Southern Africa

I'm interested in going to South Africa, but probably in 2010. Please post your experiences here so I can learn from you. I've only just lately gotten interested in South Africa.

Heck, Lor, and I have been trying so hard for so long to get someone interested in visiting this country. If you choose to come next year, unless you are interested in watching world cup football matches, avoid June and July. August is also likely to be busier than usual with the remnants of the football crowd and the usual influx from Europe filling every nook and cranny. Already the Kruger park is fully booked for the period of the world cup (June 11 to July 11, 2010).

Thanks for the info, RudiK. This morning I did some planning, and I think I'll bring my (other) grandson to South Africa in June-July, 2011. He'll be 12 then, and due for a trip. This will also avoid the World Cup, which is good. (Unfortunately, of course, he has to go when there is school vacation, so it will have to be June/July.) How early does one have to reserve for Kruger park in a 'normal' June/July?

Lobo - sorry about the apparent hijacking of your thread. If I can assist with any information I would be happy to do so and I trust that you have a very enjoyable and interesting time in southern Africa.

Lor - Bookings open 11 months in advance and any requests for accommodation received before the bookings open are then processed immediately. After that it is on a first come, first served basis. At least, that is as I understand the process. For June and July I would book as soon as I had an good idea of the dates, because school holidays here also fall in that period (see: http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/south-africa/destinations.html?lh=http%3A//www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/calendar/south-african-school-terms-calendar.html%3Fyear%3D2011), and also have an idea at which camps you would like to stay.
When our son turned 12, he and I went on one of the Kruger Park's wilderness trails (minimum age for participants is 12). It is an unforgettable experience and something you may want to consider. See: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/activities/wilderness/default.php for full details. For other detailed info about Kruger see: [www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger].
Enjoy the planning.

No problem Rudi. That's what forums like this are all about, the sharing of information. I am also interested in your info.

Thanks, Lobo and RudiK---very helpful! Hope to hear from you on this forum, Lobo.

have only just seen your posting..... shame it's so close to your travelling date as would have been interested in coming along. i was in SA about 3 years ago and loved every moment. would dearly love to go back.