SOUTH AFRICA: Heading Out For RSA!

[Sycamore59]

Just made it through TSA and waiting to board the plane here at JFK. Rifle check in was smoother than I though it would be (first time flying with firearms). TSA folks were courteous and easy to work with. SA receptionist was easy to work with.

Only set back was our (dad and I) ammunition wasn’t checked like I thought it would have been. Sure enough standing in line for TSA and we get called back to the desk to open our ammo cases. I have TSA locks on bags and pad locks on ammo cases inside the bags. Ammo case was left in the bag. A TSA guy in a suit (think he’s a little higher up) said normally they don’t have to do that, they can just scan them. Said they probably couldn’t see it well enough in scanner and that’s why they wanted to open it. We put our hand loads in MTM RL20 cases and locked them in separate harbor Frieght brand pelican-like cases (think the brand is Apache).

I’ll try and update once we’re thru customs at Joberg and I’ll try during the hunt!

Keep your powder dry
- Sycamore59

 

[Hogpatrol]

I put my pelican ammo box on top in my checked bag and never had a question or inspection. Good Luck and safe travels!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Have a great trip!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Good luck !

 

[Nyati]

Shoot straight and keep safe !

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[meigsbucks]

Enjoy and shoot straight.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Best of luck! Looking forward to your report!

 

[cagkt3]

Good luck and safe travels

 

[CAustin]

Good luck and have a great hunt!

 

[Mike Van Horn]

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[slam8031]

Enjoy every minute!!!

 

[cpr0312]

Best of luck! Look forward to the report!

 

[Sycamore59]

Update::

Arrived in Joberg at 8:25 am SA time and made our way through customs. Airport staff met us at the baggage carousel with rifle case on a dolly. After we collected our bags, staff escorted us to an office to sign a book for guns & ammunition. Then onto SAPS.
Our PH, Wayne, met us outside the baggage area and showed us to the SAPS office. SAPS guys working the counter were friendly, showed them paperwork and signed it. They checked things off and we were good to go. Getting our rifles here was a lot easier and smoother than I thought it would be. Wayne helped us out with 520 paperwork and had it ready upon our arrival.

We had a 4hr drive to Winterton, Kwalzulu-Natal. Stopped twice on way to break up the trip and grab some food.

After making it to the lodge we settled down for a bit then went out to check zero on the rifles. I was relieved when both rifles held their zero and weren’t knocked off. Cabela’s brand travel case was well worth the money!

After the range we drove one of the hunting blocks and started getting a game plan together. Tomorrow we’re after Zebra and Red Hartebeest.

Thanks for the good lucks!

Keep your power dry

- Sycamore59

 

[MAdcox]

Glad everything went smooth for you. Have a great hunt!

 

[Shootist43]

The two of you are in for the most fun you can have on two feet. Looking forward to the posts and photos.

 

[YancyW]

Best of luck and don't forget to keep us posted.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Nice smooth start! Looking forward to your hunt!
What airline did you take from JFK? Did I miss which one?

 

[Sycamore59]

Nice smooth start! Looking forward to your hunt!
What airline did you take from JFK? Did I miss which one?

Ridge, we flew South African Airways direct from JFK to Joberg. Drove to JFK from Indiana, staying the night prior with family couple hours from the airport. For a 15hr flight it was easy, it helped that the plane wasn’t full and we could spread out a bit.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I may have to look into overnighting at JFK next year going to Namibia.
Thanks, now get out there and shoot something!