Advice please: family SA safari August 2018
Sep 10th, 2017, 08:09 AM
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Advice please: family SA safari August 2018
Hello! I'm trying to plan a first family safari (3 kids ages 6-9, parents have already been on safari several times) in South Africa for August 2018. I'm thinking 10 days-2 weeks. We are not interested in self-drive (just did Yellowstone last month - it was exhausting...) and are looking for mid-high end lodges but not luxury (ie: Londolozi, Singita, Tswalu, etc are sadly not within our budget). Your advice (where to go/stay, how long to stay, etc) would be very much appreciated! Thank you.
Sep 11th, 2017, 12:35 AM
#2
We went been to Shamwari a few years ago for three nights and stayed in their Long Lee Manor. We had a great room at the front of the house looking down to the waterhole and across the reserve.
The food was excellent, the staff were friendly and the animal sightings were spectacular. We did two trips each day, 6am and 6pm, although this may move with different seasons and can thoroughly recommend the place. They did pick us up from the airport at PE and deliver us back there at the end of the stay.
As far as as cost was concerned, I don't think it was madly expensive. They have a range of accommodation at different price points.
The food was excellent, the staff were friendly and the animal sightings were spectacular. We did two trips each day, 6am and 6pm, although this may move with different seasons and can thoroughly recommend the place. They did pick us up from the airport at PE and deliver us back there at the end of the stay.
As far as as cost was concerned, I don't think it was madly expensive. They have a range of accommodation at different price points.
Sep 19th, 2017, 06:27 AM
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What do you think about a Manyeleti/Timbavati and Sabi Sands combination - would these two areas be too similar? Also, any recommendations for where to stay in Cape Town and also for how long? How is the weather in August?
Apr 11th, 2018, 01:24 AM
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Hey luckycow73,
The Manyeleti/Timbavati and Sabi Sands combination would be wonderful. Perhaps a little similar, but I wouldn't let that dissuade you.
August weather in Cape Town can be unpredictable because it is technically classified as winter. But Cape Town is also one of those places that can experience all four seasons in one day so there is always a good chance that the wintry chills will be followed by sunshine and warm afternoons.
In terms of accommodation in Cape Town, if you are looking for mid-high range accommodation in the CBD I would recommend Wilton Manor, The Cape Milner, or Harpers House. They are all quite lovely and reasonably priced. But honestly, there are so many great accommodation options in Cape Town - you should do a little bit of research and see what suits your needs.
Have an amazing trip!
The Manyeleti/Timbavati and Sabi Sands combination would be wonderful. Perhaps a little similar, but I wouldn't let that dissuade you.
August weather in Cape Town can be unpredictable because it is technically classified as winter. But Cape Town is also one of those places that can experience all four seasons in one day so there is always a good chance that the wintry chills will be followed by sunshine and warm afternoons.
In terms of accommodation in Cape Town, if you are looking for mid-high range accommodation in the CBD I would recommend Wilton Manor, The Cape Milner, or Harpers House. They are all quite lovely and reasonably priced. But honestly, there are so many great accommodation options in Cape Town - you should do a little bit of research and see what suits your needs.
Have an amazing trip!
Apr 25th, 2018, 06:17 AM
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Dear Luckycow73
How exciting to be planning a trip with your kids. A Safari is such an amazing experience at this age. I just returned with my 4 year old and it has definitely left a lasting impression on him. If you are looking for a Timbavati/Manyeleti combination, Kambaku Safari Lodge combined with either Honeyguide (tented) or Tintswalu (splurge) would make a great combo. Bryce and Nicola the owners of Kambaku are raising their two children on the reserve and really cater towards a family friendly safari experience. You could add the Sabi Sand to the mix if you have enough time. I would recommend doing at least 3 nights in each area even if it means doing 2 lodges only.
Alternatively the Eastern Cape does offer exceptional value and something vastly different in terms of terrain and vegetation. I took my son to Kwandwe which is about 2 hours outside Port Elizabeth and it was epic. We were lucky enough to see lion, leopard, cheetah and fantastic elephant interaction just to mention a few. We have also visited Kariega, Lalibela and Pumba in the past, which are all more cost effective than Kwandwe.
In Cape Town, options like More Quarters might be nice as you can get a two bedroom apartment with its own kitchen – always nice to have when traveling with young kids. It is located in a very walkable part of the city. Welgelegen Boutique hotel is also moderately priced.Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel is also a great option with a more funky feel. In terms of location – I personally prefer staying in areas a little off the beaten path like Oranjezicht for a true Capetonian feel. Smaller more intimate boutique hotels appeal to me more than larger, chain hotels. The waterfront can be very touristy but also offers many options in various price points. There is a very easy to use Hop-on-Hop-off bus that covers all the tourist attractions and accesses these areas for pick up and drop off. The kids may enjoy getting around on the bus. Alternatively booking a private tour is great with kids as you can move along at your own pace and visit areas that interest the entire family. You could for example go wine tasting while the kids do a chocolate tasting, or spend time exploring things like butterfly world or birds of prey, adding kid friendly options to the experience. I would try to get at least 4 full days in the city, it has so much to offer. It really depends on how much vacation time you have for this trip. In an ideal world I would say 3 nights in each camp and 4 nights in Cape Town would give you a 13 days on the ground If you are looking at 3 different areas for the safari portion. If you think that is too much “safari” for the kids, I would do 2 camps for 3 nights each making it a nice 10 day trip.
Marguerite Smit
How exciting to be planning a trip with your kids. A Safari is such an amazing experience at this age. I just returned with my 4 year old and it has definitely left a lasting impression on him. If you are looking for a Timbavati/Manyeleti combination, Kambaku Safari Lodge combined with either Honeyguide (tented) or Tintswalu (splurge) would make a great combo. Bryce and Nicola the owners of Kambaku are raising their two children on the reserve and really cater towards a family friendly safari experience. You could add the Sabi Sand to the mix if you have enough time. I would recommend doing at least 3 nights in each area even if it means doing 2 lodges only.
Alternatively the Eastern Cape does offer exceptional value and something vastly different in terms of terrain and vegetation. I took my son to Kwandwe which is about 2 hours outside Port Elizabeth and it was epic. We were lucky enough to see lion, leopard, cheetah and fantastic elephant interaction just to mention a few. We have also visited Kariega, Lalibela and Pumba in the past, which are all more cost effective than Kwandwe.
In Cape Town, options like More Quarters might be nice as you can get a two bedroom apartment with its own kitchen – always nice to have when traveling with young kids. It is located in a very walkable part of the city. Welgelegen Boutique hotel is also moderately priced.Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel is also a great option with a more funky feel. In terms of location – I personally prefer staying in areas a little off the beaten path like Oranjezicht for a true Capetonian feel. Smaller more intimate boutique hotels appeal to me more than larger, chain hotels. The waterfront can be very touristy but also offers many options in various price points. There is a very easy to use Hop-on-Hop-off bus that covers all the tourist attractions and accesses these areas for pick up and drop off. The kids may enjoy getting around on the bus. Alternatively booking a private tour is great with kids as you can move along at your own pace and visit areas that interest the entire family. You could for example go wine tasting while the kids do a chocolate tasting, or spend time exploring things like butterfly world or birds of prey, adding kid friendly options to the experience. I would try to get at least 4 full days in the city, it has so much to offer. It really depends on how much vacation time you have for this trip. In an ideal world I would say 3 nights in each camp and 4 nights in Cape Town would give you a 13 days on the ground If you are looking at 3 different areas for the safari portion. If you think that is too much “safari” for the kids, I would do 2 camps for 3 nights each making it a nice 10 day trip.
Marguerite Smit
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