In the distant Freetown airport they do not have any working screening machine… So they have many body and baggage controls before they allow you go to the plane. I was asked twice to open bags and they checked almost every pill in my first aid kit. Yes, they search for diamonds! Tourists are still rare here so they are surprised that you are not smuggling.
I thing that real smugglers use the other way then the airport or they pay huge bribes not to be disturbed…
The flight to Accra was on time. In Accra “transit officer” (you must find her) took me through the immigrations without any control. I found my backpack on the belt. OK. Then we get out of the terminal to enter again departure hall from the street (nothing will surprise me – it is Africa!) I checked in for SA flight to Joburg without transit visa and any stamps in the passport.
Then 6-hours night flight in the cold airbus… Brrrr… I got cold… I am sneezing and coughing. You can survive the jungle but you will get a sick in the modern aircraft!! :))
In JNB airport I got my backpack with partly destroyed cover – I have to repair it now.
I stay a night in Shoestring Airport Lodge – www.shoestringsafrica.com – they provide free airport transfers – the place is worth to recommend… I am resting before tomorrow’s flight to Kinshasa.
