Planning first trip to Africa overwhelmed – need help!
Oct 3rd, 2010, 09:49 PM
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Planning first trip to Africa overwhelmed – need help!
We are well traveled couple, and most of the trips I planned myself with Fodorites help.
However, I never been to Africa (except Morocco), and really would like to go next year. I am thinking of South Africa, since it looks like it can provide the most diverse experience.
I have been reading this board, and Tripadvisor forum, and I have several books at home, but I feel overwhelmed. I am lost on where to start. Where do I go for help for my individual planning and a quote? Are there any reputable agencies that provide this type of planning? I see a lot of names here, but cannot figure out where to go first.
We will have about 16 days, and would like to visit Cape Town are, Kruger, Victoria Falls, and maybe a small part of Botswana (or maybe not). It looks like it is doable within my timeframe, but I am not sure it is doable within my budget (seems like internal flights and lodges are very expensive). We do not need luxurious accommodation, but would like the comfortable ones. My budget is around $4000 per person (not including the international tickets).
I even consider a group tour, even though I do not like traveling with tour groups. However, the tour seems reasonably prices and covers some of the places I would like to visit.
Like this one www. Smartours.com .
Could you please share your thoughts? What is the best way to start? Is this doable on my limited budget? Has anyone done similar trips?
Thank you in advance for your help!
However, I never been to Africa (except Morocco), and really would like to go next year. I am thinking of South Africa, since it looks like it can provide the most diverse experience.
I have been reading this board, and Tripadvisor forum, and I have several books at home, but I feel overwhelmed. I am lost on where to start. Where do I go for help for my individual planning and a quote? Are there any reputable agencies that provide this type of planning? I see a lot of names here, but cannot figure out where to go first.
We will have about 16 days, and would like to visit Cape Town are, Kruger, Victoria Falls, and maybe a small part of Botswana (or maybe not). It looks like it is doable within my timeframe, but I am not sure it is doable within my budget (seems like internal flights and lodges are very expensive). We do not need luxurious accommodation, but would like the comfortable ones. My budget is around $4000 per person (not including the international tickets).
I even consider a group tour, even though I do not like traveling with tour groups. However, the tour seems reasonably prices and covers some of the places I would like to visit.
Like this one www. Smartours.com .
Could you please share your thoughts? What is the best way to start? Is this doable on my limited budget? Has anyone done similar trips?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Oct 4th, 2010, 06:20 AM
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If it were me, I would fly to Cape Town and spend a few days there (3 to 4 nights). Then I would fly from CT to Joburg, self-drive to Kruger and spend about ten days on safari in Kruger. See www.sanparks.org - there is a drop-down menu of parks near the top. You could substitute the last three nights in Kruger with a stay at one of the private reserves that border Kruger - finish with a bit of luxury. Here is the link to one of the more reasonably priced options.
http://www.honeyguidecamp.com/
We stayed at Honeyguide in 2005 and loved it. For reasonable internal flights, have a look at kulula.com.
Personally, I would not add Vic Falls or Botswana onto this trip - it would involve more time spent travelling, more expense and there is plenty to see in SA. I would save Botswana for a future visit - and, believe me, there will be future visits. It's not a question of <i>if</i> you'll return to Africa, but more a question of <i>when</i> you'll return. Robin
http://www.honeyguidecamp.com/
We stayed at Honeyguide in 2005 and loved it. For reasonable internal flights, have a look at kulula.com.
Personally, I would not add Vic Falls or Botswana onto this trip - it would involve more time spent travelling, more expense and there is plenty to see in SA. I would save Botswana for a future visit - and, believe me, there will be future visits. It's not a question of <i>if</i> you'll return to Africa, but more a question of <i>when</i> you'll return. Robin
Oct 4th, 2010, 06:24 AM
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To be honest I do not understand why so many people here decide on doing so much in just one trip. You spend more time traveling around than actually seeing stuff.
My humble opinion; Botswana merits a separate visit to Africa. And Vic Falls is best combined with Chobe NP.
So I'd stick to South Africa this first time, if I were you, Helen.
Actually, it's the perfect introduction to sub-Saharan Africa, as South Africa has a western feel.
I'd start in the Cape, see the sights (table mountain, robben island, the penguins, the national garden etc) and then drive the garden route. Plenty of things to do and see (Knysna & Featherbed island, the whales, the little karoo, ostrich farms, the outeniqua train, etc). This part you could do solo (rent a car), but a guided tour would be about the same (there's pro's & cons for both).
From Port Elizabeth I'd fly to Jo'Burg and do the Blyde rivier. Then finally do a safari. An affordable option with an incredible amount of photo opportunities is Elephant Plains. But I'd add a 2nd lodge to that, something less "safari on steroids". Something to rough it up just a little. You see, EP is a "hotel" in my eyes, with airco, massages, swimming pools and an electrified fence around it. You need to add a place that focuses more on the non-big-5 stuff, something with a more personal touch, a place where you can see wildlife from within your hut/tent. Perhaps even a place that does walking safaris. You'll appreciate the lowveld much more after such a lodge.
Tip; there's plenty of lodges in the greater Kruger area (ic the private reserves west of Kruger) that have a combined offer with a lodge from the Blyde Rivier area. Could save you quite a bit of money.
Note that for a safari you need to count at least 3 night/2days per area/lodge you visit, and you need at least 2 lodges (read: a minimum of 5 days) to really have the chance of seeing most types of animals (although nothing is guaranteed). A safari of 3 nights would actually feel just like a visit to a big zoo.
So if you say you have about 16 days, then that would mean 7-8 days in the Cape & the garden route, and 8-9 days in the eastern part of the country (2-3 days in Blyde rivier and 6 days on safari).
4000$ is not a lot (given the weak $), but I guess it can be done. Adding Bots or Zim to that is really not a good idea on that budget though.
Please do not spend your money on travel agents. They'll take a big chunk out of your budget, and add no value. You can just as easily email all lodges and B&B's yourself. They can also hook you up with local tour operators, transfer companies, and even advise on car rental etc.
Final note; I'll be posting my trip report to the Kruger private reserves in the upcoming weeks, but there's already a thread on this board where I made an extensive list of all affordable (*) lodges in the Kruger area (well, at least for Klaserie, Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sands reserves). You'll have to look for it though (am not used to using the search function on this board myself).
Lots of luck!
J.
(* We had about the same budget as you)
My humble opinion; Botswana merits a separate visit to Africa. And Vic Falls is best combined with Chobe NP.
So I'd stick to South Africa this first time, if I were you, Helen.
Actually, it's the perfect introduction to sub-Saharan Africa, as South Africa has a western feel.
I'd start in the Cape, see the sights (table mountain, robben island, the penguins, the national garden etc) and then drive the garden route. Plenty of things to do and see (Knysna & Featherbed island, the whales, the little karoo, ostrich farms, the outeniqua train, etc). This part you could do solo (rent a car), but a guided tour would be about the same (there's pro's & cons for both).
From Port Elizabeth I'd fly to Jo'Burg and do the Blyde rivier. Then finally do a safari. An affordable option with an incredible amount of photo opportunities is Elephant Plains. But I'd add a 2nd lodge to that, something less "safari on steroids". Something to rough it up just a little. You see, EP is a "hotel" in my eyes, with airco, massages, swimming pools and an electrified fence around it. You need to add a place that focuses more on the non-big-5 stuff, something with a more personal touch, a place where you can see wildlife from within your hut/tent. Perhaps even a place that does walking safaris. You'll appreciate the lowveld much more after such a lodge.
Tip; there's plenty of lodges in the greater Kruger area (ic the private reserves west of Kruger) that have a combined offer with a lodge from the Blyde Rivier area. Could save you quite a bit of money.
Note that for a safari you need to count at least 3 night/2days per area/lodge you visit, and you need at least 2 lodges (read: a minimum of 5 days) to really have the chance of seeing most types of animals (although nothing is guaranteed). A safari of 3 nights would actually feel just like a visit to a big zoo.
So if you say you have about 16 days, then that would mean 7-8 days in the Cape & the garden route, and 8-9 days in the eastern part of the country (2-3 days in Blyde rivier and 6 days on safari).
4000$ is not a lot (given the weak $), but I guess it can be done. Adding Bots or Zim to that is really not a good idea on that budget though.
Please do not spend your money on travel agents. They'll take a big chunk out of your budget, and add no value. You can just as easily email all lodges and B&B's yourself. They can also hook you up with local tour operators, transfer companies, and even advise on car rental etc.
Final note; I'll be posting my trip report to the Kruger private reserves in the upcoming weeks, but there's already a thread on this board where I made an extensive list of all affordable (*) lodges in the Kruger area (well, at least for Klaserie, Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sands reserves). You'll have to look for it though (am not used to using the search function on this board myself).
Lots of luck!
J.
(* We had about the same budget as you)
Oct 4th, 2010, 06:29 AM
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Sorry, I should have added that you could book this entire trip online if you wish. SAN (South Africa National) Parks has a great website (I provided the link above), and their online booking system is highly organized and well run. We book our vehicles from avis.co.za. and it is also possible to book Honeyguide online. On the other hand, as this is your first trip to Africa, you may wish to use an operator to make the bookings for you. I can't recommend one, I'm afraid, because I have not used one - we do our own bookings. However, if you scan the SA trip reports on this forum, you'll note that there are a few companies that come up often and have excellent reputations. Robin
Oct 4th, 2010, 08:04 AM
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This is the thread pixelpower is referring. I have it bookmarked. Great info in here.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...und-kruger.cfm
You can do it all yourself without a travel agent, but I am a fan of TA's for places I'm not familiar or comfortable. You can make that decision. I've gotten a lot of info from Wild Wings for "affordable" safaris. As I would not have self-driven my first time to S Africa, there are some interesting multi-night safaris to Kruger NP as well as to the areas around Kruger on private reserves on that web site. (google it) I have posted an "affordable" 3 week trip that does Kruger and KwaZulu Natal. There is also the trip that LeslieS is doing - Sabi Sands, Pafuri and Mashatu. That is a lovely 10 night/11 day trip, and can be arranged in your range and can be arranged with drivers or self drive.
I know - too many options. And Robin is right - you will go back. I'm going for the third time in 6 years, and planning more. (save your frequent flyer miles!)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...und-kruger.cfm
You can do it all yourself without a travel agent, but I am a fan of TA's for places I'm not familiar or comfortable. You can make that decision. I've gotten a lot of info from Wild Wings for "affordable" safaris. As I would not have self-driven my first time to S Africa, there are some interesting multi-night safaris to Kruger NP as well as to the areas around Kruger on private reserves on that web site. (google it) I have posted an "affordable" 3 week trip that does Kruger and KwaZulu Natal. There is also the trip that LeslieS is doing - Sabi Sands, Pafuri and Mashatu. That is a lovely 10 night/11 day trip, and can be arranged in your range and can be arranged with drivers or self drive.
I know - too many options. And Robin is right - you will go back. I'm going for the third time in 6 years, and planning more. (save your frequent flyer miles!)
Oct 4th, 2010, 07:28 PM
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Helen,
Where are you from? If you are American I can likely recommend a good safari agent/planer near you that you can meet face to face. There are at least 100 safari agencies in the USA that I know of.
For the lodges mentioned above (honeyguide and elepant plains) most safari agents will not charge you more than booking with the lodge. This is because the above mentioned lodges pay sufficient comission (15%-30%) to agents to allow them to profitably sell them to you at "rack rate" (i.e. internet price).
If they do chage more they will tell you upfront if you ask. Of course there are more than 500 safari lodges in South Africa and many of them will negotiate with direct clients. But, most safari lodges that you hear about from Americans will not be in this group of negotiable lodges.
There are a few operators in the USA that have contracts with SANPARKS. My company is one of them but we charge about about 10% more than booking directly with the Kruger National Park since they only pay us 10% comission and we have to cover the credit card fee leaving the gross profit at 7% (not enought to keep the doors open).
A good lodge to combine with Elephant Plains would be Pafuri in the northern Kruger National Park or Mashatu in SE Botswana (or both). You cannot afford to go to Vic Falls or Okavango Delta on your budget but the Tuli Block reserves like Mashatu in Botswana would be within your budget.
Example:
rent car in Jo'burg.
drive 6.5 hours to Elephant Plains or Arathusa for three nights (about ZAR 6,000 per person).
drive 5.0 hours to Pafuri for three nights (about ZAR 7,000 per person).
drive 4 hours to Mashatu tented camp for three nights (about %$900 per person).
drive back 6 hours to Jo'burg and fly to Cape Town.
The above nine day safari would be aroun $3,000-$3,500 per person and would be OUTSTANDING.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Where are you from? If you are American I can likely recommend a good safari agent/planer near you that you can meet face to face. There are at least 100 safari agencies in the USA that I know of.
For the lodges mentioned above (honeyguide and elepant plains) most safari agents will not charge you more than booking with the lodge. This is because the above mentioned lodges pay sufficient comission (15%-30%) to agents to allow them to profitably sell them to you at "rack rate" (i.e. internet price).
If they do chage more they will tell you upfront if you ask. Of course there are more than 500 safari lodges in South Africa and many of them will negotiate with direct clients. But, most safari lodges that you hear about from Americans will not be in this group of negotiable lodges.
There are a few operators in the USA that have contracts with SANPARKS. My company is one of them but we charge about about 10% more than booking directly with the Kruger National Park since they only pay us 10% comission and we have to cover the credit card fee leaving the gross profit at 7% (not enought to keep the doors open).
A good lodge to combine with Elephant Plains would be Pafuri in the northern Kruger National Park or Mashatu in SE Botswana (or both). You cannot afford to go to Vic Falls or Okavango Delta on your budget but the Tuli Block reserves like Mashatu in Botswana would be within your budget.
Example:
rent car in Jo'burg.
drive 6.5 hours to Elephant Plains or Arathusa for three nights (about ZAR 6,000 per person).
drive 5.0 hours to Pafuri for three nights (about ZAR 7,000 per person).
drive 4 hours to Mashatu tented camp for three nights (about %$900 per person).
drive back 6 hours to Jo'burg and fly to Cape Town.
The above nine day safari would be aroun $3,000-$3,500 per person and would be OUTSTANDING.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Oct 4th, 2010, 08:05 PM
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Guys, thank you so much for your help so far!
I just need to go back and review this information, and make my decisions. Let me just explain my desire to do so much in one trip. South Africa is far, expensive, and we have a very short vacation time, so a return trip may not be planned too soon. I also looked at Smartours, and saw that they have falls, and Botswana, and Kruger in two weeks, and for a decent price, so I thought I can do it too.
However, what you said makes sense, so I'll review and set my priorities.
I am reading about self drive safari, but I do not think this is something we will be comfortable to do for a first time. My concern would be the safety and the fact that we will not see as much as on guided game drive.
Craig, yes, we are from US, Chicago area, northwestern suburbs to be precise.
So, thank you a lot again! I will do some research, and probably come back with more questions....
I just need to go back and review this information, and make my decisions. Let me just explain my desire to do so much in one trip. South Africa is far, expensive, and we have a very short vacation time, so a return trip may not be planned too soon. I also looked at Smartours, and saw that they have falls, and Botswana, and Kruger in two weeks, and for a decent price, so I thought I can do it too.
However, what you said makes sense, so I'll review and set my priorities.
I am reading about self drive safari, but I do not think this is something we will be comfortable to do for a first time. My concern would be the safety and the fact that we will not see as much as on guided game drive.
Craig, yes, we are from US, Chicago area, northwestern suburbs to be precise.
So, thank you a lot again! I will do some research, and probably come back with more questions....
Oct 4th, 2010, 08:23 PM
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I think it is a good to use a Travel Agent for your first trip to Africa. This gets tossed around here once in a while. TAs do not necessarily cost you more, you do not automatically save money by doing self booking. Try not to let your brain explode with research and analysis 
. And come back here with questions.
regards - tom
. And come back here with questions.regards - tom
Oct 5th, 2010, 08:07 AM
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Helen,
You should consider contacting Eyes on Africa in Chicago. They are a competitor of my company but they are well regarded in the industry. I am not sure if they are experts at self drive safaris but I really do think you should consider that option given your long travel time.
Smart Tours? Are you sure? Just keep in mind that they are cheap for a reason. Yes - they are a good company and well regarded. I met one of their senior people at the South Africa Tourist Board 2010 award ceremony in April where they got the award "best budget tour operator". But - they are cheap because their tours use the cheapest possible hotels and their tours never have you staying inside a national park. Their tours offer a total time on safari of two days IF you add the Vic Falls extension.
On day seven The Protea Hotel Paul Kruger Gate is OUTSIDE the Kruger National Park in a town and you will go into the park each day for your game drives (two total). See below from their web site. Also - no lunch is even included! Only 2% of the Kruger National Park is visible from the roads and it is against the law to go off road. At Elephant Plains you can drive off road and usually the rangers will do it for good sightings but not to chase an Impalla...
"DAY 7: Kruger National Park Safari. Today is devoted to exhilarating and unforgettable game drives to discover Kruger Park's abundant wildlife. A local safari ranger leads you on a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the "Big Five": Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a break for lunch at your own expense, continue your thrilling exploration with an additional afternoon guided open-vehicle safari. Later return to your hotel where you may relax poolside before enjoying the lavish included dinner. (B,D)"
Vic Falls Safari lodge is 2.5 hours by road from the Chobe where you will go on your one day game drive in Botswana. Best animal viewing is after sunrise and before sunset. You will be driving two hours on a bus to the park or home from the park during that time. This is not worth it in my opinion and the safari in Chobe (Botswana) is not included in the cost:
Day 15: A day at leisure. You may join a fascinating optional excursion across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world along with lions, hippos and zebras. (B)
Hope this helps. Rent a car, drive the Kruger yourself and spend more than two days on safari is my humble advice.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
You should consider contacting Eyes on Africa in Chicago. They are a competitor of my company but they are well regarded in the industry. I am not sure if they are experts at self drive safaris but I really do think you should consider that option given your long travel time.
Smart Tours? Are you sure? Just keep in mind that they are cheap for a reason. Yes - they are a good company and well regarded. I met one of their senior people at the South Africa Tourist Board 2010 award ceremony in April where they got the award "best budget tour operator". But - they are cheap because their tours use the cheapest possible hotels and their tours never have you staying inside a national park. Their tours offer a total time on safari of two days IF you add the Vic Falls extension.
On day seven The Protea Hotel Paul Kruger Gate is OUTSIDE the Kruger National Park in a town and you will go into the park each day for your game drives (two total). See below from their web site. Also - no lunch is even included! Only 2% of the Kruger National Park is visible from the roads and it is against the law to go off road. At Elephant Plains you can drive off road and usually the rangers will do it for good sightings but not to chase an Impalla...
"DAY 7: Kruger National Park Safari. Today is devoted to exhilarating and unforgettable game drives to discover Kruger Park's abundant wildlife. A local safari ranger leads you on a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the "Big Five": Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a break for lunch at your own expense, continue your thrilling exploration with an additional afternoon guided open-vehicle safari. Later return to your hotel where you may relax poolside before enjoying the lavish included dinner. (B,D)"
Vic Falls Safari lodge is 2.5 hours by road from the Chobe where you will go on your one day game drive in Botswana. Best animal viewing is after sunrise and before sunset. You will be driving two hours on a bus to the park or home from the park during that time. This is not worth it in my opinion and the safari in Chobe (Botswana) is not included in the cost:
Day 15: A day at leisure. You may join a fascinating optional excursion across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world along with lions, hippos and zebras. (B)
Hope this helps. Rent a car, drive the Kruger yourself and spend more than two days on safari is my humble advice.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Oct 5th, 2010, 12:43 PM
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Thank you, Tom Thank you, Craig for all this analysis! Ok, Smartours are out then... I actually did not consider them seriously, but just thought their route looked attractive. After reading all of this, I understand that I need to spend more time on safari, and try various places for it.
Thank you so much for ALL your help so far!!!
Thank you, Craig for all this analysis! Ok, Smartours are out then... I actually did not consider them seriously, but just thought their route looked attractive. After reading all of this, I understand that I need to spend more time on safari, and try various places for it.Thank you so much for ALL your help so far!!!
Oct 5th, 2010, 05:40 PM
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I will be on a Smartours adventure to South Africa next week. Having read a lot of reviews and talked to people who have taken this trip I am very excited. Its a great value, includes the international and domestic flights. Time on safari in both Kruger and Hluhluwe plus additional time if you want. Many meals are included. It offers highlights of Capetown, Kruger, Swaziland, Zululand, Soweto and Hluhluwe National Park. Plus you can add on Victoria Falls and Chobe.
It is not for people who want to spend hours in the bush, but rather a great overview of the country of South Africa. Learning about history, culture and wildlife.
I
It is not for people who want to spend hours in the bush, but rather a great overview of the country of South Africa. Learning about history, culture and wildlife.
I
Oct 5th, 2010, 06:59 PM
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Gardyloo, actually I did not say when I will be traveling, but I am just trying to decide. I am very flexible in this respect. From what I heard, the best time to travel is from May to October. Is this correct?
wlbox, yes, I read a lot of good reviews about this trip too. People said it was a great diverse tour with a lot of opportunities to see the country and learn about the culture. However, they mentioned that they did not see a lot of wild life. Have a wonderful trip!!!! I am sure you are going to love it! And please post back here...
wlbox, yes, I read a lot of good reviews about this trip too. People said it was a great diverse tour with a lot of opportunities to see the country and learn about the culture. However, they mentioned that they did not see a lot of wild life. Have a wonderful trip!!!! I am sure you are going to love it! And please post back here...
Oct 5th, 2010, 07:23 PM
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Does anyone know what is the good airfare from US (Chicago) to JNB or Cape Town?
Unfortunately, I do not have enough miles at this point. The current prices I see for 2011 are around $1440 and even more expensive to Captown.
Unfortunately, I do not have enough miles at this point. The current prices I see for 2011 are around $1440 and even more expensive to Captown.
Oct 5th, 2010, 08:13 PM
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The layover in Zurich is not bad! I do not mind spedning 11 hours in Zurich or even take a train to Lucern
Is May OK for SA? I need to checke the lodges availability to decide on my dates, I think
Is May OK for SA? I need to checke the lodges availability to decide on my dates, I think
Oct 5th, 2010, 08:31 PM
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I was safari in SA in May of 2007 and it was good. May is fall there heading into winter (but not like Chicago winter!!). Some mornings were chilly, you go out on game drive at 6am. Anyway, in fact my present thinking is to go back in May of 2011. To the Timbavati, Sabi Sand reserves, I go to SA only for safari. FWIW, here's link to my Fodors trip report of that May 2007 safari.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35016274
regards - tom
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35016274
regards - tom
