fiveholmes

Looking for advice how to start planning possible World Cup/Safari combo trip to South Africa in June 2010. How to find reputable ticket broker, flights, tours etc. Would appreciate any help - never been to Africa!!

spassvogel

It's already pretty late!

budget?
interest?
days for soccer?
days for safari?

I could imagine that many accommodation providers (lodges, camps) have access to time tables and tickets or at least can help.

Provide some essentials please.

SV

spassvogel

If budget is no question you should go to

http://www.unchartedafrica.com/page.php?p_id=611

"camp at the cradle".

SV

cary999

I'd start by contacting Thompsons in Durban SA, see what they offer.
http://www.thompsons.co.za/

regards - tom

messiah

I would consider including Botswana's Okavango Delta in the package. They are flights from JHB to Maun everyday. The experience in the Delta is so unique, with vast activities, game drives, night game drives, guided game walks, mokoro (traditional dug out canoe) and boat excursions. All the lodges in the Delta are sold as fully inclusive. For more information you could go to www.safaridestinations.com, the ground handlers are real experts and fantastic!

spassvogel

http://www.sasporttravel.co.za/home.asp?m=10&s=2

SV

mkhonzo

If you are in the USA one of the three official tour operators is www.myafricavacation.com.

fiveholmes

Wow - thanks everyone. I will look into all of these - Our priority is safari - the world cup is a bonus, as I have a husband and two sons who are soccer players. My ideal would be to go early - catch (if able) one of the earliest games in June, and then go somewhere away from the World Cup action and see some of the country. Budget is, of course, a concern. I would want to be safe and clean and see some great things, trying to stay in reasonable accomodations.

sdb2

I've used Ngwe Safari in Jo'burg (Leanne Zahn at http://www.travelafricansafari.com/ ) for several trips to S.A., Botswana and Tanzania and been very pleased with them. Leanne's excellent: just tell her what you want to do and your budget and she'll work with you to develop a proposal.

Good luck, Steve

SPECIALIST_RANGER

Glad to hear that you're giving priority to a safari! We have found that many of the lodges are already fully booked for the World Cup period, but suprisingly, if you look hard enough, you can still find availability! Don't waste too much time though - I'm sure that space is going to get less and less as the days go by! Good luck with your trip!
Mike Karantonis

cary999

I was told recently (Sep) by South Africa camp managements that tour companies and operators were buying (reserving?) large blocks of camp time in anticipation of WC. We'll see how many WC fans are also safari fans. I wonder. . .

regards - tom

SPECIALIST_RANGER

"MATCH" has made a lot of these block bookings, yes. Let's hope they are able to deliver the goods, and that the space that has currently been blocked off, does not become available when many have made alternative travel plans!
Mike Karantonis

christabir

If the WC is a bonus, I'd go in August. I recently looked at airfare and it's absurd during the WC. Or wait until the last minute as tom and mike are thinking there might be openings late.

I don't think safe and clean will be a problem. The safari camps are amazing. Don't miss the Sabi Sands reserve if your budget can handle it. Try to stay a minimum of three nights at any camp. Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Madikwe, Phinda and Mashatu are all great reserves to go in S Africa, not necessarily in that order. Ages of boys might be a consideration - some camps don't allow younger kids.