Which safari?

[GwendolineGoesGreen]

Only criteria:

• mid range not top end (no giraffe hotel)
• in school holidays
• want to see the big 5
• adults only ideally
• guided

Open on:

• flight times
• areas
• accomodation

any recommendations from the hive mind?

Do you have to go in school holidays? Assuming so as you mentioned it!

I preface this by saying I've only been to Kenya, Tanzania and Kruger, but August seems to be a great time for Botswana (Okavango and Chobi) combined with Vic falls or Etosha in Namibia. We are thinking of doing one of these destinations next year for my 50th birthday.

UK school summer holidays is the perfect time for South Africa, as you will have the best chance of viewing all of the Big 5.
Look at a company called Aardvark Safaris, who are brilliant and will tailor everything to your requirements. Particularly look at the lodges/camps run by And Beyond that are in the Kruger.
We went 10 years ago, and it's still the best holiday we've ever had.