We are 3 to 4 couples planning a trip in mid May flying into Cape Town thinking 4 nights but maybe 3 then on to to Kruger or Sabi Sands for 3 or 4 nights, moving on to Victoria Falls for 2 nights and going to a beach somewhere to relax for 3 to 4 nights maybe Mozambique or flying to Mauritius. I am getting caught up on the safari part of it. There are so many to choose from. I need HELP! budget between 6 to 8K all inclusive for 4 nights. Don't have to have ultra luxury but would like a semi luxury lodge. My total budget if 13-16K total. That does not include expenses or international air. I would like it to include some tours and transfers or air in Africa. just stumped on the Safari in Kruger or Sabi Sands.

I guess I need to clarify stumped. There are so many lodges to choose from. We are interested in a nice tented camp. Can anyone give suggestions on a few that would be nice that I can look at?

I can give you many options, but you really do need to get busy with your booking for Sabi Sands, if that's where you are headed.
I've stayed at a few camps there but my favorite was LONDOLOZI, where we stayed at Pioneer camp which I highly recommend.

I don't know the prices today, but I can give you the name of my fabulous travel planner for Southern Africa:

Lisel Matthews
www.southerndestinations.com

She's in CapeTown and has planned about five or six safari trips for me,, to SA, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Vic Falls.

Personally, I could skip Vic Falls and spend that time at a safari lodge, like Londolozi or other within your budget. The Falls are amazing, but being in the bush with the animals is way, way better time spent, in my opinion.

Thank you for your input. I just feel like if I am that close I need to at least go once. I also feel like 3 full days of morning and evening safari's will be enough but I have never been so I may regret it. I look into the one you suggested. There are so many at so many price points it's hard to nail it down. Thanks again!

Some random thoughts:

- I think 4 nights in the same place for safari is excessive. 3 nights is better. Better to try to see two different parks/areas, but that does add travel time. If you're in the same place four 4 nights, you're probably seeing the same packs of whatever animals are nearby and the same scenery.

- If your instinct is to visit VF, I would not skip VF. We had limited time in Southern Africa, and some people told us to consider skipping VF. We're very glad we went

- 4 nights in CPT is quite a lot. I guess it depends what you're planning to do there.