Johnchan

We are doing a private camping safari in July, We are doing 3 days in the Okavango by motor boat, 3 days moremi and 3 days savuti and chobe ending in Vic Falls. So flying to Maun and ending in Vic Falls. What would be a good add on after our trip? Its a family trip so we are not looking for total luxury, but comfortable and affordable. We would probably fly from Johannesburg or Livingstone and have to return for our home flight. We managed to get our safari for $1600 for the 9 days per person, Fully catered and serviced. So looking at the same type of price range (have about 4 extra days). Should we just spend the extra days in Botswana or is there a game experience in SA etc that wouuld be worth visiting?

Gardyloo

In July/August I'd head to the Sabi Sand reserve abutting Kruger National Park, either a few hours' drive or a short flight from JNB airport. There are numerous lodges to choose from; a short search on this or any Africa travel site will give you plenty of names and websites/contact information to start. I think your price point might be a little low on a daily basis, but believe me, the rewards are well worth it.

atravelynn

Ditto Gardyloo. It would be an ideal combo.

diannelovestravel

Hello Johnchan!

I also agree that a 3 night stay in Sabi Sand would be great! You unfortunately would not make the flight out of JNB to Kruger/HDS/SKU coming from VFA. Flights out of Livingstone to Nelspruit fly on certain days of the week and if that meets your schedule, then that could be an option for you.

You could alternatively drive from JNB along the Panorama Route to the Timbavati/Northern section of Sabi Sand. That might be something to consider - the drive is beautiful! Three Rondavels, God's Window, and Blyde Canyon are all spectacular sights just to name a few. You may need to stay one night along the way though so that you are able to stop and enjoy the sights or take in a boat ride to see the Tufa Waterfalls or a Hot Air Balloon trip over the canyon.

There are a number of lodge options in the Sabi Sand/Timbavati area with a moderate to lower price point but availability will be difficult as this is a very popular time of year so I would start checking into that if this area is of interest.

Another option would be to visit Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Certainly you have lots of options.

Happy to help!
Dianne
Africa Direct USA

Johnchan

Thanks for all the ideas, I will look into all of them. My agent in Botswana Lelobu Safaris has suggested the Makgadikgadi and doing a meerkat experience? Any thoughts on that.I like the idea of a bit of luxury at a lodge at the end of the camping trip.

christabir

I love the meerkat idea, just know most people go in green season (I don't know why, but that's high season). Does that come close to your budget? I'm looking forward to doing the pans someday.

You could visit Gabarone and see how the Batswana live. Add a night in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary so you get to see rhino, since you most likely won't in the Delta. They are very rare in Botswana. I would definitely try to see rhino while you're in Southern Africa - they really are in trouble from poaching.

We did a few nights in the reserves around Kruger after Botswana (not camping!). There are a few lodges that are a bit more affordable than the norm. If interested, try Shindzela (rustic but very personable), Africa on Foot, Gomo Gomo, nThambo, nDzuti, Arathusa (a little more expensive but on a waterhole) and Umkumbe. They are all on the affordable side, but get you a comfortable bed, good to great rangers and good food. You're right - a little luxury will be very nice! Greater Kruger is spectacular. If you prefer, and it is significantly less expensive, you could stay in Kruger National Park and do game drives on your own. It's lots of fun. You still get a comfy bed and lots of great wildlife, but little luxury and you eat in restaurants or cook for yourself. You can drive from JNB or fly in/out of Nelspruit or Hoedspruit (via JNB) for most of those lodges, lodges can help with transfers, too. I don't know schedules, but you might lose a night in transfers/driving.

If your camping trip in Botswana is all in national parks, you can't do night drives or any off road. If that's the case, splurge for a private reserve at one of the lodges I mentioned. It will be a little cherry on your great trip sundae.

You are going to have to share your experience with a trip report when you return. How many of you are there and is it a group or private trip? Can't wait to hear all about it.

Johnchan

Thanks for all the info Chrstabir, I will start googling straight away, We are a private safari for our family. We are doing the whole trip in the National parks, Our Okavango trip is by boat 4 hours from Maun at Chiefs Island private camping. I will definitely send a report.

christabir

John - it sounds like a great trip. If your kids are young, Gomo Gomo might be your best option. if they are under 12 they will be 1/2 price at lodges that allow kids - older than that usually full price. Some lodges have family accommodations if you need to have your kids stay with you. If young, Africa on Foot is not kid friendly. Check out nDzuti - it's an interesting lodge.

If you have a large group, consider Djuma. It's sold out often because it's such a great deal, but if it's available it is in a spectacular location and great accommodations for the price. It works out really well for six or more - you rent out the whole place and get a private ranger, etc. At the current exchange rate (in usd) it is an amazing value.

Sorry - I should have said northern Botswana, not the Delta. There are very few rhino in the entire country, though some are being transferred in to hopefully keep them safer than S Africa is able to do right now. (I know, I'm a little obsessed but I want everyone to get to see them. They're amazing).

Enjoy your planning. It sounds like a wonderful trip.

atravelynn

What is the meerkat experience? Where, how many meerkat den visits? July/Aug is an excellent time for meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans, even though other game viewing is slow. It is when I chose to go for meerkats and was very pleased. I stayed at San Camp, but back when it was less fancy.

Are you at Jack's, San or Planet Baobab? Or somewhere else?

There are lots of other cool activities in those areas from walks to quad bike riding to looking for remnants of ancient tools, so do allow enough time.

Morning offers the best quality meerkat experience but don't pass up a pm opportunity to visit.

Have a super family trip.

Johnchan

Hi we are going with the same company, but camping trip in the Makgadikgadi, So not at a lodge. worked out much more affordable.

christabir

Sounds like a great addition. (Camping should be more affordable than a lodge!!)

Johnchan

We are back and really had a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it all exceeded my expectations.
Then the Safari was amazing. Modumo was super knowledgeable and went out of his way to find game and track animals. His knowledge of the Bush and Botswana was unbelievable, the best game ranger I have ever come across, every game drive was unique and special, even when the game were less abundant in some places, he managed to show us aspects of the bush that we would never have learned about without him. And the camp staff were also brilliant. We had everything laid on for us, excellent meals, hot water showers whenever we wanted, the camp was run so well we were blown away, we didn’t have to lift a finger, but at the same time got to experience real authentic African bush camping.Cant wait to get back....