mid march 09 to early april.... south africa or tanzania for first timers
 

we are trying to decide where to spend our 6 nights on safari and would love some advice on the best country (particularly in terms of weather for that time, want to reduce the likelihood of rain).

it is our first time in Africa... and we are really keen to have see the big 5 or close to it- i am a big elephant and hippo fan. we are not really set on which exact animals we see but more want to a great first taste of what it can be like.

it is also our honeymoon so we will be after luxury and relaxation (not too much travel).

we are currently planning to go to Ngala and then Singita Boulders (Londolozi was full) for 3 nights each- unless people suggest otherwise. We chose sth africa on the advice of CC Africa

We are staying at Mnemba Island for the first part of the trip so we were wondering whether a closer country would make more sense, or if we would catch migration? We do need to fly out of Jo'Burg on the 5th April.

Thanks for any advice!

dates we would be on safari are 28th march to 2nd april 09.

You mention you want to reduce the likelihood of rain. You also mention the possibility of seeing the migration in Tanzania. That means you'd be planning the southern serengeti for the end of your trip, basically the first week in April. I think (others please correct me if I'm wrong here) that is rainy season in this area of Tanzania.

thanks. yes- rain is the major thing we want to avoid if possible, dont mind about temperature too much.

we dont have to see the migration or go to any particuar area. we are happy to go anywhere that will give us a great, broad first time experience.

another Q... are there any major differences in terms of cost for the same levels of accomm and travel in east africa compared with south africa?

<b>yes- rain is the major thing we want to avoid if possible</b>

It will likely rain in Tanzania that time of year (if they are lucky). The 'long rains' usually begin in mid-March or early April.

Bill

TZ - rasiny season starts in mid/end of march - but not anymore prediv´catble!
south africa is more on the safe side in view to avoid the rain.
if i could predict the weather nowadays i would be well off ;-)

looks like south africa is the best bet. will get back to researching the lodges there... thanks for the guidance.

This sounds like a good fit for South Africa, in particular a lodges in the Sabi Sand so your Ngala/Singita combo would work well.

As others have stated it will be rainy season in Tanzania. You say you would like to see the Big 5 but not travel too much. In Tanzania you will likely have to do a lot of driving and rhino is very hard to come by except in the Crater and those views are often from far away. In Sabi Sand, where Singita is the specialty is finding the Big 5 and it is not uncommon to find them all in your first couple of game drives so between the weather and your desires that seems like the best place to go, especially if you have to go through Joburg anyway.

Combining Mnemba Island with Southern Africa though is inefficient with a long and I assume expensive travel between east Africa and Southern Africa so you are right that an East African safari would make more sense in combo with it but it seems at odds with what you desired and there would be no need to go via Joburg if only doing East Africa. I know Mnemba Island is supposed to be spectacular but so are many areas of the islands off Mozambique which I believe offers a much more pristine marine environment and still has very high end luxury lodging that would save you both time and money.

thanks- yes it is inefficient! my fiance has his heart set on mnemba island- he loves diving. there is a direct flight from Zanzibar to Jo'Burg now so the travel is not too bad.

just posted Q's about different areas of SA if you have any thoughts??
thanks again.

I think you mentioned different areas of South Africa. Your first post mentions Big 5 and 6 nights with not too much travel.

Here's the rain in mm in Johannesburg from a guidebook:

Mar 74
Apr 61
May 23

I think you are in the right place for your safari part. I wouldn't spread out over different parts of SA.

Ngala is noted for walking. If that appeals to you, this combo should be ideal. If not, I'd see if there is another camp with more time in the vehicle that CC Africa could offer you. Sometimes they have Kirkman's deals.

It appears you have the logistics figured out to combine Mnemba and safari. Congratulations on your wedding.