Solo South Africa (Big 5 and Wine) this fall- Possible extras ie. Victoria Falls
Jun 5, 22, 9:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Toronto-YYZ
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Posts: 561
Solo South Africa (Big 5 and Wine) this fall- Possible extras ie. Victoria Falls
Greetings everyone,
I've been tossing around the idea of visiting Africa this fall (turned 40 this past March) with a focus on South Africa, but am also hoping to squeeze in an extra nation or 2 if possible.
While the main focus on this trip would be to do a safari in hopes of seeing the big 5, as I'm a sommelier, I'm also hoping to do 2-3 days of wine tastings as well. While I'd like to keep this to about 2 weeks (12-15 days exluding travel days), I can stretch it out a bit if need be.
While the focus would be South Africa, I'd also like to do check out Victoria Falls and if possible, day trips to bordering Zambia and Namibia too. Would also be nice to do a day trip in Nairobi (if the flight schedule made sense) but it's not a major deal since I know I'd likely not be able to leave the city due to a lack of time.
With all this being said, I understand I'll have to fly around (seems the trains are unfortunately hit/miss lately) and would like to spend a few days in Cape Town of possible.
The only tour I've been able to find that isn't super overpriced is one from Gap Adventures but theirs no wine component and seems their age cap is 39 and there's a lot of ground transportation.
I'm not needing anything super luxurious (mid-tier is fine) and while I'd love to go to Kruger for 3 days(maybe a 4th?), so long as accomodations are clean and moqsquito nets, I'm pretty easy going.
Even wifi isn't all that important once out on safari.
As for the wine, I'm thinking 2-3 days in various wine regions are fine. I'd be fine doing this portion of the trip alone since I find being on public tours a bit too basic. I have seen a Franschhoek wine train which looks interesting too, so would be nice to incorporate that into the trip. Not sure if I'd do the guided one or solo on it though (too soon to tell really)
Anyways, while I'm usually fine travelling solo, I think this may be one time it may make sense to do a tour.
Am I out to lunch on this, or is this semi-plausible?
Thanks in advance!
I've been tossing around the idea of visiting Africa this fall (turned 40 this past March) with a focus on South Africa, but am also hoping to squeeze in an extra nation or 2 if possible.
While the main focus on this trip would be to do a safari in hopes of seeing the big 5, as I'm a sommelier, I'm also hoping to do 2-3 days of wine tastings as well. While I'd like to keep this to about 2 weeks (12-15 days exluding travel days), I can stretch it out a bit if need be.
While the focus would be South Africa, I'd also like to do check out Victoria Falls and if possible, day trips to bordering Zambia and Namibia too. Would also be nice to do a day trip in Nairobi (if the flight schedule made sense) but it's not a major deal since I know I'd likely not be able to leave the city due to a lack of time.
With all this being said, I understand I'll have to fly around (seems the trains are unfortunately hit/miss lately) and would like to spend a few days in Cape Town of possible.
The only tour I've been able to find that isn't super overpriced is one from Gap Adventures but theirs no wine component and seems their age cap is 39 and there's a lot of ground transportation.
I'm not needing anything super luxurious (mid-tier is fine) and while I'd love to go to Kruger for 3 days(maybe a 4th?), so long as accomodations are clean and moqsquito nets, I'm pretty easy going.
Even wifi isn't all that important once out on safari.
As for the wine, I'm thinking 2-3 days in various wine regions are fine. I'd be fine doing this portion of the trip alone since I find being on public tours a bit too basic. I have seen a Franschhoek wine train which looks interesting too, so would be nice to incorporate that into the trip. Not sure if I'd do the guided one or solo on it though (too soon to tell really)
Anyways, while I'm usually fine travelling solo, I think this may be one time it may make sense to do a tour.
Am I out to lunch on this, or is this semi-plausible?
Thanks in advance!
Jun 6, 22, 3:13 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 609
It is very easy to organise and travel around South Africa and the Vic Falls immediate area solo, without needing a tour. I think that is why you are seeing overlanding type tours, because it is really easy to do the 'highlights' yourself.
Staying in the winelands area (either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek or Somerset West areas) there are lots of options, including taxis and Uber or pre-booked small private or group tours, the wine tram in Franschhoek, or drive yourself and taste and spit. We drive around ourselves but there are two of us to take turns. You just need to avoid the township areas, which your accommodation can explains directions etc. If you drive there are loads of lovely, small wineries further out too, to the north around Wellington/Riebeek Kasteel or into the Breede River valley, and to the east around Grabouw / Bot River / Hermanus (Hemel en Aarde road or Highlands Road for example). You can easily spend a week in the area immediately around Cape Town.
In Victoria Falls area, you can get taxis around town and walk between the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. It is a transfer to the Botswana border and Kasane for river cruises on the Chobe River and guided game drives into Chobe NP (for wildlife). Getting as far as the Caprivi Strip in Namibia would be more costly, or need time to do back-packing style using local buses. (You could hire a 2wd drive and stick to the tarmac routes to get around and you'll see wildlife on the roads as there aren't any fences here, but crossing borders with a car is a faff.) If you omit Namibia, you could pop in to three countries (Zim, Zam, Bots) very easily in 2-3 days. A good agent would be able to pre-arrange transfers for you to and from airports and accommodations and arrange the guided trips, either look for local agents on places like TripAdvisor or safari specialists who are used to doing 'add-ons'. (Not recommendations as I haven't used them, but example agents with websites range in cost from WildWingsSafaris, Lelobu Safaris, Rhine Africa, ExpertAfrica and many more).
For the 'safari' portion, if you are flying to Victoria Falls anyway, then you might consider (depending on your budget) time in Hwange NP in Zimbabwe or Chobe NP in Botswana, or see more of northern Botswana. The northern Botswana options outside of day trips from Kasane are generally very expensive but if you are adventurous then there are mobile camping safari options and it is an incredible place. Any of those options avoids having to back-track through Johannesburg or make flight schedules work and losing time to regional travel, if you were to try to fit in Kruger NP as well. If you do want to see Kruger NP, getting flights to and from Vic Falls area can be difficult to tie-in with the schedule that the guided, private reserve lodges run (you are paying for an afternoon and morning game drive per night stay) so you generally lose a night in Johannesburg area. But there are different 'ways' to do a safari, including self-driving or joining a shared, guided group tour of the National Park. So what to do depends on your adventurousness and your budget.
Flying via Nairobi, the flight routes and alliances don't make much sense to do this, it would probably add substantial cost to spend limited time in an airport hotel or in queues of awful traffic in an extremely congested city. Nairobi would not be my choice for any holiday, just a necessity to get to other places.
Staying in the winelands area (either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek or Somerset West areas) there are lots of options, including taxis and Uber or pre-booked small private or group tours, the wine tram in Franschhoek, or drive yourself and taste and spit. We drive around ourselves but there are two of us to take turns. You just need to avoid the township areas, which your accommodation can explains directions etc. If you drive there are loads of lovely, small wineries further out too, to the north around Wellington/Riebeek Kasteel or into the Breede River valley, and to the east around Grabouw / Bot River / Hermanus (Hemel en Aarde road or Highlands Road for example). You can easily spend a week in the area immediately around Cape Town.
In Victoria Falls area, you can get taxis around town and walk between the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. It is a transfer to the Botswana border and Kasane for river cruises on the Chobe River and guided game drives into Chobe NP (for wildlife). Getting as far as the Caprivi Strip in Namibia would be more costly, or need time to do back-packing style using local buses. (You could hire a 2wd drive and stick to the tarmac routes to get around and you'll see wildlife on the roads as there aren't any fences here, but crossing borders with a car is a faff.) If you omit Namibia, you could pop in to three countries (Zim, Zam, Bots) very easily in 2-3 days. A good agent would be able to pre-arrange transfers for you to and from airports and accommodations and arrange the guided trips, either look for local agents on places like TripAdvisor or safari specialists who are used to doing 'add-ons'. (Not recommendations as I haven't used them, but example agents with websites range in cost from WildWingsSafaris, Lelobu Safaris, Rhine Africa, ExpertAfrica and many more).
For the 'safari' portion, if you are flying to Victoria Falls anyway, then you might consider (depending on your budget) time in Hwange NP in Zimbabwe or Chobe NP in Botswana, or see more of northern Botswana. The northern Botswana options outside of day trips from Kasane are generally very expensive but if you are adventurous then there are mobile camping safari options and it is an incredible place. Any of those options avoids having to back-track through Johannesburg or make flight schedules work and losing time to regional travel, if you were to try to fit in Kruger NP as well. If you do want to see Kruger NP, getting flights to and from Vic Falls area can be difficult to tie-in with the schedule that the guided, private reserve lodges run (you are paying for an afternoon and morning game drive per night stay) so you generally lose a night in Johannesburg area. But there are different 'ways' to do a safari, including self-driving or joining a shared, guided group tour of the National Park. So what to do depends on your adventurousness and your budget.
Flying via Nairobi, the flight routes and alliances don't make much sense to do this, it would probably add substantial cost to spend limited time in an airport hotel or in queues of awful traffic in an extremely congested city. Nairobi would not be my choice for any holiday, just a necessity to get to other places.
Jun 6, 22, 6:03 am
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,327
Flying through Nairobi on Kenya Airways - there are flights to CPT via Vic Falls 4 days a week or so. Means you can get an overnight in Nairobi, fly to Vic Falls, spend a few days (depending on flight schedules), and then continue to Cape Town. The new Expressway is open meaning what could be a 3 hour drive to Karen can now be done in under 40 minutes, or 20 minutes to Westlands).
The wineries that are done on the Wine Tram are mid level wines. I prefered hiring a car and doing some of the higher end wineries around Franschhoek (Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Anthonij Rupert, Mont Rochelle, Haute Espoir and Plaisir de Merle). You need to book tastings.
The wineries that are done on the Wine Tram are mid level wines. I prefered hiring a car and doing some of the higher end wineries around Franschhoek (Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Anthonij Rupert, Mont Rochelle, Haute Espoir and Plaisir de Merle). You need to book tastings.
Jun 7, 22, 2:32 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Toronto-YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive- Blue, Lifemiles, AA Advantage, VIA Rail Preference, Iberia Plus
Posts: 561
It is very easy to organise and travel around South Africa and the Vic Falls immediate area solo, without needing a tour. I think that is why you are seeing overlanding type tours, because it is really easy to do the 'highlights' yourself.
Staying in the winelands area (either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek or Somerset West areas) there are lots of options, including taxis and Uber or pre-booked small private or group tours, the wine tram in Franschhoek, or drive yourself and taste and spit. We drive around ourselves but there are two of us to take turns. You just need to avoid the township areas, which your accommodation can explains directions etc. If you drive there are loads of lovely, small wineries further out too, to the north around Wellington/Riebeek Kasteel or into the Breede River valley, and to the east around Grabouw / Bot River / Hermanus (Hemel en Aarde road or Highlands Road for example). You can easily spend a week in the area immediately around Cape Town.
In Victoria Falls area, you can get taxis around town and walk between the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. It is a transfer to the Botswana border and Kasane for river cruises on the Chobe River and guided game drives into Chobe NP (for wildlife). Getting as far as the Caprivi Strip in Namibia would be more costly, or need time to do back-packing style using local buses. (You could hire a 2wd drive and stick to the tarmac routes to get around and you'll see wildlife on the roads as there aren't any fences here, but crossing borders with a car is a faff.) If you omit Namibia, you could pop in to three countries (Zim, Zam, Bots) very easily in 2-3 days. A good agent would be able to pre-arrange transfers for you to and from airports and accommodations and arrange the guided trips, either look for local agents on places like TripAdvisor or safari specialists who are used to doing 'add-ons'. (Not recommendations as I haven't used them, but example agents with websites range in cost from WildWingsSafaris, Lelobu Safaris, Rhine Africa, ExpertAfrica and many more).
For the 'safari' portion, if you are flying to Victoria Falls anyway, then you might consider (depending on your budget) time in Hwange NP in Zimbabwe or Chobe NP in Botswana, or see more of northern Botswana. The northern Botswana options outside of day trips from Kasane are generally very expensive but if you are adventurous then there are mobile camping safari options and it is an incredible place. Any of those options avoids having to back-track through Johannesburg or make flight schedules work and losing time to regional travel, if you were to try to fit in Kruger NP as well. If you do want to see Kruger NP, getting flights to and from Vic Falls area can be difficult to tie-in with the schedule that the guided, private reserve lodges run (you are paying for an afternoon and morning game drive per night stay) so you generally lose a night in Johannesburg area. But there are different 'ways' to do a safari, including self-driving or joining a shared, guided group tour of the National Park. So what to do depends on your adventurousness and your budget.
Flying via Nairobi, the flight routes and alliances don't make much sense to do this, it would probably add substantial cost to spend limited time in an airport hotel or in queues of awful traffic in an extremely congested city. Nairobi would not be my choice for any holiday, just a necessity to get to other places.
Staying in the winelands area (either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek or Somerset West areas) there are lots of options, including taxis and Uber or pre-booked small private or group tours, the wine tram in Franschhoek, or drive yourself and taste and spit. We drive around ourselves but there are two of us to take turns. You just need to avoid the township areas, which your accommodation can explains directions etc. If you drive there are loads of lovely, small wineries further out too, to the north around Wellington/Riebeek Kasteel or into the Breede River valley, and to the east around Grabouw / Bot River / Hermanus (Hemel en Aarde road or Highlands Road for example). You can easily spend a week in the area immediately around Cape Town.
In Victoria Falls area, you can get taxis around town and walk between the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. It is a transfer to the Botswana border and Kasane for river cruises on the Chobe River and guided game drives into Chobe NP (for wildlife). Getting as far as the Caprivi Strip in Namibia would be more costly, or need time to do back-packing style using local buses. (You could hire a 2wd drive and stick to the tarmac routes to get around and you'll see wildlife on the roads as there aren't any fences here, but crossing borders with a car is a faff.) If you omit Namibia, you could pop in to three countries (Zim, Zam, Bots) very easily in 2-3 days. A good agent would be able to pre-arrange transfers for you to and from airports and accommodations and arrange the guided trips, either look for local agents on places like TripAdvisor or safari specialists who are used to doing 'add-ons'. (Not recommendations as I haven't used them, but example agents with websites range in cost from WildWingsSafaris, Lelobu Safaris, Rhine Africa, ExpertAfrica and many more).
For the 'safari' portion, if you are flying to Victoria Falls anyway, then you might consider (depending on your budget) time in Hwange NP in Zimbabwe or Chobe NP in Botswana, or see more of northern Botswana. The northern Botswana options outside of day trips from Kasane are generally very expensive but if you are adventurous then there are mobile camping safari options and it is an incredible place. Any of those options avoids having to back-track through Johannesburg or make flight schedules work and losing time to regional travel, if you were to try to fit in Kruger NP as well. If you do want to see Kruger NP, getting flights to and from Vic Falls area can be difficult to tie-in with the schedule that the guided, private reserve lodges run (you are paying for an afternoon and morning game drive per night stay) so you generally lose a night in Johannesburg area. But there are different 'ways' to do a safari, including self-driving or joining a shared, guided group tour of the National Park. So what to do depends on your adventurousness and your budget.
Flying via Nairobi, the flight routes and alliances don't make much sense to do this, it would probably add substantial cost to spend limited time in an airport hotel or in queues of awful traffic in an extremely congested city. Nairobi would not be my choice for any holiday, just a necessity to get to other places.
I'd actually prefer to not have to drive myself, but I have done solo tours where I've had to spit out the wine and drive myself, but they weren't with driving on the other side of the road.
In terms of the Safari, I would like to visit Kruger, but I'm open to alternate suggestions. I'm still very early into the planning stages of this so nothing is set except the general ideas of animals and wine.
I just looked up Chobe so even a day trip there(will try for at least a night) are something I really want to do.
Is Johannesburg worth checking out? I mean, I understand if I need to stop in there, but otherwise, is it worth it? Cape Town is one plane I really want to check out for sure.
Thanks for the idea of small groups. Yes private tours are nice but since I'm travelling solo, it's a chance to not really be "solo" for at least a bit of the tour.
Flying through Nairobi on Kenya Airways - there are flights to CPT via Vic Falls 4 days a week or so. Means you can get an overnight in Nairobi, fly to Vic Falls, spend a few days (depending on flight schedules), and then continue to Cape Town. The new Expressway is open meaning what could be a 3 hour drive to Karen can now be done in under 40 minutes, or 20 minutes to Westlands).
The wineries that are done on the Wine Tram are mid level wines. I prefered hiring a car and doing some of the higher end wineries around Franschhoek (Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Anthonij Rupert, Mont Rochelle, Haute Espoir and Plaisir de Merle). You need to book tastings.
The wineries that are done on the Wine Tram are mid level wines. I prefered hiring a car and doing some of the higher end wineries around Franschhoek (Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Anthonij Rupert, Mont Rochelle, Haute Espoir and Plaisir de Merle). You need to book tastings.
Oddly enough, that you mentioned Mont Rochelle though, I was watching a video on the wine tram and some people went there.
I presume that the wines that are included in the tours are entry level, but is it possible to upgrade to top tier wines at the wineries? I assume it's extra of course but usually find this is doable when I've visited other wineries around the world.
In general, is it better to do this trip north to south (ending in Cape Town), or south to north? (ending in/around Victoria Falls, although I presume I'd have to fly into Nairobi before flying back to Western Canada via Europe or something along those lines)
Jun 7, 22, 4:12 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 609
Just be aware that some / many safari lodges or tours will book up 12 months ahead (again depends a bit on budget and requirements). Because of all the postponements over the last 2+ years, finding availability for consecutive nights for safari while trying to limit single supplements etc means you should consider booking the 'safari' portion sooner rather than later. Generally Sept-Oct is high season, by November it is usually low season; this is because it is typically the start of early rains (sporadic). Note in the Victoria Falls area October and November get extremely hot.
Note doing a day trip into Botswana means you can use a Kaza Univisa for entry, whereas staying overnight you'll have to buy a Botswana visa in addition to Zim visa or Univisa.
"Is Johannesburg worth checking out?" That depends if there are historical, cultural or other things you would like to see or do in the area. We like the outdoors and nature highlights so have spent little time there so I can't really comment.
Note doing a day trip into Botswana means you can use a Kaza Univisa for entry, whereas staying overnight you'll have to buy a Botswana visa in addition to Zim visa or Univisa.
"Is Johannesburg worth checking out?" That depends if there are historical, cultural or other things you would like to see or do in the area. We like the outdoors and nature highlights so have spent little time there so I can't really comment.
Jun 7, 22, 8:00 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,018
A day trip to Nairobi from South Africa is a bit like doing a day trip to LA from NYC. A whole of travel for somewhere that isnt that interesting. Africa is BIG so day trips are not easy to do.
I find Johannesburg very interesting, but politics, economics, sociology and history are things I enjoy when travelling. If you are looking for bush Africa probably not worth it
Kruger is a great experience. It is not the pristine bush experience - there are gas stations and coffee shops at the rest camps. But it is easy to access, can be done affordably via the SANParks camps and a rental car. And you can see lots and lots - personal highlights are 3 different leopards on one trip, and the big 5 in 8 hours + wild dogs.
I find Johannesburg very interesting, but politics, economics, sociology and history are things I enjoy when travelling. If you are looking for bush Africa probably not worth it
Kruger is a great experience. It is not the pristine bush experience - there are gas stations and coffee shops at the rest camps. But it is easy to access, can be done affordably via the SANParks camps and a rental car. And you can see lots and lots - personal highlights are 3 different leopards on one trip, and the big 5 in 8 hours + wild dogs.
Jun 12, 22, 1:46 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 45
You've had some good advice above, but remember this is Africa and things don't always go smoothly where travel is concerned and IMHO it's vital to build in a bit of slack in case you get delayed here & there and don't try to pack in too much. Personally I'd stick to SA for a 2-week first trip to Africa: there's enough to interest anyone in the country for 6 months, never mind 2 weeks, and wine interest is ++++++.
I'd certainly combine Cape Town & environs with either the Kruger for safari or, if you'd like somewhere malaria-free and less visited, why not consider the Madikwe reserve near the Botswana border, also a big 5 reserve? I'd fly there, but you can drive from Jo'burg in 4-5h.
For a first safari I'd recommend going with a specialist safari operator: I see you're in Canada so maybe someone else can recommend local operators for you. Of the African logistics & tour/transport companies (used by many good local operators) I can personally recommend Robin Pope Safaris and several branches of Wilderness Safaris, but I know others on here have got a lot more experience than I do.
Personally I find Cape Town waterfront and other tourist areas in the city pretty unpleasant. However Constantia on the Cape, south of Cape Town, is wonderful: lots of fine B&Bs and brilliant (historical) wineries to visit eg Kleine Constantia and Groot Constantia, and one of my favourite restaurants anywhere is https://www.beauconstantia.com/
The small coastal communities on both sides of the Cape are well worth visiting, eg Hout Bay.
The Kirstenbosch botanic garden is simply beautiful, and staying nearby here is lovely (a little old-fashioned, but great owners): https://www.kleinbosheuwel.co.za/
Car hire is fine these days and even the dirt roads are excellent, but 100% make sure you have a GPS so you know EXACTLY where you're going, and NEVER drive at night perhaps more than a few miles in 'safe' areas - if you don't run into wildlife, you may encounter drunk/drugged drivers... You really don;'t want to take a wrong turn through the wrong area, plus lots of speed traps, too.
Heading east from Cape Town on the Garden Route is lovely, and wine areas like the Hemel en Aarde valley can be visited and then you can loop back via Franschhoek. Say hello to Southern Right and Ataraxia wineries for me...
If you want somewhere to stay in the Overberg before heading up to Franschhoek I'd thoroughly recommend Thys and O'Nell's farm at https://www.rouxwil.co.za/country-house/ (I got that recommendation originally on here, and we must go back...).
Rustenburg winery in Stellenbosch is a great visit - lovely buildings and they have a good social conscience.
If you really want to go to Jo'burg I recommend visiting the Cradle of Humankind (ancient Australopithicus remains etc), but I accept that's a bit niche! It is absolutely unique, though.
And, if you _really_ want to go to another country as well as SA, the greatest concentration of animals I've ever seen anywhere was in Chobe Park in Botswana, especially if you can take a boat safari on the Chobe river. Quite amazing, but v expensive.
Hope that helps.
I'd certainly combine Cape Town & environs with either the Kruger for safari or, if you'd like somewhere malaria-free and less visited, why not consider the Madikwe reserve near the Botswana border, also a big 5 reserve? I'd fly there, but you can drive from Jo'burg in 4-5h.
For a first safari I'd recommend going with a specialist safari operator: I see you're in Canada so maybe someone else can recommend local operators for you. Of the African logistics & tour/transport companies (used by many good local operators) I can personally recommend Robin Pope Safaris and several branches of Wilderness Safaris, but I know others on here have got a lot more experience than I do.
Personally I find Cape Town waterfront and other tourist areas in the city pretty unpleasant. However Constantia on the Cape, south of Cape Town, is wonderful: lots of fine B&Bs and brilliant (historical) wineries to visit eg Kleine Constantia and Groot Constantia, and one of my favourite restaurants anywhere is https://www.beauconstantia.com/
The small coastal communities on both sides of the Cape are well worth visiting, eg Hout Bay.
The Kirstenbosch botanic garden is simply beautiful, and staying nearby here is lovely (a little old-fashioned, but great owners): https://www.kleinbosheuwel.co.za/
Car hire is fine these days and even the dirt roads are excellent, but 100% make sure you have a GPS so you know EXACTLY where you're going, and NEVER drive at night perhaps more than a few miles in 'safe' areas - if you don't run into wildlife, you may encounter drunk/drugged drivers... You really don;'t want to take a wrong turn through the wrong area, plus lots of speed traps, too.
Heading east from Cape Town on the Garden Route is lovely, and wine areas like the Hemel en Aarde valley can be visited and then you can loop back via Franschhoek. Say hello to Southern Right and Ataraxia wineries for me...
If you want somewhere to stay in the Overberg before heading up to Franschhoek I'd thoroughly recommend Thys and O'Nell's farm at https://www.rouxwil.co.za/country-house/ (I got that recommendation originally on here, and we must go back...).
Rustenburg winery in Stellenbosch is a great visit - lovely buildings and they have a good social conscience.
If you really want to go to Jo'burg I recommend visiting the Cradle of Humankind (ancient Australopithicus remains etc), but I accept that's a bit niche! It is absolutely unique, though.
And, if you _really_ want to go to another country as well as SA, the greatest concentration of animals I've ever seen anywhere was in Chobe Park in Botswana, especially if you can take a boat safari on the Chobe river. Quite amazing, but v expensive.
Hope that helps.
Jun 12, 22, 3:30 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Toronto-YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive- Blue, Lifemiles, AA Advantage, VIA Rail Preference, Iberia Plus
Posts: 561
Just be aware that some / many safari lodges or tours will book up 12 months ahead (again depends a bit on budget and requirements). Because of all the postponements over the last 2+ years, finding availability for consecutive nights for safari while trying to limit single supplements etc means you should consider booking the 'safari' portion sooner rather than later. Generally Sept-Oct is high season, by November it is usually low season; this is because it is typically the start of early rains (sporadic). Note in the Victoria Falls area October and November get extremely hot.
Note doing a day trip into Botswana means you can use a Kaza Univisa for entry, whereas staying overnight you'll have to buy a Botswana visa in addition to Zim visa or Univisa.
"Is Johannesburg worth checking out?" That depends if there are historical, cultural or other things you would like to see or do in the area. We like the outdoors and nature highlights so have spent little time there so I can't really comment.
Note doing a day trip into Botswana means you can use a Kaza Univisa for entry, whereas staying overnight you'll have to buy a Botswana visa in addition to Zim visa or Univisa.
"Is Johannesburg worth checking out?" That depends if there are historical, cultural or other things you would like to see or do in the area. We like the outdoors and nature highlights so have spent little time there so I can't really comment.
The reason I've not booked anything is that I'm first trying to see if I'm going to be going to Qatar for the World Cup as a Canadian supporter. (FIFA draw is a bit of a mess but anyways....)
If that falls through, then I'll be trying for South Africa/Southern Africa.
I ask about Johannesburg because there are many cities around the world (in general), where the general consensus is that it's best to skip. Frankfurt specifcally comes to mind. I thought it was ok when I was there, but understand since my time on this trip is short, if it's best to skip it or perhaps worth an extra day.
A day trip to Nairobi from South Africa is a bit like doing a day trip to LA from NYC. A whole of travel for somewhere that isnt that interesting. Africa is BIG so day trips are not easy to do.
I find Johannesburg very interesting, but politics, economics, sociology and history are things I enjoy when travelling. If you are looking for bush Africa probably not worth it
Kruger is a great experience. It is not the pristine bush experience - there are gas stations and coffee shops at the rest camps. But it is easy to access, can be done affordably via the SANParks camps and a rental car. And you can see lots and lots - personal highlights are 3 different leopards on one trip, and the big 5 in 8 hours + wild dogs.
I find Johannesburg very interesting, but politics, economics, sociology and history are things I enjoy when travelling. If you are looking for bush Africa probably not worth it
Kruger is a great experience. It is not the pristine bush experience - there are gas stations and coffee shops at the rest camps. But it is easy to access, can be done affordably via the SANParks camps and a rental car. And you can see lots and lots - personal highlights are 3 different leopards on one trip, and the big 5 in 8 hours + wild dogs.
I certainly wouldn't be travelling from Cape Town to Nairobi for a day, although there are times I've been tempted (more of a joke though) to fly to Dublin for a day to get a decent pint of Guinness!
You've had some good advice above, but remember this is Africa and things don't always go smoothly where travel is concerned and IMHO it's vital to build in a bit of slack in case you get delayed here & there and don't try to pack in too much. Personally I'd stick to SA for a 2-week first trip to Africa: there's enough to interest anyone in the country for 6 months, never mind 2 weeks, and wine interest is ++++++.
I'd certainly combine Cape Town & environs with either the Kruger for safari or, if you'd like somewhere malaria-free and less visited, why not consider the Madikwe reserve near the Botswana border, also a big 5 reserve? I'd fly there, but you can drive from Jo'burg in 4-5h.
For a first safari I'd recommend going with a specialist safari operator: I see you're in Canada so maybe someone else can recommend local operators for you. Of the African logistics & tour/transport companies (used by many good local operators) I can personally recommend Robin Pope Safaris and several branches of Wilderness Safaris, but I know others on here have got a lot more experience than I do.
Personally I find Cape Town waterfront and other tourist areas in the city pretty unpleasant. However Constantia on the Cape, south of Cape Town, is wonderful: lots of fine B&Bs and brilliant (historical) wineries to visit eg Kleine Constantia and Groot Constantia, and one of my favourite restaurants anywhere is https://www.beauconstantia.com/
The small coastal communities on both sides of the Cape are well worth visiting, eg Hout Bay.
The Kirstenbosch botanic garden is simply beautiful, and staying nearby here is lovely (a little old-fashioned, but great owners): https://www.kleinbosheuwel.co.za/
Car hire is fine these days and even the dirt roads are excellent, but 100% make sure you have a GPS so you know EXACTLY where you're going, and NEVER drive at night perhaps more than a few miles in 'safe' areas - if you don't run into wildlife, you may encounter drunk/drugged drivers... You really don;'t want to take a wrong turn through the wrong area, plus lots of speed traps, too.
Heading east from Cape Town on the Garden Route is lovely, and wine areas like the Hemel en Aarde valley can be visited and then you can loop back via Franschhoek. Say hello to Southern Right and Ataraxia wineries for me...
If you want somewhere to stay in the Overberg before heading up to Franschhoek I'd thoroughly recommend Thys and O'Nell's farm at https://www.rouxwil.co.za/country-house/ (I got that recommendation originally on here, and we must go back...).
Rustenburg winery in Stellenbosch is a great visit - lovely buildings and they have a good social conscience.
If you really want to go to Jo'burg I recommend visiting the Cradle of Humankind (ancient Australopithicus remains etc), but I accept that's a bit niche! It is absolutely unique, though.
And, if you _really_ want to go to another country as well as SA, the greatest concentration of animals I've ever seen anywhere was in Chobe Park in Botswana, especially if you can take a boat safari on the Chobe river. Quite amazing, but v expensive.
Hope that helps.
I'd certainly combine Cape Town & environs with either the Kruger for safari or, if you'd like somewhere malaria-free and less visited, why not consider the Madikwe reserve near the Botswana border, also a big 5 reserve? I'd fly there, but you can drive from Jo'burg in 4-5h.
For a first safari I'd recommend going with a specialist safari operator: I see you're in Canada so maybe someone else can recommend local operators for you. Of the African logistics & tour/transport companies (used by many good local operators) I can personally recommend Robin Pope Safaris and several branches of Wilderness Safaris, but I know others on here have got a lot more experience than I do.
Personally I find Cape Town waterfront and other tourist areas in the city pretty unpleasant. However Constantia on the Cape, south of Cape Town, is wonderful: lots of fine B&Bs and brilliant (historical) wineries to visit eg Kleine Constantia and Groot Constantia, and one of my favourite restaurants anywhere is https://www.beauconstantia.com/
The small coastal communities on both sides of the Cape are well worth visiting, eg Hout Bay.
The Kirstenbosch botanic garden is simply beautiful, and staying nearby here is lovely (a little old-fashioned, but great owners): https://www.kleinbosheuwel.co.za/
Car hire is fine these days and even the dirt roads are excellent, but 100% make sure you have a GPS so you know EXACTLY where you're going, and NEVER drive at night perhaps more than a few miles in 'safe' areas - if you don't run into wildlife, you may encounter drunk/drugged drivers... You really don;'t want to take a wrong turn through the wrong area, plus lots of speed traps, too.
Heading east from Cape Town on the Garden Route is lovely, and wine areas like the Hemel en Aarde valley can be visited and then you can loop back via Franschhoek. Say hello to Southern Right and Ataraxia wineries for me...
If you want somewhere to stay in the Overberg before heading up to Franschhoek I'd thoroughly recommend Thys and O'Nell's farm at https://www.rouxwil.co.za/country-house/ (I got that recommendation originally on here, and we must go back...).
Rustenburg winery in Stellenbosch is a great visit - lovely buildings and they have a good social conscience.
If you really want to go to Jo'burg I recommend visiting the Cradle of Humankind (ancient Australopithicus remains etc), but I accept that's a bit niche! It is absolutely unique, though.
And, if you _really_ want to go to another country as well as SA, the greatest concentration of animals I've ever seen anywhere was in Chobe Park in Botswana, especially if you can take a boat safari on the Chobe river. Quite amazing, but v expensive.
Hope that helps.
Part of the reason I'd like to "pack more in", is because as much as I'd love to think/say that I'd be able to return one day, life happens. Ya know? I do get where you're coming from, but that's why I'm trying to get suggestions on things that are worth doing vs. things to potentially cut out.
For example, this past Feb, I went to Europe and had the choice of either spending more time in Ireland (I'd spent about a week and half there the week before) to visit Cork and the Wicklow Mountains or going to Scotland. I had 3 days to play with, but decided to go to Scotland. Naturally I got some extra questions at border control and it was a bit of a whirilwind trip, but I'm so glad I was able to experience the Scottish Highlands even if it was brief.
But I totally get where you're coming from though.
If the logistics don't make sense or the prices to do certain things skyrocket, then I'm more than happy just sticking around South Africa though.
Appreciate the tour suggestions though and I'll certainly look into them as well as the hotels.
I'd prefer to avoid driving myself though, but if I do need to, I could but will 100% not drive at night and preload the google well beforehand.
Realistically though, I'm only expecting to be able to do roughly a day each in Paarl, Stelenbosch and Franschhoek. Seems like they're doable as day trips out of Cape Town. Constantia is more of a "stretch" goal"
Still lots to plan though...
Jun 13, 22, 9:01 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: All Accor Plat, 1865 Voyager, AE SE100K, HH Gold,Hyatt, Hrtz Gold, Marriott Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 1,615
I have been to Cape Town and area quite a few times for business and for pleasure between 2012 and 2220 and I would avoid driving yourself. I have used the same driver since 2014 and I have found him to be very reliable and reasonably priced. He has taken me through Paarl, Stelenbosch and Franschhoek and has also transported my wife and I through the garden route up to Port Elizabeth. In case you are interested I will send you a PM with his contact info.
Jun 17, 22, 3:35 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: BAEC Silver, Volare Executive / Skyteam Elite+
Posts: 656
I just got back last weekend; the wine tram is a must - I might even suggest pencilling in a couple of (non-consecutive) days to try a couple of routes if you're in to wine and solo. Plenty of vineyards around elsewhere too, but a day of only worrying about one to/from journey whilst taking in several is a good experience.
Depending how relaxed and important the safari aspect is, it won't beat Kruger for size/scale but a couple of hours from Cape Town there's Aquila which is essentially guaranteed close big 5 sightings in a couple of days. That was a recommendation I got from a local which worked out well.
If the wine/countryside aspect is the draw for you, I would suggest not basing in Cape Town itself - head northeast/east a bit so all the vineyards etc are closer at hand and you don't have to get in and out of the city each day.
Depending how relaxed and important the safari aspect is, it won't beat Kruger for size/scale but a couple of hours from Cape Town there's Aquila which is essentially guaranteed close big 5 sightings in a couple of days. That was a recommendation I got from a local which worked out well.
If the wine/countryside aspect is the draw for you, I would suggest not basing in Cape Town itself - head northeast/east a bit so all the vineyards etc are closer at hand and you don't have to get in and out of the city each day.
Jun 23, 22, 7:20 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,845
Having recently been in Southern Africa for seven months heres what Id suggest:
Fly into CPT and rent a car for a week. Stay in the Franschhoek area for a couple nights. Id put a miss on the tram as its filled with a lot of, well, overly happy people from the tastings. Avondale is a definite must and if you can fit in Sunday brunch, all the better. Buy wine there as it is not sold in shops. Theres also a number of farms 30 minutes away. You might consider driving out on route 62. Olive stone farm is a very nice place to stay. Some good places to eat in Montagu as well.
Fly CPT to Kruger. I cant recommend Jock Safari Lodge enough. A bit pricey but worth every rand. Unbelievable sitings every day and very educational. It is in their own concession within Kruger so you have the seclusion but also the option of entering the Park should something be going on. Ask for Jani for your ranger.
If you want real animal adventure the Kgalagadi or Khutse in Botswana is perfect but youll need to rent a 4x4 or go with a tour. If a lion walking through your camp isnt your cup of tea pass on this one. I still would pick Botswana over Namibia unless you concentrate on Etosha.
Southern Africa is easily done on your own.
Cheers
Fly into CPT and rent a car for a week. Stay in the Franschhoek area for a couple nights. Id put a miss on the tram as its filled with a lot of, well, overly happy people from the tastings. Avondale is a definite must and if you can fit in Sunday brunch, all the better. Buy wine there as it is not sold in shops. Theres also a number of farms 30 minutes away. You might consider driving out on route 62. Olive stone farm is a very nice place to stay. Some good places to eat in Montagu as well.
Fly CPT to Kruger. I cant recommend Jock Safari Lodge enough. A bit pricey but worth every rand. Unbelievable sitings every day and very educational. It is in their own concession within Kruger so you have the seclusion but also the option of entering the Park should something be going on. Ask for Jani for your ranger.
If you want real animal adventure the Kgalagadi or Khutse in Botswana is perfect but youll need to rent a 4x4 or go with a tour. If a lion walking through your camp isnt your cup of tea pass on this one. I still would pick Botswana over Namibia unless you concentrate on Etosha.
Southern Africa is easily done on your own.
Cheers
Dec 9, 22, 11:20 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: UA Platinum, DL Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,090
Thanks for all the great info. I'm also planning a trip to Southern Africa. I'l be doing Vic Falls, Cape Town, and 2 Sabi Sands safaris. I'm also debating whether to add in Johannesburg as an extra stop vs. an extra day in Cape Town. The only things that intrigue me about Johannesburg are the Apartheid Museum and possibly Soweto. Would Cape Town's Robben Island and District 6 museum provide me a somewhat similar experience/ info to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, as I'd really be flying to JNB just to visit the Apartheid Museum, and I'm just not sure it's worth the extra stop.....
Dec 10, 22, 3:27 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: On a plane
Programs: OZ Diamond, QR Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 626
Of all the places in Kenya to go, Nairobi would feature pretty far down the list. It is OK but is not a particularly pretty city. If I was to jump on a plane and fly five or so hours from Joburg or Cape Town, out of all the destinations available, again Nairobi would rank fairly low.
South Africa is a huge and diverse country. A two week holiday there doesn't begin to scratch the service. I would stick with South Africa and possibly Victoria Falls.
South Africa is a huge and diverse country. A two week holiday there doesn't begin to scratch the service. I would stick with South Africa and possibly Victoria Falls.
Dec 18, 22, 3:50 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 487
Thanks for all the great info. I'm also planning a trip to Southern Africa. I'l be doing Vic Falls, Cape Town, and 2 Sabi Sands safaris. I'm also debating whether to add in Johannesburg as an extra stop vs. an extra day in Cape Town. The only things that intrigue me about Johannesburg are the Apartheid Museum and possibly Soweto. Would Cape Town's Robben Island and District 6 museum provide me a somewhat similar experience/ info to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, as I'd really be flying to JNB just to visit the Apartheid Museum, and I'm just not sure it's worth the extra stop.....
I love Joburg but it's easily skipped as a tourist, particularly if your time is limited.
Dec 18, 22, 4:06 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: UA Platinum, DL Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,090
Thanks! I really appreciate your insight.
