South Africa Travel Forum

Hi, My friend and I will be traveling to South Africa in May 2009 for a birthday trip. We are definitely going to Cape Town then on to Hermanus for shark diving. We have 10-14 days for the trip. My question is we would like to go on a 2 day safari and I've seen a number of private reserves. I'm really interested in booking one of those, but we are on a bit of a budget. Can anyone recommend a good reserve within a day's drive from Cape Town that's $200 or under per night per person? Also, some of the reserves claim to be "Malaria Free" - would we not have to take malaria pills?
Next question: Are the private reserves around Cape Town nice or are we better off taking a train to Johannesburg and staying at one around there?
Does anyone have experience with Shark-cage diving in May? I read that's the beginning of the season, but will we see any big ones?
Thanks!

Guys, it all depends on what animals and eco-systems you wish to see. For example, the game reserves in the Western Cape are great for antelope (such as Springbok, Bontebok and Eland - the largest antelope in the world), but not for lion or hippo, which you'd find in the former provinces of Transvaal and Natal.
You've also got a variety of eco-systems: spectacular desert vegetation and landscapes at Augrabies Falls National Park or Richtersveld National Park, cone mountains in the Karoo National Park, dune and marine life at De Hoop Nature Reserve, swamp forests and mangroves at the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Reserve, mountain scenery at the Royal Natal National Park or savannah at Madikwe Game Reserve.
As a general rule, you will find the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo - in the game reserves accessible from Johannesburg or Pretoria. This will also more closely resemble the enduring public image of Wild Africa, with large mammals populating the savannah.
Game reserves of this nature include the Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilansberg Game Reserve.
The Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth does have elephant and rhino.
Another good option, which caters to the Big 5, is Hluhluwe-Umfolozi in the northern part of Natal. Richards Bay would be a good base from which to explore this stunning area responsible for saving the white rhino, as well as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Reserve.
If you give some more information re your interests, advice could be tailored.
Hope this helps!

Hi

I agree with Johanisweg. For me it will be 5 days in CT and then fly to Kruger Park. Get a transfer to 1 of the parks kamps and book your self for game drives (Day and night). See http://www.krugerpark.co.za for price. Maleria is a problim in summer but in May it is not.It will be cool in the evenings so you will be coverd-up.

Louis

Sorry. More specifics: I have been on Safari in Tanzania before. This is my best friend's first time to Africa so I would like her to get a mini-safari experience. yes, I would definitely prefer a reserve that features the Big 5. If you know of one within a days drive or so from Capetown that would be great. But we are willing to travel elsewhere, as long as it's relatively easy to get too. We will most likely stay in the Cape Town area for 4-6 days, then the other time will be spent traveling to the reserve and 2 nights at the reserve. We are 2 women in their early 30's so we are concerned about safety as well. If you have any more suggestions or tips - we would really appreciate it! I have lots of time to plan, but so far SA looks like an exciting place to visit. Thank you!

You'll get a full safari experience (Big 5 on the savannah) if you fly up to Johannesburg and transfer to one of the big game or private reserves there (as Louis suggests). Alternatively, you can catch a flight to Richard Bay and stay at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi.
While in Cape Town you can get "mini-safari" experiences visiting, for example, the West Coast National Park on a day trip.
Google the names of the game reserves I mentioned in my previous post and see what appeals to you.
For personal safety: do not display valuables; keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked; beggars on the side of the road may be there to distract you from potential highjackers; don't wander around alone at night; let people know where you're going and what time you're expected there or back.