Africa Honeymoon
May 8, 2006 | 12:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UAL:1K, DL:Plat, CO:Plat, HH:Diamond, SPG:Plat
Posts: 338
Africa Honeymoon
Newly engaged and Mrs Mo is planning the wedding...and I am planning the honeymoon. I am thinking about going to Africa for 2 weeks. 1 week safari and 1 week on the beach. I first want to book the flights and can later decide where to stay specifically, but am looking for any and all ideas...thanks!
May 8, 2006 | 5:14 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,525
For the one week beach, I have not been, but have heard great things about both the Seychelles and Mauritius. They each have excellent luxury hotels. On the Seychelles, the hottest property right now is North Island. It is owned by the Wilderness Safaris group, which I highly recommend for your safari component as well.
When we went on safari, we chose Botswana as our focal point. It is more remote (so there are never other game drive vehicles hovering around you), the accomodations are very luxurious but you still FEEL like you are in Africa as everything is charmingly rustic.
Our itinerary was very luxurious and featured varied landscapes and game viewing. I highly recommend it.
- King's Pool (2 nights)
Botswana
www.wilderness-safaris.com
known for elephants and predators
- Jao (2 nights)
Botswana
www.wilderness-safaris.com
known for spectacular Okavango Delta setting, mokoro safaris, birds
our personal favorite
- Singita (3 nights)
South Africa
www.singita.com
known for big 5 and several "best hotel in the world" awards
less rustic, air conditioned
If we could do one thing differently, we would add Mombo (also a Wilderness Safaris camp). They are an exceptional property but book up 18 months in advance.
Congrats! And have a grand time!
When we went on safari, we chose Botswana as our focal point. It is more remote (so there are never other game drive vehicles hovering around you), the accomodations are very luxurious but you still FEEL like you are in Africa as everything is charmingly rustic.
Our itinerary was very luxurious and featured varied landscapes and game viewing. I highly recommend it.
- King's Pool (2 nights)
Botswana
www.wilderness-safaris.com
known for elephants and predators
- Jao (2 nights)
Botswana
www.wilderness-safaris.com
known for spectacular Okavango Delta setting, mokoro safaris, birds
our personal favorite
- Singita (3 nights)
South Africa
www.singita.com
known for big 5 and several "best hotel in the world" awards
less rustic, air conditioned
If we could do one thing differently, we would add Mombo (also a Wilderness Safaris camp). They are an exceptional property but book up 18 months in advance.
Congrats! And have a grand time!
May 8, 2006 | 5:17 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,525
One more thing. In case you didn't already know this, most Safari-based flights arrive into Johanessburg, SA. From there, you catch puddle-jumpers to the various camps. A South African based tour operator can help you make these smaller flight reservations. Hence the term....fly-in safari. 
May 8, 2006 | 8:40 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 11
I must say I fell in love with Singita! It's really a must. I've heard many positive things about North Island as well. But if I were you, I'd stay in South Africa when going on Safari there. I love Cape Town, though it's not really on the beach and it's not very idyllic. For the best beaches you should head to th Seychelles indeed. Don't go to Mauritius, it's overdeveloped and the beaches are not as nice as on the Seychelles. Other great Seychelles properties are the Banyan Tree, Fregate Island and Lemuria.