Will be in Pretoria during the week before hand for work and thinking of staying on for the weekend, and catch plane back from Jo'burg Sun night/Mon am.
Any weekend safari tips much appreciated.
SimSim, May 25, 2007 @ 18:34

your trip. Two days to do what you want to do, or to explore even parts of south africa, may be rushed.

Two months ago, I spent some time with friends who were born there and who now run platinum mining companies in the Bushveld. They have offices in Joburg. So, what follows is what I recollect of the conversations and excerpts from mutual emails.

South Africa is one of the world's top biodiverse countries. A lot of see, hear, do and experience. It has diverse climate - desert to temperate. During your visit, it will be fall/approaching winter there.
From Pretoria/Joburg, the closest national park is Kruger. Top place to see the big fives and do the safari. Kruger is one of the top tourist attractions. You can get there by flight from Joburg, or by organized shuttles/tour operators.
My friends said that if someone takes the organized tours, you will probably see a staged event (the hunting beast and the hunted are released at specified time for tour's convenience!!). For real safari, you need time and the right group.
Check out:

http://www.sanparks.org/

Some words of caution:

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. The life expectancy at birth is less than 45 years.
Kruger and a few other areas are ripe with malaria (although this is not the worst season). Taking shots before the trip is recommended.

If you skip Kruger, there are other parks (although farther); there is also a lot to do in Pretoria/Joburg. If you have any specific questions, send me a message. I can call my friends in Joburg and probably help you out.

Enjoy your trip. Let me know how it went. Rgrds.
colorado, May 28, 2007 @ 00:56

A weekend is indeed short.. Was a bit of a last minute business trip and I find it too hard to go all the way there and see nowt but the road I cross between hotel and office. And as you said, the security issues thwart ability to go off randomly exploring... So I already booked flight back for the Sun night and had decided upon Kruger, in a backpacking hostel. Got quotes for two, but now v interested in the Skukuza hostel found through the link you sent. Thanks! And I should look in to the internal flight situation too... Thanks so much for taking the time out to write this and speak to your friends! Will keep you posted on what I experience there... Was there for a weekend in Jan and had a great time in Cape Town. One day will spend longer there exploring.. I hope
SimSim, May 28, 2007 @ 02:55

Hi ! If you decide to give the animals a 'miss', my girlfriends in jhb swear by Mangawani African Day Spa where they get spoilt for the day...at a fraction of what we pay here. Let me know if you want any details, and I'll find out more.. Enjoy the trip !
debi, May 28, 2007 @ 13:02

thanks to you both for your tips!
I can now recommend, for anyone else travelling to South Africa, to visit Pilanesberg National Park. Can be done in a day, from Jo'burg. Is Jo'burg side of Sun City. Can also stay right near park.
I had a fantastic guide, honorary official national park guide with much experience, who sorted out the lot - pick-up, accommodation, food, and tour. As much as I kept my eyes peeled for 12 hrs... she pick-up on most movements, and was able to explain them too!
Drop me line if want more info
SimSim, Jun 14, 2007 @ 01:52

I went with Joy, who is a registered national guide, a Kenyan who has spent last 20+ years in ZA - can reach her via sister at [email protected].
She was great. V interesting, knowledgeable and accommodating - does personalised tours - Kruger, Kalahari, Pilansberg, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, Swaziland etc.
SimSim, Jun 27, 2007 @ 02:48