SOUTH AFRICA--Again

[kyshel]

Finalizing reservations for Westcliff in Johannesburg and Mkuze Falls in Kwaa Zula Natal (AKA Zululand)
No other bidders today 6am PST. SNAP--it was ours!!

I had already rec'd info about the tented lodges not being available and they offered to upgrade us to all 4nts in the thatched chalets. I really wanted to do the tent split, but not this time. (MAYBE LL will have made a deal with Marataba Lodge in Lipopo for our NEXT safari???--OOOH a FLY-IN pkg would be outstanding!!)

I have more to plan and worry about now--how to do this on standby...

[jmbklj]

Finalizing reservations for Westcliff in Johannesburg and Mkuze Falls in Kwaa Zula Natal (AKA Zululand)
No other bidders today 6am PST. SNAP--it was ours!!

I had already rec'd info about the tented lodges not being available and they offered to upgrade us to all 4nts in the thatched chalets. I really wanted to do the tent split, but not this time. (MAYBE LL will have made a deal with Marataba Lodge in Lipopo for our NEXT safari???--OOOH a FLY-IN pkg would be outstanding!!)

I have more to plan and worry about now--how to do this on standby...

Congratulations.....I'm so excited for you!

[travel2fun]

Finalizing reservations for Westcliff in Johannesburg and Mkuze Falls in Kwaa Zula Natal (AKA Zululand)
No other bidders today 6am PST. SNAP--it was ours!!

I had already rec'd info about the tented lodges not being available and they offered to upgrade us to all 4nts in the thatched chalets. I really wanted to do the tent split, but not this time. (MAYBE LL will have made a deal with Marataba Lodge in Lipopo for our NEXT safari???--OOOH a FLY-IN pkg would be outstanding!!)

I have more to plan and worry about now--how to do this on standby...

kyshel, looks like you have another fabulous trip waiting to happen. Good catch!

[kyshel]

T-2-F, oh yeah--it's down to the wire!
We have our standby Plan B available (Delta is selling the heck out of business class seats both directions on the nonstop and cargo is an issue for us on the return) so we can connect thru Dubai (who knew??) and spend a day room or overnight as needed, then fly Emirates (they give us a very generous standby deal). We've never flow with them and according to reviews, their coach service is excellent. It's good timing to fly Dubai because there have been lots of open seats this month!
Hoping to get a day to see the sights and hit the souks for spices to bring home!
Africa is well set so that even with a delay, the cost of the LL Westcliff pkg pays for itself for 1, 2 or 3 nts, so we hope to stay minimum 2.
Mkuze Falls Lodge has been very gracious and prompt answering all our questions and tending to details with routing and maps to get there. res staff at both properties has been outstanding.
Been seeing some unseasonably warm temps at Mkuze--near 100 high and 50 low--what a roller coaster! Got our Deet, sunscreen and layers of clothes!!! Off to Africa next Sunday!

[betsyv]

Well Kyshel, how was the trip? Please let us know!

[kyshel]

We're here NOW and Mkuze Falls Lodge is FABULOUS!! More to follow in proper review, along with Westcliff and how-to advice we learn from evry trip to SA...

[betsyv]

Okay, Kyshel, thanks so much for the Westcliff and Mkuze Falls postings. I am curious as you have racked up a lot of stays at So African hotspots now. Which safari would you say you enjoyed the most? Which hotel in Cape Town is your favorite? It is such a tremendous destination that I think you can keep on exploring it and almost never be disappointed, but I would love to hear your opinion...

[kyshel]

There is no question that Mateya Lodge was the most comprehensively LUXURIOUS safari lodge EVER!
The price for Mateya matches their service and accommodations. Exquisite!!
Our first safari purchase was Tuningi Lodge (no longer offered on LL--please bring it back!!!) and it would make an EXCELLENT pkg on familygetaway.com since they cater to children more than most in Madikwe. We stil have great memories and personal recollections of our ranger and the hostess for our stay.

The Mkuze Falls Lodge is one of the best values and has such a warm, attentive staff. Our game experience was quite differetn from lodge to lodqe:
Tuningi was winter end June and really cold but afforded great viewing.
Mateya was spring end Sept and had great game viewing--same region as Tuningi.
Mkuze Lodge was end Sept and different region--great game viewing and slightly off-kilter for weather (quite seasonably WARM!)
So, betsyv, great question and each property was so different and EACH was exceptional for their attriibutes.
Cape Town....hmmmm
We stayed at the Steenberg my husband stayed at a Protea Hotel (chain) other times when he was "on duty".
I don't have enough experience with Cape Town hotels--the city is so very small and the harbor/Dt area holds very little interest for us. My husband LOVES Hermanus and area nearby so I would go visit that area next trip.
I guess I have such a an affinity for SA, once I read Michener's The Covenant. One of the TOP FIVE literary works on my list. I just got another new copy--mine was passed along... We have considered the Southern Coast/Cape Town/Constantia area as options for retirement in a few years. Just a feeling, maybe? I have yet to spend some time in Grootbos,Hermanus, etc, but that's on the agenda for 2011.

[jashermd]

Hi Kyshel,

I know I've been away for a long time, but thought I would drop by and say hello to everyone at LL. Glad to see that you've fallen in love with South Africa and have enjoyed your visits there - as you know it's one of my favourite countries as well!

I've stayed at a lot of hotels in Cape Town if anyone wants recs there - with locations ranging from cliffs overlooking the Atlantic to the slopes of Table Mountain to walking distance from fabulous bars and restaurants and styles ranging from historic Cape Dutch to cutting-edge Afro-chic there really is something for everyone.

Cheers,
Julian

[LL_Travelfan]

Hi jashermd,
Nice to see you stopping by at the forum. We have missed you and your invaluable contributions on Africa as well as on Europe. Hope you'll stop by more often.
Kind Regards,