First time in Southafrica - Suggested itinerary

Old Nov 2nd, 2015, 05:34 AM
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First time in Southafrica - Suggested itinerary

Hello!
My name is Franco and I´m from Argentina. I´m planning my first travel to Southafrica for the nest year (probably April/May 2016) and i would like to know suggested itineraries for the trip. We probably will be around 15 days and a must in our trip is a safari.
How many days would you spend in each place? Thanks for the suggested itineraries you could give me. There is no budget problems.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Old Nov 2nd, 2015, 07:46 AM
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Hello Franco,
You didn't mention your specific tastes, but imperative to any South Africa visit, and to combine with your safari, a trip to Cape Town is a must.
Cape Town is scenic and beautiful and vibrant and trendy and so much more.
And in addition to Cape Town, we also have spectacular wine areas in very close proximity.

As an example itinerary, you could split your 15 days as follows -
* Cape Town: 5 or 6 days - Table Mountain cable way, Robben Island, city tours, day trips to visit the penguins at Boulders and Cape Point National Park (to see where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet), a wander through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and a walk on the 'Boomslang' elevated walk-way, fabulous dining, quaint sea-side villages to explore, outstanding shopping, to mention but a few excursions.
* Cape Winelands: 1 or 2 days - for superb wines and award-winning wine farms, combined with magnificent scenery.
* Safari in the Greater Kruger National Park area: 7 or 8 days - depending how many nights you decide to spend in Cape Town and/or the Cape Winelands, you should definitely split the remainder of your stay between two Reserves/Lodges. Very little surpasses the Kruger National Park for game viewing, and the Sabi Sands area of the Park in particular for leopard sightings. I highly recommend at least one of the two lodges you choose be in the Sabi Sands area, I can almost guarantee, this will be a memorable highlight of your visit.

As I said previously, you didn't mention your specific tastes, but in addition to the above, you could also consider the luxury of the Blue Train as an option to get you from Cape Town to Johannesburg ... to in turn link up with your safari in the Kruger National Park. I am not sure if a luxury train experience is something that would interest you, but there are so many wonderful options to consider.

In terms of accommodations, I can assure that in Cape Town, the Winelands, as well as in the Kruger National Park area, there are superb and varied hotels and lodges to suit every taste.

I hope this has been of some help, I am happy to provide further assistance as you require!
Happy Planning,
Debbi - Travel Guru, Southern Destinations
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Old Nov 2nd, 2015, 09:06 AM
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Hi Franco!

Depending on your interests, budget and level of adventure, there's so many different ways to experience South Africa. And there will certainly be a way that fits you perfectly!

You could comfortably do Cape Town in 4-5 nights, followed by a 1-2 night stay in the Wine lands, followed by your remaining time in the Bush. As Debbi points out, the Sabi Sand area has incredibly game viewing, especially if you want to see the most elusive of all cats, the leopards! You can fly direct from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger Area Reserves where there are so many great lodges to pick from! You could "mix" up your stay by splitting your safari time between 2 areas or 2 different style accommodations (lux tenting and suite-style accommodations for example). There are also long stay discounts if you stay at lodges that are part of the same portfolio or collection.

If you're interested in seeing 2 different safari areas, you could consider combining the Sabi Sand area with one of the incredible lodges in Phinda Private Game Reserve. Phinda has 7 distinct ecohabitats ranging from subtropical to evergreen. It is also home to one of the last sand floor forests in the world. The area near to it, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is SA's first UNESCO World Heritage site and offers incredible diversity in flora and fauna not to mention tons of crocs, hippos, turtle nesting and more. It's also near to incredibly beautiful coastline. Sodwana Bay is really spectacular.

If diversity in your safari is of interest and you were open to experience another country, then you could consider a combo of sister lodges, MalaMala in SA's Sabi Sand and Mashatu in Botswana. This would also give you incredible diversity in terrain, flora, fauna, and service. Flights are direct and coordinated for you between these sister lodges. This would make a wonderful combo as well.

So as you can see, it really depends upon what you are looking for as well as your budget, interests and style of travel. There's certainly something for everyone. Happy to help!

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
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Old Nov 2nd, 2015, 04:48 PM
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Hey Franco -

Since you are coming from a country that also has great wine and beautiful wine country, I would likely skip the winelands or just do a day trip. It's nice, but you can do that at home. Do you want to visit Cape Town? Like BA, it's a very European city in a non-European country. Again, it's nice, but a nice city. It's entirely your choice to go or not. I enjoyed it for the penguins and the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island and Table Mtn. Three nights should be plenty, add another if you want to visit the winelands.

Now safari is a whole other subject! We've done two different itineraries which we loved and would definitely do again. Both are easily combined with Cape Town:

Mala Mala (or any other), Pafuri, Mashatu - excellent trip to three different ecosystems. Start in a private lodge near Kruger. There are many. Affordable options, which are great values and you see the same animals as the lodges with fine dining, spa treatments and extremely nice accommodations, include Arathusa, Africa on Foot (and their sister camps - check the website. All are great) and Gomo Gomo. Mid range includes Mala Mala Main camp, Kirkmans, Kings Kamp and too many to list. Singita, Londolozi, Rattrays are high end. I like the affordable lodges, especially Arathusa because it has a waterhole in camp and animals come visit all day. Stay 3-4 nights.

Now get a road transfer to the newly reopened Pafuri Lodge or The Outpost in northern Kruger. It's beautiful and very different flora and fauna than in the southern part of Kruger. Stay 2-3 nights.

Get a short road transfer to Mashatu in SE Botswana. Main camp is higher end and according to a very recent visitor has excellent food and great accommodations. Tented Camp is more rustic, but very kind staff and we'll run. Both are excellent options as the wildlife viewing is really great. Stay 3-4 nights. Fly back to JNB/home.

My favorite trip: Kruger area, beach/water activities in St Lucia, KZN safari: same as above for Kruger area lodge. Stay 3-4 nights.

Fly to Richards Bay or Durban (we rent a car and drive through Swaziland! It's fun) and get a road transfer or rent a car and get to my favorite fun town of St Lucia. It's on the Indian Ocean and has every water activity you can imagine plus beautiful beaches, horseback riding with zebra, kayak with hippos, whale watching, top ten scuba/snorkel. Too much to list. Stay in a condo or b&b in town and restaurants, beaches, shops and grocery are in walking distance. All activities can include a pick up if you choose not to have a car. It is really a fun town. Stay as long as you want. 2-3 nights minimum. You could also choose an exclusive beach stay at Rocktail or Thonga, if that's more your traveling style.

Road transfer or drive to Phinda Reserve or Rhino River Lodge in Zululand Rhino a Reserve. Both have excellent game viewing, Phinda has been established for a long time, ZRR is younger but still excellent. Phinda is an &Beyond property so combine with other &beyond lodge near Kruger - Kirkmans, Kings or Ngala Tented for a long stay discount. We did a rhino conservation project at Rhino River Lodge - they hold a very special place in my heart. Stay 3-4 nights. Fly home.

Both are excellent choices. Both fit into a 2 week timeframe. I would (and will!) do both again. I know it's a lot of info, so you have a lot of work to do! Enjoy your planning - it's part of the fun. No matter what you choose, you'll love it. I'm looking forward to visiting Argentina soon. It's next (if I could just stop visiting S Africa!).
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Old Nov 2nd, 2015, 06:43 PM
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take a look at my trip report from last summer... 18 days... or others that have had similar trips. when researching, i found that trip reports were important in giving me a real sense of what various itineraries are like.
it all seems overwhelming at first, but it will come together. it's all about making the decisions from so many choices!
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 06:05 AM
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Thanks for all the replies...

As someone said there ir a lot of information and now i have to investigate the places you mentioned...

Just something more...

1) Is it the flower route through the coast worth it?

2) Is it Johannesbourg worth it to stay some days there?

3) Do you need to rent a tour in order to make the safaries?

Thanks again!!
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 07:56 AM
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Hello Franco,
1.) The West Coast flower route you mention is seasonal and best around spring time, which in South Africa is in September. Some years the flowers are better than others. Whilst they are truly beautiful, some seasons absolutely magnificent, unfortunately your timing to view them won't be right.

2.) Staying in Johannesburg really depends on your interests. To get more out of your holiday, I would personally spend more time on safari or at the beach or in one of the other more scenic areas of the country.
It is possible that you may have to do an overnight in Johannesburg to facilitate your flights in/out of South Africa, in which case you could possibly look in on the Apartheid Museum which is worth a visit.

3.) Renting a car to do safaris is dependent on your choices.
If you want to do a self-drive holiday, and you choose to stay in Public Parks, then renting a car is imperative
You will need to drive to the Park and then self-drive within in the Park.
A self-drive safari means you have to stick to the (main)roads of the Park, you may not go off-road in your vehicle to follow the wildlife into the bush.
Many visitors choose to arrange transfers from the airport to the various lodges, and at the lodges, if you have chosen private lodges, you are then taken on safari drives in Land-rovers/Land-cruisers owned by the lodge and driven by lodge safari guides (sometimes accompanied by a tracker).
Many guests prefer prearranged transfers as this permits you to relax and take in your surrounds.
Another option would be to fly in to a smaller airport closer to the lodge(s) by small air-plane, it is costlier but quicker.
Once again, once at your lodge, if a private lodge, you would be taken on safari drives in the vehicles owned and driven by the lodge guides.
A fair number of local visitors opt for the self-drive option, whilst I would say that most Overseas visitors opt for the prearranged transfers and stay at private lodges.

Hope this is helpful,
Kind Regards,
Deborah - Southern Destinations
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 09:56 AM
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Hello Franco!

1) Might you be referring to the Garden Route and its coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and the surfing capital of Jeffrey's Bay? Incredible natural beauty there. Wonderful coastal hikes and opportunities to enjoy some great beaches, water activities and visits to nature reserves. If so, it's difficult to do the route in under 7 days. People attempt it in less but it means spending more time in the car than in the fresh air. There are many boutique and quaint hotels scattered along the shoreline. In April, the average temps range from mid 60s F to mid 70s F with May just slightly cooler on average.

2) If you had time to spare in JNB, then you could do a Soweto Day Tour of Jo'burg, the Museum Africa, the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum (great multimedia there!), and you could do a township tour if that's of interest. There are actually a number of cultural/historical tours available and if this is of interest. I would recommend that you pre-arrange this with a licensed private guide. Further afield, there's Cradle of Humankind. But again, depending upon your level of interest, this could be done if you have time to spare between flights or in transition during your trip.

3) Regarding self-drive within a Natl Park, I agree that the self-drive option works well for those who are local and live there and who have the luxury to return again and again for sightings. However, if you are not experienced in the field on tracking and animal behavior, there's a very good chance you will drive right by many animals. Even when an animal is VERY close to the road, their camouflage renders them nearly invisible. It is their best defense and they use it wisely!

When you are in a jeep with an experienced ranger, you benefit not only by their expertise in spotting and tracking but also by their knowledge of animal behavior. In addition, rangers work with each other on sightings so you will get to see and learn a lot while on game drives.

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 10:47 AM
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Sorry about my ignorance...

The "lodges" you´ve mentioned are like a kind of "hotel" inside the park? and they have their own safaries tour around the park? Am i correct?
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 12:04 PM
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Francolf

Please don't feel sorry that you have questions! We are all here to help! When I finally get around to traveling to Argentina to see BA and go a glorious wine tour, I'm sure I will have a ton of questions too!!

So yes, lodges are like "hotels"; however they tend to be smaller and more intimate, not only in number of rooms but there tends to be higher ratio of staff to guest than in a typical conventional hotel. Also, unlike a hotel as one large building with lots of rooms and serves all functions, lodges tend to have a number of outbuildings serving different functions. For example, the "rooms" at a lodge tend to be free standing units or there could be some connected together. There is usually a main building that serves as a gathering space in the early morning hours before game drive to have a bit of something to eat before you head off in the jeep. It's typically also where you gather for meals. There's also a boma which is an enclosed outdoor dining space, typically beautifully lit by candles and lanterns for atmosphere at night. So as you can see, it tends to be more spread out and less congested.

Tented Camps are similarly set up. Tents can also range from more moderate and basic accommodations to all out luxury with raised floors, aircon, and incredibly beautiful bathrooms (many clients say they're nicer than any bathroom they've seen elsewhere while traveling!) As with lodge suites, there can be a wide spectrum of amenities and luxuries. Something to meet all budgets and styles of travel.

As for touring around in the jeep, there is no prescribed "tour". Animals move freely and rangers, especially in private reserves, work together to share sightings so that guests can see the different animals. So you move about the area in an unstructured way. If you find an animal that you'd like to follow for a while, you may do so. It can be very fun going in and out of river bends, driving over bushes and such to keep him/her in sight. It's especially fun when animals are stalking or on the hunt. However, if you are in a National Park, it works a bit differently as you must stay on the road. Off road driving is not allowed so this changes the dynamic of game viewing a bit.

Hope this helps clarify some of the terminology that's used!

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
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Old Nov 3rd, 2015, 05:48 PM
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Private lodges are on private property outside of the national parks. Most near Kruger don't have fences between them and the national park, so they have even more room to roam. Many of us refer to the national park plus the adjacent private reserves as "greater Kruger". It's an amazing place. Just to confuse things, there are a few lodges inside Kruger working on "public concessions" - so they are private lodges on public land. Pretty controversial.

I love both, but I will try to give you the schedule at each so you can decide which is better for you. All times are very approximate, as it all depends on sunrise/sunset times.

At a private lodge:

45 minutes or so before sunrise, your ranger knocks on your door (or says good morning outside your tent) to wake you up. Get up, meet at the lodge, have coffee and a little snack, go out for your morning game drive before sunrise. The ranger is well trained to find animals, he has a radio to communicate with other rangers if animals are found and sometimes there's a tracker who is really good at seeing animals that I usually miss. If a lion or rhino goes off the road, the ranger can drive off road to follow it, if it's a particularly interesting sighting. Stop for coffee and a "bush break" a couple of hours in.

9-10:00 Return from your game drive (they last about 3-3.5 hours), brunch served.

Spend the afternoon at the pool, napping, hanging out in the lodge or in your bungalow/room

15:00 - Afternoon tea or light lunch

16:00 - afternoon game drive. Drinks/snack just after sunset.

19-20:00 - Return from game drive. A little time to freshen up and back to the lodge for dinner. Some lodges you dine as a big group, some as individuals/couples/families. I prefer big groups to hear about everyone's game viewing for the day and meeting new people.

Too late, go to bed.

That's your typical private lodge day - I've been to many (about 20, I'd guess) and they are all similar.

If you choose a rest camp in Kruger national park and self drive:

Wake up any time you want to. Check the gate times - you have to be in or out before they close. Usually near sunrise and sunset, never after dark. If you want to get out at sunrise to get the best game viewing, either make breakfast or pack breakfast (and lunch) to eat on the road (there are picnic areas). If you want to eat at a rest camp restaurant, they don't open until at least 7:00. You can either wait for them to open or drive, while looking for animals, to another rest camp and have breakfast.

Drive yourself on tar and/or gravel roads, keeping an eye out for creatures. Many times you'll find traffic jams where there is an interesting animal. No driving off road to follow them. Drive for as long as you want to, eat lunch on the road or back at your rest camp. Most camps have a pool, Skukuza has a golf course and museum. Get back before the gate closes.

Eat dinner either at a restaurant or cook yourself. Go to bed.

I love both experiences. We love being taken care of at private lodges and we love going on all day game drives in the park. We love the food at lodges and it's fun to cook out in the bush in the park. On a first safari, I'd do private lodges - they are in every price range. I prefer the more affordable ones, they are so personal and friendly with great rangers. The high end ones are just not my style.

Asking if something is "worth it" is impossible to answer. We all have different likes and preferences. I go to S Africa for safari, so the Garden Route is too "tame" for me and we spend time in cities to do stuff that's available - the Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind and the Lipizzaner horse show on Sundays in Joberg are all better than my high expectations. I'd rather go to KwaZulu Natal than the Garden Route. But it's a personal choice.

I made an error above - Pafuri hasn't reopened, but The Outpost is open in northern Kruger. Lovely area, so different. I wish Pafuri hadn't been destroyed in the 2012 floods.

Believe me, we were all "ignorant" before we went the first time. It is all so much better than I could even dream about. No matter what you choose, you're going to love it. Have fun planning! Come back with any and all questions.
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Old Nov 4th, 2015, 06:33 AM
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You are great!! Thanks for all the clear and very useful explanations... now I´m understanding how it works... and i have to investigate...

I was looking a pair of lodges in the internet and I found them very expensive!! (around usd 1200 per person per night).
Are there cheaper ones and good options as well??
Which lodges do you recommend??

All of them includes food and safaris in their prices??

Thanks again!!
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Old Nov 4th, 2015, 08:01 AM
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Yes, Franco, there are very expensive lodges. They are also the ones that pop up on top of internet searches because they can afford to pay for it.

I prefer the more affordable ones. For mid price, try Kirkmans, Kings Kamp, Nottens, Cheetah Plains (there are many more). For affordable, try Arathusa, Gomo Gomo, Shindzela (very friendly but rustic), Africa on Foot, nDzuti and nThambo. Look for lodges that quote in Rands, you'll get a better value right now than the ones that quote in USD. Check www.sabisand.co.za for all lodges in the excellent Sabi Sand reserve. I like Arathusa for location and the waterhole. Get a room overlooking the waterhole and watch animals visit all day between game drives. Africa on Foot and nThambo are famous for their great rangers. Kirkmans would be my mid range choice for excellent all around value. There are many great ones and everyone has different favorites.

If you want to use an agent to help with your arrangements, Wild-Wings is highly recommended and will work with you to plan your perfect trip when you are ready. They can arrange your domestic flights and transfers, plus any tours you want to take in Cape Town or Joberg. No car required if you don't want to drive. It is generally no more expensive to use an agent than trying to arrange it yourself. I like W-W because they will arrange a very high end or an affordable trip, within any budget.

Private lodges include food (generally very good, local and abundant) and game drives. expensive ones also include drinks and laundry. The affordable lodges will have more people in the game drive vehicle (up to ten!), the high end ones will limit that to 6. For some, that's very important. For me, not so much. We've been lucky to have fun large groups and sometimes our vehicles have been just us two. Luck of the draw. All but one of our rangers have been excellent (and he wasn't bad, just grouchy).

If you consider KZN, look into Rhino River Lodge. Excellent value, great reserve, even better people. Very easy to get to from the coast. See their Facebook and Instagram for some of their great work. No, I don't work for them, I just really like them. I want to live there.

Enjoy your planning!
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Old Nov 5th, 2015, 04:32 AM
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ok! that´s perfect!

If I´m staying in Cape Town... how is the best way to arrive to the lodges? Do I have to go to Johannesburgo first?

Are dangerous the safaris?? I read on internet of people attacked by animals...
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Old Nov 5th, 2015, 04:56 AM
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Hi Francolf!

There are a number of airports that serve the lodges in the Greater Kruger area and you can fly direct from Cape Town. Once you decide on your lodge accommodation, you then pursue the flights/transfers to get there. For the most part, you don't have to fly thru JNB but it does depend upon your lodge choice, day of the week, etc.

Safaris are not dangerous if you follow the safety rules provided by your lodge and your ranger. Since the opening of the national parks many years ago, the animals have become habituated to the profile of the jeep and animals have thus learned that jeeps are not a threat. This is passed down from generation to generation. Rangers will advise you not to make loud noises around the animals, nor wear bright colors nor stand up in the jeep, among other things. Of course, it is never safe to get out of jeep!

Hope this helps.

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA
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Old Nov 6th, 2015, 10:13 AM
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What is the difference between the "public" Kruger park and the "private" Kruger Park?

I saw a map on internet showing a lot of private game reserves, what are the differences between them?? When you pass from a reserve to another is there a border?
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Old Nov 6th, 2015, 10:46 AM
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No fences, except in Thornybush, one of the private reserves that is still fenced off from the rest for managerial reasons. Many dirt roads form the border between private reserves, as well as reserves and the park. You seem to be overthinking it - I gave descriptions of the main differences above. Just decide which experience you would prefer (or do both). The difference is ownership and management - Sabi Sand is the oldest so animals have been living and passing through there the longest. The other reserves like Timbavati and Balule are younger, but the wildlife has had a long time to learn the areas so the sightings are becoming very similar. Kruger National Park is owned and run by S Africa, the reserves are privately owned and have to follow very strict rules because there are no fences and S Africa doesn't want to put "their" wildlife into danger by taking down the fences where they might allow bad behavior. It works well for everyone, generally.

I've been on close to 100 game drives - it's never been dangerous for me, along with everyone here. I've been less than a meter from a male lion, an elephant's trunk almost touched me and rhinos jousted right in front of me. Most of the time they are a reasonable distance, but occasionally you get lucky and they pass close. It was all thrilling. Just don't do stupid things and you'll be fine. Believe elephants when they act mad. Don't get between moms and their children. Don't reach out to touch them. Get out of the way if you're in their way. No fences, except in Thornybush, one of the private reserves that is still fenced off from the rest for managerial reasons. Many dirt roads form the border between private reserves, as well as reserves and the park. You seem to be overthinking it - I gave descriptions of the main differences above. Just decide which experience you would prefer (or do both). The difference is ownership and management - Sabi Sand is the oldest so animals have been living and passing through there the longest. The other reserves like Timbavati and Klaserie are younger, but the wildlife has had a long time to learn the areas so the sightings are becoming very similar. Kruger National Park is owned and run by S Africa, the reserves are privately owned and have to follow very strict rules because there are no fences and S Africa doesn't want to put "their" wildlife into danger by taking down the fences where they might allow bad behavior. It works well for everyone, generally. For excellent wildlife stick to lodges in Sabi Sand, timbavati and Klaserie. I recommended a few good ones above.

I've been on close to 100 game drives - it's never been dangerous for me, along with everyone here. I've been less than a meter from a male lion, an elephant's trunk almost touched me and rhinos jousted right in front of me. Most of the time they are a reasonable distance, but occasionally you get lucky and they pass close. It was all thrilling. Just don't do stupid things and you'll be fine. Believe elephants when they act mad. Don't get between moms and their children. Don't reach out to touch them. Get out of the way if you're in their way.

Try to enjoy your planning - I remember the first one and it can be overwhelming.
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Old Nov 11th, 2015, 10:07 AM
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Hello everyone again!!

This is the itinerary I´m thinking about.

domingo Johannesburgo
lunes Johannesburgo
martes Johannesburgo
miércoles Kruger
jueves Kruger
viernes Kruger
sábado Kruger
domingo Kruger
lunes Kruger
martes Cape Town
miércoles Cape Town
jueves Cape Town
viernes Cape Town
sábado Cape Town
domingo Cape Town

We´d like to visit Johannesburgo, that´s why i thought of 3 days there.. what do you think about it? Is it worth it to visit Pretoria as well?? I read on the internet very bad comments about Johannesburgo and its dangers... is it as unsafe as i read? I read that it´s very dangerous to visit the downtown and to go out at night...

About the days in Kruger.. If i want to split the days in two reserves.. which ones do you recommend? you told me about Sabi Sand...

Well.. i will be waiting for your advices and critics

Thanks!
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Old Nov 11th, 2015, 07:03 PM
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That looks good - I'm a safari girl so would increase the safari time, but we are all different. I did have to ask my husband about the Spanish days, but I figured it out .

Joberg is as safe as any other city if you use common sense. There are areas to enjoy and avoid - like everywhere. I don't think there's much to do, so do specific things you want to do and fly in/out. We have been to the Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind and the caves, the Lippizaner (those dancing white horses) stable and show on Sundays and a few nights in transit through JNB. I'm not sure what's in Pretoria except government buildings - if there's something you are interested in, by all means go.

Quite a few lodges are mentioned above - reread them for some great suggestions. If you want mid priced at two different reserves, go to a lodge in Timbavati or Klaserie reserves first, and end in Sabi Sand (they are all outstanding with excellent game viewing). For better value, lodges that quote in Rand will be lower priced right now because the currency is in trouble.

That's a long time in Cape Town. Not sure what you're planning. I would skip the days in Joberg and do:
Cape Town first for 4-5 nights, fly to Durban and spend a few days on the beach and fun activities in St Lucia, then visit Phinda or Rhino River Lodge for 3-4 nights, fly to Kruger from Durban and spend 4 nights as your grand finale at Kirkmans. Phinda and Kirkmans are owned by the same co, so you get long stay discounts plus their current flight special and they quote in Rand. Rhino River Lodge is my very favorite lodge at a much more affordable rate. Excellent values right now - granted, not as good as against the USD, but still better than ever before! If Phinda or RRL don't excite you, try Ngala Tented in Timbavati for same discount as above, or the Africa on Foot camps. Do Kirkmans or any Sabi Sand lodge you choose last. Fly homethrough JNB. My perfect trip (for me). A couple of us recommende a similar itinerary above. I like to do safari last - it's the highlight.

Please check out the St Lucia tourism website for all of the fun stuff to do:
www.stluciasouthafrica.com

Have fun planning.
christabir is offline  
Old Nov 15th, 2015, 05:12 PM
  #20  
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Thanks again!!

Sorry aboout the spanish days!.. I have a sheet in excel and i forgot to translate them haha

Another question... If I want to stay some days in a lodge in the Sabi Sand and a few other days in a lodge in the KZN area... are there flight conections between this areas or i have to do it through Johannesburg....

Thanks!
francolf is offline  

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