hey people!

[ary]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum! I wasn't sure where to post this thread. I am going to Africa in November for just under a month. I arrive in Johannesburg in late november, I then have to fly to Vic Falls where I have 3-4 days before I leave on a 12 day tour from the falls to Pretoria. I then have seven days before having to get back to J'Berg airport to fly home. I am still deciding what to do with that 7 days. I didn't want to stray TOO far from J'Berg, mostly because I only have 7 days and the further you go, the more expensive it is and I'm on a budget!!

Any ideas much appreciated!

Thanks :)

Ary

[AfriMan]

Hi and welcome,

Just a thought, how about a self drive i.e. hire a car and drive your self to a few destinations. This could work if you are on a budget

E.g.:
- Pretoria - Durban - Zululand - Swaziland - Pretoria
- Pretoria - Mpumalanga - Kruger Park- Pretoria

There are so many options just let me know what you are thinking about and I (and hopefully somebody else) will advise of the best options.

Cheers for now

[ary]

Hi James!

I was actually thinking of visiting Botswana, it seems to be close by and I am interested in seeing the Kalahari. Is car hire expensive? Is it safe to drive around yourself? We would obviously have no knowledge of the roads etc. What kind of license do you need? Are there any beautiful places in the vicinty that are definitely worth checking out?

Thanks for your help! :D

Ary

[AfriMan]

Hi,

Botswana is not really a self drive destination, but yes if you really insist it can be if 4X4ing and camping is your thing.

Botswana's only has a few main roads that are tarred!, the rest are very much dirt and lots of sand (depending where you are and what time of year mud)

Driving in the Kalahari is be done in 4x4 vehicles and obviously you must have some kind of 4X4 experience. But when traveling to remote areas it is advisable to travel in 2 or more vehicles for the obvious reasons of break downs etc etc.

The closest reserve in Botswana from South Africa is Mashatu Game Reserve (http://www.uyaphi.com/botswana/game-reserves/mashatu-game-reserve.htm), this being a +- 5 hours drive from Johannesburg to to give an example.

What are your main reason for going to Botswana, widlife, scenery etc etc?
The reason I am asking is that Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga are perfect for self drive and safe as well.

Cheers and let me know

[Andy Deaville]

Im a current employee of QUEST (http://www.questoverseas.com), we offer ethical and responsible travel for GAP students to sabbaticals.

http://www.questoverseas.com/summer_explorers/southern_africa_explorer.html
We have an amazing Southern Africa Explorer departing 5th July 2007. Its a 6week expedition through five diverse and beautiful countries in Southern Africa.
Trek in Swaziland and explore one of the last remaining kingdoms in the world.
Swim with whale sharks and manta rays in Mozambique and gain your PADI open water qualification or advanced open water.
Bridge swing amoungst other adrenaline activities in Sabie South Africa.
Visit the largest salt pans in Africa and sleep under the stars.
Safai in the Okavango Delta, along the Chobe river and through Botswana's best game parks.
Finally bungy jump or micro-light over Victoria Falls in Mozambique.

for more info contact us (http://www.questoverseas.com/contact_us.html)

[AfriMan]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the info, but (just a small but) - you have added your personal email address - I would advise you remove it ASAP, little programs out there called email harvester's = loads of spam.

If you would like me point it to your contact us page I will gladly do this! - just advise

Cheers and again thanks for the info

[ary]

My main interest is the Kalahari desert, I would love to experience the desert whilst in Africa. Any suggestions on staying in or around the desert? I would prefer to base myself somwhere and then do day trips or activites, rather than hiring a 4x4. This is our first trip to africa and we have no knowledge of roads or conditions etc. Could you point me in the direction of any cheap-mid range accomodation around the Kalahari area? Are there any other beautiful deserts that are closer?

Thanks again,

Ary :)