uhoh_busted

We spent 2 nights in 3 different (Botswana) camps on our first safari in 2004. We LOVED every minute, but felt that we probably would have preferred to spend 3 nights in 2 camps. (In other words, I agree with Tom.) We're finally able to go back this coming fall, and picked a trip that gives us 12 nights on safari, with 3 nights in four different camps.

It sounds like your week in Malawi is going to provide an excellent experience for the whole family and your South African safari plans will finish it out with an exciting "vacation."

annhig

hi venturesome,

I've only jsut found your thread, so apologies if I'm joining too late to be of any use to you.

we took out "kids" to SA when they were 18 & 15 - so only a bit older than yours. My original idea had been to do a safari only trip, but the family vetoed that, think goodness. though we enjoyed the 3 days safari we had, we loved the other stuff we did too. Cape Town is a great place to spend a few days with table mountain and the museums, then there is whale-watching along the south coast, a day's trip to the cape and boulders beach to see the penguins, the ostrich farms, Plettenberg Bay, Tsisttsikama [?spelling] forest, the world's highest bungy jump at Blukrans bridge, etc. etc.

one thing to remember in July is that the weather may not be perfect and that can make sitting in a landrover for long periods quite miserable. so it may be a good idea to have some other activities worknig into teh plan.

regards, ann

venturesome4

Ann, I had a 3 day safari about 25 yrs ago and initially had thought that this would be way too short. I actually found it was the right amount of time since I like to be active, so doing some other activities sounds like a plan. I know that it is Winter in July but hey, we are from Seattle and are used to less than stellar weather thanks also Tom and uhoh for the advice to go to only one camp. I am inclined to stay just at one. With a 3 day stay would it just end up effectively 2 days on safari or can I expect bits of another day?
Thanks as always for the excellent and rapid advice!
Evelyn

cary999

VS4 - you're at camp for the game drives, two a day. Typically the morning game drive is between 6:30am until 9:30am and the afternoon drive between 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Arrange your arrival and departure to get the most of those. That is, get to camp early enough to do the afternoon game drive. And leave camp after the morning game drive (and after breakfast).

regards - tom

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annhig

hi evelyn,

we made a big mistake when we arrived at Shamwari [though it wasn't entirely our fault - our agent should have warned us, IMO]. what we had not appreciated was that they expected us for lunch, after which a game-drive was arranged. by chance, we got there just in time for the game drive, but we could just as easily have rolled up too late.

also, on the day we left, there was an early morning game drive, followed by brunch, after which we were expected to check-out. so by booking 2 nights, we [should have] got 2 full days.

so check with the properties that you are interested in what their schedule is - you may find that 2 nights actually does = 2 days.

and at the prices they charge, it would be a shame to miss something you have paid for.

regards, ann

venturesome4

Hi gang, We have the option to stay at Hamilton tented camp for 3 days that won't break the bank. I looked here on fodor's for info but there is nothing recent. Trip advisor reports are favorable in general. I would love to hear from someone who has been there or might know something about it. I understand it is within the park and that there is no off road due to that constriction, but otherwise don't have a good sense of it. Also, for those who use fodors a lot, should I consider starting a new thread just for this question? Any ideas would be much appreciated!
sincerely,
Evelyn Vinopal

venturesome4

I have been getting more data and have some possibilities for Sabi Sabi Bush camp vs. Kings Camp. Which one would you recommend? We are considering spending 4-5 nights just at the one camp du to cost concerns. I like to take photos but they are a documentation of the fun our family is having and are not particularly well done. I have discussed the options with my family and they would like to do some day walks with the animals and it looks like this is available at Sabi Sabi but not Kings Camp. Is that correct? also any particular guides that you would recommend ?
thanks
Evelyn

cary999

"day walks with the animals"
You sure they promote this as "with the animals"? All camps offer guided walks, usually after the morning game drive and breakfast. But they purposely avoid the big 5 and the walks are basically a "plant and poop" walk. Unless Sabi Sabi does it differently. Check it out carefully so that you are not disappointed.

As for which camp, SS or KC, I'd go with the one of least cost and least cost for transportation getting to and from, i.e. total cost. And keeping in mind having game drives the day you arrive and leave.

regards - tom

venturesome4

Thanks Tom. King's Camp is no longer available and we have been offered 3 options.
1) Sabi Sabi bush camp x 3 nights and 1 night Sabi Sabi lodge
2) Simbambili x 4 nights
3)Tintswalo x 4 nights
4) combo of 2 and 3 since they are close together
Any thoughts on best choice? We are inclined to do 1)
Sincerely,
Evelyn .

cary999

Not been to any of these. Perhaps others here have.

regards - tom

venturesome4

Atravelynn,
I know that you mentioned where to go for meerkats. Are there any closer to Jo'burg or in Kruger Area ? It sounds like there are some in Lesotho but I hear it is snowy there in the winter.
Evelyn