africa safari

[1ba40]

Looking for some advice, I'm going to Zimbabwe in September and need to book flights. Does anyone know of a travel agency that has experience with traveling with firearms. I am told that I need to stop over in Germany as this is the one of the better countries when traveling with firearms. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[rottie]

If you haven't got your export permits yet here is a good place to start.https://www.international.gc.ca/cont...spx?lang=eng#b Hope the link works and is of some help.

[1ba40]

That worked perfectly, thank you

[rottie]

Welcome

[Dean2]

https://www.africahunting.com/

Check this spot. WAY more info than anyone can type out ofr you.

Link to an article I wrote for a U.S. site about hunting in south Africa.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/art...n-safari.1226/

It was also published in Alberta Outdoors magazine here in Canada.

[1ba40]

thanks Dean the piece you wrote was very informative, Mike

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by 1ba40

Looking for some advice, I'm going to Zimbabwe in September and need to book flights. Does anyone know of a travel agency that has experience with traveling with firearms. I am told that I need to stop over in Germany as this is the one of the better countries when traveling with firearms. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Who are you hunting with in Zimbabwe? What area ?

I love that place, it’s truly incredible

[1ba40]

Klipkraal Safari and the PH is Gary Hopkins. We are going on a 10 day Buffalo and plains game hunt. Pretty excited about it but having trouble booking flight as I can't seem to find out if any of the airlines will not allow me to check my firearms. I am in the middle of filling out the Canadian government paperwork.

[1ba40]

Sorry meant to add Flying into Bulawayo and hunting in Soindelani first of September

[eric-kam]

Don't fly with british airways, they refused to send my bow from joburg, to namibia because it was used for hunting.... not fun. Ensure your secondary airline from joburg to zim is hunter friendly.

Also i remember I had to have some cash on me for my import fees when i arrived in bulawayo, no cash machines in the airport, but that was around 8 years ago, things might have changed.

Also pick up a pair of ankle gaiters, definitely worth it if your spot and stalk hunting.

Eric

[1ba40]

Thanks Eric, how did you insure that the airline was ok with traveling with firearms?

[tackleberry]

If you are going to ZIM, you can't legally take your own firearms there due to an embargo that Canada has issued against Zimbabwe.

So by filing the export papers with Canadian Government, you will be denied the permit when you state that your final destination is Zimbabwe...

It is all on the same gov website, just search the word "Embargo" and the second item that comes up in the search result explains the embargo specifically with Zimbabwe.

Yes, there are ways to get your firearms there, but technically they are not legal in the eye of Canadian Government.

[Dean2]

I have hunted all over the world. Except for going to the States, where I still take my own guns, I gave up hauling guns to other countries about 15 years ago. Just sin't worth the aggravation when the PH or Outfitter can supply guns and ammo with no hassles. If I was trying to shoot game at a 1000 yards I would take my own gear. For stuff under 300 most any gun will do.

All the rented firearms I have used were top notch gear with great glass. Most had Swaro, Zeiss, Nightforce or Leupold. Never used one with crap glass yet. Big advantage, most were suppressed, which makes them much quieter and reduces recoil a bunch. You can check exactly what they can supply before you go, that way you know for sure. Well worth checking out in my experience.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Dean2

I have hunted all over the world. Except for going to the States, where I still take my own guns, I gave up hauling guns to other countries about 15 years ago. Just sin't worth the aggravation when the PH or Outfitter can supply guns and ammo with no hassles. If I was trying to shoot game at a 1000 yards I would take my own gear. For stuff under 300 most any gun will do.

All the rented firearms I have used were top notch gear with great glass. Most had Swaro, Zeiss, Nightforce or Leupold. Never used one with crap glass yet. Big advantage, most were suppressed, which makes them much quieter and reduces recoil a bunch. You can check exactly what they can supply before you go, that way you know for sure. Well worth checking out in my experience.

I couldn't agree more. Just getting them into the states is a hassle. Flying with them is even worse. Last trip I just borrowed the Guides set up. I cant see myself ever taking a gun again.

[50bags]

Originally Posted by Jamie

I couldn't agree more. Just getting them into the states is a hassle. Flying with them is even worse. Last trip I just borrowed the Guides set up. I cant see myself ever taking a gun again.

Too many hassles

[AB2506]

Originally Posted by tackleberry

If you are going to ZIM, you can't legally take your own firearms there due to an embargo that Canada has issued against Zimbabwe.

So by filing the export papers with Canadian Government, you will be denied the permit when you state that your final destination is Zimbabwe...

It is all on the same gov website, just search the word "Embargo" and the second item that comes up in the search result explains the embargo specifically with Zimbabwe.

Yes, there are ways to get your firearms there, but technically they are not legal in the eye of Canadian Government.

100% true. Some people have tried to say their final destination is South Africa then continue on to Zimbabwe. Not a good thing, if you are found out, you could be in serious trouble. Borrow the guide's rifle.

As for a good travel agent accustomed to working with hunters, contact Irina Davidovitch or Sue Berman from Carlson Wagonlit Victor Travel in Toronto.
http://www.cwtvictortravel.ca/africa.html

I've used Irina twice for travelling with firearms to the RSA, and a few other times for family vacations in the USA. Good service.

[scruffy]

I hunted elephant and lion with Gary Hopkins in the Matetsi way back in 1994. He was only 24 at the time and still learning the ropes.

He is a very nice man and with another 25 years of experience, I have no doubt that he would do an awesome job.

Do not take Larium (sp?) as an anti malaria drug … Very very bad stuff. It makes me really angry over little happenings. My wife and son had no problem at all. American soldiers were coming home and killing their spouses ..

I have gone through London with guns lots of times and I am shocked that they would not permit a bow to go through??? They are definitely anti hunting, however.

I had a bolt on a Sako taken apart by security once. I know it was them because they had their tape on the gun case. Have you ever tried to reassemble a Sako bolt??? NOT easy. I suspect that was sabotage..

No problems (yet) through Frankfurt.

I love Zimbabwe. My best safari was there in the Chete.

[1ba40]

Thanks for all of the great info, pretty bummed that I can't take my own firearms. I get the hassle free issue but I've been working my 375 and 458 lott just for this hunt. is what it is I guess

[Sledhead71]

Originally Posted by 1ba40

Thanks for all of the great info, pretty bummed that I can't take my own firearms. I get the hassle free issue but I've been working my 375 and 458 lott just for this hunt. is what it is I guess

If you don't mind me asking, what are you planning on letting the wind out of with these two cannons ?

[1ba40]

Cape buffalo is number one and plains game after that

[Sledhead71]

Originally Posted by 1ba40

Cape buffalo is number one and plains game after that

Beauty, good luck to you and hope your adventure exceeds your expectations !

[1ba40]

Thanks for the kind words, My son is coming with me as well and he is after a Cape buffalo as well. We got a very nice bison this past February in Northern Alberta so he's hooked now lol.

[Sledhead71]

Originally Posted by 1ba40

Thanks for the kind words, My son is coming with me as well and he is after a Cape buffalo as well. We got a very nice bison this past February in Northern Alberta so he's hooked now lol.

Good on you man, I am sure you and your son will never forget this trip...

[MooseRiverTrapper]

I got screwed over seas using outfitters junk rifles. Be sure you know exactly what your getting or bring your own.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by MooseRiverTrapper

I got screwed over seas using outfitters junk rifles. Be sure you know exactly what your getting or bring your own.

Out of curiosity where were you abd who with. I have used vorrowed guns many times and never had an issue. But I very specifically checked out what the guns, scope and ammo was. Good advice from u to check in advance. Problem with Zimbabwe is u dont have an option to take your own from Canada. If u get caught circumventing the embargo u could do serious jail time.

[1ba40]

I called the Chief firearms office as well as CBSA and both told me there was no issue as long as I had a PAL and owned both firearms. They said I need proof of my intentions which is my Safari contract and they must come back. I am going to fill out the paperwork and submit it and see what happens. I won't submit anything that isn't true and accurate.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by 1ba40

I called the Chief firearms office as well as CBSA and both told me there was no issue as long as I had a PAL and owned both firearms. They said I need proof of my intentions which is my Safari contract and they must come back. I am going to fill out the paperwork and submit it and see what happens. I won't submit anything that isn't true and accurate.

Let us know what happens please. The embargo info is pretty clear so will be really interested to see if they will issue an Export permit.

a ban on the export of arms and related material to Zimbabwe or to any person in Zimbabwe;
a prohibition on the transport of arms and related material to Zimbabwe aboard a Canadian vessel or aircraft;
a prohibition on the provision of technical or financial assistance or services relating to arms and related material, including the provision, transfer or communication of technical data, to Zimbabwe or any person in Zimbabwe;
requirement on any person in Canada and Canadian outside of Canada to freeze the assets of listed Zimbabwean persons and entities; and
a prohibition on Zimbabwean aircraft from flying over or landing in Canada

[1ba40]

I will for sure, I read that and because I am bringing them back and I am not flying with a Canadian carrier it might go. We shall see and I will post the response that I receive good or bad.

[SammyS778]

There are many great companies and some not so good. It helps to do some research for sure. What sort of budget are you on? Are you interested in a lodge safari or a camping safari? The experience and price varies quite a bit from one country to another. You can try to find more ideas on travel sites

[Deer Hunter]

Find a way to take your own rifles. It's more expensive and a hassle but using someone else's gun on a trip and trophy of a lifetime could ruin your entire dream. Going to Africa isn't something you do for convenience sake.