My wife and I are planning a trip to South Africa and Victoria Falls in April of 2010.
Is this a good time to go? Is game viewing good at Kruger at this time?
(I wanted to capture nice weather in all places)

The itineary we are considering is noted below..I would appreciate any advice/suggestions..thanks so much!
Also, which activites are a must in Cape Town and Vic Falls?

DAY 1 - 3
CAPE TOWN

DAY 4-6
VICTORIA FALLS

DAY 7-10
SABI SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

DAY 11
DEPARTURE JOHANNESBURG

You must mean 2011.

http://www.classicescapes.com/sa-weather.html

Check out the above link for weather in Cape Town and Kruger.

The falls will be near its fullest then. In fact, there is so much water that the spray can actually impair viewing, unless you fly over it.

This link goes into more detail on the falls.
http://www.go2africa.com/zambia/vict...ide/when-to-go

But do you really want 3 days there? You can stay very near the falls, within walking distance and easily enjoy several hours worth of viewing--through the spray. I've only stayed on the Zim side. Victoria Falls Hotel is the closest. Ilala Lodge is just a litte farther away. More options too.

An aerial sightseeing trip would take a couple hours with transport, but not all day. There are many other things you can do around the falls, such as a day trip to Chobe, Botswana--or better yet spend the night. Also bungee jumping and white water rafting, not that I've ever gone. Slow, leisurely sundowner raft trips on the Zambezi with snacks are nice though.

You might consider timing the trip near the full moon so you can try to see the rainbow at night in the moonlight.

Cape Town can certainly occupy you for more than 3 days, espeically if one of those is your day of arrival.

Below are some links on Cape Town. I liked the Boulders Bay penguins and baboon walk with Baboon Matters in Simons Town, about 40 minutes by car or train from Cape Town. Cape Nature Reserve along the ocean is spectacular and you can spend a day driving to/from there. I would say Robben Island where Mandela was held prisoner (accessible by ferry from waterfront) is a must. Table Mountain is a highlight for most people.

http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-a...oc:554256.html

What to do by SA guide IN SOUTH AFRICA
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35120876

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-cape-town.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...etown-area.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-cape-town.cfm

1-2 days at Victoria Falls is enough. Spend the time at Sabi Sands or Cape Town.

VFA - In April the falls are at full-flow, so much that you can hear them from your hotel. And, once there to view you need raincoats/hats; camera gear is difficult to use due (if at all) too much wet. You certainly get the power of all that water, but to really see the area, the gorge and surrounding grounds... it's better when flow is lower. We visited in Nov and it was wonderful. April though is low-season (green season) so prices are in your favor.

CPT deserves at minimum 3/full-days.

DAY 1 - 3
CAPE TOWN

>> Be prepared to face bad weather. Two Oceans meeting means unpredictable weather and it can be stormy and rainy! Just be prepared!

DAY 4-6
VICTORIA FALLS

>> make it one night/1,5 days is sufficient! And please don't engage in any kind of LION WALKAS/ELEPHANT BACK RIDES! Check whether it's LUNAR RAINBOW when you visit! Or maybe you can re-arrange the trip to watch it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_rainbow

DAY 7-10
SABI SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

>> I would extend the night saved at the Falls here.

DAY 11
DEPARTURE JOHANNESBURG

>> Happy travels!

SV

WOW..this is the first time I used FODORS Forum..thank you so much for your feedback!!!

Hi there

I'm so glad that you've decided to visit our lovely country - just want to check though, are you coming in April 2011?
I would also say that you could probably cut your time at the Falls and add a day to the Sabi Sands. Regarding the Sands: have you decided on a destination over there yet? There are many wonderful lodges and it is difficult for me to recommend one over another unless I know what your personal preferences are, whether you prefer a more luxurious or a more rustic place, how important is cuisine (I mead, are you satisfied with a good meal or are you a 'foodie'?) Also, have you considered (or even been informed of) he possibility of having your own private game viewing vehicle & private guide in the Sabi Sands? Personally, that is something I can strongly recommend seeing that I've made use of it - it takes your experience from very good to fantastic!
Kind regards

I agree with those who say that 1.5 days is sufficient for VF and 3-4 days in CT would be better. I'd actually go a step further and suggest you omit VF, spending the extra day in CT and some extra time in the Kruger region. If you're smitten by Africa, as many of us are, you're likely to return and you can do VF as part of a trip to Botswana. By deleting VF, you'll also avoid the "if it's Tues., it must be Belgium" feeling.

But if you decide to go to VF, I can say the Ilala Lodge (mentioned above) is a decent place to stay in Zim. I stayed there at the very end of March, booked a sunset cruise on the Zambezi at the hotel and had the boat to ourselves practically (one other couple). The cruise was the highlight of our stay at VF. Also, maybe going CT, then Kruger region, then VF, then home would work better?

Good luck...whatever you do will be memorable. Steve

If you are avid photographers, a private vehicle is a very good idea. If you are first time visitors who want to see a variety of animals and get good pictures, the Sabi Sands region is rich enough in exciting wildlife action, that you probably would not even need the added cost of a private vehicle. Except for one rare occasion, I've never paid for a private vehicle in Southern Africa and always had a fantastic time with great photos. You can get some estimates on what your own vehicle would cost, though, and see.

I wouldn't recommend spending on a private vehicle in the Sabi Sands (in places where available) .... simple reason, you may be limited by time at sightings(not to forget the dreaded queue) which negates the very purpose of a private vehicle.

Good point, Hari. I had never thought about that.

Hari you do have a point yes. However, I would like to add that at times a private vehicle was exactly what we needed in order to be able to spend more time at a good sighting because there wasn't anyone else on the vehicle who wanted to rush on to something else. About the queues...yes they can be a true pain, but because we were on a private vehicle, we had the choice as to when we wanted to go to a sighting and if it was something we wanted to see. I find the fact that I don't have to consider 4 or 6 other guests' whims and fancies (and I don't meant that in a negative way) quite attractive - hence the private vehicle (guess I'm spoilt for choice).

Living4safari,

I fully agree with you - i.e., your point of flexibility. For that very reason, I never go on safari anymore without a private vehicle or a private safari with friends. In fact, for Feb 2011 myself with friends have booked up an entire camp in Botswana for 8 nights. Doesn't get more private that that!

Your point above would be applicable to places where the number of cars on the property or concession are limited by numbers.

In the Sabi Sands, no matter which area - there always are too many cars for my preference (even though, the actual sighting maybe limited to 3 vehicles). So, my reference above was specific to this area......

Ooooh...I'm jealous HariS!! An entire camp for 8 nights...that's about as good as it can get!