Help with planning trip to SA...
 

Hi
We're planning a trip to South Africa in 2007 (between Feb and end March). We'll have around 2 weeks (could possibly stretch time off work to 2.5 weeks!) and want to visit:
Cape Town, Winelands, drive the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth.
Then I need to get to Durban to visit my uncle.
We wanted also to fit in a short safari. I think we have two options - to do an Eastern Cape Safari, and then drive back to PE and fly up to Durban.
Or
To fly from PE to Durban and then drive into one of the Kwazulu Natal lodges (which I think are 300 or so kilometres north of Durban).
Any tips on which is the best place to do our safari, and also best time to go during British winter (has to be Jan-April really).
Any opinions on Amakhosi Game Lodge in Kwazulu Natal?

Thanks in advance.

I stayed at Kmakhosi Lodge two years ago and thought it was superb in every way. The chalets are huge with a bedroom, lounge, large bathroom with a separate shower(really, there are practically two bathrooms), spacious deck with a table and chairs, fully stocked mini bar, and other amenities.

On top of all this, the food is superb. Each meal we ate was set in a different part of the lodge.

Sorry, I accidentally hit the "post my reply."

As you might expect, the management at Amakhosi was also outstanding. At the end of each game drive, we were met with either a hot or cold cloth and and an appropriate drink (sherry after the evening drive).

We were also there in February which is not the best month for game viewing in KwaZulu Natal. Nevertheless, it exceeded my expectations. Game viewing was great, and we had rain on only one morning.

I have stayed at several of the luxury game lodges in the Sabi Sand and think that Amakhosi was every bit as spectacular as they were and would highly recommend the place. It is inclusive of drinks and also has a complimentary laundry service.

I hope this helps you with your decision.

Leann

Thanks Leann... I was already quite taken with Amakhosi from the website and I also got a quote for 3 nights in Feb 2007 which was a bit less expensive than I was bracing myself for!
The Eastern Cape lodges look quite expensive, though I have only priced one of CCAfricas!

Hello,

I'd recommend taking a look at Phinda -- I've stayed there at Forest Lodge and Vlei Lodge and it was superb, with great game-viewing and excellent guiding, as well as great food and service. You can even watch game from your room, as the lodges are right in the middle of a great game-viewing area.

I particularly liked the number of activities on offer at Phinda -- in addition to game drives you can track rhino on foot, do scuba safaris, fly in a microlight (this was a lot of fun) and watch endangered turtles lay their eggs.

Phinda is about 3 hours from Durbs.

Cheers,
Julian

Hello,

Sorry -- the Phinda website is

http://www.phinda.com

If you could manage early April, Phinda Forest Lodge is only R2605 per person per night -- a tremendous bargain.

Cheers,
Julian

Thanks - we'll have a look at Phinda and think about the timing of our trip.