Once again last minute short trip to South Africa

Old Jul 18th, 2017, 12:16 PM
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Once again last minute short trip to South Africa

Just found out I will be going to JNB in August for a week of work. I can arrive early with 3 days to tourist before work. Now to figure out what I want to do, what is available, and what I can afford.

I've seen most of Joburg and Pretoria. I've been to Cape Town and surrounds. I've spent 2 nights in Timbavati and Sabi Sands.

Last year you guys helped me puzzle through a similar dilemma when I ended up with just a free weekend. I took a group day trip to Pilanesberg, which was OK for a day out, but not something I would repeat.

I made a not of the diamond mine underground tour if I have one day out from Joburg, but I have the possibility of more this trip.

The St Lucia area is still on my radar, but my reading of the drought situation is that it is still not a good time to visit.

I don't like to self-drive on my own.

I've send inquiries to a few agents for safaris and there are openings at some really pricey Kruger luxury private reserve resorts--not my style or budget. Think I should book air tickets and find a place outside or inside Kruger park and arrange open air truck rides in the park?
The Panorama Route looked interesting from the air, but I see the comments that if you've seen Grand Canyon that Blyde is nice, but not worth a day, so I am discouraged from going there. Also read that drought making the waterfalls less of an attraction, but I would think the canyon still dramatic.
I've even been digging around for less touted destinations, such as cave art in the Drakensberg.
I'll do a search for any special events--I haven't been in SA in August.

I've got to decide what to pursue or time will decide for me.
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Old Jul 19th, 2017, 04:14 AM
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Plan A - When in August? If it's in the second half of the month (and I don't know if low rainfall conditions prevail on the west coast, or if that would have an impact on the bloom) the wildflowers on the Atlantic coast north of Cape Town are spectacular. You can drive from CPT to (beautiful) Paternoster and West Coast National Park in a couple of hours; the scenery is beautiful, and if the wildflowers are out, it will knock your eyeballs for six.

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Plan B would be to fly through JNB to Port Elizabeth, get a car and spend a day visiting Addo Elephant National Park, then drive all or partway along the Garden Route toward Cape Town. You could go as far as Plettenberg Bay or Knysna then turn around, or just do a one-way rental to CPT.

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Plan C would be to book into a lodge in Madikwe; it's an easy drive from JNB (way easier than the drive to Kruger/SSGR) and the wildlife viewing is superb.
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Old Jul 19th, 2017, 04:16 AM
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Oh cr@p, you said you don't want to self-drive. I wish we had an edit function. I'll have to think about it.
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Old Jul 19th, 2017, 06:44 AM
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I looked into wildflowers--I did a lovely day trip out of Cape Town in September before and would like to go further north to see more, but that will take some time and I think I am too early in August.

Turns out I do have options even on short notice.

There is a 2-night opening at a tented camp in Manyeleti as well as in Senalala lodge in Klaserie. I could do the long Panorama route transfer or fly HDS.

Many guides out of Durban are available offering day trip to Drakensberg rock art, overnights to St Lucia and/or Hluhluwe. I'm still concerned about the water situation in the estuary, the dredging/breaching on the river mouth, and its effect on the wildlife and drinking water. I want to support local conservation efforts, but I don't want to see dead fish on a dry lake bed either. I'll try to glean current water status.

As much as I enjoy the unique experience of the open air game viewing near Kruger, I am also intrigued to see a new part of the country. Such a problem to have!
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Old Jul 19th, 2017, 11:56 AM
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I haven't heard those stories about KZN but I haven't been this year. Just skip the estuary and St Lucia. The rest of the area is gorgeous too with so much else to see.

You could stick to the game reserves, mountains and beaches north of Durban. There are affordable game reserves like Tembe Elephant Park - community owned so a great way to help the locals - and the lodges in Manyoni like Rhino River Lodge and Leopard Mtn. All can arrange transfers or use a local co. Oribi Gorge, Sani Pass and San Art are all excellent day trips. Tembe has relationships with a lodge in Sodwana Bay and houseboats on Jozini Lake/Dam/Reserve. You could easily do a whole week at just those three and have a truly diverse experience. They can arrange all if your transportation needs. http://www.shayamanzi.co.za

Senalala is really nice and has one of the best bush rangers in the industry. I wouldn't hesitate to visit. You could contact Wild Wings and see if they have availability on one of their Kruger safaris. Or Tydon Safaris. A little different than other experiences.

It's winter - not generally the best time of year for street fairs and outdoor events besides marathons and bike rides. Some even in the game reserves!!
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Old Jul 21st, 2017, 03:26 AM
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Although the ease and excitement of the games drives in Kruger are tempting, I'm leaning toward the south to see something new.
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