Taia

We're planning our first trip to Africa in Sept/Oct of this year... want to experience South Africa, and "real" Africa. Initial thoughts are to do Cape Town and areas for 7 days, and then another country for the remaining time.

1. What country is a must see, which is doable from SA?
2. We aren't too keen on a one week safari, thinking 3-4 days... is that enough? Are we crazy for making it so short?
3. Definitely keen on sitting on a beach for 3-4 days to relax. I hear Mozambique is very beautiful, but how easy is it to get there from SA? Is it realistic in our time period? Or will we find the same kind of beaches in SA?
4. Is domestic air travel cheap or costly?
5. How easy it is to rent a car, and travel in SA on our own? Or should we do group tours?
6. What should we expect for costs? Is $150-$200/night get us good accommodation?

I know I have a lot to ask, but am trying to get my head around what to do, and how to do it... not much time left.

Any help & suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!

atravelynn

1. Other country with SA--Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

2. You could do 3-4 days in the Lower Zambezi of Zambia or Mana Pools of Zimbabwe with game drives, walking, canoeing, small boat safaris. You'll see real Africa. Don't know which locations would be $150-$200 per night.

I don't think you are crazy for making the safari portion so short, but you could have so much more of a real African experience with a week.

I do not have answers for your other questions, but I'm sure others will.

aby

TAIA
u write:
"Initial thoughts are to do Cape Town and areas for 7 days, and then another country for the remaining time. "

How long is the <remaining time> ?

Chris80

I won't reply to all questions, but here are a few thoughts:

3-4 days for a safari is perfectly fine. There are many lovely Private Game Reserves in South Africa (e.g Sabi Sand).

Cheap air travel within South Africa: www.kulula.com

I personally think it's nicer to rent a car and not do any group tours. You are much more flexible and can stay at a place longer if you like it or leave if you don't like it.
www.avis.co.za or www.europcar.co.za

$150-$200 for accommodation a night, will definitely get you good/very good accommodation. www.southafrica-stay.com

fuzzylogic

Hope Taia doesn't mind - but I have a specific question about Mana Pools.

What sort of accommodation options are available there?

Any info you can give me will be much appreciated.

Thanks

mkhonzo

Since you are not that enthusiastic on the safari element I would suggest that instead of crossing the border to Zim/Zam/Bots that you head east to the Sabi Sands for three nights.

You can then fly from KMIA to VVilanculos and spend the remaining four nights at one of the many island resorts around Bazzaruto island.

Flights to V/culos leave KMIA on tues and fridays, the balance are out of JNB (Pelican Air) You can return dircetly into JNB international and if you have an evening flight home you could make the connection with ease. Note: It might be possible to get to Vilanculos from Cape Town via JNB, however the return schedul via KMIA needs to be checked, that could also be an option.

Cost of domestic air, yes if you do the research and find the less epxansive airlines.
Easy enough to rent a car, you need a credit card and driving license.
$150 -$200 is a decent budget for the 4 star hotels. Also Sept is generally the quiter period, whcih should favour a rate negotiation if you deal direct.
Flights to and from the Sabi Sand = expensive, similarly the flights to and from Mozambique.

Perhas drive to S/sands or take a shuttle, then use the saved $$'s fro the flights to M/bique and back to JNB.

BTW: The drive from S/sands to Maputo is three hours maybe four, so you could look at the cost of flights ex-Maputo to Vilanculos.

jasher

Hello Taia,

1. I'd second the recommendation to stay within SA -- there is just so much to see and do there. However, if you did want to visit another country, I'd recommend Namibia for its stunning landscapes since safari is not a priority for you.

2. 3-4 days for a safari is fine if you stay in one camp -- you'll have time to get to know the area you're staying in. I'd second the recommendation of the other posters to spend your time in the Sabi Sands.

3. Mozambique is easily accessible from SA, and would make a lovely beach extension.

4. This varies - it's cheap if you book in advance and don't travel too far off the beaten path.

5. It's very easy to rent a car and drive yourself around SA. I did this for a month and it was brilliant! I'd highly recommend doing this rather than a group tour -- you'll be able to make your own itinerary and schedule, choose your own accommodation, and interact more with real South Africans.

6. Accommodation in SA represents some of the best value for money I've ever seen -- you'll be amazed by what you can get for $150-$200 per night, particularly in September as this is still considered low season in SA.

Cheers,
Julian