If My Pennies Were Pounds...

Kepp

For a bit of adventure as well then either Zambia or Zimbabwe are good choices as they both border Vic Falls which is a really cool place. You can bungee jump from the no-man's land on the bridge between the two countries and the Falls are one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen - I actually got a photo standing at the end of a rainbow

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds

To be honest we haven't really thought about it in much detail, just that we would love to see a proper safari with animals in the wild...

We'd probably want to see the 'big 5' although we'd be willing to go anywhere that offers a decent safari with as much guarantee as you can get of seeing animals on safari!

I have no idea what's the best time of year to go where or what has the best to offer. From what I've looked at the most expensive time of year is July - August is that right?

I know it's probably cheaper to do a DIY booking but we would really love to have it all arranged as a package with the safaris included in the price. Am I asking too much?!

Like I said it's too early to be looking at it in too much details but to get an idea of a rough (realistic) budget and best places/time of year would be a great start! That way I could plan the (eventual) wedding around the honeymoon! Lol

Kepp

Never too early - I have a wedding and honeymoon both planned to take place in Namibia and I'm not engaged yet either!

The rainy season varies a bit from country to country and that might be pushing the price up a bit. Although I guess going anywhere during school hoilday times would push the price up flight wise at least.

I went to Africa the first time Dec through to Jan and the second time Sept through to April - and had all kinds of weather and experiences during those times but all were equally good so I would probably just pick a time of year that suits you best and go with it.

I know that Kruger is supposed to be the place for the Big Five - but a guy I worked with in Namibia had previously been a ranger there and he felt that unless you got a very good ranger there (and no way of knowing if you will or not) then people could end up being very disappointed with what they'd seen. Although it is wild animals so there's always the risk!

I think I would think first exactly what you want from it - animals, weather, accomodation etc and then see what fits around it.

An overland trip could be ideal if you have quite a lot of things that you want to fit in

Kepp

Oh and I would say a DIY booking but then if a package would suit you better then I think it's best to go with what you're happiest with

Kepp

Just thought - if you want then you could find me on FB. I haven't got round to putting all my photos up there from Africa (there are 1000s altogether ) but you could have a nosy through my pics for some ideas

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds

I understand the risk of maybe not seeing anything on safari which is why I think we'd book something that had multiple safaris at different times (dawn, dusk, midday) to try and get the most out of the experience.

I don't have a preference over the exact time of year although I've always had it in my head that we would go on honeymoon straight after our wedding (not months later!) and I'd prefer to get married between May and October!

Like I said I've seen a few places offering twin centre trips for the likes of South Africa and Seychelles etc which could work as we could have a week of safari and a week of beaches...

I think I'm dreaming and really need to get a realistic idea of prices before considering anything too seriously!

PM your details and I'll check out your photos - I love africa (although I wouldn't say I've been to proper Africa, just Egypt and Tunisia ) and the photos are gorgeous

Kepp

Pm'd you. I'm the one cuddling a lion if I'm hard to find on there!

I think those would be more appealing dates to get married between as well, not sure why!

Think the twin trips sound lovely, there's something about gorgeous beaches as part of a honeymoon that seems right for some reason although I would be more tempted on the Zambia combo than the SA one.

And there's nothing wrong with dreaming, does you good!

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds

Have added you, love your profile pic on there!

I'm dreaming about it lots! Actually would be a dream come true if we were able to do it.

Does it sound bad if I say I'd be willing to spend a bit less on the wedding day to spend more on the honeymoon if it meant I could do this?!

Well that's why the 'safari beach' style honeymoon really appeals to me because you get your intense week of safari followed by a week of relaxation before heading home...

Kepp

Sorry no internet over the weekend so haven't managed to get on FB and can't get on from work - will go on tonight.

I think it makes perfect sense - the wedding is only one day, the honeymoon is two weeks....I would definitely spend more on the honeymoon!

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds

Thanks for adding me, had a look at your photos, they are gorgeous! Espescially the ones with the lions!

I've been thinking about this non stop over the weekend, I really want to do it but need to research it thoroughly and get a good idea of what sort of budget would be needed...