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South African Photo Safari/need suggestions for other Must Sees

We have been lucky enough to have won a South African Safari at an auction fundraiser for an incredible price. While a Safari might have been on the bucket list, it certainly wasn't near the top. We plan on going in May of 2019.

Since we will be in South Africa, what are the other must sees to combine with this trip of a lifetime? A bit of info, we will fly from Milan Johannesburg, then domestic flight to either Durban Intl or Richards Bay for the transfer to the Lodge for the 6 night/7 day Safari adventure. Since we will need to find a dog sitter in Italy (we'll be living there next year), we would plan on about 10-12 days total, so we'd add another 4-6 days to one end of the trip (and fly open jaw if that makes more sense).

Any suggestion on books or websites for research? Could this be a DIY or are excursions suggested? Let me know if you have other questions for me to better respond to my question. I miss having a RS book for trips outside of Europe.

Posted by
995 posts

Is it Zulu Nyala you're going to? We combined this experience with a few glorious days at a small, remote safari camp in Balule which borders Kruger National Park, and ended with four nights in Cape Town. I have a trip journal and lots of opinions if you'd like to PM me.

Posted by
1641 posts

Yes, we Safari is with Zulu Nyala! I'll PM you. What time of year did you go? We are thinking early May.
I'll PM you.

Posted by
995 posts

We went in early August. Wonderful weather, cold on the morning drives, no bugs, no snakes, no leaves on the trees, so easy seeing the animals. May is probably a good time also.

Posted by
3575 posts

Don’t miss Cape Town and the peninsula! Amazing, lovely city!
Also, if you like/love wine Stellenbosch is a great area. So many wineries, so little time. I fell in love with Africa, and now it rivals Europe in calling me back.

Posted by
2807 posts

Cape Town is a beautiful and fascinating city. The Cape Peninsula is breathtaking and you can sed the penguins at Boulder Beach. The wine country is also fun. Be sure to taked the cable car up Table Mountain. You will have no trouble filling four days, and it would make an excellent contrast to your safari.

Posted by
43 posts

Hello from Canada. We added four day trip to Rwanda to spend time with the gorillas before our safari in Tanzania then 4 days in south africa. A trip of a lifetime. Cape Town is a beautiful city.

Posted by
451 posts

Kruger, Cape Town, beautiful, Stellenbosch wine country. Some of the friendliest people!

Posted by
119 posts

Hi Karen,

You've received wonderful advice about Cape Town and the surrounding area. My husband and I will be departing July 8th for 25 days in Southern Africa including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). They have a very active blog regarding Africa which you can easily access on their website. If you do decide to go to Cape Town we highly recommend staying at the Parker Cottage. They also offer reasonable private tours and can help you plan your time there very competently.

Also, just a thought --- my husband and I are experienced (with lots of references from our 10 years as pet sitters) dog sitters currently living in AZ and are starting our travels in Poland next June 24th, 2019. Should you decide to take advantage of the wonderful trip you've won and need loving and competent dog sitters prior to June 24th we'd be happy to discuss this with you. Just indicate that in another message on the blog and we can arrange to connect. I understand you'll be living in Italy then. We love Italy almost as much as we love the dogs entrusted to us as pet sitters. Regards, Arlene