We are a family of four with two children, girls, aged 11 and 13 and will be spending 7 days in Kruger in April 2008. The Kruger leg ends at Oliphants and we will probably exit Kruger via the Phalborwa gate. Therafter we have 3 nights in between before flying off to CT. I could extend this to 4 nights if really desired.

Now the question

I basically need advice on whether to

a. Spend the 3 nights just touring the Panoramic route region such as Hoedspruit, Sabie, Hazyview etc and take a flight from Nelspruit to CT or else

b. Would it be better to drive down to Durban stopping off enroute at some places like Ermelo or Peit Retief, Hluhluwe/St Lucia and finally on to Durban, then taking a flight from Durban to CT.

If choosing the latter option I can consider extending the in between period to 4 nights if 3 nights is considered much too short.

Any help, advice on driving times, B&B/farm house type places to stay, must see sights and activities etc will be much appreciated.

Mohammed

I would suggest that you opt for the panorama route as you will be better positioned to get "into" it as you leave Phalaborwa. going to Durban requires some long hard and relatively boring driving.

I would further suggest that you head north toward Tzaneen, aiming for Shiluvari Lakeside lodge. Some great folks running it (Michele and Clare) who will give you some tips and insights into local shangaan culture.
Stay with them for two nights making your way through Pilgrims, Sabie, etc to JNB for the balance two nights.

you could even drop your car at Polokwane and fly from there to JNB.

bump

Hi "mkhonzo" and thanks for that informatuon much appreiated. Will check out that region near Tzaneen. I do like to dabble in a spot of fly fishing for trout if can fit it in. Do you know of any particular place to stay for this?

I also like to learn about other nice sites/activities on the panoramic route. Heard there is some kind of a cheetah center near Hoedspruit, have you heard of this?

What about bungee jumping - my elder daughter want to give it a go!

On the subject of safety especially after dark, I did see your recent post on another thread about the garden route area. How is the Mupalanga/Panorama route region for safety?

Sorry to ask so many questions!

Regards
Mohammed

bump! - hoping for more answers!

Mohammed,

RE bungy jumping - the best one is on the garden route. Blakraans (spelling!) i highly recommend that one ..... we did it in 2003. You don't need to book in advance, you just sign up when you get there. If you are doing the garden route from Cape Town, this is a can't miss for your daughter .....

Cheers,
Hari

Hi Hari

Thanks for that tip near CT. Will look it up for sure.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34835599

Mohammed, I did a self-drive in July 2006 that included Hluhluwe and St. Lucia -- trip report and photos are in link above.

I also did a side trip up into the Drakensbergs and into Lesotho, which was a highlight.

Michael

Thanks Thit for that link, was very useful.

Mohammed