IA diver
AH veteran
I am not going to go into a long oratory about how great our safari to the East Cape (EC) with Karoo Wild Safaris was during the first two weeks of October. There are many reviews out there that go into great detail about what a first class operation Victor and his wife Lindsay run. Hence our choosing KWS for a late season plains game hunt. Suffice-to-say, the facility, staff and PH Nibbs all exceeded our expectations. A great family run business from start to finish. Let me just add that my wife is a hardcore Formula 1 fan, the Watsons invited us into their home on a Sunday morning (which is about 50 minutes from the hunting lodge) so we could enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix on TV!
What I do want to comment on is the easy of travel we experienced both to-and-from South Africa, as well as while we toured from Port Alfred to Mossel Bay. The check-in with Emirates in Chicago with our rifle was a breeze, and even the TSA check was handled quickly and efficiently. At check-in all the information was already in the computer, as I had registered that I would be traveling with a firearm on the Emirates website, as required no more than 30 days prior to departure. A member of the Emirates security team then escorted us to TSA, where a cursory exam of the gun was made. At no time did anyone request to see or review any documents.
We had arranged for our RSA permit in advance through Air 2000/Hunter Support. We were greeted at the end of the jet bridge, walked through passport control, collected my rifle and temporary permit from SAPS , escorted to the domestic terminal and assisted with checking in for our onward flight to PE all within an hour of landing. No requests for tips, bribes, suggestions of gifts, etc. from either the Hunter Support staff or SAPS. In PE, I once again collect my rifle from two courteous female SAPS employees expeditiously and without any hassle. I was on my own as we had decided to do some touring prior to our hunt, so no PH was present at the PE SAPS. Picked-up our rental car at Hertz and we were off for a few days on our own.
The return trip was equally as uneventful…never even had to open the gun case at the SAPS office in PE or Jo’berg airports. After the baggage claim, a representative from Hunter Support was waiting and escorted us to the international side of the terminal. At check in, Emirates this time wanted the printed copy of the firearms declaration form they had emailed me when I had registered online. Again, this was a smooth process with no issues or request for additional fees, gifts, paper work, etc. The Hunter Support rep. was well known by everybody it seemed and knew exactly how to move us through the airport and system more efficiently then we could have otherwise managed. My opinion was that it was money well spent and I would/will use them in the future. After a quick check of my CBP form by Customs in Chicago and we were on our way home.
At no time did we feel unsafe, in danger or were witness to any hostilities against those of a lighter complexion (local or otherwise). Peoples of all color mixed freely in restaurants, stores, attractions, etc., and were more friendly and welcoming than here in Chicago. This is not to say that there aren’t political concerns and issues, but we didn’t see daily acts of violence as portrayed by some news sources, which for a period of time had us considering cancelling our trip. The EC and WC of the RSA are tremendously diverse and scenic regions, and an awesome place to hunt!
What I do want to comment on is the easy of travel we experienced both to-and-from South Africa, as well as while we toured from Port Alfred to Mossel Bay. The check-in with Emirates in Chicago with our rifle was a breeze, and even the TSA check was handled quickly and efficiently. At check-in all the information was already in the computer, as I had registered that I would be traveling with a firearm on the Emirates website, as required no more than 30 days prior to departure. A member of the Emirates security team then escorted us to TSA, where a cursory exam of the gun was made. At no time did anyone request to see or review any documents.
We had arranged for our RSA permit in advance through Air 2000/Hunter Support. We were greeted at the end of the jet bridge, walked through passport control, collected my rifle and temporary permit from SAPS , escorted to the domestic terminal and assisted with checking in for our onward flight to PE all within an hour of landing. No requests for tips, bribes, suggestions of gifts, etc. from either the Hunter Support staff or SAPS. In PE, I once again collect my rifle from two courteous female SAPS employees expeditiously and without any hassle. I was on my own as we had decided to do some touring prior to our hunt, so no PH was present at the PE SAPS. Picked-up our rental car at Hertz and we were off for a few days on our own.
The return trip was equally as uneventful…never even had to open the gun case at the SAPS office in PE or Jo’berg airports. After the baggage claim, a representative from Hunter Support was waiting and escorted us to the international side of the terminal. At check in, Emirates this time wanted the printed copy of the firearms declaration form they had emailed me when I had registered online. Again, this was a smooth process with no issues or request for additional fees, gifts, paper work, etc. The Hunter Support rep. was well known by everybody it seemed and knew exactly how to move us through the airport and system more efficiently then we could have otherwise managed. My opinion was that it was money well spent and I would/will use them in the future. After a quick check of my CBP form by Customs in Chicago and we were on our way home.
At no time did we feel unsafe, in danger or were witness to any hostilities against those of a lighter complexion (local or otherwise). Peoples of all color mixed freely in restaurants, stores, attractions, etc., and were more friendly and welcoming than here in Chicago. This is not to say that there aren’t political concerns and issues, but we didn’t see daily acts of violence as portrayed by some news sources, which for a period of time had us considering cancelling our trip. The EC and WC of the RSA are tremendously diverse and scenic regions, and an awesome place to hunt!
