East Africa or South Africa Safari+ more, Help Us Decide
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Anonymous
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We are looking into both options and would love advice from anyone who has done an East African safari, a South African safari, or both.
One big factor is the flight. South Africa has a direct flight, which is very appealing. The downside is that the direct option would be United business rather than Qatar or Emirates. If we choose a better business class carrier, it adds a stop and turns the travel time from about 15 hours into roughly 26 hours. We are also a little concerned that a South Africa safari might feel like going to a zoo or one of those artificial drive through wildlife parks. For those who have been, did it feel genuinely wild, or more managed and park like compared with East Africa? On the other hand, South Africa seems to offer a lot more outside the safari itself. Things like cage diving, a possible side trip to the falls, and generally nicer amenities are appealing. The lodges look much more comfortable compared with the more tent style camps in East Africa. We understand that is part of the classic safari experience, but we suspect our teens might find that less charming and more gross. We are also thinking about how easy it is to break up the trip with other activities and whether internet access is generally better in South Africa so the teens could do their own things on certain days. Any insight into how the safari experience compares, along with travel logistics and non safari activities, would be really helpful. |
Anonymous
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Where in South Africa are you looking to go on safari? More broadly speaking there’s fences around the parks and private reserves everywhere (Kenya, Botswana, etc) so I’m not sure if you’re thinking it’s a zoo because the animals are fenced in?
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience without crowds, you need to stick to the private reserves which limit the number of vehicles (and are much more expensive). In Sabi Sands you can only have 2 vehicles at any sighting even if it’s on a non-shared reserve like Singita. Kenya is similar. The reserves start around $1500 pp / night in SA but last I checked your $ goes significantly further in the Kenya private reserves - I think it’s more like $1K pp / night. SA has some cache because of the higher pricing and perceived exclusivity but idk if that matters to you (it doesn’t to us). If you really want to feel off the grid Botswana fits the bill but in low season it’s $2K pp / night and in high season it hits $5K+ pp / night. Big money goes to Botswana. Zambia isn’t for first-timers but is probably the most off the grid you can get with nice accommodations still. They have lots of wildlife issues though cause it’s more wild up there - I think last year alone was 2-3 deaths due to animal attacks on tourists at 5 star lodges. However I also know the Sabi Sands lodges have also had deaths from attacks on lodge grounds that aren’t publicly released and the families are paid to not talk (our TA overshares…) |
Anonymous
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PP - Adding the Delta direct flight is pretty amazing from Atlanta to JNB or CPT. We’ve seen a lot of celebrities on it. We usually pay the $4K to fly premium select (basically domestic first class equivalent) vs Delta One because Delta One goes for $10-15K RT (BIG premium for nonstop).
We’ll be taking the q suites for our upcoming safari - curious if it’s worth it or not, heard mixed things about sleep quality and kinda trashy clientele being super loud and partying given the points redemption for Qatar is amazing. Also not excited for the long connection. |
Anonymous
NP. Wow, I can’t believe you would do this in premium economy, and on Delta no less! Sounds like a good way to start and finish off a baseline luxury trip on the wrong foot. Even business is rough for us these days. When we go on safari, we usually take Emirates first class IAD to DXB, and then on to JNB or NBO. I think you need a new travel agent PP, preferably one who specializes in true luxury travel. Either that or more money I guess. OP, if you need better advice for a true luxury safari (and one that doesn’t get people killed apparently, lol) then just ask. There are a few of us with actual top shelf safari experience on this board. |
Anonymous
The word “luxury” did not appear anywhere in OP’s post. This was obviously just a brag post for you, which is totally pointless since it’s all anonymous. |
Anonymous
Most safaris involve some amount of luxury. If you’re the Delta economy PP, your posts just made me sad. The thought of you flying to Africa drinking cheap wine out of little bottles and munching on Biscoff cookies was just too sad to bear. |
Anonymous
What a nasty, nasty response. We’re early 30s and don’t need to waste money on business class if we don’t physically need it. Also scoffing at us still paying $8K total for premium select when first would cost us $20K total - what a joke. It’s still $8K. Sorry you have a hard time physically making it through a flight in business class though, that sounds really rough. Why aren’t you flying private with all your endless money? The SA death was at Singita Boulders BTW - leopard got an adult leaving the boma |
Anonymous
Do yourself a favor and google Delta Premium Select before you go too far down this rabbit hole. |
Anonymous
| OP here, while I appreciate the discussions around premium flights, I was more interested in learning about the safari and the actual places themselves. Is there internet / mobile service? Do 14-17-year-olds appreciate the more disconnected scenario in Kenya? |
Anonymous
I’ve heard people brag about a lot of basic stuff, but premium economy on Delta is not one of them! Emphasis on basic. |
Anonymous
| Most safaris aren't luxury at all - fly to JNB, rent a car, drive to Kruger, and stay at a family campground for about $50 a night is the vast majority of safari experiences. |
Anonymous
| I own a Yacht. |
Anonymous
You’re joking, right? |
Anonymous
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Wow - how very DCUM to get so off topic.
OP - I took my teens/pre-teens on safari in Kenya/Tanzania. It was excellent. I seem to recall we had internet/mobile service on and off, but there was so much to see the kids weren't on their phones except to take photos. We did 5 nights of safari at different lodges - even 4 star was very comfortable and unique so kids didn't get bored. We stayed at a couple with pools, so there was something different to do at night. Haven't taken kids to South Africa but it's amazing and lots and lots to see/do. Cape Town is spectacular if you'd have enough time to get there. |
Anonymous
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Make sure it is refunable
Donny boy is about to make some new rules |