All dressed up and no place to go... | South Africa - Lonely Planet Forum

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Sun, 02 Oct 2016 16:04:38 +0000

I suddenly find myself with a 10 day window for the end of October, and I'll be in Joberg, alone. I'm looking for something interesting to do, and maybe people to do it with. My interests are fly fishing, 4x4 safari travel, game drives (but not expensive ones), expeditions to remote places, or anything else that has a 'non-mainstream' element to it.

I've done enough eclectic travel for a lifetime, so now I find myself a bit disgusted at the traditional offerings....beach resort holidays, cruise ships, 'city breaks' where some lackey drags you from restaurant to tourist trap to scenic viewpoint to snazzy hotel.

Anyone have any ideas to share for a good week-long adventure? Or can recommend a good fly fishing lodge or safari camp that won't cost me an arm and a leg? Sorry if this sounds pessimistic, but after hours and days of internet searches, I get weary of the same old hype and overpriced minimalism that gets offered.

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Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:04:28 +0000

My first choice is Krüger NP, which is amazing for wildlife. Spend a couple of days self--driving around the park, and staying in restcamps (they are very reasonably priced). And for something a bit more adventurous, do a Wilderness Trail (with 2 fully hiking days and 3 nights in a very rustic camp in the bush). Have a look at the excellent SANP website for information https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/activities/wilderness/about.php. The only problem with this plan is that it will probably be very difficult to find availability for a Trail at such short notice.

I know nothing about fly fishing, so Im not the right person to give advise on that. I know however that Dullstrom is popular / famous for it, and its on the way between Joburg and Krüger.

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Sun, 02 Oct 2016 22:41:45 +0000

Given your interests, I would go to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Or go visit Zimbabwe.

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Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:13:14 +0000

Thanks for those thoughts. I've been to Kruger many times, but the idea of a Wilderness Trail is enticing. I've also been to Zim and Kgalagadi, but not the northern regions. Also good ideas.

Any insights on travel agents who host similar style trips for solo travelers (who end up connecting for the adventure)?

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Wed, 05 Oct 2016 13:21:23 +0000

Hi, I unfortunately do not have any info on the rravel agencies but in regards to places for you to visit.
There are many smaller wildlife lodges and farms around the Magaliesberg area that is rigt by Jo'burg, including the DeWildt Cheetah sanctuaryat Hartebeespoort dam. Magaliesberg also offers some 4x4 trails as far as I know along with things like abseiling and paragliding and all of those.
If you would like to revisit the Kruger, there are tons of things to do on the way there. As a previous poster mentioned, Dullstroom is famous for it's fly-fishing. But there are many areas along the panaroma route (Dullstroom to Orighstad) that cater for enthusiasts. Then there is the Blyderiver canyon that is not only amazing to see and hike through but offers wildlife and 4x4 opportunities.
And last but not least, if you want to make a fishing trip of it, there is off course the massive Vaal river.

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Fri, 06 Oct 2017 01:00:32 +0000

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