jh6000

Hi, all, I want to thank everyone who has contributed so much experience, time and good thinking to help me prepare for my trip next Tuesday to Cape Town, Botswana and Zambia. A couple of final questions:

1) I have not yet rented a car in Cape Town. We'll be there 7 days, and I'll probably want a car for 4 days (though not quite certain - -havn't planned daily activities fully). Is it best to rent here in the US or will the rates be competitive over there? If I wait til I get there, I would definitely rent in town (versus at the airport). Is it cheaper to rent and return in town; or, would renting in town and returning to the airport be just as cost-effective? Any car companies/web sites you would recommend for best rates?

2) Shoes for safari in Botswana: We'll be at Kwetsani, Chitabe and Chobe, and then at the Royal Livingstone in Vic Falls. I was planning on just wearing tennis shoes (which Wilderness Safaris itself recommended in its literature). However, I spoke to our travel organizer, who recommended wearing "high-top" (ankle covering) hiking shoes because on a previous safari (don't know if it was Botswana or not), a poisonous snake tried to bite him but hit the shoe and no damage was done. Should I go out and buy a pair of "high top" hiking shoes, or will regular tennis shoes or low top hiking shoes be fine? has anyone had a problem with snakes?

Thanks so much.

John H.

Thembi

Coutdown has begun! How exciting - only a mere moment to go.

I had low cut type shoes on our last safari and wished I had high tops - I have purchased hi cut boots already to 'break them in' for our trip next year. Although i wear them so much now i am likely to wear them out (rather than break them in!)

I would reccomend hi cut boots, Kaye had them and they give good ankle support when walking on uneven terrain, protect ankles at night from mozzies. We did come across two snakes - neither of them threatened to strike - and they were so big they probably would have hit our knees had they struck let alone our ankles - but yes for protection hi cuts would be better.

Cheers and happy travels
jude

CarlaM

Have a great trip John!

Here is a recent thread on car rentals:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34989928

We rented from the Avis that was near our hotel the day we arrived and they were great but I didn't shop prices, it was convenient and the price seemed reasonable.

Please tell us all about your trip when you return!

CarlaM

Another good post about paying cash for petrol

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34920032

I really had to focus on my driving (on the wrong side of the road)instead of sightseeing. I found myself pulling off the road alot at the view points so I could have a "good" look.

LAleslie

I wouldn't bother with buying new shoes at this late date because you won't have time to break them in. Tennis shoes should be just fine, particularly if you're spending most of you time in a vehicle.
Leslie

atravelynn

2) Tennis shoes are fine. Never had a snake problem and have rarely seen a snake on safari.

travelingtish

I've done safari twice--Kenya first and then Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia. Never needed anything more than my Reebok tennis shoes.

jh6000

Thanks for all of your input and opinions. It is greatly appreciated. [Now I just have to get out from under all of the work I have to finish before I leave, lol].

Happy travels,

John H.

CarlaM

Another rental car thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34874898

John, did you post your itinerary somewhere?

CarlaM

Found it...great itinerary. Have a fabulous trip!

GrannyJoan

Have a great trip! Tennis shoes should be fine, just watch where you step.

Granny Joan

jh6000

Thjanks again so much to everyone. Just re-posting itinerary in case any of you will cross our paths:

June 14-21: Peninsula All-Suites Hotel, Seatown, Cape Town, SA

June 21: Intercontinental Johannesburg Int'l Airport

June 22-25: Kwetsani

June 25-28: Chitabe

June 28-30: Chobe Game Lodge

June 30- July 2: Royal Livingstone, Vic Falls, Zambia

Thanks again to everyone. Happy travels.

John H.

mcfam

Hello from Cape Town - there is no benefit renting in the city instead of picking up a car at the airport, no extra taxes are charged.
It is approximately 26kms to central Cape Town.
I see you will be staying in Sea point which is about another 4kms.
You would more likely get a better rate researching on the internet and pre booking rather than at your hotelsuite or just turning up at the airport.
It is advisable however to have a car for a good part of your visit public transportation is not always available and we consider our taxis to be expensive. I sometimes use the rental brokers www.holidayautos.co.za
I would highly recommend the hop-on hop-off bus which can be picked up from the Waterfront and will drop you off, infront of the Peninsula. (try to do this on a sunny day _we are in winter at present)This will fill the entire day - Visiting The Waterfront will also fill a day. Most other sites would involve needing transport.
One of our favourite eating places for dinner/lunch is the Bayside Cafe in Camps bay/informal/good value/good food/good location.
I was born in africa 53 years ago and have never been bitten by a snake, you are more likely to be troubled by tics -so wear long socks and practical walking shoes - tennis shoes are fine providing you are not doing any major mileage hiking.
I hope you have a great time and take back wonderful memories.