Africa & Silversea: Upcoming Cloud, Other Sailings??

Starting in November 2015, the Silver Cloud will have eleven different cruises involving a wide variety of stops in Africa. This includes three, ten-day Cape Town to Cape Town adventures along that coast to Mozambique and back. There will also be four, 14-days or longer, very exotic trips between Cape Town and Mombosa/Kenya. We will be on the Feb. 2-12 Silver Cloud sailing along that coast of South Africa.

The Whisper will do a small edge of Africa in 2016 and 2017 as a part of its World Cruises, focused there in Egypt. The Silver Explorer will do some varied Africa stops in March and April 2016. Also in December 2016 through March 2017, the Silver Cloud will be back doing a variety of South Africa and other stops in that region.

To Silversea's credit, they seem offer more Africa variety and options than most any other cruise lines.

QUESTIONS??: From those who have done Silversea in and around South Africa, etc., what are your special tips, best memories, cautions, secrets insights, ideas, suggestions, etc.? Our port stops will include Port Elizabeth/SA (7 am-5 pm), Maputo/Mozambique (2-7 pm),

Richards Bay/SA, (Sun. 10 am arrive, overnight, Mon., 11 pm depart), Durban/SA (8 am-6 pm) and East London/SA (1-6 pm). Unfortunately for most Silversea cruises, the Roll Calls on these Cruise Critic boards do not attract much, if any, activity, involvement.

We are going to have five nights in Cape Town before our cruise and then do post-cruise travel to Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, three different safari camps in Botswana, etc.

Other questions/interests:

1. Any special super loves for Cape Town? Everyone who has been there raves about how wonderful is this scenic city, its charm, location, etc. Right?

2. When doing a safari, any special insights, warnings, etc.?

3. For photography in Africa, people have suggested that dust, bumpy jeep rides, etc., can require special care, patience, etc. Right?

4. What special or different for Africa does Silversea do, offer?

If you are scheduled for any late 2015, 2016 or 2017 sailings in Africa with Silversea, please jump in, share your questions and comments, interests, info needs, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 187,274 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

QUESTIONS??: From those who have done Silversea in and around South Africa, etc., what are your special tips, best memories, cautions, secrets insights, ideas, suggestions, etc.?

 

Other questions/interests:

1. Any special super loves for Cape Town? Everyone who has been there raves about how wonderful is this scenic city, its charm, location, etc. Right?

2. When doing a safari, any special insights, warnings, etc.?

3. For photography in Africa, people have suggested that dust, bumpy jeep rides, etc., can require special care, patience, etc. Right?

4. What special or different for Africa does Silversea do, offer?

A couple of general answers. Both Table Mountain and the Boulders Penguin Colony are good choices in CPT. Try the official Cape Town tourism website HERE for more info on CPT. When on safari, wear neutral colored clothing (tan/brown/khaki) as much as possible. Leave the bright colors and reds at home. Definitely take a hat with a brim for the whole itinerary and sunscreen. Long sleeves are good if out in the sun for much of the day.

As for dust - common sense prevails. If you want to be shooting while moving, get a small point and shoot. Put the DSLR in a bag and retrieve when you don't have the dust blowing due to movement. If you are in a dusty windstorm, accept that and adapt (P&S have their place when the DSLR won't work). Have a blower brush to keep the lens clean. Depending on the safari, if overnighting you may or may not have easy access to power for recharging batteries, so take plenty. Ditto with memory - it's cheap and fast. Bumpy jeep rides - just like everywhere: if you have back issues, make sure they are aware BEFORE you do the safari, and preferably before you book.

Can't speak to what SS does in Southern Africa - I've only been as far as the Seychelles (from Dubai) on SS. Two things to remember -- South Africa has a very well developed wine industry - the Stellenbosch region is just to the east of CPT. Also, there has been a boom in craft beer with many styles being produced. At your port stops, ask for some of the local craft beer rather than the mass produced lines. Finally, try some biltong and droewors -- local meat snacks that are quite tasty and are national foods.

Have fun. Just curious - flying from ATL/JFK/IAD on DL or South African or are you going via Europe/Gulf??

QUESTIONS??: From those who have done Silversea in and around South Africa, etc., what are your special tips, best memories, cautions, secrets insights, ideas, suggestions, etc.? Our port stops will include Port Elizabeth/SA (7 am-5 pm), Maputo/Mozambique (2-7 pm),

Richards Bay/SA, (Sun. 10 am arrive, overnight, Mon., 11 pm depart), Durban/SA (8 am-6 pm) and East London/SA (1-6 pm). Unfortunately for most Silversea cruises, the Roll Calls on these Cruise Critic boards do not attract much, if any, activity, involvement.

We are going to have five nights in Cape Town before our cruise and then do post-cruise travel to Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, three different safari camps in Botswana, etc.

Other questions/interests:

1. Any special super loves for Cape Town? Everyone who has been there raves about how wonderful is this scenic city, its charm, location, etc. Right?

2. When doing a safari, any special insights, warnings, etc.?

3. For photography in Africa, people have suggested that dust, bumpy jeep rides, etc., can require special care, patience, etc. Right?

4. What special or different for Africa does Silversea do, offer?

If you are scheduled for any late 2015, 2016 or 2017 sailings in Africa with Silversea, please jump in, share your questions and comments, interests, info needs, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/font][/size][/color]

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 187,274 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Terry,

Thanks for starting this thread. We are looking forward to a January 2016 voyage on the Cloud doing the Cape Town to Maputo leg .

Would welcome recommendations on restaurants for a great lunch experience in these ports - especially fresh seafood. Any ideas?

Longtime lurker. Not much of a poster.

Will be on Cloud in December. Will try to remember to post some info for Terry and Rumba. Otherwise can't say much now.

You should think of doing the Silver Explorer West Africa cruise.We did it in 2013 and just loved it.Although there were some zodiac landings it really wasn't too strenuous apart from a hike in Principe.After that cruise we went to 3 Botswanan camps and one in Zambia.Cant recommend Botswana enough it is fabulous.

So a link-

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1814491&highlight=explorer+in+west+africa

The last page gives a link to our Botswana adventure.

I cannot wait until your Africa pictures, Terry, I am sure they will be stunning, as all your other pictures on CC are! Our pictures provide me with a daily endorphin rush and sense of calm at the same time,

I am heading for a Capetown-Capetown cruise with DH on Hapag-Lloyd's Europa 2 at Christmas, so I have been doing research overlapping to some degree with yours.

1.

My TA, who used to live in Africa, gave me many helpful suggestions, including BRING LOTS OF BUG SPRAY if you will be in the bush ( we will be doing some light bush excursions, not as aggressive as your trips)

2.

On our cruise in the Walvis Bay area, Namibia, the europa2 ship will sponsor Dining in the Desert under the stars, which is supposed to be really nice; some other luxury cruise ships like Regent used to do it with a company not sure if SS is doing it or if you can book independently

3. As for Capetown, in addition to Table Mountain and the gardens and The twisty scenic road that winds down the cape practical tips ( including the need to be aware of high street crime against people, such as those with expensive cameras) , note this website written by an expat who lives there which has some interesting and practical information from a local's perspective you may be interested in.

http://www.expatcapetown.com/cape-town-information.html

Two suggestions: do not miss Robben Island, the most paradoxical place I've ever been. Outstanding natural scenery combined with heartbreaking human history. On the "nothing but beautiful" consider a day trip to Hermanus about hour or two from wine country where you get up close to migrating Southern Rights.

Terry, we've done Africa several times and most recently the past two years on a different cruise line.

For Cape Town depending on how much time you have:

To get a good lay of the land take one or two of the two HOHO buses. Quite good and you will get a great feel of not only the downtown Cape Town Area but also the Cape. They stop at all sorts of places from Table Top Mountain where you can then take the cable car to a beautiful Gardens.

Weather can vary day to day so if you have a few days there try to go up to Table Top the first day so if weather does not allow this you can try to fit this in another day.

If you have an interest in wine, book a private wine tour. We went to three different areas on our last visit. Quite impressive. Most people know Stellenbosch and go there but if you have time visit Paarl, and Franschhoek valley's. These are all beautiful and have lots of places to visit. The towns are worth a visit too. Allow a full day for this.

I also recommend Robben Island and do this on your own. Purchase tickets ahead of time on line. Allow a half a day. Lots of history there. Get the boat from the Waterfront which you will be near.

Safari. Have done two the past two years.

Take more than one camera. Take extra batteries. Keep cameras on the entire time. Dust was not a problem for me. Just clean the lens at night. Take a lot of photos. Terry even if your wife doesn't use a camera have her take photos. Terry I didn't have to do anything special with the cameras. The drivers will stop and get as close as they can. When you are driving fast to get from point A to point B no sense attempting and photos and this is when you put your lens cap back on the lens. If you can, go to a private reserve as they have more rules about how many vehicles can get close to animals allowing each one to have nice views for photography. Some of the sites allow you to do a private tour with a photographer. Consider that. There will be times when you want to go with manual shooting particularly at night so know in advance your settings for that.

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It is an amazing experience and one that we treasure. And yes in the perfect world you do this separately from cruising. At night if the weather cooperates you can do star gazing and you will see the Southern Cross. While sailing on our shop one night we had an astronaut on board and between the astronaut and the chief electrical engineer who also was very knowledgeable we saw Southern Cross, Hubble Telescope Satellite, International Space Station, and Jupiter.

First of two small dots to the right was the International Space Station.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCd5HC7KiWE/VNeuPS9zI8I/AAAAAAAAq_U/yt9XyPTiXjE/s1600/DSC_2279.jpg

Yes, neutral clothing is recommended. We use the clothing that has insect repellent already embedded in it. If you have hiking shoes take them. If not, sports shoes are fine. Take two just in case it is rainy. We wear tully hats. Plenty of sun screen. Insect Repellent. Flash Light even though they might provide one. Take something to keep you warm at night as it can get chilly on the night drive and the start of an early drive. Sun Glasses.

Maputo/Mozambique. Have been there twice. Once in 2007 and once in 2015. A bit strange. The tour will be limited but probably best to take it. You'll see the train station that Eiffel designed and a few other things. Nothing earth shattering but this is the world we live in so it's good to see places like this.

Durban and Port Elizabeth. These are hop off points to go to and from overlands when you cruise or you can do one day visits to private reserves. We've done it both ways. Some of the private reserves easily allow you to see the big five which on a short overland you might not see so provides more photo opportunities.

I am not sure where you plan to do your overland from but if you do it during the cruise and you do it privately insure it.

We had an overland but did it through the cruise line. We got off at Richards Bay and then were driven to the Reserve. Plan was then a few days later to drive to Durban and fly to Port Elizabeth. Unfortunately winds were so bad that ship had to skip Port Elizabeth. People on private tours had issues for those who planned to get off at Port Elizabeth and meet the ship a few days later as we had a few days in Cape Town and others had the issue of having to change flights to meet the ship in Cape Town rather than Port Elizabeth. It was too windy for the ship to dock.

A few years before that similar thing happened the first day in Cape Town. Ship couldn't get in that first day and remained anchored until the next day.

Keith

Terry a few more photos.

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Keith

You should think of doing the Silver Explorer West Africa cruise.We did it in 2013 and just loved it.

drron - I'd be keen to know what you did in Luanda - people think the few interesting sights in the city are along the corniche as far as the fortress and that's it's easily and safely walkable. The ship tour is mega-expensive and mostly seems like a drive-by.

A couple of general answers. Both Table Mountain and the Boulders Penguin Colony are good choices in CPT. Try the official Cape Town tourism website

As for dust - common sense prevails. Have fun. Just curious - flying from ATL/JFK/IAD on DL or South African or are you going via Europe/Gulf??

umba2015: Terry' date=' Thanks for starting this thread. We are looking forward to a January 2016 voyage on the Cloud doing the Cape Town to Maputo leg . [/quote']

 

Critically Cruising: Longtime lurker. Not much of a poster. Will be on Cloud in December. Will try to remember to post some info for Terry and Rumba. Otherwise can't say much now.

 

Catlover54: not wait until your Africa pictures' date=' Terry, I am sure they will be stunning, as all your other pictures on CC are! [/quote']

 

PSahoy: Two suggestions: do not miss Robben Island' date=' the most paradoxical place I've ever been. Outstanding natural scenery combined with heartbreaking human history. On the "nothing but beautiful" consider a day trip to Hermanus about hour or two from wine country where you get up close to migrating Southern Rights. [/quote']

 

Appreciate ALL of these great comments, follow-ups and suggestions. Keep it coming!! Very helpful. Love the details and suggestions from CC Board stars Keith, Dr. Ron, etc. Will be busy checking out these various links and ideas. Plus copying many of these items and tips to my trip file. As always with Keith, it is like winning the lottery for wonderful, added info and details.

 

Longtime lurker??: Great that Critically Cruising and maybe others who check things out will share, comment, ask questions, etc. Hopefully everybody will freely share and not have too much in the way of snarky comments. Lots of tastes, interests and styles on these boards. Love to encourage and hear a wide range of options, ideas, what was unusual, surprising, etc. Don't be shy!!

 

For FlyerTalker, we did not want to spend a fortune on airfare and/or be cramped in coach for these long, long flights. Our air solution? With American Airlines, which is where our Frequent Flyer miles are placed, especially from our credit card purchases, they have a connection with Qatar Airline that is not often known. Was able to work out Columbus to Chicago. Then it is a luxury Qatar Boeing 777 in business class going to Doha/Qatar on a 13 hour-15 minute flight. Then to Cape Town on a Boeing 787 business class from Doha on a 9 hour-25 minute flight. Coming back from Johannesburg after our Victoria Falls and Botswana adventures, it will be going to Doha on their new 787 and then back from Qatar to Chicago on another nice, new 777 plane. Very impressed that Qatar the airline just won the top ratings for their business class. Their service and in-air options seem great, including free Internet, etc. We will not have much time in Doha, but we might be able to do a small sampling there. When we checked with American and their connections through British Airways to reach South Africa, the hassles with Heathrow and the taxes there (even on "free" Freq. Flyer tickets) were very discouraging. Like using Qatar to avoid those messes.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 123,767 views for this posting.

drron - I'd be keen to know what you did in Luanda - people think the few interesting sights in the city are along the corniche as far as the fortress and that's it's easily and safely walkable. The ship tour is mega-expensive and mostly seems like a drive-by.

All tours on the Explorer are complimentary apart from some special things such as a flight along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia.So all the tours/experiences I describe in my report were included in the cruise price.

You should think of doing the Silver Explorer West Africa cruise. We did it in 2013 and just loved it. Although there were some zodiac landings it really wasn't too strenuous apart from a hike in Principe.After that cruise we went to 3 Botswanan camps and one in Zambia. Can't recommend Botswana enough it is fabulous.

So a link- http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1814491&highlight=explorer+in+west+africa

The last page gives a link to our Botswana adventure.

drron29: All tours on the Explorer are complimentary apart from some special things such as a flight along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia.So all the tours/experiences I describe in my report were included in the cruise price.

Appreciate Dr. Ron having his link to the Botswana information AND . . . the superstar grouping of varied pictures from your amazing safari adventures. It's very helpful. WOW!! It is a great mix of colorful birds' date=' powerful animals, dramatic landscapes, thrilling sunsets, etc. The variety and exotic types of birds really surprised me. Then, I loved the term and pictures about the "Sundowners". Seems like a great, fun activity. Don't want to miss that excitement!! Here are my other thoughts, reactions, questions after looking through most of your visuals and Botswana details:

1. Liked the plane and the shots from the air as you flew over these areas.

2. Loved the elephant pictures!! Great animal.

3. Excellent background history on Botswana, its government, their dealing with poachers, etc.

4. Certain baby animals are very fascinating.

5. What camera and lens did you use for most of the birds and animals pictures in Botswana?

6. How close were you, in general, when taking most of the lion, elephant, etc., pictures?

Know you are finishing your exciting trip in Cuba, but when time permits, I would love to have you share many more details and ideas about these safaris in such places as Botswana. Yes, doing some types of explorer ship trip would be of interest for us to consider and do for the future. There is lots, however, on our future "to-do" list.

Dr. Ron's Botswana Posts:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports-and-trip-photos/a-botswanan-adventure-50060.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/font']

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 205,535 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Terry I am a very amateur photographer.I use Sony cameras as they seem to have the best anti blur feature and I have a familial tremor.I used a Sony DSC-HX200V on that trip.I found that to be very good.I am now using the HX400v but really don't think it is significantly better.

Some of the animals were really close.The first group of lions probably no more than 6 feet away.Some though were a significant distance away.The camera has a 50X zoom which is why I bought it for that trip.

I can not recommend Botswana highly enough.It exceeded all expectations.

And definitely enjoy the sundowners.

Botswana is moving up high on our list.

We did this cruise in 2011 and I have to dig back through our records to see what we did at these stops. We did ship's tours pretty much everywhere.

In Cape Town we were totally independent though. One day we did the HOHO bus which we took everywhere. It's very scenic and convenient to all of the major sights.

I agree with everyone who says to visit Robben Island. The fact that former prisoners run the tours is a powerful statement, and makes it come alive.

We also rented a car for 2 days and drove around on our own. One day we went south to Cape Point, Boulders Beach (where the penguins are), and a few other places along the way. The second day we toured Stellenbosch and Franschoek. My regret was that we didn't leave enough time for Stellenbosch which was knock-your-socks-off gorgeous. We are planning to get back there any time we can.

In Cape Town, try the restaurant Balthazar on the V&A Waterfront. Great meat and a nice wine list. The Table Bay hotel is also pretty nice, and very convenient to where the ship docked. We walked down the back stairs of the hotel and on to the pier. Can't beat that with a stick!

Hi Terry,

We are doing basically the same thing but staying the whole month of December in Africa. We start out with, private vehicles and drivers, doing safaris in Kenya and migration tracking in Tanzania.. This way we can start and stop when we want and not have any backseat drivers wanting to go back to camp for a drink. Bringing my full array of camera equipment and needed to buy a few more seats on the small aircraft to accommodate the weight. (no room for a Tux in this luggage packing)

Second half of the month will be resting on the Silver Cloud, letting them drive us back to Cape Town. Will be bringing ours Christmas stocking to hang on our door clip for this cruise. We are doing lots of ship excursions, but no mid land or day-trip safaris with them, do to the way they run them. Only part of the cruise I would have Silversea change is overnight in Port Elizabeth instead of Richards Bay.

We have A&K travel taking care of us with drivers and guides in Cape Town. This company is one Silversea uses a lot in South America and we have used them many times in other cities.

Also this will be our first A380 with Emirates Air. Looking forward to trying out their service…

If this thread is still alive, first part of January, will try to post some updates. If I know you: (you will keep it going all the way till March!)

Why do you think he will stop in March?

Why do you think he will stop in March?

I guess I forgot to what year...

For those folks looking for information on insect repellents, I discovered this link to an article. Provides good background information.

http://www.pntonline.co.za/index.php/PNT/article/download/743/1124.pdf

Good afternoon Terry

I recall having posted a response to your previous "cancelled" cruise, but can confidently assure you as a resident South African that has cruised multiple times on SilverSea, our country will not disappoint you.

We would definitely recommend the following as additional "must do's";

Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Chapman's Peak Drive, Slave Museum, District Six Museum

Port Elizabeth (PE): some of the finest private game reserves are 90 mins from the port (Shamwari, Amakhala, Pumba) en route to a visit to Grahamstown (1.5 hrs from PE) steeped in history and a University town

East London: Try to visit Nelson Mandela's birthplace and burial site in Qunu (200 km out of the port) well worth the visit as you will see much of the rural beauty of the Eastern Cape

Durban: Try lunch on the patios of the Oyster Box or Beverly Hills Hotels in Umhlanga Rocks, stunning views

If you need any further guidance or need us tod do any local bookings for you email us at rdmcc@webmail.co.za, enjoy your visit!

Good afternoon Terry. I recall having posted a response to your previous "cancelled" cruise, but can confidently assure you as a resident South African that has cruised multiple times on SilverSea, our country will not disappoint you.

Yes, appreciate your and other helpful responses on this thread. I will be copying and saving your various tips and ideas. Might follow-up direct to you with some added questions. Things are getting closer for our first "Africa Adventure"!! Keep sharing the various tips, insights, secrets, etc. I am sure many who have traveled with Silversea have had good experiences in and around South Africa.

From the New York Times Travel Section this coming Sunday morning, they will have this headline: "36 Hours in Cape Town" with these highlights: "Heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities — few destinations can mimic the scale of its mountain-ocean convergence — Cape Town could sit pretty on the merits of its natural bounties alone. It remains a singularly inviting place, wowing visitors with its colorful art and architecture, complex history, world-class wines and arguably one of the best culinary landscapes anywhere. How to squeeze all of Cape Town’s highlights, both man- and Mother Nature-made, into one weekend?"

There is a wonderful six-minutes-plus video that gives a nice sampling of options connected with this highly-rated city, plus a wide range of specific ideas and options to enjoy in and around Cape Town.

One of the great ideas mentioned: "Saturday is market day. The pioneer is at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, where the weekly Neighbourgoods Market was at the forefront of this run-down district’s transformation into a creative enclave. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a more wholesome affair: From its humble origins at the site of a nonprofit urban farm, the market has grown and now occupies a sprawling tent near the V&A Waterfront."

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/travel/what-to-do-in-36-hours-in-capetown.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 31,224 views for these postings.

Good afternoon Terry

 

I recall having posted a response to your previous "cancelled" cruise, but can confidently assure you as a resident South African that has cruised multiple times on SilverSea, our country will not disappoint you.

 

We would definitely recommend the following as additional "must do's";

 

Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Chapman's Peak Drive, Slave Museum, District Six Museum

Port Elizabeth (PE): some of the finest private game reserves are 90 mins from the port (Shamwari, Amakhala, Pumba) en route to a visit to Grahamstown (1.5 hrs from PE) steeped in history and a University town

East London: Try to visit Nelson Mandela's birthplace and burial site in Qunu (200 km out of the port) well worth the visit as you will see much of the rural beauty of the Eastern Cape

Durban: Try lunch on the patios of the Oyster Box or Beverly Hills Hotels in Umhlanga Rocks, stunning views

 

If you need any further guidance or need us tod do any local bookings for you email us at rdmcc@webmail.co.za, enjoy your visit!

Can certainly second the game parks near Port Elizabeth. We did a side trip on our last cruise and spent 4 night at Shamwari.

In Capetown you are a short distance from some Great White shark cage diving. My DW was in the cage and I was chumming the sharks -- come and get it :D

We recently booked the the Silver Explorer for 2017 and will do a week pre cruise in Kruger.

Can certainly second the game parks near Port Elizabeth. We did a side trip on our last cruise and spent 4 night at Shamwari. In Capetown you are a short distance from some Great White shark cage diving. My DW was in the cage and I was chumming the sharks -- come and get it :D We recently booked the the Silver Explorer for 2017 and will do a week pre cruise in Kruger.

Appreciate this excellent follow-up information from PaulMCO. Yes, shark cage diving sound like fun!! BUT, neither my wife would want to do that, nor be happy if I was the one in the shark cage. That's a little too "out there" for our travel styles. Fun to consider, however!!

Don't be shy! Keep posting and sharing here with other information from your research or past visits to Africa, questions regarding upcoming travel there, etc.

Also coming in this Sunday's New York Times Travel Section are some other stories that might be of interest for those planning options in Africa. Here are some of these other story options and potential news items to check out and consider:

1. Headline: "Into Africa: 6 Vacation Ideas From Our Experts". This includes these highlights about Victoria Falls: "Take In the Grandeur of Victoria Falls. We visited the falls in the most breathtaking way. Two Zambian guides led us out into the river on foot, pointing to a flat rock here and a route through the rapids there. Just a stone’s throw from the edge, we peered down into the mighty, thundering abyss as the water crashed over the mile-wide length of the cascade. It was a thrilling, if terrifying, moment as visions of slipping over the edge flitted through my mind."

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/23/travel/africa-vacation-ideas.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

2. Headline: "In Durban, 13 Curry Stops in 5 Days". This includes these highlights about Durban, South Africa: "I sat down for a 'bunny chow' in Durban, on South Africa’s east coast. It’s a funny-sounding name for a funny-looking concoction: a loaf of white bread hollowed out to form an edible vessel for a generous helping of curry, typically mutton or bean. I’ve been amazed by the quality and diversity of food, the mouthwatering result of centuries of intermingling — albeit not always voluntary — of Dutch, English, Indians and Malaysians with indigenous populations. "

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/travel/durban-south-africa-restaurants.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=sectionfront

3. Headline: "Want to Visit South Africa? How to Survive a Long Flight". This includes these highlights about long-distance flying: "There’s nothing like a 16-hour flight to get you over a fear of flying. After that first marathon ride from New York to Johannesburg, which is among the longest direct flights in existence, my focus has at least shifted from how to survive to how to make the long haul as painless as possible."

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/travel/south-africa-flight-time.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront

Lots of different tips, ideas, options to consider, etc., in reading these various NY Times articles. Hope this sharing is of help.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 124,755 views for this posting.

I received the link below via KLM Flying Blue membership. The information provides interesting options for various stops in Africa.

http://view.klm-mail.com/?j=fe9617727060077f73&m=fe93157073600d7d7d&ls=fe1f1c7574650c787d1375&l=ff0216707d6506&s=fe2c157471640574701778&jb=ff8e1c79&ju=fe591371726304747117&r=0&WT.mc_id=L_US_email_ExactTarget_Newsletter_null_Null_null&WT.tsrc=Email&WT.i_vid=144019538

I received the link below via KLM Flying Blue membership. The information provides interesting options for various stops in Africa.

 

http://view.klm-mail.com/?j=fe9617727060077f73&m=fe93157073600d7d7d&ls=fe1f1c7574650c787d1375&l=ff0216707d6506&s=fe2c157471640574701778&jb=ff8e1c79&ju=fe591371726304747117&r=0&WT.mc_id=L_US_email_ExactTarget_Newsletter_null_Null_null&WT.tsrc=Email&WT.i_vid=144019538

It appears this link is unavailable. Information can be accessed on KLM website. My apologies for the confusion.