South Africa / Botswana / Safari

chalky_bertie

We are looking into going on a safari next year (any time between june and september) Have just been looking around at the moment. Flights shouldn't ba a problem as we have enough BA miles for free economy tickets or an upgrade. Would like to do it independantly but if it is better to go with a recognised tour operator then so so. Would like to go to a private game reserve probably in Botswana and have a few days here and there in South Africa. May be using train travel if possible. Hotel would be a mid / high range selection as we like our comforts!

Any advice / links would be gratefully recieved.

Thanks

MissBehaving

Hi there
I used to live in South Africa and worked for a 5 Star hotel group. They have some really nice properties, and some of them are Safari Lodges.
If you are going to Botswana, you have to visit Chobe. We did a river cruise there and saw about 30 elephants washing and playing in the water. They were only the length of the boat away! Awesome!! I have to say that that was one of my highlights ever!
There are several other hotel groups in South Africa, but not half as many as there are in the Uk.
The one I worked for is https://www.threecities.co.za
You could try https://www.proteahotels.co.za
https://www.suninternational.co.za

South Africa is pretty easy to do without a tourguide. Hire a car and get a good map.
The signage is in English and they drive on the right hand side of the road.

http://www.safarinow.com/?skin=542 - Good website to find hotels and places to visit

Hope some of this helps.

niadoz

Hi Bertie,
Did a trip to South Africa last year. We booked everything independently and found it to be very reasonable. We flew into Cape Town, stayed in a nice hostel for 5 nights. Hired a car to travel accross the Garden route. We booken internal flights from Port Elizabeth to J-Berg and travelled with a company called Acacia for a 4 day kruger safari. We were lucky enough to have just 4 people in our group. However, to guarantee low group no's you can hire a car in Kruger. Garden route is beautiful especially Stellenbosch, and Storm's River. We stayed 2 nights in Plettenberg and did day trips from there but you can hire a lodge in Storm's River.
Heard good things regarding Chobe in Botswana. Kruger is a good 1st time safari but Chobe is less commercialised.
Hope you have a lovely trip.;)

chalky_bertie

any more ideas / info?

Murtle

This is a great site for information. In the bottom right hand corner is a safari essentials section. Hours of reading!!!

http://malamala.krugerpark.co.za/Safari_Essentials-travel/south-africa-lodges-on-safari-in-africa.html

davethesave_2

Need to transfer money to relatives bank account Johannesburg South Africa any advice from anyone who has used XE.com etc.
Also need economy hotel/accom for Johannesburg/Alberton for a couple of months any advice.
Thanks in advance.
Dave:D