South Africa Pre-Cruise Safari Considerations

[1982CruzStart]

Thank you Carol for posting the pictures. Brought back great memories of our stay there on our post cruise also in 2018. 

[dunromin]

Hi Bill,

In January 2023 We stayed at Motswari https://newmarkhotels.com/accommodation/motswari-private-game-reserve A private game reserve next to Kruger. The private reserves in this area have removed their fences so the animals can roam across a vast area. There is a local airport at Hoedspruit with regular flights to Jo'burg and Cape Town; Motswari arrange a car to pick you up for the 1 hour or so journey to the reserve. There is an airstrip at Motswari apart from a few wildebeest we didn't meet anyone who had used it.

We declined the afternoon game drive when we arrived having just completed 24 hours of travel and we were staying for 5 days but the offer was there. There were 3 hour game drives morning and evening each day and we had the same crew, the 4x4 had 9 seats but only 6 are used unless you are a large party. For some drives there were just the 2 of us with our driver/guide and tracker. We didn't go with a list of must-see, which was useful as one of the most interesting visits was to a jackal family (who knew they were matriarchal), and in the end saw everything even leopards. Our travel agent put a package together including the cruise. In the UK there is a strong incentive to do this as the agent (or failing that the credit card company) picks up the tab if anything goes not to plan.

The food and the staff were first class. The accommodation is very comfortable and quirky, some of the lodges have outdoor showers (visible only to the birds and the monkeys). The bar overlooks a dry river bed (when we visited) and a watering hole so you can watch the various animal visitors over your coffee, tea or cocktails depending on the time of day.

Motswari costs about $500 and up a day for two depending on season, then there are tips and conservation fees. Our flights and transfers were about another $800 for 2. We flew out of J'burg connecting to our London flight and then back to Cape Town to pick up our cruise. Our internal flight had a 20Kg limit on bags but you can upgrade and take more with you.

 

[Gilly]

On 3/21/2024 at 4:43 PM, 1982CruzStart said:

The first and our favorite was Kapama private reserve just outside Krueger. The lodge was lovely, the staff great and the food delicious. We could watch a few animals right outside our balcony.

One of the benefits of letting Regent do everything is that when there was a flight issue from Jo'burg to the local airport, the tour company jumped in and arranged a bus so that we didn't miss any more time. Otherwise we may not have been able to arrive until the next day, missing 2 precious drives.  They kept our excess luggage for us and it was waiting when we got to the hotel in Jo'burg. We had transfers to the airport from the hotel.

 

We were total safari novices post cruise in Cape Town and weren't even sure if we really wanted to go up country to see wildlife at all!  We took a great Regent offer together with advice from friends who'd been to Kapama Southern and held our breath.

 

Wow!

 

Regent took care of everything and we had a blast!  We loved every minute, found the whole thing very comfortable and exciting; exhilarating, even.  (blog posts start here)   I can't comment on whether we'd have had a better time somewhere else/booking it all independently, but can only say "Go for it!"  We were simply glad not to have to worry about bits of luggage here and there, were pleased that it all came together again in Jo'burg and that we didn't have to worry about it at all.  

[UUNetBill]

Thanks for the replies - we're sure we want to do a safari but just not sure WHICH safari.  We have time to plan it all out, but everyone's contributions here are invaluable in helping us learn the ropes.

[Emdee]

If you are worried about luggage the airline you take to the camps will usually store it for you. Your safari TA will arrange it for you.