter/PH, a former SA local LEO, army officer and member of the South Africa shooting team told me never go in to Joburg. I hire Gracy and Bruce walks me and my bags over to Citi Lodge, reasonable rates and good food. For me, having to travel the next morning early, it's stress free and a time saver. Wife doesn't travel with me so you're options may be limited.
no question your bad memory was Afton and mirrored mine
 
The question is how long is your layover? This makes a big difference in where to stay.
 
Rep or Bruce w/ Gracy will meet and greet to and from City Lodge. Stress free stay at airport.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
64,192
Messages
1,414,063
Members
129,118
Latest member
EmilieTill
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Finally back to somewhat normal I missed reading the messages and posts
Remember I will be at the ISE show in Denver Colorado for 8-12 January, and after the show I will be available for meetings anywhere in the USA I will traveling around to meet with old and new clients, let me know and we will set up a meeting!
Beautiful Aardwolf for our Spanish client and good friend Alberto
WhatsApp Image 2025-11-12 at 17.27.22 (2).jpeg
C-YA-L8R wrote on PaulB's profile.
Hi PaulB,
I have a Ballard Arms Model 1885 chambered for .333 Jeffery Flanged. Do you have any idea where I can get ammo for this?

I am new to this forum so I am sorry if I am doing something wrong!
Thank You!
Bruce D
Lakewood Village, California

BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (1).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (2).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (11).jpg
BALLARD ARMS MODEL 1885 .333 Jeffrey Single Shot Falling Block SN 1178 - (5).jpg
STARCHEDUPDAD wrote on Acopperdawg's profile.
what's up buddy how are you doing today
 
Top