Trying to plan last minute South Africa trip.
 

With new SAA sale prices, we are back to trying to plan our first South Africa Safari trip this Sept. instead of putting off until August 2012. Good thing is we were originally planning for this year so I have a bit of information. As many here have so generously helped with, there is still so much to learn and consider.
I think we've decided to take what I consider the easier way to plan. We are now looking at the &Beyond packages. Originally I thought they would be a bit more over the top than we are looking for, but they sure do include a lot with aircraft pick up. We really are not interested in driving ourselves. I think we will save that for a repeat visit. Same with heading to Victoria Falls. Another time.
Anyway, there is a package that offers nights combined at Kirkman's Camp in Sabi Sands and Ngala Private Game Reserve. They have lodges in Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Phinda, etc. I know you all know much better than I.
Any suggestions as to the best for game viewing and seeing different habitats?
I know I can read and read and find something wonderful at each and not as great at each.
We are looking at 10-14 days. No beaches or city visits. Just a couple of parks.
Suggestions and reviews your experience is appreciated. We need to make a decision quickly.
Thanks so much!

I did a Sabi Sands and Phinda combo that was outstanding--4 and 7 nights respectively for 11 nights total in the parks. Between Sabi Sands and Phinda, I had to o/nt in Joburg.

I stayed at Mala Mala and even spent some time in Kirkmans because Mala Mala has traversing rights. Excellent area with lots of leopard activity.

Then a week in Phinda, which is a little longer than many visits but I did 3 morning rhino trackings. Also a lovely canoe trip and some cultural activities. There are many options besides traditional game drives in Phinda. You mention different habitats, well Phinda has 7 distinct habitats that add to the overal experience and makes a longer stay exciting each day. I stayed at Forest Lodge in the Sand Forest and enjoyed being able to walk around the paths and observe nyala antelope, impala, monkeys, and birds.

The first 61 photos of this album are of Mala Mala safari, which is next to Kirkman's and we even spent some time on Kirkman's property.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...d&x=0&y=xaqwzq

52 photos of Phinda. The last 2 are of Forest Lodge.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&x=0&y=-chzkj4


If 14 days is in SA, I'd do 4 each at Kirkman's, Ngala, and Phinda. With a night up front in Joburg and a transfer day, that's 14.

atravelynn-Thank you! Your photos are stunning! I look at them and get lost in imagining I may see even a fraction of the wildlife.
I have seen, especially on the other travel site, quite a few people really like Kirkman's. Not as many are as positive about Ngala. I guess Sabi Sands is the must see place. I thought Phinda looks like a very nice variation. It sounds like I may even be able to save and go for 3 nights each with an night in Joburg. One good thing. I do have points for a free hotel night that would be able to be used there. Thank you for your suggestions. They are much appreciated!

10-14 days, all safari. Works for me!!! In 2008 I spent 16 days at just two camps in Kruger area, Kings Camp and Ngala Lodge. My Fodors trip report -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35161085

Anyway if Ngala -Tented-, ok. If Ngala Lodge, no thanks. (Trip report). Ngala Lodge technically may be in Timbavati but they do not share traversing with other Timbavati camps. Ngala Lodge game drives go down into the Ngala Tented private area.

Kirkmans good. (Been there, 5 nights 2009). And heard good things about the other &Beyond camps in Sabi Sand, Exeter, Duilini. &Beyond usually has specials like go any camps combo 8 nights, pay for only 6. This year also? If &Beyond includes air shuttles that could be worth a lot, they can be $$$$$.

regards - tom

One more thing--If you like spotted cats a Kirkman's and Phinda trip would likely supply you with both leopard and cheetah sightings.

Just saw your response cristeen. I'd bet you will see similar wildlife and have lots of equally great photo ops. Maybe not the wild dogs, which were rare, but probably more lion shots since it was a lack of lions at Mala Mala that lured in the dogs.

Judging from our past discussions, budget is an issue for you. Not sure, but it seems like it. I planned a trip in April for June in 2009 - you have time, but you need to be flexible.

I planned a trip for my Mom last year to do Kirkman's/Phinda. 4 nights each, fly between camps, road transfers. During shoulder season, it was over $8000 pp for 8 nights. Sept is peak season, so it might be more. That's pretty expensive (especially for me). Any decent travel agent can book camps, road transfers, charters at the places you want to go. No need to go the easy route. Look into a Sabi Sand/Timbavati/Mashatu Tented combo. We did 3 nts Arathusa, 3 nts Pafuri (N Kruger), 4 nts Mashatu for under $5000 pp two years ago, including two charter flights and two road transfers. Three very different eco-systems and we had a great experience. Well, Pafuri was OK, and Mashatu Tented is still my favorite camp.

Kirkman's/Phinda is a great option and you are guaranteed to be pampered.

Or check out these:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...und-kruger.cfm

Ngala Tented gets better reviews than Ngala Lodge (I didn't like Ngala Lodge in 2006).

Tom-thanks! I did see your report about Ngala. That is part of what has me wondering if we are better going to Kirkman's and Phinda. Truth is, this is my first time on the continent, much less on safari. I'm sure to me they will all be wonderful. I have seen &beyond does have the 1 night free after staying a certain number of combineable nights. And, yes, I agree, they offer air shuttles that appear to be a great value.
lynn-I like everything! haha, that's my problem. I must say, though, I have a heart for rhinos. No reason. I just like them. Otherwise, I really would like to see as much as possible. We also very much enjoy birds,though are not making this a birding trip.

Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?

christabir-I almost missed your post. We must have been typing at the same time. Thank you! Yes, I always plan a budget. It just makes sense to me. We are flexible. We are not ones to ususally go with the pampering style, but this will be a big anniversary for us so I am justifying it a little bit. No massages or plunge pools. It's just not us. I would give up some of the luxury to see more and allow for more photos. I am going to look at your Arathusa, 3 nts Pafuri (N Kruger), 4 nts Mashatu now. Thanks!
Lynn-yay! I sure hope so! I'll be happy with any of them. I have seen a few posts about the wild dogs lately, too. Who knows?
Truthfully, my biggest fear...that I'll be a giddy idiot when I see the magnificent wildlife.

I'm still a giddy idiot on safari. I even have a giddy idiot sound. :)

Have fun planning!

MalaMala in Sabi Sand and Mashatu in Bots are sort of sister camps. Mashatu is just over the border into Botswana. MalaMala will put together a package deal for the two camps for you. -
http://www.malamala.com/itineraries/...ckage_2011.pdf

I have been to MalaMala three times (love it) but not to Mashatu. So I'm not sure how different the experience is between the two camps. I do know that others here have been to both and love both. Maybe they will chime in on it. Budget might be serious consideration.

regards - tom

christabir, anyone who <i>isn't</i> some form of giddy idiot about safaris has a character flaw, if you ask me.

christabir- haha! Oh good! I won't be the only one, then!
Tom- Thanks! That looks like another great option.
Now that the weekend is here, I'm getting nervous. I hope I hear from TA today so I may book flights. I don't want to book until I know that there is space at some lodge for us.

Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?

12-14 days wouldn't be too much for me. But, especially in the Greater Kruger area, I might break the time up a bit, maybe spending a couple of nights at a non-safari lodge or inn. That's mostly because the morning game drives typically mean getting up at 5.30 or 6.00, and I don't mind taking a break from that routine from time to time. It's easy enough to skip the morning drive on occasion (or all the time, as one poster here is wont to do), but the Kruger area has the advantage of having plenty to do & see in addition to game drives.

"Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?"

Definitely not for "giddy idiots on safari", which fortunately it appears you aspire to be. Each outing is different and the time will fly.

Any of the combos suggested for your 12-14 days will provide you with a fabulous time.

Thanks!
The TA hasn't gotten back to me today. They are probably closed on the weekends. Now it gives me more time to obsess over lodges. Right now, depending on what she comes back with, we are thinking Kirkman's & Phina & possibly Ngala
or the MalaMala in Sabi Sand and Mashatu in Bots suggestion. It sounds pretty good, too.

Since you are using either &Beyond or Mala Mala, you could shoot off an email to both of them. They'll get back to you by Monday. At least you can get an idea of availability and cost quickly. I think there is one flight weekly between MM and Mashatu. That's a convenient flight. If you include Pafuri, the distances are drivable. We got drivers for our transfers and it worked out perfectly. And you get to see some of S Africa, not just fly over it.

Mashatu Tented is very rustic - we loved it, but Main Camp might suit you better. Check the website.

12 nights at two camps? That's a long time. I'd do 3 or even 4.

You're in USA (like me), you gotta spend 14 days (or more) to make it worth the cost, loooooong flights, and time change.

Hard to say how I'd split 14 days to include MalaMala-Mashatu. Looks like that deal for both is 7 nights ?. Could go Mashatu first and stay 2 additional night at Mashatu. (now at 9 total). Back to MM add 1 night there (10). Still in Sabie Sand go to (quick easy vehicle transfer) &Beyond camp for 4-5 nights. Yeah, that's the ticket!!!

regards - tom

ps - even after around 200 game drives, I'm still giddy my first one every safari!!!

regards - tom

We are flexible on our dates. I would say we would go up to 12 nights. Now with this weekend waiting, I'm going through the indecision and ret-thinking again. I origingally wanted to do 2 safari camps and Vic Falls in one trip. Adding Vic Falls puts a good dent in the bidget. Doing all camps makes for a lot of game drive days. Then, of course, I think, shouldn't I treat this as I would visiting any other new place and try to see more? Not museums and the city, but more than just the camps. Ugh...so much to consider. I think going to the Phinda area looks like it would allow for more than all game drives. The Kirkman's & Ngala package looks good & a pretty good value. But, I think I rather go to most any of the other camps than Ngala. If I go to Botswana, I think I should see Chobe. If I'm going that far, I may as well go back to my Vic. Falls plan. The TA has on their site that they guarantee lowest price and are tyypically 5%-10% lower than the rack rate. I should hear back from her tomorrow. I didn't want to contact the reserves directly yet because I thought they may not honor the TA if they have my name first. Isn't this normally the case?
I guess tomorrow's information will help me make these decisions. I just hope I haven't missed the avaiable flights now.
Thank you all so much for your help. You have been great! I'll let you know what we come up with.

Mashatu is easily visited from S Africa, but it's very far from Vic Falls/Chobe. It's in the SE corner of Botswana.

Tomorrow is the holiday - you probably won't hear back until Tuesday. That's why I suggested you reach out.

I love game drives. Most days that we could have exchanged a game drive for another activity, we chose the game drive - even near Phinda.

Regarding contacting the reserves directly...You could contact the companies that operate properties in the various reserves. Going direct is possible in South Africa, but not typical in Botswana, unless you are booking with AndBeyond, which operates in both Botswana and South Africa, among other places. AndBeyond has Phinda, Ngala, Kirkman's--all places you have mentioned.

My experience with going direct in SA (and most other places in Africa) is there is no savings. That's because if the companies managing properties/concessions undercut their agents, why would the agents advertise and spend a lot of time educating clients only to have them bail at the last minute for better pricing?

Now the 5%-10% below rack may be your best price or another agent may be able to do better. I've had requests in to agents and to properties directly at the same time. Depending on the email you use for requests, there may not be a connection made that you are the source of both when you are seeking initial quotes.

I understand your wanting to see more than just camps and the surrounding areas. A Cape Town and safari combo would accomplish that very well in 12 nights. Flights between Cape Town and Joburg (where you'd depart for your safari stuff) are almost hourly--very convenient.

Adding Vic Falls increases costs with the flight there, but lodging at Vic Falls can be much less than lodging on safari. Since you mention Chobe, which is one of the least expensive Botswana destinations, you could stay in Chobe and do a day trip to Vic Falls.

When you are ON SAFARI there really are not a lot of other things to do or see besides the wildlife and local culture. I agree that Phinda offers about as much diversity of activities as you'll find in any one lodging/camp. Plus you have the wide diversity of habitats that are easily seen all in a day's worth of game drives at Phinda.

Of the options you mention, they all would provide a great trip. You don't have a loser in the bunch and there will always be additional places and things that don't fit into your itinerary.

Might you return to Africa? If so, you can look at this trip as your introduction and the next trip as the followup. You would not be the first person to be planning trip #2 before taking trip #1.

And if you do decide to go with &Beyond, don't forget about their Signature Deal of pay 3/stay 4 providing a 25% discount.

http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/speci...gnature_offers

christabir-yes, I like that idea too! LOL, that's my problem. They all seem wonderful. The TA I am working with is based in Capetown. I believe they should be open again on Monday. I will probalby awake tomorrow morning to an email or 2 from them.
Lynn-I was thinking of using the separate emails. I still may especially to check pricing. I like your Phinda idea. Even the horse back riding sounds interesting for something different.
This all started with a travelzoo package ad several months ago. Most all of those package types have several days in Capetown. I am sure it is a beautiful city. I believe mid-late Sept. is their windy, rainy season? Plus, so many have like 4 days in the city with a bus tour (ugh, group/bus thing is not for us), travel here, travel there and 2 nights on safari. It seems a long way to go and the game viewing being the shortest time. I guess that's what's really kept me out of the city. I should probably look into something more independant.
You know, as I'm typing I'm thinking, (scary @@ !!) I may try to add Capetown or something once I finalize the safari parts. That probably makes more sense. Less jumping around.
ovenbird-Thanks! Yes, that is what has made the &beyond stand out for us. They seem to have some pretty reasonable package value once the additional days and connector flights are included.

4 day bus tour in Cape Town and 2 nights safari would not interest me either.

An all safari trip is generally more expensive than a safari and Cape Town combo, just because the Cape Town part is less expensive. Wayne of Take2Tours did a great job of guiding me around Cape Town. Part of the time I didn't even need a guide.

Yay! We are almost there. We are franticly emailing and phoning last details back and forth. I need to get flights booked and the dates are disappearing quickly for this special.
Here is what I think we have settled on. We've had to divide our camps a bit more than I would have liked, but because it is getting late, a lot of the camps and dates are already full.
This is what we are trying:
1 night incoming flight day Johannesburg
4 nights - Phinda-Forest
1 Nights in Johannesburg on route
2 nights – Kirkmans Camp
2 nights-Exeter Dulini Lodge

Looks mighty fine -except- long ways to go from USA for only 8 nights on safari :( . Can you get flights for another 2-3 days? Add those days to Kirkmans and Exeter.

regard - tom

Yeah, I know what you mean. It is a long way. I think we will be good for 8 nights safari for our first time. We are not doing any city tours or anything to break it up. Kirkmans is booked, booked. That is why they had to split up and add Exeter. I am trying to see if there is a way to at least add the one day that we fly back to Joburg for 1 night to a camp instead. Not sure if it will work since things are booked tight. October starts the school children's spring break. Busy time of year, I guess.
Either way, I'm happy. Hey...I'm going to South Africa!!!! :)

Booked our flight today! Well, at least I think I did. Sheesh, nothing is ever easy. Kept getting an error screen at confirmation. At least I wrote the confirm. number down. Called SAA and they say it is in que to be ticketed. Let's hope I get THAT email tomorrow.
Thank you all for your help. We are getting close to the itinerary finish line!
You are all much appreciated!

Nice itinerary. Have fun.

I hope SAA got it right. I'm sure it'll work out. Enjoy S Africa. You'll fall in love.

Very nice itinerary !

One suggestion for Phinda Forrest Lodge which I like very much.

The rooms are VERY spread out. A walk from the farthest room to the lodge itself can take many minutes on a trail. If you have any conditions related to walking or carrying lots of stuff with you, you might request a room closer to the lodge.

My first trip there they put me the farthest away from the lodge and I had 20+ pounds of camera equipment with me. I was not too happy about it. My 2nd trip, they put me the room closest to the lodge. Big difference on my back !

Have fun !

Mike

Christa-If I have half as exciting a trip as you just did, I will be thrilled! Hope I will have some great pics like you to share.
Mike-Thanks for the heads up. I think we should be good. No travel troubles and I hope to pack light. I'm thinking of getting a new Tamron lense to lighten my load also.

Now the next important questions. Since trying to pack so light, what to wear in the evenings?

Another Forest Lodge vote.

Looks great.

Thanks, Lynn.
We are finalized and on our way.
This is what we settled on. Lots of back and forth and 2nd guessing. It's all booked and sealed now. I know a couple of parts may seem unusual, but due to the lateness of booking, some places were already full. We had to get creative with the dates to get the deal on international airfare. Thank you to you all for your help. It is much appreciated.

Day 1-2 Dulles to Johannesburg -Overnight in Johannesburg
Day 3-JBN to Richard's Bay-overnight-Richards Bay Waterfront Hotel
Day 4-8-transfer to Phinda Forest lodge 4 nights
Day 8-10-flight from Phinda to Kirkman's Camp 2 nights
Day 10-12-transfer from Kirkman's Camp to Exeter-Dulini 2 nights
Day 12-flight from Kruger to Johannesburg to Dulles

cristeen, have a great safari! Don't worry about dinner clothes...we just wore the same type of clothes we wore on game drives...nothing special.

Cristeen,

I am very curious; what did you pay for this?
If you don't have a problem telling us, then please do!

Thx,

J.

ovenbird-Thanks! That is good to know about dinner. Don't tell anyone, but I'm even thinking about not taking any makeup! That will definitely be a first for me. I know I won't wear it on the reserves, but the couple of non-camp days may be scary out in the real world. LOL, at least I'll have a hat.

J-including all flights = approx. $475 pp

per day of course

Looks great and the animals won't care whether you have makeup on or not!