South Africa
- Thread starter demure
- Start date
Hi,
I have been there as well. The weather is similar to that of Australia. Dec-Feb is summer, Mar-May is autumn, Jun-Aug winter and Sep-Nov Spring. Temperature also comparable to Australia.
If you go to South Africa, you must visit Cape Town. I love the place so much. So much to do there...
Downside is, I would strongly encourage you to go there with a organised tour group thing, not on your own, unless you have friends or relatives residing there to bring you around.
I have been there as well. The weather is similar to that of Australia. Dec-Feb is summer, Mar-May is autumn, Jun-Aug winter and Sep-Nov Spring. Temperature also comparable to Australia.
If you go to South Africa, you must visit Cape Town. I love the place so much. So much to do there...
Downside is, I would strongly encourage you to go there with a organised tour group thing, not on your own, unless you have friends or relatives residing there to bring you around.
constellation
New Member
Hi G,
Can you elaborate why we shouldn't go on our own without an organised tour? I am planning to go Western Cape without a group tour, as I really dislike group tour and don't travel in group tours.
Anything we should be looking out for?
With regards to Safari at Kruger National Park, any advise on which accomodation is good etc?
Thanks!
Can you elaborate why we shouldn't go on our own without an organised tour? I am planning to go Western Cape without a group tour, as I really dislike group tour and don't travel in group tours.
Anything we should be looking out for?
With regards to Safari at Kruger National Park, any advise on which accomodation is good etc?
Thanks!
constellation, I have been to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Sun City. So I can't advise you on Kruger National Park.
But I must advise you that the security situation is not ideal in some places esp in Johannesburg. If you insist on going on your own, my advise is to limit your sightseeing to the touristy stuff and avoid the "off the beaten track".
Otherwise, like what linksys says, go and join the land tours. If you dislike those from our local tour operators, you may want to consider Contiki etc where they have international passengers in their groups. And have professional guides who are able to better advise you on the security situation at certain stops.
But I must advise you that the security situation is not ideal in some places esp in Johannesburg. If you insist on going on your own, my advise is to limit your sightseeing to the touristy stuff and avoid the "off the beaten track".
Otherwise, like what linksys says, go and join the land tours. If you dislike those from our local tour operators, you may want to consider Contiki etc where they have international passengers in their groups. And have professional guides who are able to better advise you on the security situation at certain stops.
constellation
New Member
G,
I am not going for johannesburg for security reasons. That's why I am only going to Cape Town and the Western Cape and Kruger Natiional Park.
Since you have been to Cape Town, do you think Cape Town is much safer? Unfortunately we cannot take group tours whether local or international as we prefer free and easy driving around on our own.
We are experienced drivers in Europe and States, but this will be the first time we are going to South Africa and we are not so sure about the security there. However, I read that cape town is quite safe?
I am not going for johannesburg for security reasons. That's why I am only going to Cape Town and the Western Cape and Kruger Natiional Park.
Since you have been to Cape Town, do you think Cape Town is much safer? Unfortunately we cannot take group tours whether local or international as we prefer free and easy driving around on our own.
We are experienced drivers in Europe and States, but this will be the first time we are going to South Africa and we are not so sure about the security there. However, I read that cape town is quite safe?
paulncheryl
New Member
Hi Constellation,
When are you going? Looking at the place for honeymoon but that will be in May 2006- didn't quite realise it would be Autumn then... I have this thing against cold
- and furthermore we were thinking of doing the adventure stuff like kloofing, rock climbing and sand surfing etc.
Been doing quite a bit of searching and found that Malaysia Airways/Airlines has the best price from here to Cape Town, via KL. You agree? But if you do decide on that route, you can try bidding for price on Priceline.com.sg as MA is one of the vendors there...
How about the rest? Any input which route is the ebst to get there?
Oh and visit virtualtourist.com = they have lots of travelling tips!
When are you going? Looking at the place for honeymoon but that will be in May 2006- didn't quite realise it would be Autumn then... I have this thing against cold
Been doing quite a bit of searching and found that Malaysia Airways/Airlines has the best price from here to Cape Town, via KL. You agree? But if you do decide on that route, you can try bidding for price on Priceline.com.sg as MA is one of the vendors there...
How about the rest? Any input which route is the ebst to get there?
Oh and visit virtualtourist.com = they have lots of travelling tips!
constellation
New Member
Hi Cheyenne,
I am planning to go in Sept this year, which is spring. May should be a good time too! I prefer travelling in spring and autumn.
You are definitely more adventurous than me as I won't be kloofing or rock climbing. I will at most be going for the safari. ;-P
Have not done so much research yet, but I will check out malaysian airlines. I plan to fly to cape town and have a road trip along the western cape. But I will also fly from cape town to Kruger for a few days of safari.
Are you intending to go for any safari?
I am planning to go in Sept this year, which is spring. May should be a good time too! I prefer travelling in spring and autumn.
You are definitely more adventurous than me as I won't be kloofing or rock climbing. I will at most be going for the safari. ;-P
Have not done so much research yet, but I will check out malaysian airlines. I plan to fly to cape town and have a road trip along the western cape. But I will also fly from cape town to Kruger for a few days of safari.
Are you intending to go for any safari?
Hi me doing some research on South Africa now
heard from my fren that i must take some malaria injection before going . is it true?
i am planning to do with a group tour for security reasons..however..is south africa really safe to go now ? planning to go in aug but earlier thread said its winter season..will it be cold?
heard from my fren that i must take some malaria injection before going . is it true?
i am planning to do with a group tour for security reasons..however..is south africa really safe to go now ? planning to go in aug but earlier thread said its winter season..will it be cold?
Dear all, I went to South Africa for my honeymoon in 2002. Went there in Oct...the weather there in Oct is very nice...temperature less than 20 degrees celsius...very comfortable.
I joined tour group as the security there is not very good.
For a fact, in Cape Town, there is a rape case every minute and in Johannesburg, there is a murder every minute...
I am not exaggerating but this is a fact for the crime rates in South Africa is very high.
Was personally told by my tour guide that South Africa is not suitable to do free & easy as it is dangerous. FYI, even the hotel staff told us not to go out at night unless absolutely neccesarily.
When I was South Africa, although it ia a big gorup, can still see some Africans lingering around us and eyeing us....so personally, I would recommend you all to join group tours.
Of course, for those who had been there to do free & easy...and everything went smoothly, this is a blessing. But personally, why take risks when u know for a fact that South Africa is quite dangerous. Why wait until u met with some mishap and then regret right?
Just my personal opinion
I joined tour group as the security there is not very good.
For a fact, in Cape Town, there is a rape case every minute and in Johannesburg, there is a murder every minute...
I am not exaggerating but this is a fact for the crime rates in South Africa is very high.
Was personally told by my tour guide that South Africa is not suitable to do free & easy as it is dangerous. FYI, even the hotel staff told us not to go out at night unless absolutely neccesarily.
When I was South Africa, although it ia a big gorup, can still see some Africans lingering around us and eyeing us....so personally, I would recommend you all to join group tours.
Of course, for those who had been there to do free & easy...and everything went smoothly, this is a blessing. But personally, why take risks when u know for a fact that South Africa is quite dangerous. Why wait until u met with some mishap and then regret right?
Just my personal opinion
Hi garfield
thanks for the assurance
I have phobia of being eaten up by lions..haha
I checked up with Ananda and Chan brothers yesterday..they offer almost the same itinery and price..service was also good and informative.
Price around 3200 exclusive taxes (Est 300)..so around $3500/person for 10 days..quite ex...
I hope its worth the price
Any comments on Sun city ? There is a free and east day inside this resort..What did you do ?
thanks for the assurance
I have phobia of being eaten up by lions..haha
I checked up with Ananda and Chan brothers yesterday..they offer almost the same itinery and price..service was also good and informative.
Price around 3200 exclusive taxes (Est 300)..so around $3500/person for 10 days..quite ex...
I hope its worth the price
Any comments on Sun city ? There is a free and east day inside this resort..What did you do ?
I went to SA with Ananda in Oct 2002. The price then was abt $2200++/pax...wow now increaso so much!
Anyway, I personally feel that Ananda provides very nice hotel..for my last night in Johannesbug, I stayed in Hyatt. And for the safari resort, it was a beautiful resort.
There is nothing much in Sun City, for my free & easy day in Sun City, I went swimming and walk around only..u can go to the casino if u wan though
Anyway, I personally feel that Ananda provides very nice hotel..for my last night in Johannesbug, I stayed in Hyatt. And for the safari resort, it was a beautiful resort.
There is nothing much in Sun City, for my free & easy day in Sun City, I went swimming and walk around only..u can go to the casino if u wan though
Hi sally
Thanks for your info..I have been to Maldives before so not so interested in Mauritius..
Garfield : wow the package price increased more than 1k in 3 yrs!! airport tax is also quite ex..estimated to $300+..the package price to south africa is even more ex than packages to italy and swiss...wow..must be really exotic..
i was looking forward to sun city as the guide book describes it as " very good / nice" ..aug will be too cold to swim anyway right? hope there are other "penny friendly" activites..
For the last night in Jo, agent metioned Hilton..
hope it will be as nice as hyatt..
for safari "resort", he said chalet look alike..so i think not the one that u stayed before...hai....
Thanks for your info..I have been to Maldives before so not so interested in Mauritius..
Garfield : wow the package price increased more than 1k in 3 yrs!! airport tax is also quite ex..estimated to $300+..the package price to south africa is even more ex than packages to italy and swiss...wow..must be really exotic..
i was looking forward to sun city as the guide book describes it as " very good / nice" ..aug will be too cold to swim anyway right? hope there are other "penny friendly" activites..
For the last night in Jo, agent metioned Hilton..
hope it will be as nice as hyatt..
for safari "resort", he said chalet look alike..so i think not the one that u stayed before...hai....
Sally : the tax that they quoted was estimated as charges might change ...actually I am not sure also..just find it very ex...
i went to SA tours to check out the package but wasn't impressed by their sloppish service..can see that south africa is not their "strength" when i asked them some questions..they answered...dun know..not confirmed..not sure..
Chan and Ananda fared so much better.Showed me pictures from guide books, clear explanation on itinery.. Will be taking one of them based on my convienient date of travel since price and itinery very similar.
i went to SA tours to check out the package but wasn't impressed by their sloppish service..can see that south africa is not their "strength" when i asked them some questions..they answered...dun know..not confirmed..not sure..
Chan and Ananda fared so much better.Showed me pictures from guide books, clear explanation on itinery.. Will be taking one of them based on my convienient date of travel since price and itinery very similar.
Seems like South Africa is not a very common honeymoon place...seldom see pple posting on this thread.
Anyway, I would like to find out if anyone has joined the Mauritius & South Africa tour by Air Mauritius. Would like some comments on it.
Sally, I understand from Christina that the package is for 11D, 9N. So wat is your itinenary for the 15 days 13 nights?
Would really like some feedback.
Anyway, I would like to find out if anyone has joined the Mauritius & South Africa tour by Air Mauritius. Would like some comments on it.
Sally, I understand from Christina that the package is for 11D, 9N. So wat is your itinenary for the 15 days 13 nights?
Would really like some feedback.
hi littlemay, I went to South Africa and Mauritius for my honeymoon in Oct 2002. Wat I did was to purchase package tour from Ananda for 10D South Africa and then made another purchase from Ananda to Mauritius for 8D F&E. Bought both packages from during Ananda In-house travel fair.
For South Africa, would suggest u go for package tour...Ananda has quite a comprehensive South Africa package but I think not the price is quite ex! I paid only about $2.5k+/pax in Oct 2002. For Mauritius, it is ussually F&E, u can book day tours when you are in Mauritius with a tour agent called Mauritours. Mauritours more reputable there but of course price slightly ex. Think there are some local small tour agents in Mauritius too but I not too sure abt the price. I paid about $1.5k+/pax for Mauritius in Oct 2002.
I know Christina..she from Air Mauritius right? Initially, I wanted to took up her South Africa & Mauritius package, but later I realised I have to do F&E in South Africa.. (sort of a F&E lah...I think you will join other tourists & go sight seeing in South Africa..kind of like Trafalgar etc.) and hor, the itinerary is not as comprehensive as a full uided South Africa package frm Ananda.
So in the end, I opt to go for 2 full tours packages.
For South Africa, would suggest u go for package tour...Ananda has quite a comprehensive South Africa package but I think not the price is quite ex! I paid only about $2.5k+/pax in Oct 2002. For Mauritius, it is ussually F&E, u can book day tours when you are in Mauritius with a tour agent called Mauritours. Mauritours more reputable there but of course price slightly ex. Think there are some local small tour agents in Mauritius too but I not too sure abt the price. I paid about $1.5k+/pax for Mauritius in Oct 2002.
I know Christina..she from Air Mauritius right? Initially, I wanted to took up her South Africa & Mauritius package, but later I realised I have to do F&E in South Africa.. (sort of a F&E lah...I think you will join other tourists & go sight seeing in South Africa..kind of like Trafalgar etc.) and hor, the itinerary is not as comprehensive as a full uided South Africa package frm Ananda.
So in the end, I opt to go for 2 full tours packages.
Thanks Garfield...
Yes, I agree that the SOuth Africa tour by Ananda is more comprehensive...The sad thing is that it cost $4099 to got to South Africa alone, if I were to add on for Mauritius, the cost will be exorbitant.
Besides, I just called Ananda, and the person told me that they cannot help me arrange for a stay in Mauritius
Yes, I agree that the SOuth Africa tour by Ananda is more comprehensive...The sad thing is that it cost $4099 to got to South Africa alone, if I were to add on for Mauritius, the cost will be exorbitant.
Besides, I just called Ananda, and the person told me that they cannot help me arrange for a stay in Mauritius
Hi
I think December schedule for South africa not out in June yet. Its too early..They need at least 15 pax to confirm a trip..
Even in June, they cannot confirm August booking till 2 weeks before actual trip..
South africa does not seem to be a popular choice for travel due to price,distance i think.
i prefer ananda but they cannot confirm anything in aug while chan can "almost" confirm one group going in early aug..i might join that one..
anyone has experience with Chan bro to South africa before?
I think December schedule for South africa not out in June yet. Its too early..They need at least 15 pax to confirm a trip..
Even in June, they cannot confirm August booking till 2 weeks before actual trip..
South africa does not seem to be a popular choice for travel due to price,distance i think.
i prefer ananda but they cannot confirm anything in aug while chan can "almost" confirm one group going in early aug..i might join that one..
anyone has experience with Chan bro to South africa before?
Dear Akoyo
I will be doing F and E because travel agencies cannot confirm on the dates that I want to go.
I have booked my tickets online and will join the land tours provided by local agents. There are many agents available in the net..Just search in the web and u will find many..
When do u plan to go?
Btw if u plan to take SQ , its very ex for 2 unless u have 4 pax (promotion now)
MH is the cheapest way to travel.
I will be going by Emirates transiting in Dubai.
longer distance time but cheaper than SQ
I will be doing F and E because travel agencies cannot confirm on the dates that I want to go.
I have booked my tickets online and will join the land tours provided by local agents. There are many agents available in the net..Just search in the web and u will find many..
When do u plan to go?
Btw if u plan to take SQ , its very ex for 2 unless u have 4 pax (promotion now)
MH is the cheapest way to travel.
I will be going by Emirates transiting in Dubai.
longer distance time but cheaper than SQ
Verra : Emirates airticket around 1440 taxes 206
Singapore-dubai-johan
Emirates do not fly to cape town so u have to take return flight from johan-cape town to catch your flight back to singapore. south african airlines domestic sector is around 280 including taxes.
Akoyo : u can use the following sites for further reference
http://cybercapetown.com
http://www.sa-venues.com/travel/wc_daytrips.htm
http://www.ccapetours.com/
http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/m3?u for exchange rates
Singapore-dubai-johan
Emirates do not fly to cape town so u have to take return flight from johan-cape town to catch your flight back to singapore. south african airlines domestic sector is around 280 including taxes.
Akoyo : u can use the following sites for further reference
http://cybercapetown.com
http://www.sa-venues.com/travel/wc_daytrips.htm
http://www.ccapetours.com/
http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/m3?u for exchange rates
Hi verre MH is a few hundred cheaper (less than 300) but cannot get mileage unless apply MH card..
no use for me coz i dun use MH often
emirates we can get mileage on united airlines card..we dont want to waste the 10000 over mileage pts...so chose emirates...we will stop over one day in dubai ..
no use for me coz i dun use MH often
emirates we can get mileage on united airlines card..we dont want to waste the 10000 over mileage pts...so chose emirates...we will stop over one day in dubai ..
Last yr i've been to South Africa for my honeymoon joining the package by Chan Bros. Initially, we've signed up Ananda, however, we called them up 2 wks b4 departure and was told that the tour will most probably not going cos not enough pple to depart. We were quite shock of the last mins changes, luckily Chan bros was having a confirmed tour going ard that same date.
Some of things i got to know from this trip, Cape Town is safe if u walk within those tourist attractions, and not to 'walk' out of the hotel after sunset. Arrange for hotel transportation to pick u from hotel to shopping centre for dinner n shopping and back to hotel.
There's a large shopping centre name Victoria Wharf, there's pubs beside it, we're able to view the beautiful Table Moutain just outside the shopping centre. Which is consider a rare experience for us.
It's a must to take the cable car up to the Table moutain, spectacular views, and also the Cape of Good Hope, where u see the meeting point of Indian Ocean and Alantic Ocean. There's also a seal cruise where the boat will cruise around a small rock island with hundreds of seal resting there. Visit Borders beach where u can see the African penguins up close. Not to forget the Ostrich farm. Basically i find the scenary at Cape Town very beautiful, as along the roads we travel, we saw mountains half covered with clouds.
Next we took domestic flight to Johannesburg, where we're told that it's more 'unsafe'. Was told by local tour guide to walk in groups(more than 2) if we want to walk to the shopping centre 5 mins down the street from the hotel. During the night, it's better to go anywhere with the tour group with the tour guide, anyway nothing to do outside the hotel in the night, except go for dinner, so not advisable to venture out of the hotel.
Johannesburg is more into safari and sun city. After a half day city tour, we travel to sun city. Within sun city, it's very safe to go out of hotel by urself 24hr. But find that nothing much to do there as we not interested in the casino, and the other activities there quite exp.
After staying 2 days in sun city, we proceed to a private game reserve, where we see Lions, elephants, buffalo, birds etc on a open top vehicle. We find that the wild birds there very unique, all their tails very long and colourful.
Most of the days, we have Chinese foods in Chinese restaurants, except a Thai food dinner, a lobster lunch at Cape of Good Hope, Ostrich lunch at the farm, and african dinner at the game reserve.
ok that's all...i hope that i can save enough to go back there again. Cheers
Some of things i got to know from this trip, Cape Town is safe if u walk within those tourist attractions, and not to 'walk' out of the hotel after sunset. Arrange for hotel transportation to pick u from hotel to shopping centre for dinner n shopping and back to hotel.
There's a large shopping centre name Victoria Wharf, there's pubs beside it, we're able to view the beautiful Table Moutain just outside the shopping centre. Which is consider a rare experience for us.
It's a must to take the cable car up to the Table moutain, spectacular views, and also the Cape of Good Hope, where u see the meeting point of Indian Ocean and Alantic Ocean. There's also a seal cruise where the boat will cruise around a small rock island with hundreds of seal resting there. Visit Borders beach where u can see the African penguins up close. Not to forget the Ostrich farm. Basically i find the scenary at Cape Town very beautiful, as along the roads we travel, we saw mountains half covered with clouds.
Next we took domestic flight to Johannesburg, where we're told that it's more 'unsafe'. Was told by local tour guide to walk in groups(more than 2) if we want to walk to the shopping centre 5 mins down the street from the hotel. During the night, it's better to go anywhere with the tour group with the tour guide, anyway nothing to do outside the hotel in the night, except go for dinner, so not advisable to venture out of the hotel.
Johannesburg is more into safari and sun city. After a half day city tour, we travel to sun city. Within sun city, it's very safe to go out of hotel by urself 24hr. But find that nothing much to do there as we not interested in the casino, and the other activities there quite exp.
After staying 2 days in sun city, we proceed to a private game reserve, where we see Lions, elephants, buffalo, birds etc on a open top vehicle. We find that the wild birds there very unique, all their tails very long and colourful.
Most of the days, we have Chinese foods in Chinese restaurants, except a Thai food dinner, a lobster lunch at Cape of Good Hope, Ostrich lunch at the farm, and african dinner at the game reserve.
ok that's all...i hope that i can save enough to go back there again. Cheers
Hi,
We are going for our SA package tour in early Dec. What currency we need? How much do you suggest we need to bring along? Meals are all provided for except for 2 dinners and 2 lunches. We presume we'll not purchase souvenirs or foodstuffs....unless there's anything worthy buying back?
We are going for our SA package tour in early Dec. What currency we need? How much do you suggest we need to bring along? Meals are all provided for except for 2 dinners and 2 lunches. We presume we'll not purchase souvenirs or foodstuffs....unless there's anything worthy buying back?
hi...south african souvenirs are very unique. we didnt expect to purchase anything but after seeing the stuff, i think u will be tempted to buy..their ethic necklaces, handmade crafts..very colourful, unique and interesting..food stuffs wise i only liked the dried peach.a lot of dry jerky but tasted a bit funny...
eating in restaurants are not so ex..wine is very cheap about 4-5 singapore dollars per glass. a simple seafood meal for two costs around 40-50 dollars. cant remember how much we spent on food and shopping but prob less than 1k .
eating in restaurants are not so ex..wine is very cheap about 4-5 singapore dollars per glass. a simple seafood meal for two costs around 40-50 dollars. cant remember how much we spent on food and shopping but prob less than 1k .
hi miso,
The tour guide says red wine v cheap, about S$4-5 per bottle, but that was a few years ago. She has not taken the tour to ZA since but she says should be around S$10. Is that true? Also, she recommended Ostrich egg art, and says it's not expensive. But I check internet and find that it costs at least US$50. Is it cheaper in the stores there?
The tour guide says red wine v cheap, about S$4-5 per bottle, but that was a few years ago. She has not taken the tour to ZA since but she says should be around S$10. Is that true? Also, she recommended Ostrich egg art, and says it's not expensive. But I check internet and find that it costs at least US$50. Is it cheaper in the stores there?
pinkblusher
New Member
hi tiffanykwan
I went to the same places as you except I didn't go Johannasburg after that... also didn't get a chance to explore the southern coast which i heard is very beautiful. Overall quite a good trip although it was kinda hot when we went in December... Most memorable is Table Mountains and the Cape of Good Hope. Tour-wise we hired a private jeep and tour guide to bring us around, always good to have a native show you around due to safety reasons and also more convenient than those tour ones where you have to wait for the others and do what is planned on the itinerary. So our tour is more flexible in a certain sense =)
Hi Rihini
You can get a relatively good wine for about $15... $10 for a moderate one. We did visit an ostrich egg farm where they are lots of art and craft and all kinds of ostrich food.
I went to the same places as you except I didn't go Johannasburg after that... also didn't get a chance to explore the southern coast which i heard is very beautiful. Overall quite a good trip although it was kinda hot when we went in December... Most memorable is Table Mountains and the Cape of Good Hope. Tour-wise we hired a private jeep and tour guide to bring us around, always good to have a native show you around due to safety reasons and also more convenient than those tour ones where you have to wait for the others and do what is planned on the itinerary. So our tour is more flexible in a certain sense =)
Hi Rihini
You can get a relatively good wine for about $15... $10 for a moderate one. We did visit an ostrich egg farm where they are lots of art and craft and all kinds of ostrich food.
hi
we went to supermarket (V and A waterfront) in cape town and there`s a big wine section.
i think its around $15 and above for wine. of course there are different grades and expensive ones too.
glass wine is $4-5 when we ate at restaurants.
we didnt buy ostrich egg art coz we have no place to display at home..haha - saw many at the ferry terminal when we took the ferry to seal island. remember to bargain if u are buying there.
we went to supermarket (V and A waterfront) in cape town and there`s a big wine section.
i think its around $15 and above for wine. of course there are different grades and expensive ones too.
glass wine is $4-5 when we ate at restaurants.
we didnt buy ostrich egg art coz we have no place to display at home..haha - saw many at the ferry terminal when we took the ferry to seal island. remember to bargain if u are buying there.
