MY HUSBAND AND I WILL BE IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR CONFERENCE IN DURBAN IN AUGUST 2007....WE'D LIKE TO GO TO EITHER KRUGER OR ZULU NYALA FOLLOWING FOR APPROX 5 DAYS -ADVICE PLEASE AS TO WHICH IS PREFERABLE AND WHY.....WE DONT NEED HIGH END ACCOMMODATIONS ....WE DONT WANT CROWDS.... OUR PREFERENCE IS EXCELLENT GUIDES, GREAT DAILY ANIMAL TOURS (LIONS TOO) WITH TONS OF INFO PROVIDED....THANKS FOR ANY HELP..
JODY

I was at both and I think Kruguer had better game viewing. I stayed at high end lodges - if you want to see reviews and pictures they are at http://www.bombasticlife.com/paf-south-africa.html

Service was top notch at both places we stayed at - and the best part - very few people either. both were great - hope it helps.

My advice - do not type in all capital letters.
regards - tom

Capital letters are for yelling; I don't like it either!

It's very easy to get to Phinda from Durban...a quick charter flight. While Kruger will require you to go through Jo'burg. Phinda is not cheap, but it's not outrageous either. And as of about two weeks ago, they still had availability.

I can vouch for Kruger. Just came back and loved every second. It's really easy to see game driving along on your own and each camp offers a variety of guided tours morning, afternoon, and night drives or walks. Although we did not see a leopard - we saw the rest of the big five around lower sabie. The camps are clean and inexpensive - on average R250 per night.

I'm sure you can fly from Durban to Nelspruit w/o a problem and drive to the park. I'd recommend 2 nights at lower sabie and 2 nights further north (satara or lataba).

I'm sure it'll be amazing experience regardless of where you choose!

I would go to Mala Mala, but thats my answer to every question.

napamatt - MalaMala, Mombo... where would you go in Zambia?

Nyama

I have not yet visited Zambia, so I do not feel qualified to make suggestions. Also I am the first to admit a liking for luxury.
My TA is spending time in Zambia this year and based on his recommendations, I may go in the future.

JMSD,
Since you will be down in the Kwa Zulu area I HIGHLY recommend Mkuze Falls, they have two camps one tented and the other brick and mortar, the latter more upscale and luxurious than its tented namesake. Tents are quite adequate, well located, warmly appointed, air conditioned with en-suite facilities. I forget the rate, but remember being astounded by the value AND it is in a Private Game Reserve that boasts the "big Five" with cheetah and IMO some stunning countryside.

napamatt - Kafue has 481 bird species, and if looking at my photos, I guess you would like Shumba.

Nyama

I'm actually finding there is quite a pull to go to Mvuu in Malawi where the one night birding record is 266 species. Problem may be getting the wife to go.