4 weeks in South Africa ideas

Old Nov 7th, 2015, 08:57 AM
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4 weeks in South Africa ideas

Hello,

We've been working on our itinerary for our trip with our 2 children and have made a lot of progress I think. So far we have:

Fly into Cape Town, rent car
Capetown-5 days-still working on finding house rental
Kynsa-2 nights-house on lagoon
Storm River National Park-3 nights-national park cottage
Schotia Safari-2 nights-Boma and Lodge
Addo-2 nights-rondavel in national park
National Zebra Park-?

Then we have 10 more days before we fly out of Cape Town again. We are looking to drive and not fly and aren't going to go to Kruger this trip. Anyone have any more suggestions on places to see?

We are looking to keep our costs below $300/night.

Thanks so much!
Shelly
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Old Nov 7th, 2015, 02:31 PM
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When are you planning to go and how old are your kids?

I would definitely visit Mtn Zebra and Camdeboo National Parks. Gorgeous and they have aardvarks! I would also add a night or two at Addo because there a lot of activities not available in most parks. Jeffreys Bay to watch the insane surfing? Check out Paradise Beach for me. Sand surfing? if you golf, there are many excellent courses and are ridiculously affordable.

Did you consider driving north of Cape Town? You might get lucky with the fynbos and flamingos. All depends on when you are going.

Agulhus (I know I spelled it wrong) and Karoo NPs might fit in your plans.

Sounds like a great trip. Four weeks allows for quite a trip. With so much time, I would try to avoid moving around too much. Three nights per location would work much better for me, especially with kids.

Have fun planning. Sounds fantastic!!
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Old Nov 7th, 2015, 06:36 PM
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Hi,
We are going mid february through mid march and our girls are 9 and 13. We don't golf but our girls surf a little, so watching the surfing may be a hit for a bit.

We are staying two nights at Addo, you think add another night or two? Our stay at Schotia includes a couple of safaris at Addo and then we were planning on driving ourselves around the park the days we stay at Addo as well.

I looked into Alguhas. Looks beautiful and great places in the park but I wasn't sure about things to do there. Can you go tide pooling or just do the boardwalk?

I didn't really know what was north of Cape Town as far as good places to visit and stay.

Looking forward to hearing more

Thank you!
Shelly
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Old Nov 7th, 2015, 09:56 PM
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In Feb/March the fynbos north of CT are not blooming. I'm not sure about the timing of the flamingos, and you might be able to find them around CT, so maybe skip that.

I love safari, so I'm the wrong person to give advice on that - I'd spend most of my time in Addo/Mountain Zebra/Camdeboo/Karoo. It's the only place in the world to see the African wildlife, and i would add many more nights. Love it.

With kids those ages, some activities are not available. Please do your best to convince your family not to walk with or pet lions, elephants, cheetah, etc. They live miserable lives - the eles are chained up at night and electric prods used to control them, the lions and other cats are bred for canned hunting, but used in walks/petting until they are old enough for a trophy mounted on a wall. You will pass many opportunities, but please enjoy the wild animals in Addo and Schotia. If we don't go to them someday the awful practice will end.

There's tubing, bungee, caves, horse riding and tons of water activities. Whale watching. Biking and hiking. Really cute/interesting towns. Just find the things you want to do and stay nearby - there are so many places people love, I don't think you can go wrong. The Storms River water view "condos" are great - such a good value for that view. If you go further east to Kenton on Sea, Kariega Beach is one of the best.

Cape Agulhas (again, wrong) is the southernmost spot in Africa, it's where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. There's a lighthouse/museum but is too windy and rough for swimming. It's a very interesting spot. I'd go, just to say you've been there!

In CT, don't miss Robben Island, Table Mtn, the Aquarium, the penguins and Cape of Good Hope. Take a boat to seal island (not the real name). You might be able to find a place near the ocean for your budget - the exchange rate right now is ridiculous.

Have fun. No matter what you choose, it will be great.
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Old Nov 8th, 2015, 09:28 AM
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You could look at staying at De Hoop nature reserve, its nice for the kids although I found the beach a far drive from the rooms.
Another option is visiting the West Coast National Park , about 1hr from CT. You can book a few nights at Churchhaven in the park, so beautiful & a great lagoon for swimming, you should see flamingoes & other small animals. If you are worried about snakes there are quite a few, not a problem but I know some people get very scared. Definitely go have a meal at Geelbek restaurant , have a bird hide there.
It's self catering & eco friendly so everything works on gas or solar but you don't even notice.
Sandy - Love Africa Travel
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Old Nov 19th, 2015, 02:03 AM
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You could consider visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Boulders Beach, Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Bay, Seal Island and District Six Museum
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Old Jan 1st, 2016, 10:39 AM
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