FLIGHTS
At BOSS Safaris, we prioritize your safety and comfort. While we ensure a well-organized and professional experience, unexpected events can occur. Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations.
GETTING HERE
MADE EASY
We recommend flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the country’s largest and most well-connected airport. From there, we arrange your transfers to the hunting area.
Alternative options include:
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Best for travelers extending their trip with sightseeing.
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) – Closer to Kruger National Park if you plan a post-hunt safari.
AIRPORTS
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is South Africa’s largest and busiest airport, located in Johannesburg, Gauteng. It serves as the primary gateway for international travelers, including those arriving for hunting safaris. The airport is well-equipped with modern facilities and handles millions of passengers annually.
Key Features & Facilities:
Terminals – The airport has two main terminals:
Terminal A – International flights
Terminal B – Domestic flights
Customs & Immigration – International arrivals go through a well-organized customs and passport control area.
SAPS Firearm Office – Located near baggage claim for firearm clearance.
Lounge & Hospitality – VIP and business-class lounges are available for relaxation.
Shopping & Dining – Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops are available.
Transport & Connectivity – Offers rental cars, taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt), and the Gautrain high-speed rail connecting to Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Security – Well-monitored with strict security measures, but travelers should stay alert and avoid unauthorized baggage handlers.
OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
OR TAMBO
Johannesburg
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is South Africa’s second-largest airport and a major gateway for travelers visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape. It is known for its efficient operations, modern facilities, and scenic location near Table Mountain.
Key Features & Facilities:
Terminals – The airport has one central terminal that separates:
International Departures & Arrivals
Domestic Departures & Arrivals
Customs & Immigration – International passengers go through passport control and customs clearance upon arrival.
Shopping & Dining – Offers a variety of duty-free stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Business & VIP Lounges – Premium lounges are available for business-class and frequent travelers.
Transport & Connectivity – Options include taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt), car rentals, and shuttle services to Cape Town’s city center (about 20 km away).
Security & Safety – The airport is considered one of Africa’s safest, but travelers should stay aware of their belongings.
Scenic Approach – Flights into Cape Town offer breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the ocean, and the Cape Peninsula.
Would you like specific details related to hunting safaris or firearm regulations at this airport?
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAPE TOWN
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP/KMIA) is the gateway to the Kruger National Park and surrounding safari destinations in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is a small but well-equipped airport, designed in a unique thatched-roof African lodge style, creating an authentic safari atmosphere upon arrival.
Key Features & Facilities:
Location – Situated near Nelspruit (Mbombela), about 40–50 km from Kruger National Park’s southern gates.
Terminals – Single terminal handling both domestic and limited international flights.
Customs & Immigration – Processes international arrivals, mainly from regional destinations.
Firearm Handling – The airport has a SAPS Firearm Office to assist with firearm permits for hunters. Always declare firearms on arrival and departure.
Transport & Accessibility – Offers car rentals, taxis, private transfers, and shuttles to safari lodges and reserves.
Lounge & Dining – Features a small selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and a business lounge for travelers.
Safari-Friendly Services – Designed to accommodate safari guests, with easy connections to private game reserves and Kruger lodges.
KRUGER MPUMALANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
MPUMALANGA
BEST FLIGHT ROUTES
The best flight routes from the U.S. to South Africa depend on your departure city, budget, and preference for direct vs. connecting flights. Here are the top options:
New York (JFK) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: South African Airways (seasonal) or Delta Air Lines
Flight Time: ~15 hours
Atlanta (ATL) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: Delta Air Lines
Flight Time: ~16 hours
These direct flights are the quickest and most convenient but can be expensive.
Direct Flights (Fastest Option)
If you’re flying from other U.S. cities or looking for cheaper options, consider these one-stop routes:
New York (JFK) → Doha (DOH) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: Qatar Airways
Total Flight Time: ~20-22 hours
Washington D.C. (IAD) → Addis Ababa (ADD) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: Ethiopian Airlines
Total Flight Time: ~21-23 hours
Chicago (ORD) → London (LHR) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic
Total Flight Time: ~20-22 hours
Los Angeles (LAX) → Dubai (DXB) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: Emirates
Total Flight Time: ~22-24 hours
Dallas (DFW) → Doha (DOH) → Johannesburg (JNB)
Airline: Qatar Airways
Total Flight Time: ~21-23 hours
One-Stop Flights (More Options, Lower Cost)
If cost is the biggest factor, you can find cheaper options with two layovers, such as:
Miami (MIA) → São Paulo (GRU) → Johannesburg (JNB)
San Francisco (SFO) → Istanbul (IST) → Cape Town (CPT)
Would you like recommendations based on a specific U.S. departure city?
Two-Stop Flights (Budget-Friendly)
Firearm & Luggage Guidelines
If you are bringing your own rifle, you must comply with South African firearm import regulations:
Obtain a temporary firearm import permit (SAPS 520) in advance or on arrival.
FIREARMS
Travel with ammunition separate from the rifle.
AMMUNITION
Use a hard, lockable gun case for airline transport.
GUN CASES
TRAVEL TIPS
March–October (hunting season)
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
South African Rand (ZAR); credit cards widely accepted.
CURRENCY & PAYMENTS
South Africa operates on UTC+2, no daylight savings.
TIME ZONE