Trying to plan last minute South Africa trip.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:32 AM
#21
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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.
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.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:40 AM
#22
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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.
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.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:59 AM
#23
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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
http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/speci...gnature_offers
Jul 3rd, 2011, 09:31 AM
#24
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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.
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.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 10:51 AM
#25
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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.
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.
Jul 4th, 2011, 07:26 AM
#26
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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
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
. Can you get flights for another 2-3 days? Add those days to Kirkmans and Exeter.
Jul 4th, 2011, 08:47 AM
#28
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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!!!!
Either way, I'm happy. Hey...I'm going to South Africa!!!!
Jul 4th, 2011, 11:12 AM
#29
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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!
Thank you all for your help. We are getting close to the itinerary finish line!
You are all much appreciated!
Jul 4th, 2011, 05:09 PM
#31
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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
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
Jul 5th, 2011, 04:14 AM
#32
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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.
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.
Jul 8th, 2011, 08:36 AM
#35
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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
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
Jul 8th, 2011, 09:12 AM
#38
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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
J-including all flights = approx. $475 pp
