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 p.76 #12 · African safari talk...recommendations? | |
cambyses wrote:
OK, I am thinking of planning our first-ever trip to Africa during the next Christmas holidays. I know it may not be an ideal time but with my day job, and my school aged kids, we unfortunately don't have other options. Given that this will be dual purpose for us, i.e., both a family trip and also a wildlife photography Safari trip, I am thinking of heading to South Africa.
I am thinking that we would fly to Johannesburg and spend a day there visiting the city and cultural sites (Apartheid museum, etc.), and then fly to Sabi Sands in the greater Kruger area and spend 5 days there, and then fly to Cape Town and spend 2-3 days there before flying back home.
I am looking at different options regarding lodges and tour companies. And I am looking for some input from those of you have experience in South Africa. I have been in contact with one tour company (which has been mentioned here and has good reviews), and so far I have received two options. One is to spend all 5 nights in Umkumbe Safari Lodge. And the second option is to spend 2 nights in Idube and then 3 nights in Mala Mala. However, the difference in price between these two alternatives for our family of 4 is the whopping $20K, which I am guessing is mostly dominated by the Mala Mala price. So my question is why is that?! Is that truly worth paying $20K extra for the second alternative? I know this can come down to personal situation and preference but I am just wondering, specifically from the perspective of Safari and photography, will the experience with the second alternatives be so much better that would warrant paying $20K more?!!!
I would appreciate any input on the above question, as well as any other advice on our first trip to Africa 
Thanks!
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I can give you my 2c.
I did a similar trip in 2014 with my wife and some friends, total of 7 people. We had the same idea, a cultural visit plus wildlife for me (others too were interested but I was the only 'photographer').
We avoided JNB because of all the reports on crime and safety issues. Instead, we flew to Capetown and spent a few days (4) doing the city and other attractions nearby, We also did the peninsula tour, visit to Robben Island, vineyards, gardens, all of that in a private van with guide. Then we flew to Livingstone, Zambia to see Victoria Falls (2 nights) . Following that we spent 4 nights in Sabi Sands, at Arathusa camp.
All in all, 10 nights plus International travel days, so it is rather long, but you can trim it any way you like. Our cost was around $3700 per person excluding international flights and tips - but remember 2014 prices.
Coming to the Safari part.
Arathusa is a great place for a low-budget safari experience. It is in Sabi Sands, so you have your own reserve, they are also allowed to share the area with another one nearby, so there is plenty of wildlife. we saw several leopards, lions, buffalo, elephants etc. Also had wild dogs. They have good food and guiding. Only problem is that they put 12 (yes, 12) people in each vehicle, it has 4 rows and they put 3 in each row. It is all done to maximize viewing for everyone, so the driver will not reposition the vehicle if you cannot get your shot. The camp is also very nice, there is a local hippo pool which is nice to see. The game drives are short and even they are interrupted by a tea break before you return to camp for breakfast.
On a later trip I went by myself (part of a photo group) to Londolozi. Also in Sabi Sands, needs no introduction, it is a top rated camp. You get your own chef assigned to you for breakfast and lunch. dinner is in a beautiful boma with sand, waiter standing by your table to refill your champagne glass whenever you need it. The food is the best I've had in any safari camp in Africa. Game viewing is excellent, they send out spotters early morning to find out where the leopards are. They also have rhino and all the other species. They do not put more than 3-4 people in each vehicle so it is not pressured either. However, it is phenomenally expensive compared to Arathusa. If I was going only to photograph, I would pick Londolozi. I believe all the top camps in SS are similarly priced.
One other thing, we really enjoyed South Africa, esp Capetown, beautiful city. One must-see place there which is not on any itinerary is the Christian Barnard museum, absolutely mind-blowing.
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