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[electric_buggy]

Hi. We're embarking on an RTW in June of this year, and like the idea of going to the South of Africa to do a safari. Has anyone any ideas or experiences of this?

Would quite like to take in Namibia and Botswana, and thinking of spending 3 weeks to a month there.

cheers!

[Daniel]

Hi guys!

Ever thought about visiting Tanzania? I had some great experiences there on safari and climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. There is so much to do and see in this country, as well as the fascinating culture. I can highly recommend one comapny (that I used) that would look after your every need. Why not have a look at their website www.shidolya-safairs.com or e-mail them at shidolya@yako.habari.co.tz

Hope this can help and good luck with planning your trip,

Daniel

[whereshegoes]

There are some wonderful places in South Africa, particularly around the 'Wild Coast' which is between Durban and East London. I did a 4 day camping type trip which put me away from civilization and into the nature as well as giving me a taste of the Khosa tribal culture. It made such an effect on me that it was quite jarring when we filled up at the petrol station on the way back on the last day. I didnt even realize how fully I had immersed myself into it! Don't forget about Lestotho and Swaziland which seem like part of South Africa but are defintely NOT!
Kruger National Park is apparently not to be missed...altho I did. I took safaris up in the Masai Mara during the migration in Kenya. But there are heaps of overland tours and safaris that go through Botswana (some excellent safaris here) and Namibia (ohhhhh sandboarding!). Most of them are online so just use a search engine. Just a quick note, try not to rush...you really must take your time in Africa to fully experience things. Better to see less and experience more than riding in a vehicle the whole time. Just my two bits. Good luck and enjoy...I know you will!

[annamac]

Hi electric_buggy. Can't offer much advise on South Africa (yet) but I'm in Botswana right now - spending 6 months.
If you do want to safari in Botswana it is beautiful but very expensive, and not just the safaris! It really is an expensive place to be in terms of food, accommodation, etc.
If you're only interested in safaris in Bots then cool, though I feel I must give a warning about Gaborone (the capitol). That's where I'm based and I absolutely love it, but there isn't that much to do. If you're looking for interesting stuff to see and do then Gabs is not the place to spend lots and lots of time, a few days and you should be able to cover it nicely. Use the rest of your time in this beautiful country to see the smaller villages and towns and to see the glorious countryside.
That's about all I can add to this. Have a great time!

[Guest_off_road_clara_*]

There are lots of potential Safari's in southern Africa. It depends what you want - to travel and do it yourself (if you have a 4x4), or to link up with a group.

Places in ZA to consider are:
The Wild Coast - just did a 12 day hike. Very tough but you do get to see places you can't get to by road. Locals are friendly. We had a big group of friends, and would recommend you travel with others - two isn't enough. Some local operators will do tours to see villages etc. It's a stunning coastline, but limited traditional 'safari' animals.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park, Mkuze, St. Lucia Wetlands - all in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
These parks are left more 'wild' than places like Kruger. They have nice places to stay that are affordable - but no 5 star residences, soit keeps the big buggies of tourists away. The location is stunning, with marine and zulu landscapes. I saw more wildlife here than in Kruger, and it is less disturbed by the vehicles. Don't need a guide, and can be self-suficient. KZN wildlife is good about putting money back into the parks, and entrance fees are reasonable.

Don't forget about Lesotho and Swaziland. Both are so different from ZA and have amazing scenery near to the Drakensburg mountains. The people are extremely welcoming, and you can fel a difference in these counrties with a few km's of the borders.

Kruger: It's big, takes you a week or more to explore. It has lots of game, but also lots of people and tarred roads (useful if you only have a small car). Also has shops, guesthouses, camping, and ATM - more touristy. It's still worth a visit though. And you can now drive through to Mozambique - and get to stunning oceans.

Namibia - The Fish River Valley is meant to be out of this world. It is the second largest canyon on the continent - and everyone I ask for advice on 'what to see' points me in that direction sooner or later. that's all i know.

There is so much to explore here that my only other advice is, take your time - much more than you think you will need!

Happy travels,
Claire (off_road_clara)