Discrepancy of Number of Nights with the OE Package to South Africa

[LL_Travelfan]

The package Orient-Express, Botswana in Tour, Botswana - Tour Package Deals | Luxury Link says it is for 4 nights, but in the description, it shows that there are 3 x 2 nights in various places.
Which is it? 4 nights or 6 nights? Please let us know and/or correct. Thank you

[kyshel]

CHOICE of 2 camps (3 offered) 2 nts each

[kyshel]

keep in mind that you only have 4 total days, and that includes repack/unpack each camp/lodge
The transfers included would be very expensive, so that's a plus but still a very pricey safari. Botswana is typcially much more $ than most of South Africa, tho.

[kyshel]

The LL deals for Cape Town are outstanding. It's one of the BEST places to visit in SA. There are a few hotels offered on familygetaway. For the "transit" time in Joburg, you can't beat the OE Westcliff for relaxation. They provide a shuttle to the major shopping districts if that's of interest. We went to the "mall" one day for some food options--fun people watch even tho we're not shoppers (maybe for my bubbly!) Their spa is quite nice but the pool is odd--swimming right next to folks having lunch...The grounds are so lovely in season. Considering Joburg is a short flight into Botswana or up to Vic Falls, there are so many options for transport. We're going the Kruger way, via short air hop to Eastgate (Kapama Karula) and Joburg to Vic Falls for LL pkg there. Our travel dates are around early Nov--the KK private lap pool will be used!

[LL_Travelfan]

The grounds are so lovely in season.
When is the season? and what is the best season to visit SA, Botswana, Victoria Falls? Noticed you are going in Nov. Would that be the best season?

[kyshel]

We've been to SA end of June for safari--good viewing but COLD mornings (coats/gloves/hats) Nice afternoons but not overly warm. Cool/cold nights--fireplace, hot bath (no outdoor showers/pools)
We prefer late Sept-early Nov. Mkuze Falls was toasty some days; dry falls, pleasant AM/PM and pool afternoons--same with Madikwe @ Mateya, but not so warm (right across from Gabarone, Botswana) Our spring is good choice but high season for local travel. Worst time is summer holiday-- Dec-Jan. for more people/school breaks.
Upper Kruger and Vic Falls are different altogether--look at Vic Falls Bush Telegraph, presented by Tony Peel for seasonal info.
Cape Town is temperate compared to other areas--they have 2 seasons--fog and no fog. That could be the same day...

[LL_Travelfan]

Thanks for the info. I will tuck it away for future use. We are booked out for this year (Skiing in Austria in Feb. then Baltic Cruise to St. Petersburg, Ischia, Padua, Reggio Emilia and Trieste, plus Kandersteg and Zermatt). However in 2013 with our group of family and friends, we are looking at SA and a Safari.
I will be the one who will be pulling it together, hopefully with LL packages. So at this point I am just gathering info.

[kyshel]

You might want to take some time looking at the portfoliocollection for specialty lodging.
If you're working with a small group, consider working w/travel agent there. I have a referral for Dave Patterson, aka bwanadave in tripadvisor. He lives in The Hermanus area (shark diving!) along the southern coast below Cape Town as well as Arizona. I believe he's still active (semi-retired) I save everything from past trips, so I'll likely have more tips by the time you're ready to plan. SA is a challenge, but if you start with a good driving/road map it makes it easier to comprehend the distances, mountains, etc.

[LL_Travelfan]

Thank you for your suggestions and advice. I will get back to you after I have done some of the research on my own. Do you suggest renting a car (big enough for 5 or 6 people) to get around in SA? How many days would you allow for SA and a safari to see the big 5 games?

[kyshel]

Car is necessary in some areas. Fly JNB to CPT. Driving there is good--south to coast and wine route. Divide the country to manageable chunks and work each one sep or in pairs.
I'd personally avoid all the Pretoria casinos and mega resorts (Sun City) Joburg is a fave, but we loved Misty Hills Spa hotel.
Choose where you want to do safari--Kruger, nr Kruger, Madikwe, Eastern Cape, etc. I'd fly there and get car (Hoedspruit, Richard's Bay, Port Eliz etc) or arrange transfers. Or combine areas and drive w/car dropoff. You can drive east from Joburg but there are some desolate areas until you reach the Zulu battlefields.
You need a minimum of safari 3 days. If you can do 2 safaris in your time frame--do it! So many different reserves/regions and types of lodges.