Safari - first flight in 12 years…what, where, how? Im clueless.

[Safariquery]

I think my marriage is ending. He has a ‘zero flights’ policy so DC aged 12 has never flown. I agree that we need to cut our carbon and we all have responsibility to do so from individuals up to governments. But, my policy would be to fly minimally but not never.

So freedom awaits. It’s one perk in this gut wrenching miserable situation.

A safari is on my top 5 bucket list things. But I don’t have a clue. I will need to start saving because my disposable income is going to nose dive and he’s going to take me to the cleaners.

So I’ll be travelling alone most likely, with my DC. I think it will need to be 2026 to give me time to save and I expect next year will need to be a cheap simple holiday as it will be a tumultuous year.

I want to start fantasising about it and planning it to help get me through the dark days ahead.

So please please please;

Has anyone travelled alone to do a safari? Where? How? How much is it likely to cost? Are there companies that do trips that might be a good fit? What time of year is good if you don’t want too much heat? Is there a cheaper time to go?

Any ideas to start me planning and dreaming would be much appreciated.

I did the lodge safari. They did warn of the long drives but I didn’t really notice them. The roads can be really bumpy which for me added to the fun (others didn’t like this). The tour leader is always on the lookout for and pointing out wildlife on the drives.

Sorry meant Namibia to Etosha National Park.

I went on a safari with my Nan about 15 years ago.

We did the Nairobi one. It takes you in a big circle where you stay at a different hotel at each stop and eventually end up back at Nairobi. It was a 7 day safari and honestly it was something I would never forget.

when you say you “think you’re marriage is ending” does that mean you are still together? but one of both of you don’t want to be?

don’t save before separating! it will be a joint assets

and i wouldn’t be going full time before a divorce op!

No. After. Once I’ve regained my ooomph!! 😊

Oh. Good point. Thanks.

We’re going to Manyoni reserve in South Africa in August. Whilst it isn’t Kruger the price is reasonable (4 nights just over £3k for 4 of us), it is malaria free and the reserve looks great. We also looked at Nambiti reserve which is smaller but closer to johannnesburg. We’re combining with mauritius.
Good luck, I love planning trips well ahead of time.

I think you made a good choice 😀 absolutely gorgeous area and lots of elephant there.

I see you are off to Mauritius as well, but while in KZN if you are wanting to see some other sights, you could look to do a day trip to Sodwana. If you do, take snorkels, goggles or better still, go for a dive.

That’s great to know, we can’t wait. We were considering exploring more but the safety concerns mean it’s just safari this time (hiring a driver to get us there).

If you are sensible, SA is perfectly safe for tourists. KZN is a fabulous state to explore. We’ve never had any issues and it’s somewhere that deserves a lot of time.

I'm went to Kenya years ago. We did 4 ish days at the hotel (can't remember exactly), then 4 days safari and then back to the hotel for the remaining days. It was great as got a relaxing holiday as well as the safari. I still have fond memories of it now.

We did a great family holiday in South Africa with Intrepid. Did some stuff in Johannesburg plus 3 game parks in South Africa/Eswatini. A bit cheaper as camped 2/3 of the time. It was good to be with other families, might be good for you as a single parent.

Here is the link www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/south-africa/south-africa-family-safari-teenagers-160098.
It also involved some snorkeling, kayaking and bungee jump if you wanted.

https://www.travelsphere.co.uk

@CheeseWisely

I do that every other year. The Kruger is my heart place. Been going since the late 80s.

And it’s been just me and my daughter the last few times.

Op said:

think it will need to be 2026 to give me time to save and I expect next year will need to be a cheap simple holiday as it will be a tumultuous year.

Shamwari in South Africa was just an amazing safari. Tied it in with some other sightseeing.

Sounds awesome! It will be very expensive mind you! I'd say prime safari destinations are Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana and south Africa. Kenya and south Africa both have serious issues with safety, but that doesn't mean you can't have a safe trip, you'd just need to take certain precautions. Gorillas would be Rwanda or Uganda, which you could maybe tie into a trip to Kenya or Tanzania.
My bucket list includes a multi country trip to the okavanga delta, between s Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Self drive.
How confident a driver are you? you could consider self drive... no idea whether that would bring prices down much, but might be worth considering. Also camping rather than lodges/ hotels.

Self drive in Namibia is very possible. However the big cost is staying at an all inclusive lodge. Game drives and all meals cost. SA definitely has a few self catering places but you might not see the animals if you cannot leave the road.

Safaris are expensive and it really is difficult to shave costs if you actually want to see anything. Some lodges have night drives too. No self drive vehicle can go off road safely unless you get a 4x4 or pickup.

Generally Kenya and SA have the cheaper end of safaris. SA specialises in rewilded farms with breeding programmes for endangered animals. You would look at Families Worldwide for a safari. I think they do SA.

Safety in these countries is generally ok for visitors. Most crime is between the people who live there.