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Southern Africa or Tanzania/Kenya for August 2018 Family Trip

Southern Africa or Tanzania/Kenya for August 2018 Family Trip

Old Aug 13th, 2017, 07:30 PM
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Southern Africa or Tanzania/Kenya for August 2018 Family Trip

We are a family of four, 2 adults and 2 teenager. We are planning a trip to either South Africa/Zambia/Zimbawe or Tanzania/Kenya. We cannot determine whether we should explore Southern Africa or Eastern Africa.

We are traveling from the West Coast of the U.S. so it will be far either way. We have been fortunate to travel extensively internationally as a family, though never on Safari. Generally we have visited large cities in the US, Europe and Asia. We have also visited Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico. Even so, this is a signature trip for us.

Of course, we want to see animals. One of my teens wants to be a veterinarian.

Equally important, we want to see and interact with people and, to the extent we can, have genuine cultural exchanges.

My personal request is to have an adrenaline rush experience. I would love to white water raft, or bungee jump or do a hot air ballon ride.

If possible we would like a varied and luxurious accommodation experience even if it is in a tent. I would generally prefer small accommodation over large lodges but we are flexible in that regard.

Our budget for the trip is about $30,000. We are working with a few tour operators but we cannot decide between Eastern & Southern Africa. We would really appreciate any advice/recommendation. Thanks so much.
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Old Aug 14th, 2017, 03:25 AM
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hi. we just returned from 2 weeks in kenya with teens. look at my postings for some ideas. you can hot air balloon in mara. maybe the atv ride at ol lentille would give you an adrenaline rush. we loved our mix of ol lentille (cultural and activities) and then 2 tented camps (kicheche laikipia) and visit to rhino sanctuary and kicheche mara with private sheldricks visit on our final day in nairobi.
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Old Aug 14th, 2017, 04:41 AM
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How long do you plan to be in Africa? I'd be concerned that trying to visit multiple countries in too short a time could complicate your logistics and increase your costs substantially.

You're going to get lots of opinions; here's mine.

For a first visit to Africa - and make no mistake, you'll come home addicted - I'd frankly suggest you limit yourselves to South Africa. Why? A couple of reasons.

- Diversity. You want to include a broad range of experiences in your trip, for which you are to be commended - people AND animals, scenery AND local societies and cultures. This is where SA shines. It's a big country with I don't know how many climate zones and habitats. Its cultural diversity is astonishing - numerous spoken languages, remarkable stories of survival and adaptation that stretch back centuries. Scenery that ranges from snow-capped mountains to tropical jungle to golden beaches to deserts to savannas to vineyards below flower-covered mountains... In a few days' touring you can experience a variety of experiences that simply can't be equaled anywhere.

- Cities. Cape Town is a world treasure, but SA's other cities - Joburg, Durban... are remarkable, vibrant centers of the arts, one of the most exciting food scenes in the world. They're full of cultural variety, history (some of it troubling to be sure)... and of hope.

- Choice. You can happily tour on your own. Rent a vehicle and hit the road. Stay in fantastic B&Bs, or in community-owned safari lodges where everything's run by local villagers that 50 years ago were living in repressed poverty. Swim with sharks in the morning and sit on a terrace that afternoon with a glass of wine in your hand, gazing out on scenery that will stop your heart. Visit Robben Island, or a township, or the District Six museum in Cape Town for vivid reminders of how things were, then emerge to the present day. Don't ignore or suppress your political and social awareness, speak your mind and be surprised at the reactions you'll get. And by the way, all of these experiences are surprisingly affordable with the current exchange rates.

So my advice would be to go "deep" rather than "wide." If I had a recommended itinerary - not knowing how long you have - I'd fly into Joburg and take a day to get your clock adjusted. Then I'd get a car and drive up to the Panorama Route three or four hours north of the city. Spend a day or two hiking or gazing out at the remarkable scenery, then head an hour or two east to one of the safari lodges in the Sabi Sand game reserve. These come in all budget and amenity levels, but they'll all deliver some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, and August is the ideal time.

I'd then drive back to Joburg, drop the car, and fly to Port Elizabeth on the north end of the Garden Route. Visit Addo Elephant National Park, then drive south/west along the Garden Route to the Cape Town area. Visit Hermanus, the winelands, the Capes (Agulhas and Good Hope), see penguins, and if time allows swing out to the Atlantic around Paternoster and West Coast National Park, where by late August the spring wildflowers will be stunning. Conclude the trip in Cape Town, where you can dive deep into the complex and thrilling cultural and arts scene in that incredible city.

I know this sounds a bit like I'm gushing, but... well, okay, I am. I think this would be a marvelous "soft landing" into the continent, and like I said above, it would be utterly addictive. You'll be planning your next visit before you've unpacked the first night in the safari camp.
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Old Aug 14th, 2017, 06:40 AM
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Thanks so much for the replies. We will be in Africa for at least 2-weeks. We can be there for up to 18-days. Also, our amount budgeted for the trip excludes airfare since we are traveling on miles.

I think it is a good idea to "go deep." I much prefer quality over quantity. That said, If we went to Southern Africa, we would want to visit Victoria Falls if possible.

I appreciate all the great feedback.
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 02:36 AM
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South Africa is certainly a fabulous travel destination and one that offers the greatest choices of activities. It is also the most developed of the Sub-saharan African countries and not quite the same African experience as East Africa or Zambia/Botswana/Zimbabwe/Namibia. Just pointing this out.

I don't think you'll go wrong with any area. If you are prioritising safaris then you can easily do a 10 day safari in Kenya/Tanzania with a few days in Zanzibar at the end in that budget, or in Zambia with a few days at action packed Livingstone Falls at the end. 30K for two weeks for a family of four is eminently doable and will actually put you in the luxury end of camps. But 10-12 days safari may be too much if you are not a true wildlife lover. You might find it better to do a six day safari and have a second week doing other activities (and this is where South Africa steps in with its range of offerings).

Conclusion: if you want a wide range of activities, go to South Africa. If you want something more properly Africa, including a more "bush" safari experience, go to East Africa or Zambia/Botswana/Zimbabwe.

I would not spend too much time focusing on having "genuine cultural exchanges" on a 2-3 week trip. A visit to a local village or friendly chats with the safari guide doesn't really add up to much and changes little. You're just another rich Western tourist in their eyes. Perhaps it's a little blunt and harsh to say this and by all means visit the villages and NGO workshops.
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 08:38 AM
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My recommendation is for Kenya, due to the month you are going. The Great Migration --herds of thousands and thousands of animals-- usually happens, as they travel from Tanzania to Kenya . Mother Nature, of course, has no guarantees, but If you 're really lucky, you'll see a river crossing as well Just seeing that will give you an adrenaline rush, albeit a passive one!
What you describe as wanting in terms of varied and luxurious accommodation is certainly possible in small tented camps. Tents vary between being essentially fancy hotels "in disguise" to more basic, but comfortable, places with bucket showers (which you must try at lest once--not as rustic as it sounds) and comfortable beds and delicious food and most important, great guiding in open sided jeeps.
if it helps as you pursue your research, know that there is NO bad choice among the countries you have mentioned. Enjoy the adventure, starting now!
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 12:10 PM
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You've had some great input here, rdpesq.

It's been quite some time since I posted to the forum, but I can't resist throwing my 2 cents in.

I had this same dilemma - South Africa or East Africa - prior to the first of many safaris in 2006. I relied heavily on the opinions of experts on this forum, and in the end we decided that a trip to East Africa would stretch our $$ further, so went to Kenya and Tanzania. I have returned to East Africa over the years, and am currently planning my 5th safari - all with Warrior Trails - for 2018.

Although it is from last year, I'll post my trip report if you're interested in reading it.

Good luck with the decision making!
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 02:58 PM
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Have you researched FF mile flights? Some, especially OneWorld flights through LHR are not much more affordable than just buying coach tickets. Flights can be very limited - for 4 people will be very difficult. Be very flexible unless you have enough miles for any day, any flight.

If you visit Southern Africa and want to see Victoria Falls, you might want to limit your visit to VF, Cape Town and Kruger.

I happen to not be a big fan of VF during that season (it can be lower water but it's rain driven upriver) but combined with a houseboat on the Chobe River for a couple of nights is great fun! Chobe has excellent elephants.

Cape Town is one of the great cities. Plus where else can you see penguins without freezing your $&@ off?! So much to do and see - Table Mountain, The Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island...

Kruger is spectacular. Such a diversity of wildlife in a 2.2 million hectare (5 million acre) wilderness. There are excellent lodges in all budgets and luxury levels. Some of the mid range lodges are Kambaku, Simbavati, Arathusa, Inyati and many many more. Some only accept kids over 16 so share a safari budget and ages and maybe we can recommend more great options. Bateleur Main Camp might be fun for your family - a small tented camp that only has 8 beds so service is always personal on a 10,000 hectare property unfenced to Kruger.

You can also do self drive safaris inside Kruger National Park. It's like visiting Yellowstone and is great fun. Stay in a cottage or guest house in any of the main rest camps - many have multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, outdoor space, fully equipped kitchen and braai (bbq) area. It's such fun!! The main rest camps have shops, restaurants and services so you can eat out, get take away or have a nice easy cooked meal. See www.sanparks.org.

If you choose to skip VF, I love KwaZulu Natal for fun, a more African feeling area, beautiful beaches, mountains, game reserves. The little town of St Lucia is tons of fun with all of the activities like horseback riding, whale watching, hippo/croc boat tours, snorkeling. Thonga or Rocktail Lodges for exclusive beach time and the Drakensberg Mountains are great for hiking and San Art in Giants Castle. Easy to get to - just fly to Durban from Cape Town and rent a car. Very easy to get around as the N2 highway runs near the coast and everything is a short drive off the highway.

Durban also has the Natal Shark Aboard which does boat yours most mornings. It's educational and fun (though I was a bit disturbed) for kids. Oribi Gorge, Sani Pass, the beach and golf resorts are all available.

Tembe Elephant Park is a nice game reserve that was public until returned to the community through reconcilliation after Apartheid. It's almost completely locally staffed so you get to meet a lot of local people. Maybe arrange a town visit ahead if you choose. It's really a special place and our game viewing there was excellent.

You can then drive through Swaziland to Kruger or fly nonstop to Nelspruit from Durban. I love KZN and I recommend it highly for family fun.

I also like Johannesburg a lot. We get back to JNB the night before our flight and do something fun during the day before our late international flights. The HopOn HopOff Bus with Soweto hits many highlights. The Cradle of Humankind with caves is well done and has a nice hotel adjacent.

I have visited S Africa in every price range. From over the top expensive to very affordable. We did 2 weeks all safari last year for less than a ten day Canada/US national park trip this year including international flights. It was great fun. I like a mix of mid range and more affordable/national parks - we get to meet more locals and enjoy S Africa, not just fly over it.

Have fun no matter what you choose. The continent somehow grabs your heart. It's a great treat for your whole family.
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 08:55 PM
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Thanks so much for the wonderful input. Calo, I would love to see your trip report. I am leaning toward Southern Africa mostly because I got out voted 3-1 at home in favor of Southern Africa so I can use some ammunition.

Christabir, I am hoping to use miles to travel. I plan to try to book 11 months and a day out to maximize my chances. We are also traveling coach so hopefully there will be more seats available. Let me know if you have any other ideas. Tallybalt, thanks so much for your wonderful suggestions.

The tentative 14 day itinerary is 4 days in Cape Town, 2 days in Victoria Falls, 3 days in Hwange National Park, 3 days in Mana Pools National Park and 2 day in Lake Kariba.

On our way out we were going to try a day/night in Jberg.

I would appreciate any feedback, critique or alternative suggestion. Thanks.
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Old Aug 15th, 2017, 08:55 PM
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Calo . . . I just saw your posting. Thanks.
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 05:33 AM
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Hi there!

Sounds like a great trip! So great to share the bush and some incredible experiences with your kids! We started taking our boys on safari at ages 5 and 10 and, still to this day, that's the only trip of interest! Christabir is right - there is something about traveling to Africa that resonates with you long after you return home. Hard to explain but you will know what I mean a year from now!

In looking at your 14 day tentative itinerary, here are few ideas.. They have recently removed the morning direct flight between Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Saturdays so try to plan your trip, if possible, such that your flight falls on another day. There is an afternoon flight but it gets into VFA after 5pm which cuts into your day. You could also fly direct on certain days of the week into Livingstone Zambia and it's about 25 - 30 min transfer to Vic Falls area. Flying thru JNB is less than ideal. So best to take these flights into consideration as you plan, especially since you are still 1 year out which is great!!!

Two nights in Vic Falls will give you the opportunity to do the Sunset Cruise on your arrival day then leave you the next full day for white water rafting (should be low water rafting which is great!). I think there are 2 operators that stand out when it comes to bundling your activities (Shearwater and Wild Horizons). Your next day is your day of departure so you will have time to fit in another activity such as the Gorge Swing and a Bungee jump OR do the Livingstone Island Tour with Devil's Pool. Nothing like an iconic photo of you and your family on the edge of the Falls! Devil's Pool is usually open by early August. If not, neighboring Angel's Pool is the alternative.

But, depending upon, when you are transferring onward to your next stop, you won't have time to fit any more in. So I would review the menu of activities and if you want to fit in, for example, the helicopter tour Flight of the Angels or other ideas, then you might want to do 3 nights. Up to you. Most people can fit in what they want to do with a 2 night stay but have a look then decide. It certainly helps if you can get an activity in on Day of Arrival and Departure if you only do 2 nights!

There are many places to stay in Victoria Falls but perhaps my favorite is The Elephant Camp! A favorite of my clients, too! Wonderful tented establishment, fully inclusive and great service. They have resident elephants and you can do an elephant interaction experience (no riding allowed - only interaction) plus Sylvester, the Cheetah Ambassador, who is also in residence. There are other places as well to stay if EC isn't a fit.

Hwange and Mana Pools: Great choices! For Hwange, I'd recommend Somalisa, the Hide, Little Makalolo, Davison's, Linkwasha. Mana Pools will give you that water experience to balance Hwange's open plains dry land experience. Ruckomechi is a great choice! I am a fan of Wilderness Safaris portfolio of lodges. They offer a great product with solid reviews. You can perhaps benefit by staying at WS lodges in both Hwange and Mana Pools. There's also a Singita camp in Zimbabwe called Pamushana. Albeit pricey, it's really beautiful. There are other places besides the ones I mentioned. Something to fit most budgets and styles of travel. Meeting your needs and your vision is what's most important when planning one's safari! You are smart to be planning a year in advance!

Best, Dianne
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 01:16 PM
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dianelovestravel,

Thanks for the great feed back. Do you (or anyone) have an opinion about Mana Pools vs, Chobe National Park in Botswana in August. Either better for viewing game or more scenic?

Also, thanks Hodarikenya for the East Africa itinerary. We may consider it on our next trip.
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 03:59 PM
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I am actually quite biased against Zimbabwe with the current situation there. I won't spend my travel dollars there. I'd do Botswana, Zambia (maybe with a short visit into Zimbabwe for the view) and S Africa. Chobe, South Luangwa, Mashatu and Kruger and many others are all beautiful.
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 04:14 PM
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christabir,

What is the current situation in Zimbabwe? I am unaware.
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 04:14 PM
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It's a judgement call when politics should or shouldn't influence one's travel choices, and it's absolutely none of my business where you go, but I also would avoid Zimbabwe. The couple of days I spent around Victoria Falls a few years ago (also in August) during which I talked with a couple of locals (to the extent they felt comfortable doing so) left me feeling heartbroken and very angry. Yes, my experience was very brief, but it was pretty intense.

I know there are many who say that tourism is one way to let local people know your heart is with them, but in the case of Zimbabwe the circumstances are quite extraordinary. For what it's worth, all of my South African friends agree.

Absolutely ONLY my personal opinion, needless to say.
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Old Aug 16th, 2017, 09:24 PM
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I am trying to compare two separate South African 14 day itineraries.

Itinerary 1.

4 days in Cape Town (Blackheath Lodge), 2 days in Victoria Falls (Batonka Lodge), 3 days in Hwange National Park (Somalisa Expeditions - Tent), 3 days in Mana Pools National Park (Zambezi Expeditions - Tent), and 2 day in Lake Kariba (Bumi Hills Safari Lodge).

Itinerary 2

2 days in Johannesburg (African Rock Hotel), 3 days in Hwange National Park (Somalisa Main Camp), 2 days in Victoria Falls (Batonka Guest Lodge), 3 days in Chobe National Park (Chobe Bakwena),and 6 days in Cape Town (Lawhill Luxury Apartments or Blackheath Lodge.)

Itinerary 1 has more days on safari. Itinerary 2 has more days in the Cape Town and adds J'berg.

Itinerary 1 has safari at Mana Pools. Itinerary 2 has a safari at Chobe. (I am told this is not the busy part of Chobe.)

Can anyone offer opinions on these 2 itineraries and/or the lodging/tent. Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2017, 08:06 AM
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That is quite tough although I am sure you will get the perfect trip by combining a few options. I would overnight in JNB and not spend 2 days. There is lots to do in Cape Town but remember it is the rainy season.
I would skip Chobe and maybe try and add Kruger or a different experience.
Sandy - owner - Love Africa Travel
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Old Aug 26th, 2017, 08:09 AM
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Thanks Love Africa Travel - Final itinerary -

5 days in Cape Town (Blackheath Lodge), 2 days in Victoria Falls (Batonka Lodge), 4 days in Hwange National Park (Somalisa Camp), 4 days in Mana Pools National Park (Zambezi Expeditions - Tent). Now all I have to do is wait 11 more months. Yay! Thanks all for your help.
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Old Sep 4th, 2017, 09:45 AM
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Following, as this is my exact question for next summer as well!
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Old Sep 7th, 2017, 12:11 PM
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I will keep you posted Miami Beach Momma. Please be safe if you are in an around Florida. I am praying for everyone in the path of Hurricane Irma.
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