SDsunflower

You always assist us in our travels!
If you see this post , could you put your original 2007 TR back on this site : it isn't here any longer...

ekscrunchy

Here it is. I'm glad to help. I am planning for Botswana and Johannesburg in May.


http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...lsbotswana.cfm

FromDC

EK, we'll be in Botswana in May, Liesl helping us again, wonder if we'll overlap?

SDsunflower

Thank you SO much ekscrunchy!
Do you recommend a specific tour operator to plan safari in Sabi Sands , visit to Vic Falls and Capetown?

ekscrunchy

Without a doubt, I would contact SOUTHERN DESTINATIONS. They put together two of my trips and have planned the third one, to be taken in May. Superb.

www.southerndestinations.com

SDsunflower

Thank you!
We also want to go in May
Do you think this month better for safari than September?

kawh

if you need a backup....iwe had the most amazing experience with wildwings. every transfer was seamless and they were fantastic with communication. did a trip report in 2015.

ekscrunchy

FromDC: I will be there towards the end of the month...three different camps. What are your dates? I adore Liesl at Southern Destinations!

SD: I think September would be considered better for game viewing. It is also probably more expensive. I've been twice in late September so thought I would see a different season this time.

SDsunflower

Thank you!! The tour operator said April, May and September equally good in SA for animal viewing.... but VF not good in September due to low water.
Hope you write a TR post your May trip! I always follow your travels.
If we don't go this May, we'll do it in Sept 2018

ekscrunchy

SD: Who is the tour operator that told you that? Did you by any chance contact SOUTHERN DESTINATIONS?

I was in VF in early October and the water level was kind of low. Deciding whether or not to Include VF really depends on your interests and amount of time you have for the trip.

SDsunflower

Yes...would you mind a PM from me? Please let me know

ekscrunchy

But I don't know how to do that!

SDsunflower

Email
My main question: best month in your opinion for animal viewing in sabi sands and chobe areas? This will be our only trip to Africa.
We are using agent you recommended and she said Apr, May and Sept equally good
Safaris our priority: VF is just highly recommended, hence Chobe for 2nd safari
We only have 2 weeks total for vacation
Thanks SO much

ekscrunchy

Honestly with only two weeks, I would skip VF. I would put all of my faith in the agent that I used, and mentioned, above. I know t hat September is a fantastic time and think t hat May is also wonderful. I will go in May next year. There is more foliage so the landscape is prettier but the animals might be a tad harder to spot. But the lodges you will stay at will have top guides who are so well versed in spotting game that I would imagine they can find them in the dark at any time of the year.


From DC: Will you be there second half of May? If so, maybe we will overlap..that would be great!!

SDsunflower

Thank you so much for your replies!!
We are in early stages working with Liesl and crafting itinerary per your rec.
We have about 14 days total on the ground and had thought to see VF and Botswana for 3-4 days safari as well as safari for 3 days in Sabi Sands.
Mainly thought to see VF for its beauty And to also do Okavango and Chobe for elephants especially.
You think it's too much for 2 weeks? We really appreciate your input !!
We know not to try to "cram" too much in, but we know this will be our only Africa trip due to distance .
Thanks again!

deladeb

In February it was great viewing and weather

ekscrunchy

Restaurant recommendations for CapeTown are at the beginning of this report.

SDsunflower

Thank you again ekscrunchy for all your terrific TRs!
We booked with Liesl Matthews and leave in early May for our adventure! we even have Charlie for our CT guide , like you did! Liesl has been over'-the-top amazing in her patience/helpfulness/ and just plain fun emailing and talking on the phone!
Phenomenal travel agent!
Enjoy your upcoming trip as well!
SO thankful for your packing recs , as I tend to overpack and will now limit amount of clothing to just a handful of shirts and 2 pants! Plus all the warm stuff needed.

We are going to 3 safari locations (9 safari days) and can't wait: Chobe, Hwange, Sabi Sands, plus Vic Falls , Jo'burg and CT!
Thanks again for all your help and the others here as well!

ekscrunchy

Wow..I had forgotten that you were going so soon!!! Remember I went in our fall season the last two times but I think we will need hats in May as well...and remember that there is a huge "safari" clothing store in the Waterfront in CT so you can pick up stuff you forgot (I'm sure there will not be any need for that but just in case!)

Can you post your itinerary? I will be in Joburg in the middle of May for 3 nights. Remind me, is this your first trip there??

SDsunflower

Thanks ekscrunchy!
First trip here! Thanks to you mainly , because of Liesl recommendation!
We are in Jo'burg on May 5-7 and just to fly home on May 21
I think we miss each other
Chobe Game Lodge : 3 nights
Vic Fall hotel : 1 night
The Hide : 3 nights
CT: 4 nights with same guide as you: Charlie
Kirkmans camp: 3 nights
Then home
Lots of small flights to the camps as you know: but we wanted to see Vic Falls...
Can't wait! Liesl suggested certain restaurants and booked us.
She is amazing!