Can I bring my own bottle of booze to South Africa

[SFRanger7GP]

I have flown all over the world and almost always carry a special whisky, port, wine or champagne with me. I have used the sealable bubble wrap bags designed for alcohol air travel and never had an issue. I have also used various size and styles of flasks. Most recently I have been using High Camp Flasks.

I have been to several Liquor and wine stores in South Africa and Namibia. They have really great selections as well as wonderful local options that won’t disappoint.

Safe travels

 

[CBH Australia]

Who were you intent on poisoning ?

Funnily enough the outfitters didn’t seem to enjoy my thoughtful gift.

You get a pass because you are Irish. I don’t mind Irish whiskey

Might have had the wrong outfitters as I heard from a reliable source that @KMG Hunting Safaris enjoy Bundy and good company.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

For lack of a better place to post this question,

My upcoming first safari is the culmination of a long time of dreams and hard work. There is a sentimental aspect and I would love to take a bottle of Bourbon with me that has its own special meaning. Its not make or break for the trip but can I import a single bottle of Bourbon when I go South Africa?

Its under the proof that IATA and United says it needs to be.

On my last trip in 2022, I took two, one litre bottles of Korbel Brandy through Johannesburg where we spent a couple of days, then up to Zimbabwe. It was a gift for.my PH as I knew he liked it. Not a single hitch at any of the airports. The bottles back were in my checked luggage.

 

[HankBuck]

I do know that your percentage is off.

From the TSA website:
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.

70% alcohol is actually 140 proof.

@crackerman - I would say that one liter of “140 proof” Bourbon would get a Hunter through a few “celebrations”

 

[Philip Glass]

For lack of a better place to post this question,

My upcoming first safari is the culmination of a long time of dreams and hard work. There is a sentimental aspect and I would love to take a bottle of Bourbon with me that has its own special meaning. Its not make or break for the trip but can I import a single bottle of Bourbon when I go South Africa?

Its under the proof that IATA and United says it needs to be.

No problem. Enjoy!

 

[Hyde Hunter]

there is a nice liquor store in the airport in Joburg

 

[flying sailor]

I checked with Jennifer at Travel Express and checked the TSA site. Yes. I took a fifth of Welsh Whiskey as a gift just for the PH's at the lodge. Penderyn, not very common in the States. Checked baggage of course.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

For lack of a better place to post this question,

My upcoming first safari is the culmination of a long time of dreams and hard work. There is a sentimental aspect and I would love to take a bottle of Bourbon with me that has its own special meaning. Its not make or break for the trip but can I import a single bottle of Bourbon when I go South Africa?

Its under the proof that IATA and United says it needs to be.

@crackerman
I took a one liter bottle of my beloved Bundy rum to Namibia with me. No issues at all.
Glad I did that Captain Morgan spiced rum is absolute shit. I would prefer to drink gasoline than that stuff.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I took a bottle of Bundy from Australia. I only had carry on. No problems

@CBH Australia
What Chris you actually took a bottle of gods nectar with you. I'm both surprised and proud of you for taking such a fine example of Australian liquor .
Bob

 

[Field28]

If you buy it in a duty free shop it will be put into a sealed bag. If however you are purchasing it prior to checkin at your point of departure you’d better put it in the checked baggage. Otherwise you will be A, forced to dispose of it or B, have to drink it there and then. Which actually is a good way of disposing of it.

I was thinking of bringing a bottle of Stagg Jr with me in June. If I have to drink it at Customs, I don't think I'll even make it to Afton!

 

[YancyW]

I usually just buy what I want when I'm leaving the airport in Johannesburg. I am pretty picky on booze and I always find many options. Same for cigarettes, I bring a carton with me and then buy a couple more there, I give them out of trackers, drivers, skinners, etc.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I take a bottle of premium bourbon for the mayor of Tambo. He is a connoisseur of that spirit. I also use the specially made bubble wrap bags for shipping. Amazon and some liquor stores sell them. Multiple trips, checked bag, never had a problem.

Amazon.com : bubble wrap for bottles

 

[Rare Breed]

there is a nice liquor store in the airport

I have flown all over the world and almost always carry a special whisky, port, wine or champagne with me. I have used the sealable bubble wrap bags designed for alcohol air travel and never had an issue. I have also used various size and styles of flasks. Most recently I have been using High Camp Flasks.

I have been to several Liquor and wine stores in South Africa and Namibia. They have really great selections as well as wonderful local options that won’t disappoint.

Safe travels

I tend to do the following on a 14 day hunt: I pack my own tequila with real lime juice and simple syrup in my checked bag with margarita salt wrapped in bubble wrap placed within my coat. In JNB I buy a bottle of scotch, bottle of whiskey and two bottles of red wine. I tend to be very popular in camp after a long days hunt lol!!! In all seriousness I end up barely touching the scotch and whiskey leaving almost full bottles for those that come after me. I do drink the wine though!!!

 

[YancyW]

@crackerman
I took a one liter bottle of my beloved Bundy rum to Namibia with me. No issues at all.
Glad I did that Captain Morgan spiced rum is absolute shit. I would prefer to drink gasoline than that stuff.
Bob

​

I've never had Bundaberg, but I we damn sure agree on Captain Morgan, that isn't fit for human consumption. I was able to buy a couple bottles Zacapa rum my last trip through JHB, a very good Guatemalan rum for a reasonable price.

 

[CBH Australia]

​

I've never had Bundaberg, but I we damn sure agree on Captain Morgan, that isn't fit for human consumption. I was able to buy a couple bottles Zacapa rum my last trip through JHB, a very good Guatemalan rum for a reasonable price.

I haven’t tried the other Rum’s. I cut my teeth on Bundaberg Rum and I like it, many don’t but that’s ok.

 

[YancyW]

I haven’t tried the other Rum’s. I cut my teeth on Bundaberg Rum and I like it, many don’t but that’s ok.

View attachment 650110

Oh my, that is a hell of a collection.

 

[MLindsay]

Hogpatrol, You are correct about the Mayor.
Brought him some Weller's in July

 

[Field28]

Isn't all the liquor at the airport decreased in proof? That's one of the reasons I was going to bring a bottle of Stagg Jr or Russell's Reserve, so I could turn a couple of the PH's onto a true barrel proof.

 

[YancyW]

Isn't all the liquor at the airport decreased in proof? That's one of the reasons I was going to bring a bottle of Stagg Jr or Russell's Reserve, so I could turn a couple of the PH's onto a true barrel proof.

No.