SANParks.org Forums

So......in the near future we are considering staying in Africa for 3 months using up SO's long service leave (if I can get medication to stop me missing my pets ).
We are really 'conflicted' about what to do. On one hand it would be great to base ourselves somewhere for the whole time to get a much better insight in to local life so to be speak, somewhere close to a park (like Phalaborwa for example). OR buy a 4x4 and gear and cruise around all over the place through Southern Africa?
What would you do and why?

Believe me, three months is not too long to spend in Kruger

But, in your situation, I would cruise around and see some of the more 'special' places. You will still gain a 'feel' for the local life imo.

Easy.... Though 3 months would be a little short. Arrival in JHB?
Get a good 4x4 with rooftent (!) and head down, via Golden Gate to KZN. Have a party there, and follow the coast all the way to Namaqua. That bit of course determines your timing.
Then up to Augrabies, KTP, and via Keetmanshoop (quivertree forest) to the coast again. Follow it up via Naukluft, Sessriem camping (Sossusvlei) all te way up to Skeleton Coast. After SC head inland, Etosha and the Caprivistrip.
Not sure if you can go into Botswana there, but otherwise head for Mata-mata and do some more KTP.
From there you can go to Mokala and Marakele to JHB again.

You will need half a server for all your photos, and I think more like half a year....

manyDogs Late last year we relocated from KZN to the Cape and took two months to get here .
First we went to the KZNparks from Oribi in the South then up North we then went to marakele and Mpungubwe, then into KNP for a month then travelled across to Mokala, MZNP and Karoo NP. We also stayed at non Sanparks places and with family along the way We took roads that were tarred but not the main highways and drove slowly stopped to admire the area often, had a relaxing and good time and with three months you could fit in KTP and some of the southern Nat parks . I am We did not have a 4x4 just a 20 year old Venture. We camped and stayed in other accommodation too and also fitted in a Wilderness trail in KNP
Have fun planning

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, three months is not much. SO is actually not that far off his 10 year long service leave so we could possibly get 6 months if we wait a little longer I am not sure I could leave my dogs for 6 months
SO is actually leaning towards renting one place for the whole time. We have already seen a lot of Namibia, Bots and Zimbabwe...but other than Capetown not much of the rest of south Africa away from Kruger.
Lots more to contemplate! Keep the ideas coming.

My Honest opinion, I would do the trip from South Kruger to North, the 4 X 4 course. Then go into Bots to the Okavango Delta. but if you are looking to see just SA, last Jozi, drive to Kruger spend a week or two there, then drive down to KZN n see all the attractions there (howic falls on the way). Drive down garden route to CT and do the usual. then fly back to KRUGER n spend the rest of your time there:) because Kruger is the best place to be in SA IMO>> either way, you will have a blast, and you will get to see our lovely country for what it is.

Imo do the full South African circle
From Cape along the coast up to Mozambique
The Kwazula area is very special
And back through the middle
Lots of KZN and SANparks along the rout
all very different and beautifull

I would definitely take at least a month, even 6 weeks in Kruger, doing it from North to South and then drive down through Swaziland to St Lucia, do the KZN parks, have a peep at my home city, (maybe even a little visit to us!) then a drive down the east coast, the garden route is stunning, staying at some of the parks along there, also Addo etc to Cape Town, then make your way back up to JHB but possibly include some of the Drakensberg and Golden Gate en route.

You are all making a convincing argument for a grand tour of South Africa!

A lot would depend on your budget I would think.
If there is no problem, then you can't go wrong with any of the suggested routes.........you just need to dedcide which will suit you best!!

If however you do have a budget, and hubby can persuade you to stay put in one place, I can heartily recommend renting a small house/cottage in Phalaborwa.
It is a quiet (reasonably safe) little town, just outside the Phala Gate, with all amenities.

Whatever you decide................enjoy!!

I think half the fun of such a trip is the planning, Threedogs.
Please also read KTF Hooked's Most Anticipated Adventure-Aug 2010 .

THAT IS EASY!!

I will book in at Twee Rivieren in the KTP in 1 February, and stay at all the various camps! And Depart on 30 April again!

If you dont want to stay that long, then I will include
Etosha, Moremi, Linyanti, Mana Pools and South Luangwa


Need a driver?
Need camping gear?

LOL!! You can use mine on condition that I join to show you exactly how all the stuff works!

Enjoy your planning!

Theo

@ctv4: Mana Pools is my number one bucket list item!!! It is in serious contention for a visit during the 3 months if we take the mobile option. South Luangwa is also a destination we have been wanting to visit for some time as is KTP. This could be more difficult than I thought

What a wonderful holiday you have in prospect Threedogs! With all these wonderful suggestions, there is nothing more I can add.

I do, however, understand how you must feel leaving the 4-legged kids behind for such a long time.

Enjoy your planning!

@4dogs, as you said, there could be another 3month trip in prospect in the not too distant future.

So you could do the dry (arid) side of Southern Africa the one trip, and the Eastern side the next.

Just be warned, once you have had the red sands of KTP between your toes, you will want to go there every time