laurin

We are flying into Johanesberg on October 11th arriving in the morning and then departing Johanesberg on October 26th in the evening. We are struggling with our itineray. I want to see Capetown and do an East African safari. At this point our airfare is free and the dates are firm. Any suggestions for planning a trip?

atravelynn

If that is your goal, it is certainly possible. Now tell us what you had in mind in East Africa.

For example, is it important for you to see the Ngorongoro Crater? You'll probably want to see the migration, which would likely be best in the Masai Mara in mid-October. Would your entire safari activities take place in East Africa? How long do you think you'd spend in Cape Town?

There is some exciting planning to do!

laurin

We would only need to spend a few days in Capetown. We are open to a safari in S. Africa or Botswana too. Our feeling is, if this is the only time we go to Africa, we need to see the best it has to offer. I have heard that Capetown is wonderful and a safari is not to be missed. We want to make the most of it. Any suggested itineraries would be appreciated.

thit_cho

I'm sure you've figured out that adding an East Africa safari will involve a lot of traveling, and that you can reduce the number of days you spend traveling by going on safari in southern Africa (like Etosha in Namibia, Okavango or Chobe in Botswana, Kruger in South Africa or South Luangwa in Zambia -- all are world class safari destinations).

But if you're set on East Africa, its probably easiest to reach Masai Mara, which will involve flights from Cape Town to Nairobi (which may involve a transfer) and then flight to Masai Mara.

With only two weeks in Africa, you will spend a lot of time on the plane if you are determined to visit Kenya or Tanzania, but its possible.

atravelynn

If you are open to doing your safari in Southern Africa, then that would save time flying about the continent.

However, Southern Africa is generally more expensive than East Africa.

You can see some great game in either Southern or Eastern Africa. If the migration or the Ngorongoro Crater is important, then Tanzania and maybe Kenya would be in order. If those are not requirements, then Southern Africa works nicely. In fact, you could have a wonderful safari without leaving South Africa.

You could also include Victoria Falls from either Zambia or Zimbabwe, if you wish. Since you mentioned "the best Africa has to offer" then this world wonder may something you want to include.

If you decide to do your wildlife viewing in South Africa, others can give better first hand advice about those particular parks, but a possibility would be Cape Town, do your safari in South Africa, maybe a park in Botwsana or Zimbabwe, then end in Victoria Falls with elephant riding at Elephant Camp. That is a pricier option in Vic Falls, but in line with a unique opportunity and "best Africa offers."

See if this is along the lines of what you are interested in. If not, we know what you don't want.