This is just my second time to SA ; this year we have only approx 10 days and will stay 7Nights of them in lodges:first in the Timbavati and then on to Simbambili -thanks to your enthousiast recommendation. Before going to the game lodges it would be nice to have 2or 3 days after our trip from Europe. We first thought of Victoria Falls, but the combination seems a bit hectic and expensive for just 2 days at the Falls. Do you have a suggestion. (we know Capetown, wineries,coast road etc so something not to far from Kruger) Thanks for any ideas. Ivee

Ivee,

I have just made a couple excellent connections with marketing companies that represent lodges and hotels all over Southern Africa. Allow me to take a look at this tonight and I will come back with some ideas.

Of course! thank you and waiting for the next 'episode' Ivee

Dear Ivee

If Rocco doesn't mind me making suggestions, have a look at Cybele Forest Lodge or Blue Mountain Lodge. Both in Mpumalanga (to the West of Kruger) and great places to relax before your safari in Timbavati

Richard

Dear Richard, thanks! I looked at the sites and both look very nice, do you have a slight preference ?We will be there end of August: will it be still very cold there? Is there a good connection from Joburg? Thanks again. Ivee

I would concur with Richard. Rather than spending a couple nights in Joburg, the destinations he mentioned would work very well.

However, if you did wish to stay in Johannesburg, it would be nice to just rest up in Sandton at the Michelangelo Hotel (a wonderful hotel in a prime location). A half day Soweto tour would be highly recommended, with a lunch at Wandie's Place, a well known and highly regarded restaurant in Soweto.

Personally speaking, after travelling for so long, it would be nice just to get to Joburg and not have to travel anyplace further away than Sandton.

Link to Michelangelo Hotel:

http://www.legacyhotels.co.za/content.aspx?h=1

Thank you very much! The hotel looks great on the site; tonight we have a 'decisionmaking' meeting with others (we are 3 couples) Probably it will not be Joburg..I must say that the other 2 lodges look very tempting as well. Anyway both gamelodges are confirmed now and I am already looking forward to it!! (Of course like many others, last year when we stayed 3 and a half weeks in SA we thought that it was once in a life time..... Well you know what I mean!!! Ivee

Ivee

No, no personal preference, since it's too long since I was there. Clients enjoy them both and if you're three couples then it may come down to availability since neither is huge. Nights will be cool in August but pleasant and days will be sunny and warm

Richard