Why go to Akeru for only two nights? I had a client go to Akeru and she really enjoyed her stay (Akeru is in Timbavati, for the unfamiliar). A third night would be time well spent.

Seeing Akeru on your itinerary makes me think you are looking for a good budget lodge without sacrificing too much quality. Here is one more suggestion:

www.mkuzefalls.com

This five star lodge will be about the same price as Akeru (a four star lodge), and will be in an area that will offer a nicer climate. Judging from the rest of your itinerary, I am guessing that your visit will be around July/August, and Akeru will be pretty cold at that time of year, while Mkuze Falls, in KwaZulu Natal will be slightly warmer.

I feel you're trying to fit too many places in with lots of travel, but that may be the way you like it. Personally I'd go for fewer places, longer stays...less tiring, slightly deeper experiences.

John

Busy busy - when are you planning to travel? Month?

Besides Akeru as Rocco mentions above, oth the Mara and Serengeti deserve more than 2/nts, but depending on season, one area over the other.

Mid-way in your trip, airports will be boring, boring!

Thank you for your advice.
Roccco thanks, I'll check that info, I've been to Akeru before and fell in love with it, I also want to have my 60th there.
Sandi, yes it is very busy, wish it wasnt, but it will be our last trip to Africa and only want to be gone a month.
I'd be happy to change it a little but dont what to delete. And yes we are going at the wrong time of year as well, it will be March/April.

Rocco,

Akeru? never heard.....sorry, i find something new here everyday.

Off-roading available in the timbavati?

Hari

Hari,

Yes, there is definite off-roading in Timbavati. Akeru is to Timbavati what Elephant Plains is to the Sabi Sand...a good budget lodge that will offer the same quality gameviewing as more expensive lodges in the same reserve.

Other lodges in Timbavati include Ngala (CCAfrica) and Kings Camp.

www.kingscamp.com

There are some great newsletters on Kings Camp website and the area seems great for lions, leopards and is better for wild dogs than the Sabi Sand.

http://www.kingscamp.com/frame_reports.htm

Most current report with photos:

www.kingscamp.com/reports/2006_05.htm

I have friends that did Kings Camp for their first safari and few years ago and they said it was like 'cue the animals' with them appearing from everywhere. They had fantasitic game viewing.

Thanks Rocco/Bill.....

I must try Ngala one of these trips......i read somewhere Oprah goes there. Although, that's not the reason why i want to go.

Hari