where in africa ?
 

hi.. we are a family of four traveling to mauritius end of june. since we have another 5-6 days of holiday , we wish to combine this trip with africa. but confused between south africa, kenya, tanzania ??? we only have 5 days , so can do only one country.
wanna spend some time at a game reserve along with some must see place. first time in africa.
seek luxury accommodation and transport.
your suggestions and advice is highly appreciated.

thanks

Where do you live and how are you getting to Mauritius? If you can combine those flights with your extension to Africa, that would help. I'd suggest either Kenya or South Africa because they have the best air connections. The game reserves will be your best "must see" place! With travel connections being what they are in Africa, you might only get 4, maybe 5 days at your destination. If going to Kenya, I'd suggest the Masai Mara. There are lots of luxury camps there where you can stay. If you have time in Nairobi, you can visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage. For South Africa, head to one of the private reserves in the Sabi Sands, such as Mala Mala. you can fly there or go by road for some sightseeing along the way.

I'd agree with ShayTay- I think Tanzania will be ruled out just because with your limited time it will not be the easiest (or cheapest) to add on to Mauritius whereas Nairobi or Jo'burg are much more doable.

Again, with probably only 4 or 5 nights I would just pick one camp and fly into the Mara or one of the private reserves around Kruger. I'm not sure there's much point suggesting specific camps, as (assuming you are talking about this June) I think you are going to be limited by availability. Look out for stay 4-pay 3 offers. I have been looking at some of AndBeyond's offers for Botswana and noticed they are doing 4-for-3 in their South Africa Camps, and have a deal for their Mara camps with free flights. I have no experience of their camps but I know they offer a luxury product and I've seen them recommended by other posters.

Agree also with ShayTay.
Have you purchased your international tickets to/from Mauritius? If so, then whether Kenya or South Africa, you'll have to return there for homebound... so check out flight schedules to/from both Kenya or South Africa.

Otherwise, end June is still at mid-season rates in Kenya and those possible 'extended stay' discounts mentioned above. As July those discounts go away and rates increase to peak season. The children, should be entitled to discounted rates.

The Masai Mara in Kenya will give you all the game needed for safari, whether 3 or 4/nts.

Good luck!

thank you all..
have checked with my travel agent . can get flights to nairobi from mauritius. arrive at noon . departure from nairobi is also at noon. flights are only twice a week , so cannot increase the duration of stay. have 5 days and nights in kenya. so need to choose 2 places .
masai & nakuru/mt kenya/amboseli???
i assume the best way to commute between these places would be to take a flight. drives can be too long .
would have to spend the last night in nairobi due to return flight the next noon.

If you need to spend the last night in Nairobi you have only 4 nights. I would stick to one place- the Mara.

If you have a 12N flight out of NBO, then you have to be in NBO the night prior.

As stokeygirl, arrive NBO 12N be transferred from the International airport (JKIA) to Wilson (the domestic) for 3pm flight to the Masai Mara. Spend the next 3/days here and on 4th, fly back to NBO on the 11am or 4pm flight for o/n so you can catch the 12N flight next day.

Of course, you cann drive to the Masai Mara, but it is 5/hrs each way and not on the best roads.

Day 1 - Arv. NBO 12N at Internationa/JKIA (immigration/visas); transfer to WIL (domestic airport); fly 3pm (50/min) to Masai Mara - o/n
Day 2 & 3 - Masai Mara - o/n
Day 4 - Fly 11am or 4pm from Masai Mara to Nairobi - o/n hotel
Day 5 - Transfer to JKIA for 12N flight onward.

I think from what you've described you have one more night available but basically I agree with everyone else that you should just stick with one location for 4 nights plus your final night in Nairobi.

4-5 days really translates to 2 days in the field. Could be a very expensive safari for such a short time. But then again, a short safari is better than NO safari...;-)

Agree stay one camp for 4 nights. Check carefully time details and cost of flights/transportation/transfers to from camps. Can make a deciding difference, even if cost no object, there are always time/coordination considerations. (Some tour operators will recommend what is easiest for them to book. Then you find out after you are there you have wasted time/money traveling).

I would also recommend camps in the Sabi Sand reserve South Africa for seeing the big 5 - up close, personal, and often. Specifically, MalaMala and the &Beyond camps.

regards - tom