Flights to Namibia

[tusker]

Afternoon gentlemen. Has anyone experience of travel to Namibia with firearms. Looking for a less stress rather than economy.
Dont know weather to go Joberg then Windhook or Europe to Windhook.
Cheers, Tusker

 

[dodgyrog]

I have been twice (a few years ago) Gatwick to Windhoek direct overnight flight. I used Air Namibia.
They were pretty clued up as were the Gatwick security personnel.

 

[EMcC]

Hi Mark, did you not get any help from Brian? I would have thought that now he is an African Agent he would have his fingers on the pulse regarding all flights in that direction.
Are you not going back to Kei River ?

 

[tusker]

Hi Mark, did you not get any help from Brian? I would have thought that now he is an African Agent he would have his fingers on the pulse regarding all flights in that direction.
Are you not going back to Kei River ?

Hi Eddy, Brian is absalulty great with S.A. and Kei river and I would have no hesitation on returning there. A top pro outfit. But I have been there twice and just fancy something and somewere different. The prices and fees are very competative in Namibia and it is that bit wilder as there are only 2 million people in the whole country. Looking forward to taking an animal with my bow.
Hope you are well mate. How was the boar hunting this year?
Tusker.

 

[smullery]

I have been twice (a few years ago) Gatwick to Windhoek direct overnight flight. I used Air Namibia.
They were pretty clued up as were the Gatwick security personnel.

Only direct flights from Europe now are from Frankfurt with Air Namibia.

Stan

 

[EMcC]

Hi Eddy, Brian is absalulty great with S.A. Looking forward to taking an animal with my bow. Hope you are well mate. How was the boar hunting this year? Tusker.

Ah, I thought Brian would have known all the routes and peculiarities for flights in that direction.
So you fancy yourself as abit of a Robin Hood eh !
I would feel more comfortable with a crossbow than a long bow.
Yes, four trips this last season, two to Hungary and two to Croatia.
Two very good and two not so good, two were more like an 18-30 club trip with guns and it was the first time I have ever had my disability made fun of, very embarrassing, so never again with them I'm afraid.
Looking forward to this coming season, just bought a Maral to give it a try.

 

[Safari Hunter]

Still trying to work this one out myself. I go in 6 weeks to Joburg then Windhoek. I'm used to it in SA so will let you know when I get back if you haven;t sorted it.
Adrian

 

[tusker]

Still trying to work this one out myself. I go in 6 weeks to Joburg then Windhoek. I'm used to it in SA so will let you know when I get back if you haven;t sorted it.
Adrian

many thanks Adrian, We wont be going till next year so please p.m. me on your return. By the way it is the route I was thinking of.
Tusker.

 

[tusker]

Ah, I thought Brian would have known all the routes and peculiarities for flights in that direction.
So you fancy yourself as abit of a Robin Hood eh !
I would feel more comfortable with a crossbow than a long bow.
Yes, four trips this last season, two to Hungary and two to Croatia.
Two very good and two not so good, two were more like an 18-30 club trip with guns and it was the first time I have ever had my disability made fun of, very embarrassing, so never again with them I'm afraid.
Looking forward to this coming season, just bought a Maral to give it a try.

Tell you what mate, if me and Gadge had been there they wouldnt have taken the p1ss . Bloody makes my blood boil. Your injury came in the service of our country.
I know you are a dedicated boar hunter but I would love for you to experience Africa. And you you would be with good company.
Tusker

 

[kuwinda]

The only direct flight to Windhoek is from Frankfurt on Air Namibia - I'm travelling that way tomorrow!

Been to Namibia twice before, but not with a rifle - hired the last time. My only concern is that the connection is a bit tighter than I would like (1 1/4 hours) - but otherwise travelling from Aberdeen is usually pretty easy - at least compared to e.g. Heathrow.

Will report back.

 

[ljs]

hi tusker ,I have been there 3 times in last 12 months , in fact got back yesterday , its real easy no stress and very straight forward I will PM my number if you want to chat give me a call ,LJS

 

[tusker]

hi tusker ,I have been there 3 times in last 12 months , in fact got back yesterday , its real easy no stress and very straight forward I will PM my number if you want to chat give me a call ,LJS

Got p.m. will call asap.
Tusker

 

[kuwinda]

Got back yesterday from Namibia - no disasters.

I had major issues in Frankfurt due to the shortness of the transfer. On checking-in in Aberdeen I was told that there was no way my guns were being checked through to Windhoek "due to EU regulations" - despite my being assured by my travel agent that this was possible, and Luftwaffe having been informed as such - they just didn't bother to say it wasn't going to happen! So after having to wait an age for the guns t0 be delivered we had to run to get on to the train from Terminal 1 to 2 and then to the check in - to find it closed. After hailing someone at the rear of the counter we were told it had closed ten minutes before and it was "impossible" to get checked in. When we asked what would happen to the one bag that actually was checked through alarm bells (cos they would presumably then have to offload this bag) went off and people were called - including the Polizie. We got on the plane but I was very near a coronary by that time and soaked with sweat from running. Oddly the one bag that was checked through did not arrive and was only delivered the next day - about 450k into the bush near the Botswana border!?!

No problems on the way back - checked right through and ended up on the belt in Aberdeen.

Good hunt and Namibia brilliant as always - might post some photos if I can be bothered and can find the camera. Too much rain though so the projected sand grouse shoot didn't happen. Been a lot of rain in Namibia so the bush is really green and hunting hard.

 

[tusker]

Hi Kuwinda, big thanks for taking the time to give us the info. I have spoken with a few folks now and they all ,except one ,recommend going via Johanasberg with SAA. The problems you had at Frankfurt are very common apparently and could have been worse.
Would love to see some pics if you get time.
Tusker

 

[kuwinda]

To be honest I'm not sure how much use such info is - every time the procedure seems to be different!

I'll post some piccies when I get the time - good hunt and a few excellent trophies - including a kudu just shy of 60".

 

[A1Decoy]

Hi Tusker .Book SAA to Windhook from LHR then you will not have to clear your Firearms in Jburg .Without a hunting invite this is Big Problem.
I have done it and it works well. No hassle at jburg.

 

[kuwinda]

Are you saying if you go with SAA (only) you don't need to clear in J'burg? I have heard tell of big problems with folks having to clear firearms (having to pay to get them released) and then check in again when flying on either internally or to Namibia.

Heathrow always better avoided of course - but it may be better than sprinting through Frankfurt with 30kgs of baggage?

Hi Tusker .Book SAA to Windhook from LHR then you will not have to clear your Firearms in Jburg .Without a hunting invite this is Big Problem.
I have done it and it works well. No hassle at jburg.

 

[A1Decoy]

Correct book your flights to Windhook from Heathrow. In one booking book guns on in London pick up in Windhook. Heathrow is great for Firearms no problems at all with 70 people in 7 trips in 2014.

 

[shotguntom]

When a friend and I went to SA we flew with SAA and had no problems at either end, I will definitely be using them again.

 

[tusker]

I have spoken to a rep from SAA and he told me bags and rifles checked in at Heathrow go straight through to Windhoek. Looks like this will be the route we will be taking. Thak you for all your in put chaps.
Tusker