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Kruger or Masi Mara

Kruger or Masi Mara

Old Oct 28, 2014, 9:41 pm
  #1  
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Kruger or Masai Mara

I am new to FT but have read quite a few threads on this subject and have come to the conclusion that either Kruger or Masai Mara would be amazing.

But I need some advice on making the final decision with the criteria being flight options / award availability.

We are flying in to JNB in mid March and flying out of SEZ. I had planned to spend about 3-4 days in CPT and then 3 days at Kruger then fly from JNB to SEZ.

The flight options other than one non-stop are less than ideal and I cannot seem to find anyway to use award tickets on Air Seychelles for the non-stop flight.

However, award availability from JNB to SEZ is pretty good on Kenya Airways. This would save nearly $3k in airfare alone.

Am I crazy to let that be the deciding factor ($3k won't break the trip but it is certainly a significant savings) on which area to do a Safari?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Last edited by SCTravler; Oct 28, 2014 at 10:24 pm
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Old Oct 28, 2014, 10:35 pm
  #2  
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Welcome to FlyerTalk. I am having trouble understanding your question. You speak of award availability to the Seychelles, but ask about whether to visit Kruger (South Africa) or Masai Mara (Kenya). Could you try once again to present option one and option two?
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Old Oct 29, 2014, 12:56 am
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If I read correctly you are asking:

Option One:
3-4 days in CPT
3 days Kruger
Then fly to SEZ via NBO

Option Two
3-4 days in CPT
Then fly to NBO
3 days Mara
Fly to SEZ

The distances are huge between CPT JNB then JNB NBO and JNB SEZ. I would stick to Kruger for the safari, so that when you fly thru NBO you are just in transit. Saves having to get a visa on arrival, swap to the local airport (Wilson), and hopefully have a connecting flight to the Mara, and then the vice-versa on the way back. More then likely you would have to O/N NBO at least once.

Stick to South Africa and Seychelles.
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Old Oct 29, 2014, 1:08 am
  #4  
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Thanks, that is exactly what I was asking. Appreciate the feedback!
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Old Oct 29, 2014, 10:41 am
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Hi SCT Traveler,

Are you under commitment to the Seychelles? Do you have to go there? The reason I am asking is because the private islands off the coast of Mozambique are MUCH closer to Kruger than Seychelles AND March is near perfect weather for that area. Check out Azura Benguerra Island, Villa Santorini, White Pearl or any of the other great options. I will have more advice when you respond to this one. I have a strong opinion about Kruger vs. Mara in March. I was last in the Kruger ecosystem in March 2008 and I spent two weeks in Kenya in March of this year. When I know more about your commitment to Seychelles I will chime-in again.

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
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Old Oct 29, 2014, 7:58 pm
  #6  
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I would not say we are 100% committed to Seychelles but it has been high on my list and we did secure some great seats on Emirates for the return back to the States. Always open to options so I will research the other Islands you mentioned.
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Old Oct 30, 2014, 1:26 pm
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Hi SCT Traveler,

What do you think? SA Airlink flies from Nelspruit/Kruger (MQP) to Vilanculos, Mozambique (VNX) on Thursday and Sunday. The Kruger to Vilanculos flights departs Nelspruit at 11h35 and arrives in Vilanculos at 12h50. This allows you to have a partial morning game drive the day you leave your safari lodge in the Kruger area and be on the beach in Mozambique in the early afternoon.

Here is a doable plan that is extremely relaxing as far as logistics go. You never “back track” which means flying back over the same airspace unnecessarily.

Day 1,2,3,4 Arrive Cape Town. You can choose a luxury hotel like Cape Grace or One & Only or one of the nice boutique hotels such as:

http://trevoyan.co.za/#1
http://www.kensingtonplace.co.za/
http://fourrosmead.com/
http://www.capecadogan.co.za/
http://www.morequarters.co.za/
http://www.pod.co.za/

Day 5,6,7 Fly non-stop from Cape Town to Skukuza, Nelspruit, or Hoedspruit. Spend 3-4 nights on safari at one of the many safari lodges that are good for honeymoons. Here are some options in approximate increasing order of cost:

Kambaku, Shindzela, Honeyguide, Tanda Tula, Lion Sands River Lodge/Tinga/Narina, Tintswalo, MalaMala Rattrays Singita Ebony Lewis, Singita Boulders, Royal Malewane.

Day 8,9,10,11 Fly from MQP-VNX on the above mentioned flight. Spend 4-5 nights on the beach depending on specials (stay4-pay5, honeymoon, etc.).
Day 12 Fly back to Jo’burg and go home.

Good luck!

Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
2011-2014 Travel & Leisure A-List Agent for Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia
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