Travel to Namibia

[John Sturtevant]

For those of you that have traveled to Namibia…do you have any suggestions on the best travel route?    I’m told it’s thru Europe or Jberg.  
I believe you have to change carriers, and I’m thinking that’s probably where baggage issues come up.   If this is the case did you claim and recheck your bags or just let them find their way on the right plane?

Thanks…

[Jeff Sample]

I don't think you can fly into Windehok [sp] from the U.S., and most will advise against flying through Europe to Africa when going on safari. When I went to RSA, we stayed a couple nights in Johannesburg at a B&B (Afton House) before our PH picked us up. There were hunters there going to Namibia, and I understand that most fly into Joburg, spend the night, then fly from there to their destination in Namibia (or elsewhere in southern Africa). The people at Afton house are great, and they pick you up at the airport and return you for your connecting flight. Thus, you would claim your luggage in Joburg, then recheck it. You'll probably have to claim your luggage and recheck it anyway to get through immigration and customs once you land in Joburg.

[2wfstlhunting]

I went from Philadelphia to Windhoek in July 09.  I flew overnight into Frankfurt and arrived in the morning.  The flight from Frankfurt to Windhoek is in the evening and again overnight so, at the advise of the travel agent, rented a hotel room for the day.  I was rested and cleaned up when I boarded the second leg and arrived in Windhoek on the second morning of the trip.  I was able to check my bags thru from Philadlephia so that it was not any problem at all.  Windhoek is a relatively small airport and I got my bow and suitcase without any hassle.  I am told by the outfitter there that as long as the bags get on the plane from the US, they usually arrive. PM me if  you need any details

[Mark U]

Keep in mind that the world cup soccer games will be going on in Joberg this year.  They rebuilt the entire airport for this occasion, and it might be crowded.

[John Sturtevant]

Thanks for the input guys.
I really don’t mind plane changes, layovers and busy airports.
I hate not having luggage arrive.

Not going until next year...so the world cup not an issue.   I’ll bet that’s a mess.

[calgarychef]

I packed two suitcases with a bow and the acoutrements for the bow-arrows, tab, armguard etc.  If one gets lost at least you can still hunt.

the chef

[jonsimoneau]

We flew from the U.S. to Joberg, and then on to Windoek.  It was no big deal, and worked out perfectly.  You are going to LOVE Namibia.  I like south africa too...but much prefer Namibia.

[wapitimike1]

JFK to Frankfurt 10 hours Frankfurt to Windheok 11 hours nice brake in Frankfurt. Left JFK 9:00 pm and landed at Frankfurt 7:00. Went to beer fest in a town called Idsten partyed like rock stars. Went back to airport 7 hours later boarded plane to Windhoek over night arived in morn at Windhoek. No problems at all no overnights taveled to Caprivi during day. Singapor air JFK to Frankfurt and air Namibia to Windhoek.