Possible 2013 Trip
 

What would be the best & most econimcal way to travel from J'burg to the following destinations - Sth Luangwa, Vic Falls, Hwange, Tarangerie, Amboseli & Tsavo, Nairobi - J'burg, in any order ?

Wow, another trip in the planning already? I can't seem to find the trip report of your recent safari anywhere ... I must look harder :D

tucantravel.com

nice budget itineraries

might have a look there.

Happy Travels,

Unless you want to self-drive, gotta have some flights in there and these are rather expensive in Africa, with limited schedules and long flight durations, i.e., JNB to DAR at Tanzania or if into NBO would be about 4/hrs. Tarangire is in Tanzania and you'd have to someway get from DAR or JRO (main airports here) to this park. Then from here you can drive to Kenya - Amboseli, Tsavo and to NBO - then fly back to JNB. Though I'd look for an "open-jaw" ticket into JNB and out of NBO.

You'll require Visas for most countries, along with Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry to/from/between a number of these.

Unless you want to self-drive, gotta have some flights in there and these are rather expensive in Africa, with limited schedules and long flight durations, i.e., JNB to DAR at Tanzania or if into NBO would be about 4/hrs. Tarangire is in Tanzania and you'd have to someway get from DAR or JRO (main airports here) to this park. Then from here you can drive to Kenya - Amboseli, Tsavo and to NBO - then fly back to JNB. Though I'd look for an "open-jaw" ticket into JNB and out of NBO.

You'll require Visas for most countries, along with Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry to/from/between a number of these.

I would fly an open-jaw ticket, not sure whether it is the most economical, though will save a couple of flights.

Joburg-Vic Falls (For Hwange)

Cross to Livingstone

Livingstone-Mfuwe(internal)

Mfuwe-Lusaka (internal)

Lusaka-Nairobi (Kenya Airways) -

This is preferable to Lusaka-JNB-Nairobi in my opinion.

Either return flight to Tanzania for Tarangire.

Naroibi to JNB.

Your whole trip would be based around flight availability on this schedule, not too sure on the frequency of flights. You can end up wasting a couple of days in certain locations for connections.

For the open-jaw, I am no expert, though finding partner airlines that will reduce the cost on these routes could be an issue.

Very funny Hilary!

I'm suffering from "can't be bothered".

Started sorting out the 2514 photos and "can't be bothered".

The trip report is started, needs holes filled and details of points of interest explained and "can't be bothered".

Definitely have come home with some serious attitude!

And the reason I asked the above question, "can't be bothered" figuring it out myself, someone must have done something similar surely, more of that darn attitude.

Sandi, lbj2 thanks for your suggestion, I'm sure we'll do it as 2 different trips, Ken/Tanz and then over the other way.

I'll check out tucan travel as well.

Have a great weekend everyone and keep fingers crossed that some of us might actually have a rain free day, lol.

Hi,

how wonderful that you are already thinking of another trip! It sounds like the Air Mauritius open jaw ticket would be good for you. I believe these are the best value flights from Australia to Africa and you have a choice of arriving/departing from either Nairobi or Joburg via Mauritius. I have heard that the inbound connections from Perth are in the wee hours of the morning.

With regards to Kenya, I'd be tempted to research a self-catering trip like that recently done by Twaffle and Atravelynn. Patty has enjoyed both her stays at Ithumba where the Sheldrick orphans are released - not sure what other self-catering options are available in Amboseli and Tsavo.

I'd recommend Tarangire Safari Lodge in Tarangire NP - its a bit rustic but is well priced and situated on a bluff overlooking the park, http://www.tarangiresafarilodge.com/

You didn't ask about Botswana, however have you considered a Masson's mobile using one of their group departures? A friend at work did this last year and she paid between $2,500-$3,000 US for 10 nights in a single tent. There were 2 vehicles and everyone had a window seat. This would involve a flight JNB-Maun which is currently $640 return plus a $30 AUD booking fee.

Happy planning,


Pol

Pol thanks, I hadnt heard of open jaw tickets until mentioned above & we will look in to it. Self-catering is now on the list to investigate as well.

Ithumba and Voi are of course where we want to visit, have to check on the "children" lol.

Rustic & well priced sounds like us in Tarangerie, thanks.

I've been wondering how we could fit in "the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River" will just have to plan another trip!

Botswana, probably wont have time to go there, but my original thought was to duck down from Vic Falls.

Next big adventure is Hobart at the end of June and at least 3 Vietnamese meals at Salamanca, yippee!!