gentle

First time in South Africa but have travelled widely around europe and middle east. Two women traveling together looking for safe area to stay in Joburg for 3 nights before going to a wedding at Protea in Kruger Gate then most likely travel to Victoria falls for a few days as i gather its not that far? . Then i need to get to Durban do i go back to joburg or fly straight to Durban staying with family then make my way down to cape town can someone recommend a good area reasonably clean hotel in a central area last thing i do love a little bit of shopping where do you suggest thanks

christabir

I would go to Vic Falls before the wedding. It's a couple hour flight from JNB - pretty far. Or Skip VF and spend a couple of nights in a Kruger private reserve before the wedding. Joberg is not that fun unless there are things you want to do.

How long is your trip and what is your general budget? We can be more help with a few details.

You really need to look at a map - the distances you need to go are vast and you are planning a lot of back and forth. And most flights go through JNB - just the way things are in S Africa. You can fly DUR - CPT direct, but you'll get to know JNB pretty well.

Odin

I recommend Sandton City or Rosebank areas of Joburg for hotels & shopping. Both can be easily reached from the airport on the Gautrain.
There is a huge shopping mall just north of Durban. We stayed fairly centrally in Durban in a gorgeous guest house which was walking distance to restaurants. I do recommend car rental.
If you want somewhere central with shopping in Cape Town, the V&A is a good option.
You will be able to fill a couple of days in Joburg with places to see.

diannelovestravel

Happy New Year!

If you could provide a few more details, that would be great, such as length of trip overall, time of year traveling, even budget.. These are details that would help us give you ideas..

I agree with christabir that if you are set on going to Vic Falls that you should do this from JNB on the front end of your trip then carry on to Kruger area. You can fly direct on certain days of the week from Vic Falls area to Kruger's KMIA via Livingstone airport in Zambia. It's worth the road transfer to save you from having to fly thru JNB. Flight efficiency will be key for you as you plan your itinerary.

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA

Shar

we just booked the Hyatt in Jo'burg for a 3 night stay in September prior to beginning our tour which will include safari, etc. Chose a brand I am familiar with and purchased a room that includes breakfast and airport transfer one way.

christabir

Shar - just curious. What are you going to do for three nights/four days in Joberg? We've done a few things, but looking for more for times we will have to fill.

Shar

christabir.....it is actually only 3 nights We arrive in early afternoon on Monday and fly out to Botswana on Thursday morning so we have 2 full days and part of one day. We have only a couple of things planned, catch up on sleep, tour of Soweto, and Museums and massages! We will be ready for our safaris and more of South Africa then. what are you doing or what have you done?

christabir

Shar - sleep when you get home . Do massages in Botswana - no better venue. We've done the Lippizaner Horse Show on Sundays, Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind and Caves and a night tour of the city with a family friend. We did a township tour in Cape Town so we skip the Soweto tour. We find ourselves in Joberg for overnights often and just looking for ideas. I don't find it an interesting city so three nights is TOO long. We land and go - I love to sleep that first night in the bush....

Things maybe for next times - Constitution Hill, Nelson Mandela House, Africa Museum. It just depends on how to fit them in.

Have a great time. Every time I land at JNB it feels like home.

Shar

Can't do massage in Botswanna as we are on tours after we leave Jo'burg with not too much free time and I like my sleep and want to be refreshed for the rest of our journey. Do not want to start the trip exhausted. I guess everyone has different ideas for vacations. Thanks for the suggestions on some things to see. We do plan on the Africa Museum and possibly Mandela House or Constitution Hill.