Appreciate all the tips. I have the SA plug and they're small so I'll go with two of them, assuming there are two outlets in the room. I also like the short extension cord idea. Reminds me of my XMAS lights outside the house though. I have to watch how many I plug in to the extension so I don't overdraw the amperage and blow the fuse. Also have an iPod charger that plugs in so won't need a separate USB one.

ANother q

Oops, clicked something too fast.

Another question now that I've read all the CDC has posted. What's you approach to malaria and the prophylaxis drug you use? I assume you all do take precautions/

Winnick

My #1 suggestion is to ask your doctor. Personally I take Malarone. Sabi Sands is a slight malaria risk, but even that being said, its unlikely you will get infected, even without prophylaxis. There is only risk also in the wet months, November - April with April being the highest risk. I tend to go in the dry season, but I still take the Malarone.

Most of the lodges I have gone to provide some sort of mosquito spray which you can also use. You can wear long pants and long sleeve shirt at night too.

When are you planning on going?

Mike

I should add a PS on tipping. If I am the only person in the vehicle, I tip higher too.

Mike

I don't, but that is my choice. I would never tell anyone not to. We have always gone in winter, so the risk is small. April is in between - with a bit of higher risk but only around Kruger. No malaria in most of southern Africa.

http://www.sa-venues.com/malaria-risk-areas.htm

Hey Mike - few weeks ago you mentioned you'd put something together for South Africa. Some details if you please, when, which camps, for how long?

regards - tom

Mike, read the CDC site and some others and Malarone seems to be the consensus. But, also, will be seeing doctor.

We arrive JNB/CPT on 9/23 and Tinga on 9/28.

Tom I am heading back in late July. I will be starting with 2 days at Tinga, 3 days Londolozi and then 6 days at Lion Sands.

Winnick, those dates are great. They are at the very end of the dry season which means very low malaria risk and you will have great viewing of animals. The downside is it's not very green
and some migratory birds will not have arrived yet.

Mike

That's only 11 days safari Mike. You need at least 3 more!!!

regards - tom

Mike, we'll be interested to hear what you think after you return on your stay at Tinga. On Malaria risk, my take on the low risk is that any risk is still risk and we need to take precautions. But, good to know that.

Tom, agree, but we have so much other travel we're doing this year that budget and time mattered, plus this deal was just to good to pass up. We plan, probably next year, to do a much longer SA and safari trip.

winnick - I was talking at Mike. But if the shoe fits . . . :)

regards - tom

I know Tom, but this year I did not expect to even get to Africa as it was becoming expensive to do it every year. So I got an opportunity to go back and even though its only 11 days, I will take it and be thankful!

Winnick, I will be posting a trip report, so hopefully you will have an idea what to expect.

Mike

Tinga is great. If you have not already chosen you package, at http://www.safariguideafrica.com/tinga.php you can get an extra 10% of.

As to the malarial meds, I would take Atovaquone/Proguanil as it is maladrone based and most effective in this region. Drinking tonic water supposedly helps too because of the Chloroquine - so that means another gin and tonic bartender!

Enjoy your trip.

We just got back from South Africa Sunday, Oct. 2, and everything lived up or exceeded our expectations.

I fly a lot in the US, and I thought that South African Airways was superb. The meals, even if they are airline, were very good, and the pacing of snacks throughout the flights was very good. Better than what we are used to on American. Not to forget United, their flights too were good.

All of our connections had ample time, and all of the flights beat their ETA. Worries over tight connections were needless.

Lion World's agent in Cape Town, Thompson's, was very well organized. We normally handle all of our own bookings and plans, so it's been awhile since we've relied on a tour organizer; but the way our tour was organized was obviously well planned.

We stayed at More Quarters in Capetown and it was even better than we had seen on the web, or expected. They run a fine operation. The breakfasts were very good. The rooms were excellent. We had a double bedroom, which gave us more room to spread out our luggage, but also enabled us to appreciate the care that went into the room designs. The staff was very helpful for local advice.

Transfers and timing to the airport for the flight to MKI were excellent.

The same organization was apparent at the Kruger end. Obviously they do this a lot, but it was still nice to see. The ride to Kruger and Tinga, about 80 Km, was very interesting.

Now for Tinga.

In a word, excellent. We have already decided to go back to Kruger, as well as other parks in Africa. However, Tinga was just a fine way to get introduced to Kruger and high-end game lodges. It may have spoiled us.

The rooms were picture perfect, the staff were excellent, the food was superb, and the game drives outstanding.

Of course the main contributor to the drives, besides being able to see the animals (and just FYI, on our very 1st drive we were presented with three male lions and their obviously just killed Cape Buffalo, who they were in the process of having for dinner, and all meals for the next three days), was the driver/ranger and spotter.

Everyone had nothing but high praise for the guys driving the Rovers and spotting the game. We find it interesting to discuss culture and life with foreigners that we meet overseas and our Ranger was excellent and open to talking about his life and his villages. And beyond that, his knowledge of the park, its animals and birds, plants and ecological system made for very intelligent and educational conversation.

Everything about Tinga was first class.

They not only had the normal South Africa electrical outlets in the rooms, but they had UK outlets and a US shaver outlet. In addition, since the suites are so large there were two air conditioners, one at each end.

I've posted two videos of those lions and their Cape Buffalo for anyone interested.

Lion dragging and eating Cape Buffalo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBJKjV1LtZk

Lion eating Cape Buffalo, putting whole head into body cavity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyHm3zkpUto

I can only second to what was said about Tinga. Its first class. You also have the advantage of access to two major rivers which helps for outstanding game viewing. In the future, its also my understanding that from Tinga, you will be able to traverse Lion Sands property giving you a larger traversing area. I highly recommend the lodge on every level.

Photos taken in late July this year. http://www.pbase.com/mytmoss/tinga_2011

Mike

Mike,

Your pictures are fantastic. Some of those shots of the hippos are great. Lots of birds that we didn't see during our trip.

We did see all of the Big Five plus the rare Cheetah.

For those wondering, we did drive "off road" on the Tinga property.

Thank you Winnick ! I was concentrating on birds this last trip. You might be amazed at what is there that you do not see if you are not looking for them. Its exciting that you saw cheetah, they are unusual to see!

Mike