Has anyone done South Africa?

[puzzledout]

Recommend it?

Where would you visit?

Cable car up and down! Won’t run if it’s windy though .

@puzzledout It’s useful to know what you really really want to see and work out when it’s best to go. With big birthdays we tend to celebrate booking on the birthday or wedding anniversary even though we aren’t going right then. Eg we went to Antarctic for 40th Wedding anniversary just not on the day! It’s a limited season.

The best time for a Kruger safari is August as it's SA winter. Still plenty warm enough, but less vegetation than at other times and that makes it much easier to see the animals. I would definitely use a safari specialist company - they will give you so much good advice, and you will avoid expensive mistakes.

It IS busier in January, but schools go back mid Jan so bear that in mind. Cape Town is likely to be hotter in Feb than January in fact. At that time of year, it's often better to do Safari in the Eastern Cape rather than Kruger/Pilanesburg as not only is it very hot, it's malaria season on the highveld and also, it can be harder to spot the animals due to long grass etc. And, with the greatest of respect to people from Natal, I have a strong view that tourists shouldn't visit the area outside of March-September!

A PP is right about load shedding although I have been under the impression a lot of places have put the effort in to put generators or other support in place during load shedding. Definitely something to check when you're booking. There are lots of hotels that are wonderful though and that will have generators so if you don't specifically want self catering, you'll find fabulous places to stay.

Thank you so much everyone, I'm going to read all and digest and think....

So the "original" plan and nothing is booked!

Was 11th January going out.

But we can change that.

I'm going to do more research and ask you lovely people a lot more questions I'm sure.

Thank you

That's a good question.....

I'm open to everything and looking for suggestions

It actually wasn't on my list until someone suggested SA three weeks ago, it clicked and I thought yes, id love that interesting and beautiful country.

@puzzledout Absolutely. We like Lonely Planet guides for first time visits. It helps crystallize ideas and itineraries. What money you want to spend matters too. It’s overall good value in SA but some wildlife lodges are very expensive. The animals are the same if you view them from a cheaper lodge!

We did India this year with a lonely planet guide..... first time used ... amazing!

Let me know if you want it, I'll send it to you!

Umhlanger in Durban is lovely. Particularly the Oyster Box hotel. There is a national park nearby too for safari.

We flew to Durban (plane change at Joburg) then drove up to Isandlhwana in KwaZulu Natal which was beautiful, learned all about the Zulu Wars. Which we Brits mostly lost! Then drove back to Durban (via Pietermaritzburg and The Drakensburgs, stayed at Cathedral
Peak) to Umhlanga. Good beach resort but the Indian Ocean there is not great for swimming unless you’re very strong . l liked Durban and the Indian market very much but some areas have trouble with gangs. Great food. Then down to Port Elizabeth, inland to Franshoek and Stellenbosch (wanted to try some wine…) Franshoek is very pretty, very Cape Dutch, we stayed in an amazing hotel called Le Quartier Francais.
Then down to Cape Town where we did all the stuff people tell you about. Lively city, much to recommend it.
We didn’t do Johannesburg because I used to live there and it’s changed a lot. (Understatement)

@SiobhanSharpe You didn’t used to be a travel agent did you? We met a Siobhan in Zambia a while ago! I find SA exciting and there’s so much to see!

Sorry just jumping on this. As we are off to South Africa in 3 weeks. We are staying for 8 days in camps bay and then 4 days in franschhoek. We have 3 young children so some of the suggestions (I.e. Robben Island) are not going to be possible. But some of the things we are thinking of doing in Cape Town area- Penguins Boudlers Bay drive via Chapmans Peak, Table Mountain, Botanical Gardens, Giraffe House, Cape Point Nature Reserve Funicular, World of birds (my 20 month old is obsessed with birds), a boat trip and the steam train

Then in franschhoek the wine tram and some Vineyards.

Does anyone know if any of these things you must book for? Obviously the steam train but anything else?

Also is it safe for me to drive our hire car alone (woman) with the children without my husband on one of the days? Not at night but during the day?

@Donimo Yes. You can drive your DC but there are rules. Lock the car doors. Don’t ever leave anything valuable on show. Not even at traffic lights. Pay for guarded parking. Keep windows closed and air con on. Be absolutely sure of your route. Don’t wander off into an area you shouldn’t be in. Don’t ask for help from a random stranger. Every single South African will have a story to tell you about security. We were told some and it’s a different level of safety first there.

No idea about pre booking. We just rolled up to things. Never had issues of not being able to do something. You will be told to not wander too far in the Botanical Gardens too. Driving around the Cape is easy and a must do. 8 days in Cape Town and the wine area for another 4 is quite a lot but where are you going for the other 9 days?

I love South Africa. I have been many times and plan to go again in December. If you like wildlife and nature, spend at least several days on a private concession in the Krugar. If you go to the Cape, I recommend Hermanus. It’s a lovely little town with a gorgeous beach. In the breeding season, the whales come close to the shore and you can just sit and watch them. The Marine Hotel there is one of the nicest I’ve ever stayed in and I’m a bit of a 5* Queen!

Nah. That’s for tourists.

Skeleton Gorge up and Nursery Ravine down.

@SabrinaThwaite I am a tourist! As are most on this thread. Plus I’m not a hiker and I’m old!!

@AnnieSnap The whales are in Hermanus from June to November. The op
is going in Jan/Feb.

You don’t need to be a hiker - just relatively fit. Our 9 yr old managed just fine.

I’m not fit enough and wouldn’t enjoy it. The cable car is fine when it’s running.Fine if you enjoy it but I’d do something else with my time.

We have 20 month old twins and a 5 year old... so think it's the cable car for us!trtr

@TizerorFizz thank you for that advice. We are going in 3 weeks time, not staying for 3 weeks. I know it seems like a long time in each location but with 3 young children you have to factor in more time. We are staying in a villa with a pool, hot tub and trampoline so will factor in some down time for us all too!

Looking at possibly going to S Africa next year so place marking.
also will be adding on Victoria falls.

Friend has just done an organised coach trip there and another did their own luxury trip - I plan to sit them both down and work out which would suit us better. Will all come down to budget!

I'm super excited for the trip! Do share any tips! Xx

will do! As I’ve no idea!

But it's great planning..... all part of the holiday.

Very true! I’m limited mobility so the idea of the coach trip appeals I have to say but then concerned I may not want to be so close to people!