AIR2000

[Gully]

I'm heading out on my first safaris in September and it was recommended by both my travel agent and PH to use AIR2000. I've looked through their site, printed my checklist (I'm departing from Canada) and will start to fill out the required paperwork (SAPS 520 etc) and get everything sent out. Looks like a great service, but I just wanted to hear from anyone who has used their services.
Also, I land in Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport at 9pm local and will likely use their accommodation for the night as I catch a flight to East London the following morning.

Appreciate any insights!

 

[Cliffy]

I've used two other gun permit services but I have talked with AIR2000 at SCI and I'm sure you should not have any problems. It will save time if there are many hunters on your flight. Do not lose your gun permits while you are in SA. You will need them if you ares topped at a police check point and you need them to leave the country. Good luck on your hunt and you'll find lots to read and nice folks to ask questions of on this forum.
Where are you staying in Jo'berg? I've used the Afton Guest House many times and can say it was one of the cleanest B&Bs I've ever been in.

 

[detutt]

I've used two other gun permit services but I have talked with AIR2000 at SCI and I'm sure you should not have any problems. It will save time if there are many hunters on your flight. Do not lose your gun permits while you are in SA. You will need them if you ares topped at a police check point and you need them to leave the country. Good luck on your hunt and you'll find lots to read and nice folks to ask questions of on this forum.
Where are you staying in Jo'berg? I've used the Afton Guest House many times and can say it was one of the cleanest B&Bs I've ever been in.

I have used AIR2000 thay are good, you will have no problems with them. Cliffy do you have the # or email for Afton?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Gully, Most of these services are set up for our American brethren. Air2000, etc.
I have not used this service. I would ask if they know what is required from Canada.

You'll need an export permit from Canada for your rifle, assuming you are taking one.
Transiting Permits for various countries as well.
Contacts and forms on the link below.



Hunting - Hunting, Bowhunting, Hunters, Bowhunters

Good Luck.

 

[Bobpuckett]

Gully I'm using AIR2000 as well for my trip to the East Cape I've been working with Ann at air2000 and have had no problems at all, good communications they require 30 day for your paper work so I sent them mine 4 months in advance I don't like taking chances I've lost stuff in the mail before. Good Luck on your hunt. We'll be waiting for a report and pictures when you get back.

 

[James.Grage]

A service will get you around the many in the airport wanting your money to show you around...

while you can do it your self the service is the way to go...

 

[BRICKBURN]

I sent an email first thing this morning asking about processing Canadian Export permits, transit permits and SAPS.
Just in case......

No response at all.

Must be on holiday!

 

[Cliffy]

detutt Sorry for the delay Here is the Afton Guest house info:
Let me know if you need anything else. The Afton is very very clean and I spent 3 nights a week for 20 years in hotels (lots not so clean).
Owner: Annelise Bekker
AFTONIO GUEST HOUSE
Telephone: +27-11-391-7625
Telephone: +27-11-391-4393
Telephone: +27-11-972-5259
Fax: +27-11-252-8653
Cell phone: +27-83-444-4432
Web page: Home
E-mail: aftongh@netactive.co.za

Physical Address: 17 Aftonwold Way, Aston Manor, Kempton Park, 1619, Gauteng, South Africa
Postal Address: P.O. Box 11802, Aston Manor 1630, Gauteng, South Africa

 

[detutt]

Thanks Cliffy for the info on afton

 

[desertloper]

We used Air2000 on our trip a month ago. EASILY the best $$$ spent in the entire trip. You are barely off of the plane before you see your name on the sign...from there they literally walk you through the steps and all the way to your connecting.

We did not use on return...there are porters who will see your rifle case and will help up do the process in reverse for a tip..I gave $10usd

Be advised though that it will cost about $100 bucks to send the docs via ups/fedex

 

[Gully]

Thanks for all the information! Glad to hear the positive reviews and that they look after you.
I looked into the Afton Guest House and looks perfect for what I need as I will only be needing to stay one night before catching my flight to East London.

FYI I was on AIR2000's site and under their News tab, they said the SA Postal Service is officially on strike since Thursday May 10, 2012. They mention that any mail going Global Priority will likley be in limbo and could potentially get lost.

I was looking to send my paper work sooner than later, but I might wait until this strike get resolved. Any recomendations?

 

[desertloper]

FedEx/UPS they carry it door to door and do not use the RSA postal.

 

[twf]

I just retuned from an eastern cape safari with J.P. Kleinhans Safaris. At the recommendation of J.P. we used Air2000 to assist in getting approval for firearms importation, but soon learned that they offer you much more than just that. Because of a three hour delay leaving Dulles in D.C. our party missed the transfer from joberg to Port Elizabeth and was forced to stay the night in joberg. Air2000's staff was awaiting out party as we exited the plane and lead us to the front of the customs line and thru the firearms importation and check process. At that point I would have assumed that there job would have been completed but the Air2000 staff continued assisting us making arrangements with SAA from that nights accommodations and flights the following day. This local knowledge and help was wonderful, but just the tip of the iceberg with Air2000. On our return trip we only had 1:45 to make our connection at Tambo. Not only did we make this flight to everyone's surprise but so did our rifles. It did cost us an additional $40.00 US in "tips" to the south African police staff in the airport and us running to the gate to board the plane, but we made it and that is all that matter. Had we not made that flight the entire party would have been forced to purchase new tickets to return to Houston. But for the Air2000 staff, there personal connections within Tambo, and their preparation for a fast transfer we would have never made it. I would never travel thru joberg without the assistance of Air2000.

 

[Diamondhitch]

I have travelled 2x from Canada using Air 2000. they just take care of SA end. You will need canadian export permits for your rifles, scopes, ammunition and cilps. This takes about 10 days. Canada parcel post will send as a small packet by air for around $10 (not trackable) if you have time do this and save copies to send for $150 if it doesnt make it there 2 weeks before you leave.

The link Brickburn posted says it all. Check transiting info for each country you will be passing through as well to prevent suprises (same link), some routes are better than others and some should be avioded all together.

 

[Bobpuckett]

I just retuned from an eastern cape safari with J.P. Kleinhans Safaris. At the recommendation of J.P. we used Air2000 to assist in getting approval for firearms importation, but soon learned that they offer you much more than just that. Because of a three hour delay leaving Dulles in D.C. our party missed the transfer from joberg to Port Elizabeth and was forced to stay the night in joberg. Air2000's staff was awaiting out party as we exited the plane and lead us to the front of the customs line and thru the firearms importation and check process. At that point I would have assumed that there job would have been completed but the Air2000 staff continued assisting us making arrangements with SAA from that nights accommodations and flights the following day. This local knowledge and help was wonderful, but just the tip of the iceberg with Air2000. On our return trip we only had 1:45 to make our connection at Tambo. Not only did we make this flight to everyone's surprise but so did our rifles. It did cost us an additional $40.00 US in "tips" to the south African police staff in the airport and us running to the gate to board the plane, but we made it and that is all that matter. Had we not made that flight the entire party would have been forced to purchase new tickets to return to Houston. But for the Air2000 staff, there personal connections within Tambo, and their preparation for a fast transfer we would have never made it. I would never travel thru joberg without the assistance of Air2000.

twf I'm glad you had a good Experience with them I to just returned from the EC but my Experience was not as good I am awaiting a reply from Ann at Air2000 before I post the Email I sent her and a copy of her reply if there is one in the next few days when I post my hunting report. Bob

 

[Diamondhitch]

I just retuned from an eastern cape safari with J.P. Kleinhans Safaris.

Pics? Story? Come on dont hold out on us now.

 

[Wolverine67]

twf I'm glad you had a good Experience with them I to just returned from the EC but my Experience was not as good I am awaiting a reply from Ann at Air2000 before I post the Email I sent her and a copy of her reply if there is one in the next few days when I post my hunting report. Bob

Really looking forward to read your report Bob.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Really looking forward to read your report Bob.

+ONE!

 

[Gully]

Thanks for all the info everyone!

I got all the SA documents prepared as necessary and sent them via Purolator/FedEx to Anne at AIR2000. Spent the $100 to send by courier and they arrived in 3 days from Canada. Anne sent me a confirmation that everything was filled out correctly and that she will contact me once everything is finalized.

For those Canadians, the Export Permits for Firearms, Ammo and Scopes that I needed to fill out were very straightforward. I submitted them online. I got a response in 24hrs for my Firearm permits and in 48hrs for my Ammo/Scope; they emailed me my permits.

I am transiting through Amsterdam so needed to fill out and fax the transit permits - that was an experience. The fax line on the other end must not be the greatest because it took me about an hour to get them sent. I called to confirm they received the documents. They also mentioned that I would not get the permits until 2 days before my trip - anyone have any issues with that??

Again, thanks for all the feedback and insights.

 

[desertloper]

Glad you got the advice you were looking for...after the long plane ride, seeing your name in front of a helpful smile is worth more every penny