travelgirl2_99

We were in SA for the first time this past April/May, and spent time in Cape Town and area, in the Winelands (based at a small winery just outside of Franschhoek), and on safari at 2 different lodges - one in Klaserie Private Reserve, the other in Sabi Sands (both in the greater Kruger area). It was amazing and the best trip we have ever taken. South Africa is so beautiful!

I also plan and book all of my trips myself. However, I was stumped on the safari portion of this trip, and for the first time I used an agent, Jacqui Sive at Lodge Trackers, to book that portion of our trip. I was very pleased - I sent her an email giving her a description of our criteria and price range, and she made several recommendations that would fit my criteria then with some back and forth helped me narrow those down to my final choices. She also arranged our transfers between Hoedspruit airport (where we flew in and out for our safari portion) and our lodges, as well as our transfer between the 2 lodges. Jacqui is located in Hoedspruit, SA, all of my communications with her were via email, and I made the payment online using my credit card (Canadian credit card, paid in South African Rand). I was very pleased with her services / assistance and everything went very smoothly, I would recommend considering her.

mrsashyt

Thanks everyone.

Dianne- Sure! Could you please email me at [email protected]?

TravelBeyond

Hi Julies – (from post #2)

I’m sorry that I didn’t see your message earlier! Oh yes, I know all about winter’s in Minnesota and I do my best to escape them whenever I can!

I don’t want to take away from the original question posted by mrsashayt, but hopefully she doesn’t mind sharing the thread with you!

Africa would be a fabulous place to escape to for a month or six weeks as you mentioned. There are SO many different places that you could visit in Africa that surely one would have the weather you seek.

January, February, and March would all be considered South Africa’s winter/rainy season. However, South Africa is a wonderful travel destination year round. There is no doubt in my mind, being a Minnesotan, that you would feel relief from leaving MN and visiting South Africa! You can still expect temperatures in the 70s during the day and lows of mid 50s… nothing like our -20 below wind chill and snow up to our chins. Depending on where you go rain amounts will vary, but wouldn’t put a damper on your overall experience as the rains come and go during that time just like our late spring and summer rains! The rains are mixed with plenty of days of sunshine and very comfortable temperatures!

In terms of animal viewing, traveling during that time you just need a bit more patience as the animals have more bush to hide in. The foliage will be lush and green and photography would be phenomenal! I’d recommend going to a couple different regions within South Africa so that you can do one safari on a private reserve outside of Kruger National Park and one safari on a second private reserve in a totally different eco-system. 3-5 night stays in each would be great since it sounds like you’ve got the time.

Since you said you like to be home from mid-May to Mid-October, traveling in late October/November or in late April/early May would also be super! Both of those time frames would offer drier weather and more heat! There still could be rain then as well, but in late-April/early may the rains will have stopped or should be diwindling and in October/November that’s right around the time when the rains come back!

I would NOT count out South Africa (or Africa as a whole) just because you want to be home in Minnesota during our beautiful summers. You’d still fall in love with Africa outside of May-Oct.

Hope this helps!

Best,

Kayla Torgerson

lidia_s77

"January, February, and March would all be considered South Africa’s winter/rainy season." This is incorrect. January, February and March is part of the summer season in South Africa and the rainy season in roughly the eastern part and the dry season in the Cape area. The Western Cape has rainfall in the winter. Winter in South Africa is roughly from May to August. In especially January and February it can be very hot with temperatures easily reaching more than 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in most of the country. The Cape area is usually dry during this time and there might be some afternoon thunderstorms in the north eastern part of the country.

Matt_Zarchy

Feel like almost everything has been said already, and adding anything else at this point may almost be redundant.

As someone that used to live in Cape Town, I think I should just add my two cents. So it goes without saying that I Agree with Kayla - (Biased opinion lol).

What to see and do in Cape Town? Where to even begin is the real question? (besides the safaris). So I'm going to start with the obvious Gems, Table Mountain. Probably the most iconic landmark in Cape Town. With views that will “blow your mind”. So don’t bother climbing the mountain if you not going to bring your camera with you, because that’s an instant remedy for regret. And if you worried about the 4-hour hike, don’t worry there a cable carts. Although as far as I know they are on the pricey side but have a look at TripAdvisor. If Table Mountain doesn’t fix your Hiking needs, there’s Lions Head. Which “Capetonians” love to use for their regular jogs, im sure the view doesn’t hurt. Cape Point lighthouse and Robben Island are probably the most historic places in Cape Town. The lighthouse is actually one of the most visited attractions. Located in the southern most corner of Cape Town, its views that will leave you thinking. While Robben Island, is where Nelson Mandela was held will make you reflect on the history of South Africa. The tour of the prison, usually given by ex-prisoners provides a chilling look at the conditions Nelson Mandela was kept in. On a lighter note, if your long walks and beautiful surroundings are more your speed. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is well worth exploring, it has over 7000 species of vegetation. We also cannot forget Cape Town’s beautiful beaches. Boulders beach is a popular family beach, with its clear water is perfect for parents to watch their kids. But don’t be surprised if you bump into a furry friend along the beach. The Beach has a few friendly penguins that usually mind their own business. Possibly why the beach is so popular. But if you more of a water baby, and want to grab your board and catch some waves check out Mizneburg beach. This beach is considered as a surfer’s beach but unfortunately, it’s usually crowded. Two of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, is Camps Bay and Clifton. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a star or two. One thing you can’t leave Cape Town without doing is going wine tasting. Not much of a wine head myself, but I can refer you to some of the best wine farms I’ve visited; Groot Constantia, Cape Vineyards, Steenberg Vineyard and Eagles Nest wine estate. And finally, if you haven’t stopped reading already. The Streets of Cape Town. Cape Town is known for its culture. So museums and markets are a great way to unwind after a long day wine tasting or Hiking. The museums and art galleries provide a great way, to get a great feel of the Cape Town Heart. There is a massive list of galleries, but let me give you some of the most visited; District Six Museum, Iziko Museum Collection, and Planetarium. Art lovers will get a taste of heaven. Nights out in Cape Town can be pretty exciting. With such a mix of people, you can be guaranteed to meet some very cool people. A personal favorite of mine would be Beer House, if you’re a beer lover you may possibly have found your new home. And if you looking for a place a club with a touch a class, Coco is for you. Beautiful people and bottles on deck. But if you more into the alternative scene waiting room and fiction will defiantly fill your cup.

Hopefully the helps, although honestly feel like I may have rambeled a little.

Enjoy your trip, and stay safe.