We are planning to take our two teen sons to Africa for a month July/August 07. We were in Kenya in 91 and loved it-- drove ourselves around, camped all over the place. Can one still do that? What about self-drives in Tanzania? South Africa and Namibia are recommended self-drive countries, but can you count on teeming game there, too? Its all about abundant wildlife for these boys of ours.

All insight welcome!

if you want abundant wildlife the place to go in August is the Masai Mara in southern Kenya for the Migration. there are many great places to stay in the park and outside. we are going for the first time in three weeks. others are experts so listen more to them if anyone else posts a reply.

good luck,

Kevin from California

p.s. you sons would especially enjoy the crocodilles going after the wildebeest trying to cross the Mara river. I know my 18 year old son is eagerly looking forward to it.

no, South Africa and Namibia do not teem with game. There are national parks that do though, so a well planned road trip between the parks would afford you some tremendous game vioewing exoperiences.

The geography of these countries is such that the vast plains of east Africa will not be enjoyed in the south. In the past they did, but those lands have long since been inhabited by man and turned over to a highly productive agricultural industry.

However you can still camp throught both countries and for your efforts you will be rewarded with a rich and diverse experience, which is unparalled elsewhere in Africa.

Now if you need recommendations on your route, I will be happy to share some insights. I have travelled both countries, length and breadth of both over many years. Just ask./

Thank you Kevin -- have a great trip and please post a trip report when you get back!

MKHonzo, we would LOVE your insights into itineraries for South Africa and Namibia self drive camping tour(s). We thought if we did that part of the continent we would focus on Namibia, as long as we can see plenty of wildlife there. If we should be adding Botswana (or other neighboring countries for that matter) please also let us know. We just want to make sure we have plenty of time wherever we go to not feel rushed. What do you think?

I’ve driven all over Southern Africa and East Africa. Basically from Ethiopia and Uganda to South Africa/Namibia and all the countries in between. Depending on how much you like to drive and do a hangout to see game combo, I would recommend a tour that included Zambia and a few days at Mana Pools(Zimbabwe for canoeing, bush walks and great game viewing among the other activities), and if extra time, Moremi and Chobe in Botswana.

As been said, SA and Namibia does not have the ‘abundant’ game you are probably looking for. SA seems more like US at times and then it has its parks behind fences and Namibia really has only Etosha for game, and its camping at some less then desirable camps in the park. If you want to get out for a real feel of Africa; Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana will do that.

I just assisted in planning an itinerary for some SA overlanders to Zambia. They were last seen a week ago by an operator near the beginning of their safari on the Delia Cutline in North Luangwa National Park with their 7 vehicles. Their last trip was to Angola.

For this itinerary I suggest your port of arrival and departure be Johannesburg International. Where you can pick up your hired vehicle and camping equipment.
Then hit the road westward for starters.

First stop.
Pilanesburg National Park, which is about two hours drive from JNB.
Camping sights are available as are small rustic camp sights if you desire.
Recommend two nights here.
Second stop.
Continue west, for about seven hours to the Augrabies Falls National Park.
Suggest two nights for a full day of viewing.
Third stop.
Head north to the Kglagadi Transfrontier National Park.
Couple of campsites available here, you will need to book them in advance.
Fourth stop.
Mariental, which is in Namibia.
Depending on your time you could deviate and continue east to Luderitz to see the ghost town of Kolmanskop., also hanging around in that area might afford you a sighting of the desert horses.
Fifth stop.
Naukluft National Park, but en-route maybe a night to take in the beauty of sossuvlei.
Sixth stop.
Swakopmund to catch your breath and replenish food, water etc.
Long drive up to Etosha,
Seventh stop.
Caprivi National Park, here there are camp sights near susuwe island on the kwando river.
From there pick your way cross to Mudumo and on to Chobe. You could add an additional night by heading into Vic falls to see the views.
Eight stop.
Chobe national Park.
Then head south through Francis town and into Maun, spend a few nights either camping in the delta or use a structured lodge before continuing south back to SA
Exit Bots at Elisrus and head west cross country through the waterburg and into the Kruger, big day of driving and maybe worth stopping at a public campsite en-route.
Tenth stop
Now becomes Phlaborwa gate to the Kruger.
Next few stops can be Olifnats, Skukuza & lower Sabi, all with camp sights in the kruger.

Now if time allows you can head down into Kwazulu natal for the umfolozi, st lucia wetlands and more.
If time doesn’t it’s a five hour drive back to JNB.

Let me know if you need more?

mkhonzo
Thats alot of driving and not much time for game viewing. Besides, your driving past some very good places to game view. That kind of trip can be done in a car too.

What I am suggesting is a 4x4 safari. Something that has some of the best game viewing in some of the best parks in Africa and activities to go with. Keep the teenagers happy too.

If you want an example of an itinerary that some friends worked off of last last year.
luangwablondes at juno dot com

Thank you mkhonzo, for that sample itinerary. And to luangwablondes for some really helpful feedback.

We are wondering also about Tanzania-- can anyone chime in on the self drive camping options there? Other countries we should be considering?What we're really after is this: If we have this one chance to share a month in Africa with our boys, where should we go? What is the ultimate trip of a lifetime? We do not have unlimited funds (tho we do have some!) so where can we get the biggest bang for our stretched bucks?

Thank you!

Unfortunately, Tanzania can be quite expensive for what you get. The park fees are exorbitant. Renting a 4x4 compared to Southern Africa is also the same. Although I love Tanz, places like the Serengeti and The Crater are busy with vehicles and the campsites leave alot to be desired in general. So if you can get over this, then things could be alright. I prefer Tanz for its many remote, unpopulated and hard to get to places-off the beaten path. Few get there which is fine with me.
Comparably, I believe that, and this is where I keep returning, for your best selfdrive safaris are in Zambia, Zimbabwe and with abit of timing and insight, Botswana. Botswana restricts numbers in their parks by having few campsites available to the high demand.
And your timing for '07 is the very peak in Southern Africa. So to get a campsite in Moremi, now is the time to move. You will find that can be a problem in NAM and SA also for the prime sites. And those 2 have alot more people/vehicles they allow in the parks.
Finally, it is hard to ignore that some of the best parks in Africa are in these countries. Mana Pools, South Luangwa NP, NLNP, Chobe, Moremi, Hwange, are good examples.
Look at www.zimparks.com/html/manapools.html

Then bang for your buck
www.zimparks.com/html/tarrifs.html

Do we worry about the political situation in Zim? Not sure I want to put any more dollars in Mugabe's war chest... but maybe this is when the people there need us most?

luangwablondes

Interesting about the group in 7 vehicles from South Africa. I believe we saw them broken down on a road in South Luangwa Park about June 30th. The axle had broken on one of their vehicles and they had been waiting over 5 hours for a new axle to be delieved. When we saw them they were cooking by the side of the road. There seemed to be a lot of children with them.

raelond

Sounds like Jacs group. Thanks.

Its has been quite safe for foreigners fortunately from the current reports I've seen. Besides, the parks to visit are faraway from any kind of action. You stock all the supplies out of country, fuel/food, and only worry about park fees. Pay in Vic Falls with $$ anyway, the merchants prefer hard currency mostly.
So, in the end, for the billions of USD that Mugabe is in the hole, your spent money there is a drop in a huge bottomless bucket.

The blondes, yes it is an epic trip, Suzie B indicated she had a month.
Driving days account for about ten full days in total, that leaves twenty odd for the game viewing. Not sure where I missed the game en-route, as that itinerary kinda steers them through some of the most dramatic parks of the area.

It is A suggestion, naturally there are deviations and entirely different routes. I for one am uncomfortable recommending a single family take the expedition from Kasane through Savuti and down to Maun. Too much can go wrong with little oportunity for help. But if they wanted that, well yeaah bring it on.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter to me where they go, but that is a trip I have done an know what a charming, attractive and game rewarding journey it can be.

Sorry mkhonzo
They are looking for wildlife.What I have in mind involves only 2 long days of just driving. Lots of game viewing and choice of some activities along the way. Remember-teenagers. Great off the beaten track stuff. It can be A real African experience. Passing through villages that see few tourists. Being able to stop and buy fruit, eggs and veggies at the local markets also. Take along some old clothes/takkies and barter for stuff. A couple river crossings-you can arrange locals to assist-its fun and safe if you are- watch for crocs and hippos-let the locals do the work. Or for the big one-Luangwa River- ride the pontoon. Great photo ops besides just animals and a memorable trip of a life time.

focusing on Zambia, with a foray into Zim, has become an intriguing idea around here. What is known of Flatdogs? Website makes it sound like a perfect fit for our teens (and even their parents). If Flatdogs is good, are there other choices like it in other places we might wind up?

We will also want a 4WD camping vehicle-- where is best to rent that?

Thanks much

(posted this earlier and note didnt appear. tryig again)

SuzieB
I have something I can mail you that answers all your questions and then some.

luangwablondes at juno dot com