South African Safari holiday
Replies: 13 - Last Post: Nov 8, 2012 1:01 AM Last Post By: LodgeTrackers
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South African Safari holiday
Hi , myself and my partner of 62 are looking to go on a South African Safari holiday around the 28th of December this year.We're both fairly fit but probably wouldn't be up to roughing it too much. We are looking to see as much wildlife as possible and would like to visit Cape Town. Trip duration 12-14 days flying from Dublin Ireland. We are wondering which is best - to go on a package holiday or a DIY holiday. What are the benefits or downfalls of each option? Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Been waiting to do this for so many years and really want it to be a memorable experience.1
I would definently go fo DIY for these reasons:- Price
- Flexibility
- You can skip the stuff you don't like.
- You can travel at your own pace.
- You don't have to travel with a group.
- You can visit places that aren't in the packages, they're often pretty standard.
You should look into flying into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town or vice versa, it saves you time and it's usually not much more expensive.
Over to my favourite part, the Wildlife part. South Africa has so much to offer.
Kruger area is a must for me, but I prefer the neighbouring private reserves (without fences to Kruger)because I love the experience of going on safari in an open vehicle with the wind in my face, going off road and getting really close to the animals and it's so much fun learing from the tracker and the guide. It's more expensive than selfdriving in Kruger, but a night or two is worth it.(I've booked Six nights for next year in two different reserves)
Other places worth visiting:
- Kglagladi
- Hluhluwe
- Addo (not my favourite, but loads of elephants)
3
Agree with above...DIY.An open-jaw ticket (into Joburg and out of CT).Either fly or train between the 2 (depending on your budget)
With only 2 weeks max.and safari a priority I'd be looking at at least 4-5 days in Kruger and at least 4 in CT...that doesn't leave you a whole lot of time for other stuff.
Maybe some of the coast and/or the winelands near CT?
5
Hi I am thinking of doing the same thing around the same time and read the replies with interest. I would like to ask if it is safe for two women to drive around South Africa by themselves. We'd like to fly into Jo'burg and fly out of Cape town, driving between the two and going on safari. We are not interested in the towns - only in the animals! If it is not safe, would you recommend we travel by train?Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
6
yoginimanda - if you're after animals, maybe skip Cape Town but focus on the east: Kruger park, the wetlands park near St Lucia, Tembe elephant park on the Mozambique border and the Drakensberg mountains. Driving is not a problem. You could do a great round trip including 2 days Swaziland with 2-3 weeks there.8
Hi there,I would absolutely recommend Kruger Park & the surrounding reserves. What is your budget per person per night?
All the best,
Jacqui
9
Thank you for all your info. I am not sure of the budget. My friend is going to be 40 so it is a special holiday. Confusingly, someone told me that Botswana is the place to go for animals .... so now I am looking info up on that country. I appreciate your replies. Thanks again10
Botswana is certainly 'a' place to go for animals.....like another 15-20 African countries,including SA.Which one to choose depends on season,budget,which animals you want to see (eg no gorillas in SA or Botswana) and other things you want to do on your trip......etc etc.
11
Yoginmanda: Botswana is fantastic, but also very expensive. I would for a special occasion (and have done, and will do again)fly to Livingstone, see Victoria Falls and spend a night or two on a houseboat on the Chobe River, it's very romantic and amazing wildlife. I can also recommend Jackalberry and Serondella Lodge in Thornybush(near Kruger) and Royal Legend Safari Lodge in Timbavati.12
"Confusingly, someone told me that Botswana is the place to go for animals .... "The beauty of seeing wildlife in their natural environment (as oppossed to a zoo) is that it is completely unpredictable and you never know what you will see on your safari trip. Okavango Delta (Botswana) has the highest concentration of the big 5 wildlife. That does not mean you will get to see the big 5 in one day. Kruger National Park (SA) has the largest variety of wildlife than any other national park in Africa. That does not mean you will get to see them all. I have been to Kruger (Numerous times) and am yet to see a Leopard. I spent 4 days in Moremi (Delta) without seeing a single cat.
Getting to the Kruger is far easier and less expensive. If that is a factor for you...
13
Hi there,Kruger National Park is (in my opinion) the best one to go for. It really is world famous for a reason!
You have many options there, including self catering huts, camps, luxury camps, or even private reserves (my favorite being the Klaserie and the Sabi Sands), all which offer different types of accommodations.
I agree with mamameeya - the bush is highly unpredictable, and some days we see nothing at all, other days we come home seeing the Big 5!
All the best,
Jacqui
