I am planning on going to Africa to fly the African bush in a C-182, arriving Johannesburg (JNB) on August 7th, having my American pilot's validated, then leaving on the 12th to start the self-fly part of the trip. The route is to the Fish Canyon in Namabia (smaller but similar to the Grand Canyon), the Okavango Delta in Bostwana, over to Victoria Falls, then to Tuli Block in SE Botswana, back to Jo'burg on the 21st. The best game viewing on the trip is in the Delta and at Tuli Block. Chris and Nick Hanks, owners of Hanks Aero Adventures (http://www.selfflysafari.com/) are coordinating this. Some other friends have backed out, and that makes flying by myself very expensive. The trip dates are fixed, as this is peak season and Chris has worked hard to make the arrangements. All places to stay have two twin beds in the rooms. The cost is $5900, and with 25% ($1475) due on February 1st, and the balance due in June. This includes most meals, lodging, and the use of the 182 for 24 hours Hobbs time. It does not include airfare to JNB, nor the fuel, which is currently about $4.00 per gallon. 281 339-1292h, 281 483-0067w; 281 6353825 cell. Home email: [email protected] Matt Nelson

The spirit is strong, but the engagement calendar is weak. Have an incredible time- this is my dream trip. I imagine you've read Beryl Markham's West with the Night?

Good luck finding a taker.

Thanks, Denali Pilot. I haven't read the book but it is now on my list. It would be great if you could come. I was in Alaska in October, and had the good fortune of flying up the Ruth Glacier with Don Lee. What a blast!

Matt

I wish I could I spent a summer in south africa a few summers ago it was amazing. If you get a chance go to Kruger National Park.

Have fun,
Sara

Keep a journal and let us know how it went. This is a once in a life time, good luck have fun. Tom

...a friend of mine just did that trip this past November. I was invited but on too short of a notice. It looked like a great time. He used some sort of a retract with a rotex that did 130 knots??? ....and he did a fair amount of off airport landing.

Matt:

If you haven't gotten a copy of the National Geographic video on Tom Claytor, you should. Claytor is flying the world in his 180 and the video was on the time he spent in the African Bush. It is a great video and he was in some of the spots you mentioned.

Have a great time! Larry

Just to clarify, are you looking for people to fly airplanes that you've already got booked, or people to sit in the back and take pictures? Trading off?

The website mentions Tiger Moths. You didn't book one of those and need a pilot, did you?

I am looking for someone to travel with me. I would prefer another pilot, but it isn't necessary. With another pilot, we would trade off the flying. Each person who flies as PIC has to have his pilot's licence validated in South Africa, and must have at least an hour of 182 time signed off in his logbook. Hope this helps.

Matt

I already have a 182 booked, and the dates are set, but like I mentioned, other friends have backed out, so now I'm looking for someone else to go with me, since if I go by myself I have to pay a single supplement, which is almost twice the cost.

On Nov. 30th, in response to the question of two other friends going (who have since declined), after another friend backed out, Chris Hanks sent me the following e-mail:

"I have heard back from the lodges and I am able to get a second room. If three of you come and take the C182 then the cost will be $5900 per person(with 2 pilot validations) , just the same as if 2 of you came or 4 of you came in two aircraft.

It works out that way because when there are three there is a single supplement charge but you are all sharing one airplane and 2 validations."

Larry, Thanks for the suggestion of Tom Claytor's video. I had heard of it, but had forgotten it.

Also, I don't know the details of flying a Tiger Moth, but it is something that I was planning on doing. Nick Hanks is the one who would be setting it up. I figured on doing that while in Jo'Burg, during the few days waiting to have the license validated.

Sara, Tom, and Ghaham, I also appreciate your comments.

Matt