SA Itinerary Dilemma!

August = cold in CT
Whales in August - don't know, assume you've researched that.
1. Don't know
2. Excellent area, the escarpment area is good for a day's driving, there are probably fishing, hiking opportunities etc.
3. Not sure why
4. Not sure - though Natal is probably the warmest part of SA, but you are going in the S.Hemisphere equivalent of February.
5. Falls were a lot of extra money back in 99 when I did them. There is other stuff to do, depends on what you want. For me it cost $1k to get to the falls, accomodation etc. That was probably poor value, but at least I've done it now.

Just looking at the Motswari website, it looks like prices are comparable with lodges in Sabi Sands. We haven't been to Timbavati, but have been a couple of times to the nearby Balule reserve (as well as Sabi Sands) and we feel Sabi Sands is the superior experience in terms of benefit:cost.

Our standard MO when arriving in Joburg is to spend the night before the safari in Graskop, which is a nice little town located very nearby many of the Panoramic Route highlights, like God's Window or the Three Rondavels, all of which are likely of interest to the kids, as is the Blyde Canyon in general.

Then it's an easy drive the morning before your stay in the lodge(s) into the reserve, arriving in time for the evening game drive, which in winter (August) often departs at 4:30 or 5-ish due to early darkness. Trying to get all the way to the reserve from Joburg in time to make the evening drive is pretty tough unless you leave really early.

As for Eastern Cape destinations (a la Kariega) you might consider Addo Elephant National Park, which (obviously) has lots of elephant, but also is self-driving, hence quite affordable compared to Kruger-area lodges or others that are all-inclusive.

As for pool lounging, I suspect you'll find that the Kruger-area lodges will offer that; on the Garden Route and farther south it's unlikely to be warm enough to be comfortable poolside. KZN will be warm enough, but combining KZN, Kruger, the Eastern Cape and CT in the same trip is bouncing around a lot, with pretty great distances between.

We visited Victoria Falls (also in August several years ago) in conjunction with a previous stay at the (affordable and comfortable enough) Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. I must confess it was anticlimactic; there wasn't much water going over the falls (dry season) and staying a couple of nights in Zimbabwe left us feeling angry and guilty at the same time - angry at the regime and guilty for feeling like (a) exploiters living well while those nearby are hurting and (b) realizing that without tourist dollars (or then billions of Zim dollars) they would be even worse off. Bit of a downer for a holiday, to tell the truth. Educational for your kids, but then the whole trip will be.

Hi.

1. Don't know Kariega specifically. We really like Umlani in Timbavati - it's a rustic bush camp, but with enough luxury to be comfortable and great safari guides.
2. Hazyview is very close to Kruger and a long drive. Plus you have to go back up the escarpment to get to Blythe River. Rather break the journey in 2 and stay somewhere like Graskop, Lydenburg, Sabie or Dullstroom. Sabie is probably my favourite. Definitely take in amazing views at God's Window.
3. Kwazulu-Natal is probably my favourite province in SA - beaches, weather (at this time of year), mountains, culture, history, safari... everything. No reason not to take children - biggest danger is driving at night and hitting a cow on the road. To the north of Durban is more wild / national reserves (Sodwana, Kosi Bay and Zinkwazi are nice). To the south is more developed with resorts etc.
4. Any of the places above will be good places to lie by the pool. Best places depends on budget, what you like etc.
5. The Falls are a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. Definitely recommend - look for cheap deals from Joburg (often include discounted accommodation as well). I'd recommend the Zambian side (rather than Zimbabwean) due to obvious current issues with the latter. The Livingstone is a very smart, well-positioned colonial hotel, but quite expensive. You can do brilliant 1 day rafting trips from Vic Falls, as well as 'sundowner' river cruises. Chobe is meant to be excellent. Also consider canoe trips around Mana Pools, but this is quite adventurous due to hippos!

Thanks for your comments. Interesting that Graskop is mentioned twice as an alternative to Hazy View and something I'm going to look into further.

Where are the best beaches in Kwazulu natal?

Also interesting that it is not perhaps the best time of year to visit the falls, although I guess they are still an amazing expereince whenever you go - another one to research further!

Prettyinpinkmum xx

Hi.

Favourite beaches in KZN are:

All the best / most deserted beach are north of Durban:
Zinkwazi (awesome campsite, but limited other accomm options as mainly SA-rental houses, however our favourite beach place in KZN)
Kosi Bay (big nature reserve with awesome beach you have to hike / hitch to because no accommodation right on beach, superb for nature - birds, lakes, snorkelling etc.)
Sodwana (best for diving)

For a really top end lodge, check out Thonge Beach Lodge - I have some special deals with them for late bookings.

South of and around Durban there are more developed family resorts. Google places like Port Shepstone, Port Edward, Margate and Umhlanga Rocks. However, I don't recommend Durban - big city with bad traffic problems and unattractive seafront.

RE: Vic Falls. Although they will be lower at this time of year, the flip side of that is that you can see the bottom of the falls (when it's 'full' the spray is so much you can't really see much), you can walk out part of the way on top of them and finally the rafting is better. Definitely worth seeing, but it's a bit of trek to get there.