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Help with Southern Africa itinerary

Help with Southern Africa itinerary

Old Apr 25, 2015, 5:55 am
  #1  
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Help with Southern Africa itinerary

Planning to go to Southern Africa in late March of 2016.

Due to school vacation constraints, time is very short. But we are used to fast-paced travel, so we'll have to do our best.

We can do 7 nights, and if we absolutely must, one more, but that would be highly undesirable.

The preliminary thinking is 1 night in Victoria Falls, 3 nts Capetown, 3 nights in a safari.

If the safari is at Kruger, getting in and out of Livingston with enough time to see the falls would be difficult, as all flights come and go at midday around 1 PM. That makes it very difficult to have more than a couple of hours there, which would be wasteful.

The alternative would be to go to a safari nearer the falls, like Chobe or Okavango. Would that save on travel time at all? More importantly, are there as many wildlife viewing opportunities in late March there as there are in Kruger? Or are all of these destinations hit and miss during late summer season?

Truly appreciate a fast reply, as I need to book tickets today- have JNB-IAD on hold, and I don't have to tell anyone here how tough it is to get 4 bus seats on the same flight on that route.

Thanks so much.
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 6:32 am
  #2  
 
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I just answered this same question for you on Trip Advisor.

It sounds like a short and sweet trip. I have been on safari in Southern Africa every time of year and I took my own kids on a trip to South Africa and Botswana in March, 2008 that included a Kruger ecosystem safari combined with Okavango and Victoria Falls. They still reference that trip in day to day life.

My first suggestion is to drop Victoria Falls. If you go there you will spend 30 hours from the time you arrive at the airport in South Africa to fly there until the time you land back in South Africa. This investment will be for a 2 hour tour of the Falls. I suggest spending that time in Cape Town or, better yet, on safari. Much more restful even though you don’t mind bouncing around.

Furthermore, I think you could spend all your time on safari as six nights split at 2 safari lodges is about the minimum I would recommend to be fully satisfied with the wildlife experience for a “typical” guests on a first time trip.

FYI - There is a flight from Vic Falls (Zambia side, Livingstone/LVI) that flies to Kruger (MQP) several times per week. If you absolutely must see the Falls you could use this flight and get to the Kruger area late in the afternoon missing most of the first afternoon animal viewing activity.

Are you trying to book South Africa Airways (the only non-stop from New York)? If so, here is a plan:

Sat Fly JFK-JNB.

Sun Land JNB. Continue onward JNB-SZK. Go on safari at MalaMala Main, Kirkmans Kamp or Lion Sands River Lodge/Tinga.

Mon/Tue/Wed Safari
Th Fly non-stop SZK-CPT. Stay at 2 br More Quarters apartment or 2br suite at Cape Grace.

Fri/Sat Cape Town

Sun Fly CPT-JNB-JFK

Mon Land JFK at 6am and send the kids to school today!
There should be plenty of space at lodges so I think you are ok!

Botswana vs. South Africa:
I don’t think anyone that knows a lot about safaris will say the animal viewing is better in March in Botswana. At that time of year you will see more animals per day at a private game reserve in the Kruger ecosystem than anywhere in Botswana except arguably Chief’s Island.

You could also do all-safari in South Africa as follows:

Option 1
About $5500 per person if kids are over 12
Sun/Mon/Tue MalaMala
Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat Mashatu on Stay4Pay3 (Mashatu is technically in Botswana)


Option 2
About $5000 per person if kids are over 12
Sun/Mon/Tue Lion Sands River Lodge
Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat More Hotels Madikwe Lelapa

Option 3
About $7500 per person if kids are over 12
Sun/Mon/Tue Singita Boulders or Ebony Family room
Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat Tswalu Kalahari family room.

Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 9:10 am
  #3  
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wow, Craig, thanks so much!
I think FT is a better forum for this, as I don't have to explain why the most amazing thing just happened! I had JNB-IAD for Sat 3/26, as there was nothing else available...and just now, JNB-NYC opened up, 4 tix in business, for Sun 3/27 - which works perfectly!

So, here's our plan.
Th night - NYC-DOH-CPT, landing in CPT 10 AM Sat.
Sat/Sun/Mo- CPT.
Tue CPT-MQP, 10 AM-12.35 PM.
Tue/Wed/Th- MQP.
Fri MQP-LVI 11.35 - 1.35 PM
Fri, Sat -LVI.
Sun - LVI-JNB-NYC, landing Mo 6.40 AM.
Home by 9 AM, send the kids to school, I can get to work.
How does this plan look to you?

steve
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 10:18 am
  #4  
 
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Wow, so you are planning on landing at 6am on a Monday and going to work/school. Have you flown on +15 hour flights before? Not a possibility for me, but go for it. Going to be a long day.

That being said, March in Cape Town and Botswana, is glorious. Follow Craig's advice. I think that even though you are used to fast paced travel, once you get to Southern Africa, you are going to want to slow down and really savor the experience. I would recommend trying to do less as opposed to more. My preference is more time on safari, Victoria Fall is amazing to see and experience, and many fun things to do in and around Livingstone/Vic Falls.

Enjoy, it will be a trip of a lifetime, or maybe the first of many trips of a lifetime.
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 10:19 am
  #5  
 
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That will work! You must have a long layover in DOH?

Cape Town plan is solid. If you like luxury, you could book Cape Grace on long stay rate which is stay4pay3 and book the first night on Friday so the room is ready on arrival.

From MQP you can access by most Sabi Sands properties (except the ones north of MalaMala) within 2-2.5 hours by road or use Fedair to get to the ones that allow Fedair to land (Fedair can’t land at SZK which is close to Lion Sands (all 5) and Kirkmans)

How old are the kids? What is your budget? I can make suggestions based on age for the safari.

On the Livingstone side, check out River Club, Royal Livingstone, Islands of Siankaba depending on budget.

When I was a Naval Officer on a Pearl Harbor based submarine in 2003, my wife visited me in Guam on a port call during deployment. She flew back to Hickam Air Force base at Pearl Harbor landing at 7am. She dropped the kids off at Hickam Elementary and went home. Worked perfectly (for her ha ha).

Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond

Last edited by SafariCraig; Apr 25, 2015 at 10:29 am
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 10:23 am
  #6  
 
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On second thought, I think you should book a lodge serviced by Fedair. The day you leave safari to go to Livingstone you will need to be at the MQP airport no later than 945 for intl check-in. The airport is 2-2.5 hours by road from the safari areas in the Sabi Sands. This means you miss MOST of your final morning game drive to get to the airport UNLESS you can fly on FEDAIR and try and savor a 2 hour game drive and leave on a plane from the dirt strip on the reserve around 9am. The flight is about 20 minutes.

Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 10:27 am
  #7  
 
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The 9am shuttle from Sabi Sands to MQP on FEDAIR will get you to the flight on time. You will get a short game drive that morning.

http://www.fedair.com/south-africa-t...e#.VTu_yyFViko

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 12:01 pm
  #8  
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Originally Posted by LongingForORD
Wow, so you are planning on landing at 6am on a Monday and going to work/school. Have you flown on +15 hour flights before? Not a possibility for me, but go for it. Going to be a long day.

That being said, March in Cape Town and Botswana, is glorious. Follow Craig's advice. I think that even though you are used to fast paced travel, once you get to Southern Africa, you are going to want to slow down and really savor the experience. I would recommend trying to do less as opposed to more. My preference is more time on safari, Victoria Fall is amazing to see and experience, and many fun things to do in and around Livingstone/Vic Falls.

Enjoy, it will be a trip of a lifetime, or maybe the first of many trips of a lifetime.
15 - no.
12 - yes. BUE-NYC, landed at 8, was home at 10, worked 12-8.
Although I've never flown across time zone and worked a full day after. That will be new. But that's OK, it's not like I have to perform very precise procedures on moving squirming humans...wait, I do...hmm

I would think most FT'ers are corporate road warriors with paid time off and sick days....or else self-employed consultants or business owners whose employees can work while they are away...not me. When I'm not there, no money is made and my 9 employees don't get paid.
So every day off is a struggle, and I treat them like gold - because they are.
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 1:09 pm
  #9  
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Craig,
thanks so much for your help, it is truly appreciated.
Right now, I am just trying to get the schedule down, so I can complete the bookings...and I'll worry about specifics later.

There are 4 alternative routes
I believe this one is the best

19 JNB landing at 8.45 AM
10:30 - 12 PM SabiSabi FedAir
20 MQP
21 MQP
22 MQP (SZK) 11:20a 1:55p CPT
23 CPT
24 CPT
25 CPT 7:30a 12:45p
26 LVI
27 LVI 1.10 PM 6.40 AM JNB/NYC

or one posted above:

19 CPT landing at 10.30 AM
20 CPT
21 CPT
22 CPT 10.00 AM 12.35 PM MQP
23 MQP
24 MQP
25 MQP 11.35 AM 1.10 PM LVI
26 LVI
27 LVI 1.10 PM 6.40 AM JNB/NYC

or

19 JNB landing at 8.45 AM
10:30 - 12 PM SabiSabi FedAir
20 MQP
21 MQP
22 MQP 11:35a 1:10p LVI
23 LVI
24 LVI 1:30p 7:10p CPT
25 CPT
26 CPT
27 CPT 4:10p 6:40a JNB/NYC

or (I believe the worst plan)
19 CPT landing at 10.30 AM
20 CPT
21 CPT
22 CPT 7 AM 12.45 PM LVI
23 LVI
24 LVI 1.10 PM 5.55 PM MQP
25 MQP
26 MQP
27 MQP 1.35 PM 6.40 AM JNB/NYC

any preference on either?

thanks a million!

Last edited by stevento; Apr 25, 2015 at 1:37 pm
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 2:31 pm
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I recommend the "safari first" option (the first one you listed above). The logistics are the most effective and you don't have to waste the last morning of a 3 day safari going to the airport (1/6 of the safari missed). Also, for a short trip, it is easier to get over jet lag on safari vs. in Cape Town. You could also do this:

LVI
LVI
CPT
CPT
CPT
CPT-MQP or CPT-SZK. Safari
Safari
Safari
Home.


Craig Beal - owner- Travel Beyond
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Old Apr 25, 2015, 7:00 pm
  #11  
 
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If you are going to be near Vic Falls, I suggest you look into a houseboat safari on the Chobe River, in Namibia. We just got back from our safari vacation which was from April 5-22.

The falls were so full we barely saw anything. Way to much spray. We had a land transfer into Namibia from Vic Falls, Zimbabwe side to the Pride of Zambezi houseboat for 2 nights for a water safari. Then a transfer into Botswana for 2 nights at Elephant Valley Camp to visit Chobe National Park and the elephants. Then flew back to SA to Gomo Gomo Camp near Kruger in the Klasserie reserve. Then 5 nights in Capetown. The houseboat was my favorite part of the trip.

We saw far more animals in Chobe area than we did in SA. I used a TA called Rhino Africa in Capetown to make all my arrangements for me and was extremely pleased with the plan they came up to fit my budget. I highly recommend them.

If you have any questions about the specifics of my trip just ask.
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Old Apr 26, 2015, 8:15 am
  #12  
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Originally Posted by SafariCraig
I recommend the "safari first" option (the first one you listed above). The logistics are the most effective and you don't have to waste the last morning of a 3 day safari going to the airport (1/6 of the safari missed). Also, for a short trip, it is easier to get over jet lag on safari vs. in Cape Town. You could also do this:

LVI
LVI
CPT
CPT
CPT
CPT-MQP or CPT-SZK. Safari
Safari
Safari
Home.


Craig Beal - owner- Travel Beyond
Actually, I think that's the route I will take.
19 JNB 10:30 12 PM LVI
20 LVI
21 LVI 1.30 7.10 CPT
22 CPT
23 CPT
24 CPT 10.35 1.10 SZK
25 SZK
26 SZK
27 SZK (2.50PM) or MQP (4.40 PM) JNB/NYC

It cuts out half a day in CPT, but maximizes time at Safari.

Safari first would be a good option too, but FedAir apparently doesn't take suitcases. With a wife and 2 teenage girls, that would be a problem.
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Old Apr 26, 2015, 11:18 am
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Originally Posted by stevento
Safari first would be a good option too, but FedAir apparently doesn't take suitcases. With a wife and 2 teenage girls, that would be a problem.
Its true that rigid-sided luggage cannot be accommodated on the Fedair flights ( due to their small-ish baggage compartment) , but each of you will be allowed to check a soft-sided duffel bag weighing about 40 pounds... plus youre each allowed to carry on an additional bag that weighs about 10 pounds.

I realize that what to pack is a big concern for a first safari, but there is no need to bring a lot.

Every camp Ive stayed in on 6 safaris has included laundry in the room rate; so your chosen camp may, too.
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Old Apr 26, 2015, 2:08 pm
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Just read all the helpful advice you all gave to Stevento which encouraged me to post my plans for Feb. 2016 in hopes you can share your expertise with me as well.

My husband and I will be in southern Africa arriving JNB 2/3 and departing JNB on 2/27. He will be on sabbatical from his university job and is as interested in exploring identity politics in SA as I am in safaris and landscape. So while he'll enjoy the museums explaining apartheid, a visit to Soweto and tours of townships, I look forward to Victoria Falls, national parks/private reserves and the Cradle of Humankind. He will not spend the entire time on vacation; he'll be meeting with university faculty in CPT and mentioned whether we should try to see one of his students who is now in Swaziland (not essential).

Given the (rainy) season, I have tried to plan an itinerary that gives us the best chance to see wildlife. For that reason, we include Etosha National Park in Namibia and don't plan to do Kruger.

We have a ton of Carlson points (his and mine). I would like to use them, booking reservations before the change in the second night free goes into effect at the end of May. I figure we'll use them in JNB and CPT but haven't yet researched if there are other Carlson locations that might work for us as well.

This is my very early thinking and I am happy for any advice on how to change/tweak it:

Option 1:

JNB Jo-burg >> WDH Windhoek >> CPT Cape Town >> Victoria Falls (LVI or VFA) >> ?? >> JNB Jo-burg

Feb. 1 - Leave JFK
Feb. 3 - Arrive Jo-burg 4:10PM
Feb. 3-5: Jo-burg; Recover from jetlag at a Carlson hotel with second night free; enable H to see Apartheid Museum and tour Soweto
Feb. 5 (Evening): JNB >> WDH (Windhoek)
Feb. 6-11 - Etosha and other places reachable from Windhoek
Feb. 11: Windhoek >> Cape Town
Feb. 11-18 - Cape Town and other places reachable from Cape Town
Feb. 19: CPT >> Victoria Falls
??
??
??
Feb. 25-26: Back in Jo-burg to allow a full day at Cradle of Humankind; another Carlson 2 night stay
Feb. 27 - Leave JNB 8:30PM

Option 2:

Jo-burg >> Cape Town >> Windhoek >> ?? and Victoria Falls >> Jo-burg

Feb. 1 - Leave JFK
Feb. 3 - Arrive Jo-burg 4:10PM
Feb. 3-5: Jo-burg
Feb. 5: Jo-burg >>> Cape Town
Feb. 5-13 - Cape Town and other places reachable from Cape Town
Feb. 13: Cape Town >> Windhoek
Feb. 13-20: Etosha and other places reachable from Windhoek
??
?? and Victoria Falls
??
Feb. 25-27: JNB

In both options 1 and 2, we'll certainly adjust a day here and there, for example perhaps we'll want more time in Etosha. At this point, I would like to just get a skeleton place-to-place itinerary and I can adjust the length of time in each place later based on how long we want in each place and the flight options we find.

While it would be nice to use points/miles for the intra-southern Africa travel, and I have a ton of Avios, I am not tied to doing so to get around. But I would like to set it up so that we don't include a leg with only super-expensive fares or a minimum number of departures a day/week.

We are inclined to not drive from place to place. I think we prefer to fly the longer distances and then rent a car while in a particular place if that seems the best strategy to get around in that particular section of southern Africa.

We are open to bus or train travel but not for distances longer than 4-5 hours. Which I think limits us to flying....

The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana may be likely destinations between Victoria Falls and our return to JNB to fly home. But I haven't researched Botswana yet so I am not quite sure of the best way go from Victoria Falls to Maun (?) which seems to be the jumping of point for the delta and Chobe. Reading on FT tells me that we can actually do a day trip from Victoria Falls/Livingston to Chobe so that's another option.

Another option might be to overnight in the Cradle of Humankind area instead of driving from Jo-burg.

What other locations might I consider adding to the itinerary instead/in addition to what I have? Are there other/better options considering it is the rainy season? Would switching up the order of where we go when make it easier/cheaper to get from place to place?

Thanks for any ideas/critiques/advice/comments. All are welcome! Thanks again!
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Old Apr 26, 2015, 2:44 pm
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If you are going to got to Victoria Falls I would look for a 4 night Vic Falls/Chobe combo. This way you can do the Falls and a safari without having to take an extra flight. It is about a 2 hour drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe (in Botswana) and you can fly fly into VF and out of Kasane Botswana (or vice versa). In my opinion Chobe is far better than Kruger for seeing animals (I literally saw hundreds of elephants). I did this trip in January and booked through http://www.safarispecialists.net/ I found them to be very attentive and their rates quite good.
In Cape Town make sure that you rent a car. A drive down to the bottom of the Cape is essential. It is best to stay close to the V and A Waterfront rather than downtown IMO.
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