I've been to Africa twice - once to South Africa and the other time to Namibia. Getting there with firearms is easier than you'd think.

My father was living in West Africa at the time of my first trip and I was living in Dallas - so I was responsible for taking the guns/ammo/optics and meeting him in South Africa. It was a bit nerve wrecking in that I had just turned 21 and it was my first time flying with firearms. With all the proper paperwork, cases, locks, separate ammo can... the process went extremely smooth. We didn't use any travel services as our trips were booked using mileage. If you have the extra funds, using a service like TWG will help reduce the stress if it's your first time flying outside of the country with firearms.

I flew Delta/Airfrance on the first trip - seemed the persons at the gate in Dallas were accustomed to people traveling with firearms. Few simple questions. Presented paperwork. Showed everything was unloaded... locked it all back up again... and off I went. The outfitter had someone meet me in Johannesburg which made the 2nd half of the process extremely easy.

I flew economy on my first trip with Delta/Airfrance since I was going solo. My second trip, my father got me business class tickets (via United) so I could sit with him. Business on United was nice, but at the time it was an older plane so the seats weren't the type that recline to 180 degrees. Nicer than business on domestic flights but not as nice as I've seen on recent international flights. Not sure if their planes are updated now. My first trip was in 2006 and second in 2011.

I agree that you can save some $$$ by not using an African travel expert like TWG, but when the %&$%# hits the fan in SA, Namibia and your flights are rescheduled/changed (happened to us in Namibia w/Namibia Air) you'll be glad you have Steve Turner handling the problems instead of having to figure it out yourself.

You can also save $$$ by not using a meet and greet service or getting TWG to do pre-approved gun permits. One trip over our Delta flight was a little late and we arrived during a shift change in J'burg. If not for the pre approval guy going behind the counter and grabbing our guns (while the DIY guys were standing around wondering what to do) we would have been there for an hour or more. 15 minutes and we were on our way. I think it's worth the money, but to each his own.

I know which outfitter. I just meant I don't recall the name of the town or area where we will be. I spoke with the outfitter for a while at DSC.

TWG without question. Emirates business

No issues..I was getting attacked by Javelina...It’s been a while...I figured you were still walking around Colorado looking for your elk...

Apologies I mis-read the message. Well enjoy it and hope you have an incredible time. Happy hunting!

Congrats on the pending adventure Craig! Sounds like you got thr air portion under control. Highly recommend you work with these guys on your trophy shipping logistics. http://www.huntingtrophy.com/ Coppersmith is the best in the business.

Went in May of ‘17 headed back in April/May this year. It’s an unbelievable experience. Which outfitter are you hunting with?

Thanks, Dave!

We will be hunting with Balla Balla Safaris. The auction I purchased was for their South Africa area.

I have hunted RSA, Zim and Cameroon. Never had an issue transporting firearms to any of them as long as you have the paperwork and follow the proper procedures. Not as difficult as many try to make it out to be.