jannan

Hello:

My wife and I are planning a trip to Africa next year and I'm lost! Our schedule is completely flexible, and I'd describe our budget as moderate--not budgeting on this one. We'd have anywere from 10-18 days to devote (including travel time). We're in our early 30's, travel a lot, like independence, and don't like the idea of a group, but do like the idea of getting some recommendations for safari operators, agents, etc.

I like the idea of camping, she likes the idea of the more equipped tents.

My rough plan is to visit South Africa (Kruger) and Botswana. Right now I need some rough information.
1. To visit both, what is the best time of year?
2. I'd like a company for Botswana-any suggestions?
3. Do I need travel services to arrange a visit to on of the private reserves around Kruger?

I've got a million more questions, and I'll keep reading old posts. Any direction would be welcomed!!

Jason

napamatt

Jason

I will answer a couple from my point of view.

1. August / September would probbaly be optimal for a combination of Kruger / Botswana.
2. Most Botswana camps insist you book through a travle agent. I have had my best experiences at Wilderness Safari camps, whilst others on the board rave about Kwando, either can be booked through my agent www.eyesonafrica.net
I would recommend their website as a good source of information.
Many other users of the board will have agents they recommend.
3. Not for the most part, my favourite reserve is Mala Mala and it is very easy to book direct with them.

santharamhari

Do a search in the little search box- every single aspect of various Botswana/Sa camps have been discussed in great length and detail.

You will also find elaborate trip reports.

Hari

vicki1

Hi,
We went to S.A. in August 2006 with Wilderness Safari. A great company. Everything was very well planned by them.They only allow 8 in a group.Their tents were very nice and comfortable.Plenty of food. Their private game parks were good too, as only 3 jeeps are allowed at one time to view a kill or sighting.On our trip we had their Private Games parks to ourselves. Not like some Game parks where there are lots of cars everywhere.

DonTopaz

I have also have a good experience with www.eyesonafrica.net for South Africa/Botswana travel and safari.

jannan

Thanks for the replies, will be the ideas to use!

What do you all think of April/May for Botswana/SA?

Thanks!

napamatt

April / May should be good, though I have not travelled then. Again there is a thread that indexes most of the SA / Bots trip reports, find that and start reading.

Marksafari17

Londolozi, I wonder

jannan

Thanks for the help. The threads have been tremendous! We've set our dates for April 5-22: not ideal, but what we have to work with...

Given this time of year, the threads have recommended Little Vumbura in Bots. MalaMala seems a crowd favorite here.

I've talked to eyesonafrica and go2africa. Can all agents do bookings for any of the camps in Bots/SA (we're looking at MalaMala and Little Vumbura)? Any other agents I should querry?

Thanks!

Jason