Stay pre- and post-safari

[JGH]

First timer, here …

I see there are several places in Johannesburg that cater to hunters for stays pre- and post-hunt.

I think we’d sure like that … a chance to “catch up” and fuel up.

Give me the ups and downs of some of these. What’s good, what’s unnecessary, etc.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

I hope you get some good replies. I’m also interested in what people say.

 

[Lowballoffersonly]

Trust the outfitter and ask if they recommend someone or if it’s even required. I have flown through OR Tambo twice for long layovers and stayed at the City Lodge Hotel a short walk from the airport. I know a few who have stayed at “hunter bed&breakfasts” experiences vary. If you are hunting in the Limpopo you may not even need to stay overnight.

If you are traveling with guns having a service that expedites that is critical. There are firearm importers who will do the required paperwork and meet you at customs to make sure everything goes smooth. Dm if you want the contact for the guy I used, he got us out of a jam and can’t recommend him enough. DIY leads to TIA (this is Africa) happening ie. delays or missing and lost items.

 

[375Fox]

The 2 that cater to hunters in Johannesburg are Africa Sky and Afton. I prefer Africa Sky. Very nice grounds, rooms, and food and Gilbert seems to have ability to fix any problems at airport. Many hunters will also stay at city lodge at airport for convenience too, it’s nice, but it’s just a standard hotel.

 

[Rare Breed]

First timer, here …

I see there are several places in Johannesburg that cater to hunters for stays pre- and post-hunt.

I think we’d sure like that … a chance to “catch up” and fuel up.

Give me the ups and downs of some of these. What’s good, what’s unnecessary, etc.

If you are looking to stay a day each way I would search @Kevin Peacocke what to do with a day in JNB on our sight. He has great suggestions

 

[cmk]

Another important aspect is if you're bringing your own rifle(s). What do you do with them on that week-long tourist-y trip before or after the hunt?

Can you leave them with the outfitter, deposit them at a police station - or are you perhaps required to not let them out of your sight? I'm guessing the legal situation differs between countries. IIRC, the people at rifle-permits.com have a way of holding your kit in storage in J'burg (for a fee) while you travel around.

Would be interesting to learn more from the experience of others.

 

[dchum]

Another important aspect is if you're bringing your own rifle(s). What do you do with them on that week-long tourist-y trip before or after the hunt?

Can you leave them with the outfitter, deposit them at a police station - or are you perhaps required to not let them out of your sight? I'm guessing the legal situation differs between countries. IIRC, the people at rifle-permits.com have a way of holding your kit in storage in J'burg (for a fee) while you travel around.

Would be interesting to learn more from the experience of others.

Africa sky would most likely arrange for your gun to say in their safe after your hunt even not staying with them. I’m sure for a fee but could be easy.

I’m not sure of that but just my assumption from staying there and seeing how they are so accommodating

 

[HuntingGold]

I have stayed at Africa Sky seven or more nights now and cannot recommend it enough. With that said, I plan on staying at Afton my next trip so that I can compare them.

If you go through Port Elizabeth, The Beach Hotel is very comfortable and the adjoining restaurant (Gingers) is very nice and reasonable, with decent accommodations close by, including Barneys Tavern.

As far as things to do in Joberg, Kevin Peacock gave a good run down in a thread a few years ago that is worth reviewing. I took two new Africa hunters to Joberg last August and we hired a private driver for the day and hit the Safari Outdoor store, Cambanos (for souvenirs), some shopping malls for the wives, and a few other locations.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I have stayed at Africa Sky seven or more nights now and cannot recommend it enough. With that said, I plan on staying at Afton my next trip so that I can compare them.

If you go through Port Elizabeth, The Beach Hotel is very comfortable and the adjoining restaurant (Gingers) is very nice and reasonable, with decent accommodations close by, including Barneys Tavern.

As far as things to do in Joberg, Kevin Peacock gave a good run down in a thread a few years ago that is worth reviewing. I took two new Africa hunters to Joberg last August and we hired a private driver for the day and hit the Safari Outdoor store, Cambanos (for souvenirs), some shopping malls for the wives, and a few other locations.

we stayed at Afton House last year it was nice. Mr X took care of us with SAPS and had a nice dinner there. but do not remember much it was almost 10 pm when we got there had dinner and went to bed, had to catch Airlink for 6:30 am flight to PE. I would stay there again.

 

[Tanks]

I had stayed at Afton house some dozen years ago. They met me at the gate and I zapped through customs and SAPS. Ribeye at the lodge was good as well. Would recommend.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

For hunters who have their guns with them I would recommend Afton Lodge or African Sky be cause they will lock them up for you.
If you then end up with time on your hands take an Uber to Amatuli in Kramerville. It is an interesting store for African. Drop into Melville and Moon right next door and end up having a beer or a meal at Razor Charlie.
If you still have time take an Uber from there to Safari and Outdoor in Sunningdale.
Note Uber, do not take taxis in Johannesburg.

 

[Moody808]

Another important aspect is if you're bringing your own rifle(s). What do you do with them on that week-long tourist-y trip before or after the hunt?

Can you leave them with the outfitter, deposit them at a police station - or are you perhaps required to not let them out of your sight? I'm guessing the legal situation differs between countries. IIRC, the people at rifle-permits.com have a way of holding your kit in storage in J'burg (for a fee) while you travel around.

Would be interesting to learn more from the experience of others.

Rifle Permits and Hunter Support both have secure storage for post or pre hunting, but it should be noted that I think it's only available if you hire them to do your initial rifle import assistance.

 

[HuntingGold]

Thanks for chiming in @Kevin Peacocke !