South Africa help needed

[kelley182]

Hi everyone!

We're working with a travel agent who is great but I really need some good advice from several people who have traveled to South Africa.

Our current itinerary is way to expensive so we're trying to make some changes.
This is what it looks like right now

• 4 nights in Cape Town (the first night we get in late from our flight)
• 3 nights at RockTail Beach (this is what we're thinking of cutting and replacing with something else)
• 5 nights on safari - 2 different companies both in Kruger National Park

A big part of the problem is that the safari camps are really expensive but we already booked our flights from the US to Africa and back based on them so it might be to late to change.  Our friend really wants to stay at ngala tented camp the last 2 nights so that's set in stone but the first 3 nights are at Tanda Tula so i'm looking into staying at their more primitive option versus what we've reserved.

Any thoughts or alternate ideas?

TIA!

[kelley182]

Has anyone ever driven the garden route? That looks like a good alternative for us.

[Deleted]

I'm on my phone so can't link, but try using the search function as there have been several South Africa posts over the past year.

I used to live there so my experience is a little different, but honestly I'd do 1 less night on safari and add an extra night in Cape Town.

As far as the garden route, yes it's a good drive and recommended. However there isn't much to do in Port Elizabeth. I like Hermanus better. There are also a few other stops along the way that'd I'd probably recommend instead of going all the way to Port Elizabeth.

An alternate to the Garden Route would be to go out near Stellenbosch (hour from Cape Town) or Agulhas (the southern point of Africa)...both would be nice 2 day trips.

[sunnysally]

I disagree with wandering; I would never cut a safari night! As much as I loved Cape Town, I loved safari more. Of course, it is all dependent on what you are most interested in.

Stellenbosch and Hermanus are both beautiful. We were in Hermanus for 2 nights but most of the second day was taken with shark cage diving. I would have loved to have spent more time there.

South Africa is an amazing country. Enjoy your trip!

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2015 19:50:54 GMT -5 sunnysally said:

I disagree with wandering; I would never cut a safari night! As much as I loved Cape Town, I loved safari more. Of course, it is all dependent on what you are most interested in.

Stellenbosch and Hermanus are both beautiful. We were in Hermanus for 2 nights but most of the second day was taken with shark cage diving. I would have loved to have spent more time there.

South Africa is an amazing country. Enjoy your trip!

I suggested that because OP said their current itinerary was way too expensive and I was under the impression she was asking for ways to cut back on costs. I'm not sure other ways to cut down cost than to get rid of 1 night at the most expensive place they're staying, which OP mentioned was the safari. 

Another alternative would be to self-drive yourself for half of the safari. There are several different safari options and they don't have to all be super expensive. 

[Deleted]

Another suggestion, although Joburg isn't the most beautiful city in South Africa, I would recommend one or two nights there. You can't get a true appreciation for South Africa and its culture without going there. The Apartheid Museum is a must see, very informative. Then, you can head over to Soweto and the Nelson Mandela house and Desmond Tutu's house (him and his wife still live there on occasion) is right across the street. That would be less expensive than Rock Tail beach.

[kelley182]

Thank you so much! My hubby finally decided he was ok with the cost of the safari since that's the main reason we're going over there. I will look into the other suggestions you all made.

[cheezer]

I drove the Garden Route and definitely was not impressed with Port Elizabeth at the end. I'd recommend time in wine country instead. It's really beautiful there.