atravelynn

When you go, you might be visiting the medicine MAN. We almost had a scheduling problem with our village psychic (The Songoma)because it was pension check day and she walked to the distribution center to get hers. We could have missed her, but didn't. Maybe that's cuz she's psychic!

There are 4 properties in Phinda.

North: Forest and the more expensive, smaller Vlei

South: Mountain and the more expensive, smaller Rock

You can contact CC Africa directly about the most kid friendly, and maybe already you have if you found out that they let the kids help in the kitchen.

I remember a teenage visitor to Phinda that managed to play some soccer with kids in the village. At the completion of my village/Songoma visit when we were at the craft shop, there were kids playing soccer. You might be able to arrange some soccer interaction, especially if you brought along a deflated soccer ball. That is common, but I forget how people pump them up. Bring a pump? Use one from vehicle? I've never done it.

Glad to learn the porcupine is secured.

tbug

Would you recommend cuttting the trip back to just 2 properties and staying longer at each ie a sabi sands property and Cape town or Phinda and skip Vic falls and Bots altogether?

Poppins

remember that Cape Town will be cold and probably rainy when you are traveling, so not the best option.

I would do Kruger, Phinda if you want to, and definitely Vic Falls. If you decide not to do Phinda, then do Chobe so you can do the water based safari.

tbug

Can anyone help me with the logistics of Sabi Sands to say Vic Falls/Chobe as an option? Fly into Vic Falls Airport or Kasane to Joberg vice versa? Do you spend a night in Joberg either way?

atravelynn

Two properties and longer at each is fine too. That seems to be more appealing to wildlife enthusiasts who want to get a feel for an area, have prolonged observation of the species there, and develop more of a relationship with the staff. I don't know that longer stays fit in with kids' agendas, unless it was Phinda where you were doing a different activity each day. Phinda has a program where you can spend a week and do something different each day.

For flight logistics, you will have to fly back to Johannesburg from the Sabi Sands to go elsewhere, like Victoria Falls or Livingstone. When departing Chobe, you may want to leave from Kasane airport.

You can use kayak.com to get flights. Or you may be nearing the point where an agent would be handy.

The advantage of Vic Falls/Livingstone besides its awe inspiring beauty is that the kids can let off steam and round around, unlike the confines of the bush.

Taking weather, kids in general and the apparent interest of your kids in wildlife, uniqueness of activities, variety of habitats/wildlife, and logistics into account, I'd still do

1 Arrive Vic Falls
2 Vic Falls
3-4 Chobe
5 to SA
6-7-8 Phinda
9 transit—you can fly direct but it is costly, maybe for 6 or 7 you could get a deal.
10-11-12 Sabi Sands
Add 4 for travel and that’s 16 days

Drum_Africa_Tours

Hi Tbug,

Sounds like your family is in for a fun trip. I have read all the replies and I think you have some great advise here. If I may offer my humble 2 cents worth.

Cape Town offers so much and the Garden Route even more. I see someone mentioned Outdshoorn, here you will find the Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife, Ostrich farms and croc farms. I also see that the Treetop canopying has been mentioned - this something that even your husband will love - what man does not like zipping down a rope. Also in the area you will find the Knysna Elephant park, they do elephant encounters, I see you were thinking about the elephants rides. I think it was Poppins (I stand corrected) who mentioned Lalibela and specifically Marks Camp - what an amazing place, they do cater for kids specifically and I am very sure they will give you your own vehicle. Also in the area is River Bend Lodge - they are situated in the Addo Elephant park and specifically mention that they welcome kids.
If you spend 3-4 days in Cape Town, and yes, do visit Spier as your husband can do the wine tasting while you and the kids do an eagle feeding experience and the cheetah enclosure. Move on down the Garden Route stopping in Oudtshoorn for one night. This all with a guide who can drive and tell you about the area. From here he can take you to George and you can hop on the Outenique Choo-Choo and drive all the way along the coast to Knysna, your next destination. He will pick you up here and you can do a sunset cruise on the John Benn Ferry. You can easily spend 2-3 days here, but let's say 3 days/ 2 nights, leaving for Plettenberg Bay on the 3rd day. You can sleep over in Plett and drive on to Port Elizabeth, fly from PE to Phinda and spend at least 3 nights in the Mountain Lodge(as already mentioned they are slightly less expensive than Vlei) and cater for kids. They can do horse rides and exciting things. From here you can charter a flight directly into the Kruger and spend a few days at Inyati - again a stunning game reserve that welcomes kids.
Zambia is great yes, and it would be an amazing experience so if you want, I would suggest you can do a lovely drive back through Mpumhalanga, past Gods Window, Burkes Potholes, the Three Rondawels (mountains looking like huts) and then fly to Livingston. There are cultural villages there that will give your kids a bit of a African experience or (the way they sound) a helicopter flip might be more their speed.

But my suggestion, there is so much to do and see in Cape Town and the Garden Route and even in Johannesburg, there is a Soweto Tour, a History of Gold Tour and you could combine all of this, but I would suggest you split the times at safaris up - one can only see so many animals, and kids do start getting bored. Especially if they are as energetic as yours seem to be.

I hope this helps you, I know you have got so many great ideas already, but if you need any help please feel free to contact me on mail.

tbug

Still having trouble with the basic question East Africa or SA for the first time family. Seems there is great game viewing and plenty of quality other African activities for kids in either region (especially if I consider the option of Kenya). Gardern Route sounds fantastic too. Too many great places - Either way I believe the trip will have to be summer 2009 instead of 2008.

Met with a friend for breakfast yesterday she and kids of similar ages went to africa twice.

Trip 1 - to Sabi Sands (Ulasaba and Mala Mala), Cape Town, and Sun City (not on my list).

Trip 2 - Kenya - Tanzania Borara Lodge , Loisaba, Koija Starbeds, Crater, Sasakwa (certainly not in my budget to do all but definitely a variation from the 2 game drives a day). Anyone else have any experience with any of these properties?

Surprise they of course loved both trips. She thought the older kids liked the SA a little better and younger Ken/Tan. Anyone is welcome to share their thoughts. May come down to availablity and budget.

annhig

Hi again, tbug,

I'm still rooting for SA. if it turns out that your and your kids love the game viewing, you could do Kenya/Tanzania another time.

if they hate it [or if even one of them does] or are indifferent that's a long time to put up with a whinger. in SA, if they don't like one activity, they will like the next.

regards, ann

sandi

Right now there are many properties in Kenya offering "special" prices. Due to the earlier (January) political upheaval. You could probably still get some pretty good deals for travel this coming summer. In August (thru Oct), especially, there's the migration in the Masai Mara. Very little available in Tanzania for July/August.

Lots of the smaller properties throughout the country have "family" cottages/tents.

All of the kids will be entitled to discounts, so your budget might not take that much of a hit. However, you still have to check availability for air from wherever to Nairobi.

atravelynn

Your last sentence was going to be my comment. Budget & availability.

In North America's summer months, Southern Africa typically gets colder at night than East Africa, if that makes a difference.

Drum_Africa_Tours

Hey tbug,

I'm with annhig - my vote is for SA - like she said if your kids like the game drives you can always do it again. There is more than enough to see so that you would need to come again. Yes, we would love for you to do more than one visit to SA.

Sun City - fun place for the kids, and for you if you like water and slides and things. Although again, the time of year. It is much warmer up there so it might be fine. Unless you are into gambling as there is a huge casino. but they do have some great game farms around the area - KwaMaritane and Bakubang, who also cater for kids. Oh and there is a special, they are part of the Legacy Hotels group. They have a special that if you stay in 3 of their properties the 3rd property is discounted at 20% for bush lodges. They also discount on kids at some of their properties. The other places mentioned will be a loss if you don't see it. If you do stay at KwaMaritane or Bakubang you could do a day trip to Sun City - yeh that I would suggest, maybe just to see and the kids to do the Valley of Waves - they will love this. Being a kid myself (at heart of course) it's great fun and will keep them entertained for the whole day.

tbug

poppins - if you are out there I read in editor wants to know thread about your Vic Falls experience of swimming on the edge. A friend just emailed me pics of visitors on the edge and I don't know whether to congratulate you for your courage or think you are just mad. WOW really I am amazed. Curious did you go thinking that it was an experience you were looking forward to or just get caught up in the moment... because when I look at the pictures I can only think no way and that is just a pic.

Poppins

tbug, i was at the falls and thught, what the heck, lets try it out.

Strangely the most scary part was swimming across the falls a little further up, in order to get to the pool. The water was dragging me down and I was doggy paddling madly!

The pool where the pics are taken, right on the edge, does have rocks which keep you from falling over the edge, but there is a huge push from the bottom. My friends comment was that for $45 you would expect to at least be tied to a tree, just in case!!

It was an incredible experience though and well worthwhile.

Just on the Garden Route. If you are traveling in our (SA) summer, then the Garden Route is a really good idea. In winter, I would go with Vic Falls for activities.

Drum_Africa_Tours

Wow Poppins you actually swam on the edge of the FALLS??? I am sure bungy jumping doesn't come close to an experience like that - YOU GIRL!!!
Can I ask do you have to pay for it and do they have an operator who specifically sells and experience like this?? Relly would be interested in knowing to offer to future clients - what a rush...

Poppins

I booked it through Bushtracks Africa (who are a very reliable ground operator in Zambia and who I use for transfers as well). The cost was $45 each and includes the swim, a tour of Livingstone Island as well as a lovely breakfast, Heminway style, on the island. Very worthwhile, but only available when the water is low.

Drum_Africa_Tours

THanks Poppins, will keep them in mind... really seems worth it...

Appreciate the tip.