South Africa

[Flaviruthless]

Hi All,

I am looking at going to South Africa at the end of next year and wanted to get some information about it from people that have either lived or traveled there. So, has anyone had any particularly good or bad experiences there with travel agents or tourist companies? I would love to go diving with the great white sharks (in a cage - I'm not THAT brave...yet) and also see the big game animals (Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo and Leopards - as well as some of the other amazing animals!). I have not traveled further than New Zealand so I am a novice traveler and wish for others to impart their wisdom

Thanks in Advance

 

[Dipcdame]

Avoid Kenya and Zimbabwe!!

 

[Flaviruthless]

Cheers, will do (can't say I've heard too many good things about Zimbabwe....:?)

 

[Kristy_07]

You can see all the big game in Kruger, and there are lots of tourist places that go there. There's a great rehab place called Moholoholo Rehab Centre that lets you get a bit more up and close to things. To really see wildlife, you need to get off a bus, so make sure you look for ways to do walks or game drives that are lead by experienced trackers. I found the anti-poaching stuff really interesting, as well. If you get the chance, go to a restaurant that serves different types of game meat. Kudu jerky is very tasty, and a good snack for long bus rides

Don't stay in Jo'burg longer than you have to. Pretoria is nice and peaceful, and there is a lot of good history stuff there.

If you're going in winter, take warm clothes. I have never ever been as cold as I was in SA, on the night game drives, in the middle of winter. It was cold! It snowed the last day I was there.

I haven't done the shark dives - I'm saving that for next time. If you're going anywhere else, I definitely recommend Zambia/Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls - it's the most impressive natural thing I've seen. And Lake Malawi is really peaceful and romantic

 

[Flaviruthless]

Awesome! Cheers Kristy

 

[Kristy_07]

I've traveled Africa quite a bit, feel free to PM for specifics You'll have a blast!

 

[justinschoeman]

comeing from south africa id have to say going to Kruger would be the best bet for seeing animals in their own environment

 

[Tuttley]

Avoid Kenya and Zimbabwe!!

Kenya and Zimbabwe were the highlights of my time in Africa! Spent 5 months in Kenya and 4 months in Zim. By all means go elsewhere if that suits better, but don't write these 2 beautiful countries off based purely on hype.

 

[Flaviruthless]

thanks justin! And that's good to hear tuttley, different people have different opinions