philo Loc: philo, ca

I disagree. When you go to the parks there is no walking only riding in a jeep and taking pictures. I'm old in the tooth, and would go again at the drop of a hat.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Paul;

Shiela and I are 75 and going back to South Africa in October. Did not have any problems in 2014 or 2015, but in fairness I must say that we stayed in very comfortable accommodations at the Knysna Elephant Park where we fed and walked each day with the resident elephants. And, as a side trip visited a wild cat park (Tenikwa) a few miles from Knysna where we took a one hour walk with a 4 year old male Cheetah on a harness type lead. Actually, it would be more accurate to say the Cheetah took Shiela and me for a walk, akin to walking a determined German Shepard breed!
Actually, it was the transcontinental flights from the Westcoast of North America to the southern tip of Africa that we found to be the most stressful and tiring part of the trip (30 hours from start to finish). If you can deal with that issue, then you will enjoy South Africa. In terms of accommodation and food costs while in South Africa it is dirt cheap compared to most areas of North America. Of course, if you are more adventurous, you can do photo safaris, river rafting, game walks and if you enjoy beach life so excellent beaches on the Eastern Cape of South Africa which is on the Indian Ocean, warm water and sandy beaches.
Go for it, you will enjoy it!

Best regards,
Garth

Tpharm Loc: Central PA

My family have traveled with Tauck and they are top-notch. (Mostly all inclusive, no extra fees) Yes, on safaris you ride in open jeep-type trucks. Do check in with medical specialist 2 mo. or so, before trip for shots and anti-malarial medication.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is a very good company. Small groups and excellent guides and program. We've been to Africa and just got back from South America with OAT. The OAT guides consistently got us into places to see and photograph animals that larger groups couldn't. All camps were fine as was the food. Met really interesting people on the trip and had just enough cultural experiences to inform but not take away from what we wanted to do on the trip. Guides were really good at getting our safari vehicles positioned the best for photography (something we had trouble with on other trips). Enjoy it whatever you decide.

crbuckjr Loc: Naples FL

We had a great trip to Botswana. It was arranged by a small outfit called Classic Africa. They used camps owned by Wilderness Safaris....which are outstanding.

paulhw Loc: Los Angeles

Yeah, the flying from L.A. is a tough one. Did you spend any time in Cape Town or go to Victoria Falls? If we go, they are a must.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I didn't care for victoria falls at all. So much mist it is very hard to get a shot. However I did get a double rainbow.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Paul;

Yes spent 3 days in Cape town visiting the "sights" and to the "point" to see the Atlantic Ocean fight with the Indian Ocean as the tide changes. Re Victoria Falls, no we did not do the falls. Although when we flew down from Rwanda the pilot of the small airplane (6 passenger) swooped down over the falls for us then took us out over Lake Victoria and came back in at 300 feet above the lake and zoomed the falls for us. As we live in British Columbia with mountains and waterfalls all around us, waterfalls are not quite as exciting for us. We will be reasonably close to the falls when in Zambia in November so may take a side trip to the falls or leave that to our 2017 African trip.
Best regards,

Garth

Bobnewnan

I just got back last week from a 10 day photo safari with Gavin Slabbert who runs Images in Africa Safaris

Best trip I've ever had and I've been on a few. Good food, good quarters, friendly, tip top all the way. And he's originally from South Africa. Look him up at http://imagesinafricasafaris.com

BigRedRex

I have done safaris in Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania. Botswana is my favorite. I did one safari there privately and one with Natural Habitat. My husband and I have done several trips with Natural Habitat and have loved each of them.

stet

Have been to South Africa twice. Have used a portion of Odyssey Tours on each trip.. Have covered South Africa, Botswana, Zambia Zimbabwe, Namibia, Swaziland,and Kruger. There are only 14-16 on their tours. They are all inclusive (Airfare, hotels, and food)

philo Loc: philo, ca

Oat offers about the same deal my trip was about 7k and they don't charge extra for a solo traveler.

paulhw Loc: Los Angeles

Where in B.C.? We have been to Victoria several times, and if we were to move anywhere, it would be there. Looking forward to seeing pictures of Nambia.