I have just returned from Namibia: 10 days cull stalking in the Grootfontein area east of Etosha, 11th - 23rd November 2021.
I flew with Ethiopian Airways ex Heathrow via Addis Ababa.
The good part: All planes seemed to be newish Airbus models, flights were fine, food good. In-flight service was mostly excellent. Flight cost is approx 30% lower than Virgin/BA/SALink combos to Windhoek.
Firearm carriage: it worked, but what was assured by the Ethiopian Airways manager in London did not come to pass. Specifically, he stated that once the firearm was checked in at Heathrow, it would transfer automatically in Addis. It does not...
At Addis Ababa airport, you are required to supply photocopies of your FAC and passport to the Addis security folk who get you to open rifle case so that they can check the firearm in the ground floor baggage hall. They retain those copies.
Outbound, I had just 90 mins between flights. I was pleasantly surprised to be met on disembarcation of the LHR flight and the outbound firearm transfer admin happened quickly. Inbound, I was not met. I proceeded with other travellers to the transit lounge. I asked the ET staff desk there to call security/baggage to complete paperwork I now knew needed to happen. Cue 1.5 hour wait. Spoke to floor manager. Cue additional 1 hour wait. Went back to first desk. Lady there recognised me and was incredulous I had not been called. 90 mins to departure...
She called baggage. They hung up on her. She persisted. 10 mins later the requisite escort to the baggage hall took place. Paperwork done, I was deposited back at original point of entry to building: cue 2nd of 3 instances of boots-and-belt doffing security checks to get back to transit lounge. But both rifle and I made the journey both ways.
In summary: Ethiopian Airways will fly you and rifle to Namibia at a competitive price. Be prepared to chase for access to complete paperwork at Addis: without it, your rifle will not be transferred to your connecting flight.
I flew with Ethiopian Airways ex Heathrow via Addis Ababa.
The good part: All planes seemed to be newish Airbus models, flights were fine, food good. In-flight service was mostly excellent. Flight cost is approx 30% lower than Virgin/BA/SALink combos to Windhoek.
Firearm carriage: it worked, but what was assured by the Ethiopian Airways manager in London did not come to pass. Specifically, he stated that once the firearm was checked in at Heathrow, it would transfer automatically in Addis. It does not...
At Addis Ababa airport, you are required to supply photocopies of your FAC and passport to the Addis security folk who get you to open rifle case so that they can check the firearm in the ground floor baggage hall. They retain those copies.
Outbound, I had just 90 mins between flights. I was pleasantly surprised to be met on disembarcation of the LHR flight and the outbound firearm transfer admin happened quickly. Inbound, I was not met. I proceeded with other travellers to the transit lounge. I asked the ET staff desk there to call security/baggage to complete paperwork I now knew needed to happen. Cue 1.5 hour wait. Spoke to floor manager. Cue additional 1 hour wait. Went back to first desk. Lady there recognised me and was incredulous I had not been called. 90 mins to departure...
She called baggage. They hung up on her. She persisted. 10 mins later the requisite escort to the baggage hall took place. Paperwork done, I was deposited back at original point of entry to building: cue 2nd of 3 instances of boots-and-belt doffing security checks to get back to transit lounge. But both rifle and I made the journey both ways.
In summary: Ethiopian Airways will fly you and rifle to Namibia at a competitive price. Be prepared to chase for access to complete paperwork at Addis: without it, your rifle will not be transferred to your connecting flight.
