traveling to Zimbabwe via South Africa with firearms

[pomoxis]

Here is my advice after going through the process in 2004.

First make sure you have the proper documentation for all the guns, this includes checking the serial numbers while at the US Customs office to make sure they did not write down the wrong number or caliber.

Next work with your booking agent on the flight araingments. I spent the night in Jo'Berg and had to go through the SA customs and all the paper work. They have changed the process since I was there but your booking agent should have the forms that you need (that what they get paid for).

You will have to show the custom agents all the guns and they will check the numbers against the paperwork. I would suggest you use a golf bag transport case that open when you lay them on the side. One fellow in front of me unlocked the case and took two small duffle bags out to expose 2 rifles in egg shell padding. When the inspection was done he folded the padding back over the rifles and set the bags on top closed his case and was out the door. It made my Cabela's duffle bag system seem very clumbsy. The other advantage is that golf bags do not appear to be hunting equipment and some baggage handlers in Europe have mis-directed rifle cases.

The biggest question is what part of Zimbabwe you will be hunting? The roads in Zimbabwe are not that bad and some companies will pick you up at the airport and drive you. Of courase now since fuel is in short supply it may not be a viable option for some areas.

When you go through Zimbabwe customs I would bring along some carbon paper since their paper work needs to be done in triplicate. If you can get the paper work ahead of time have everything filled out before you go.

Once you get out of the urban areas you will have a great time. I would go back in a heartbeat. The only thing I would have done differently is to spend more time in Victoria Falls. I would add 3-5 days after the hunt to do the tourist things. You spend so much time hunting that you don't have time to get all the photographs you want.