dateej

So I just got back from South America and I am needing help to start planning an African trip. The places I want to go through are: Masai Mara Kenya, Luxor and the pyramids Egypt, Victoria Falls Zambia/Zimbabwe, La Digue Seychelles and Cape Town South Africa. I will have 2 full months and a 25K budget for my girlfriend and I. I will be flying out of Vancouver, BC. Any help from anyone who has done anything similar? Don't mind hostels but would rather sleep in hotels. I don't think my budget is all that off, and I will be booking safari and most things while I'm there to make things more financially sound. I understand the distances are big between these all but I think it is doable. Any help or suggestions on travelling to these places, places I shouldn't miss, hotel/hostel recommendations, safari recommendations, they all would be highly appreciated!

cary999

YIKES!!!
You need someone smarter than I am !!!!
International airfare could eat up $5K. Leaving $20K for 60 days, thus $333 per day for 2 pax, or $160 per day per person. It will be interesting to read more informed replies than mine

regards - tom

MohamedAli

Regarding Egypt you can know more about things to do and places to go to and attractions in Egypt from this site http://en.egypt.travel/, hope it is helpful

Regards - Mohamed

Kay2

dateej,
So how did the South American trip with similar budget and time this year work out? How/where did you travel? Where did you stay? What did you like/not? Although you didn't receive many recommendations on your question on the last year on the South American forum, some feedback on that experience might help with giving ideas for your similar request on this forum this year.

Elizabeth_S

A friend spent 5 weeks in South Africa/Vic Falls/Chobe (traveling alone so single supplements) for about that budget or perhaps even less. She stayed at Lodges outside of Kruger for 9 nights then flew to Port Elizabeth and drove back on the Garden Route (in a rental car) - accommodation along there was under $100/night.

In Cape Town she stayed at this great studio apartment with stunning views

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/591055

So I think it can be done (well).

sandi

When do you plan to travel? Weather will be different in most all countries regardless what time of year.

If any of the countries will be during their heaviest travel period, prices will be at their highest and waiting to book accommodations till arrival, there might not be a bed to lay your head or you get what's left over.

Next try to figure out your int'l air route bearing in mind that air in Africa is rather expensive, often with limited flights at strange hours.

Then check VISA entry requirements all countries, the fact that you'll require Malaria medicine and certain inoculations to even enter some countries.

dateej

I started my trip in Quito, Ecuador where I spent 4 days, from there I went to Banos for 3 days by bus, then back to Quito where I took a flight to Baltra, Galapagos. I spent 10 days there and it was probably the highlight of the entire trip. From Baltra I took a flight to Lima where I spent 2 nights. Nothing too much to see there. From there flew to Cuzco spent a couple nights there then took the 5 day Salkantay trek to machu picchu. Ended up in Puno where I took the bus to La Paz for a few more nights. Then the bus down to Uyuni and did a 4 day tour that ended in san pedro aticama, chile. I spent a night there and took the bus to Santiago which I must say was a nice change to get a nice hot shower.. Really nice metropolitan city. Spent 4 nights there right downtown and had a blast. Wanted to check out Torres del paine but just wrong time of the year for that (June). From Santiago flew to Buenos Aires. Spent a few nights there and then took the bus to Iguazu, Argentina. I then applied for my Brazil tourist visa which I got within 3 hours of applying for it. Spent three days there and took the bus to the falls and from there to a 31 hour bus ride to Belo Horizonte to watch a FIFA game. Spent three days there, then bussed back to Rio, where I spent 11 days at. Took a flight from there to Manaus where I spent 10 days and then flew back to Vancouver from there. That help you or would you like the details Kay2?

diannelovestravel

Dateej
You might want to consider Kenyan or Mozambique coast for beach hideaways. The Seychelles will eat your budget with flights etc. If you really want that island concept and not just beach, then perhaps the Quirimbas Archipelago off coast of Mozambique would be more cost effective.
I like your list of places although I'm not a huge fan of Egypt due to its tourism overrun. I loved Marrakech though! Fascinating place!
Seeing Victoria Falls is amazing and plan on working the cost of some adventure activities in your budget. From there, a safari could work well in Zambia or Zimbabwe which is much more budget friendly than Botswana.
Another alternative to a safari would be going to Madikwe because it's about 4 hours by car from Jo'burg and you will have a solid Big 5 experience there. Joburg will be most likely a stop for you as it is very typical to have to fly thru there to get somewhere else. On that note, I think you will need to map out your flight sequences. Flying from one place to another may require stops at places you aren't thinking of going thru.
Good luck! Sounds like a great trip to an amazing continent and something that you and your girlfriend will long remember! Enjoy!

sandi

>> tourism overrun in Egypt>> - not these days, so probably best time to visit.