1

It all depends on how much time you have. To see all the things you mentioned in a non-stressed way, I'd suggest 5-6 weeks. SA is large, as big as Germany + France, so don't underestimate travel distances.
Choosing not to drive is a problem - it's really not hard on the left, and pretty essential to get to see the country in a flexible way.
Whales I think only from Aug/Sept onwards. Weather... CT will be OK, in Johannesburg it'll be between 4-18 degrees; you'll need to go north of Maputo for warm sea temperatures. Lesotho is possible but if you're unlucky some inland roads will be unpassable (still, you can get to Malealea from where you can do treks... or ski at Afri-Ski).

2

Are you going alone and how many weeks/days do you have for the trip?

As Jeroen said, not driving will be a problem. The country is big and public transport isn't as good as EU. I'd consider renting a car for outside the city. Driving on the left hand side isn't that bad; you can quickly adjust to it. Once you leave the city, there won't be many cars on the road anyway.

Consider De Hoop park. I am told that whales come right up to the white sandy beach there if they do come near land.

Alternatively, split your holiday time between being on your own & traveling with tour group. Africa Nomad and Gap Adventures offer many reasonable price camping tours. I did one with Gap from Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157625469117679/

3

Thanks!!

Well, I have about 30 days in SA. July-August.
Okey, so Mozambique is out of the question, I can go next winter on a beach holiday :D

and maybe I should try to drive at the left side....But where should I drive? I'v read that driving in Lesotho is impossible or at least very hard..And if I am going to travel between CT and Joburg or Nelspruit it will be with a plane.
Maybe I can drive the "Panorama Route" bymyself. Hopefully I will have at least one friend with me.

4

Wow! Sounds like you have a great trip planned!
But yes, 30 days is a bit too strained to see all that this place has to offer.

Do you perhaps have a certain budget per night for the Kruger area? Would you prefer to stay in SanParks accommodation and drive yourself + self cater? Or would you prefer to stay in a private reserve (such as Sabi Sands) in the Kruger Area, and have game drives + meals etc included?

The Panorama route is a MUST - It is incredibly beautiful, and the roads are not too bad.

I do hope that we can all help you out here!
All the best,
Jacqui
-Owner-
Lodge Trackers Safari Specialists

5

Thanks :D So what do you think I should do? I think I would prefer to have game drives, meals included. I really want to learn things as well, I need a great ranger who will answer every question I ask ;)
Would be happy to pay at most 1500-1800 R per night. To go to safari is my DREAM and it is important it will be great. I dont need luxury, I want to see animals, lots of them and I want to stay at a lodge in front of a waterhole.

Maybe I should fly in to CT, do the things I want, then fly to Durban? And travel in Lesotho, Drakensberg, up to Tembe Elephant Park, then drive to Kruger and Panorama Route and take the flight from Johannesburg back home?
Other suggestions? :D

6

Is Blyde River Canyon a part of Panorama Route?

7

Hi Annoj,

Blyde River is part of the Panorama indeed :-). It is a beautiful route that I recommend highly, if you can!
How long are you going to spend in each place? As just make sure you are not rushing it all.. South Africa is a BIG place :-).

In terms of accommodation in the Kruger, there are a few places that can help you with that budget, including Africa on Foot in the Klaserie (You will learn ALOT here - At dawn, you are taken on a proper walking safari and get to experience the animals up close and personal - then in the evening, you are taken on a game drive). Also, Sausage Tree Camp in the Balule, and nDzuti Lodge also in the Klaserie are all options that fit within your budget. nDzuti is a fantastic place that offers everything that you mentioned above - and all at a great price!

All the best, and please don't hesitate if you have ANY questions :-).
Jacqui
-Owner-
Lodge Trackers Safari Specialists

8

Agree start in Cape Town, then you could either hire a car & drive or take the baz bus but this limits where you go. Whales do indeed come very close to the shore, best spots are Fish Hoek, Glencairn, Hermanus is ok but you are high up on a cliff, De Kelders, De Hoop & Witsand. You can shark dive from Simon's Town or Gansbaai.

9

De Hoop looks AMAZING!