Who has been to South Africa?

le_munchkin

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How long do you intend to stay? I'm going this cny but my itinerary includes safari and Victoria Falls.

I would say at least a week for Cape Town. History culture more in Johannesburg from what I researched.. but I'm skipping it cause heard it's not very safe.

I would recommend flying btw the 2 cities because robbery is a legit concern..

Am planning a trip to Johannesburg and Cape Town in Oct. My friend in Johannesburg will host me. He said I should be good without the vaccinations if I'm going to these 2 places.

I have read thru this thread but have yet to do any proper research.

Should I fly or take the bus between Johannesburg and Cape Town? Is there any difference in doing either destination first? I'll be flying SQ. I'm thinking of Johannesburg first cos I can bring/pass my friend the stuff (I'm bringing from Sg as a nice gesture) instead of lugging them to CT first before Johannesburg. Other than that, I have no other concerns about doing which city first.

I'm not into wineries and/or safaris. My friend has suggested the elephant sanctuary though. Not into shopping either. I'm more of a scenery, trekking/hiking, history and culture person.

I've been told that Uber is safe in SA by my SA friend and friends who have been to SA. I'll probably rely on Uber in CT.

Any recommended number of days in each city? Won't mind stopping by the cities
(any recommendations?) between Johannesburg and Cape Town if I don't fly between these 2 cities.
 

invisible999

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How long do you intend to stay? I'm going this cny but my itinerary includes safari and Victoria Falls.
How did you work Victoria Falls logistics? would you mind to share your opinion about VF one you are there in terms of weather, accommodation, accessibility of falls/etc?
 

le_munchkin

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I booked a private tour and am just staying there for 2 days. I did some research there are local VF tours/guide who can take you around depending on your interest.

Yeap sure will share more when I'm there!

How did you work Victoria Falls logistics? would you mind to share your opinion about VF one you are there in terms of weather, accommodation, accessibility of falls/etc?
 

invisible999

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I booked a private tour and am just staying there for 2 days. I did some research there are local VF tours/guide who can take you around depending on your interest.

Yeap sure will share more when I'm there!

Would you mind to share how much did it cost, what are flights (if they are part of the tour), what is included in the tour and so on?

Planning to do it in Dec and want to know what are costs/breakdowns.
 

belgarathc

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I originally planned to visit Victoria Falls too during my visit to South Africa two years back. But in the end decided against it due to the distances. For Johannesburg, I too was concerned about safety so I took a guided tour there. Another option to travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town is by train.
 

WadsUpDoc

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Am planning a trip to Johannesburg and Cape Town in Oct. My friend in Johannesburg will host me. He said I should be good without the vaccinations if I'm going to these 2 places.

I have read thru this thread but have yet to do any proper research.

Should I fly or take the bus between Johannesburg and Cape Town? Is there any difference in doing either destination first? I'll be flying SQ. I'm thinking of Johannesburg first cos I can bring/pass my friend the stuff (I'm bringing from Sg as a nice gesture) instead of lugging them to CT first before Johannesburg. Other than that, I have no other concerns about doing which city first.

I'm not into wineries and/or safaris. My friend has suggested the elephant sanctuary though. Not into shopping either. I'm more of a scenery, trekking/hiking, history and culture person.

I've been told that Uber is safe in SA by my SA friend and friends who have been to SA. I'll probably rely on Uber in CT.

Any recommended number of days in each city? Won't mind stopping by the cities
(any recommendations?) between Johannesburg and Cape Town if I don't fly between these 2 cities.

Its best to fly from Johburg to CT, cause in between nothing much/not very safe- mostly townships. In both cities, try not to stay out too late in shady neighbourhoods. You'll slowly see the homeless coming out in the night, and many of them will approach you (cause you obviously tourist).

I don't think there's a diff btw doing either first- it just means u take longer flight at the start or at the back. Since u meeting friend in johburg, my suggestion is go there first. Ur fren can show u around/share w u about SA, the culture, the food, what to look out for. So when you're alone in Cape Town u are q familiar w SA customs already.

Even if you're not very keen on safaris, at least try a day trip- kind of a MUST when visiting Africa- unless you've been on others in other parts of Africa.

Capetown, no questions asked. Table Mountain. For a scenery junkie, Table Mountain will definitely be your favourite. Spend afew more days exploring that scenic area.

Johburg- u can spend 3-4 days MAX (based on ur interests). Take a free walking tour for history and culture. Visit pretoria for history + township. Apartheid museum MUST visit for history junkies as well. Same goes for the UNESCO cradle of human kind - which is pretty much a fossil site. This place is more for educational/informational purpose tbh. There's casino in Johburg as well, but not sure if you're keen. Oh and my recommendation is to get a driver to drive u around, cause alot of stuff will be beyond the outskirts of Johburg. PM me if you want the contact of the driver i used previously!
 

le_munchkin

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is Robben island worth going?

Its best to fly from Johburg to CT, cause in between nothing much/not very safe- mostly townships. In both cities, try not to stay out too late in shady neighbourhoods. You'll slowly see the homeless coming out in the night, and many of them will approach you (cause you obviously tourist).

I don't think there's a diff btw doing either first- it just means u take longer flight at the start or at the back. Since u meeting friend in johburg, my suggestion is go there first. Ur fren can show u around/share w u about SA, the culture, the food, what to look out for. So when you're alone in Cape Town u are q familiar w SA customs already.

Even if you're not very keen on safaris, at least try a day trip- kind of a MUST when visiting Africa- unless you've been on others in other parts of Africa.

Capetown, no questions asked. Table Mountain. For a scenery junkie, Table Mountain will definitely be your favourite. Spend afew more days exploring that scenic area.

Johburg- u can spend 3-4 days MAX (based on ur interests). Take a free walking tour for history and culture. Visit pretoria for history + township. Apartheid museum MUST visit for history junkies as well. Same goes for the UNESCO cradle of human kind - which is pretty much a fossil site. This place is more for educational/informational purpose tbh. There's casino in Johburg as well, but not sure if you're keen. Oh and my recommendation is to get a driver to drive u around, cause alot of stuff will be beyond the outskirts of Johburg. PM me if you want the contact of the driver i used previously!
 

dilphinus

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Its best to fly from Johburg to CT, cause in between nothing much/not very safe- mostly townships. In both cities, try not to stay out too late in shady neighbourhoods. You'll slowly see the homeless coming out in the night, and many of them will approach you (cause you obviously tourist).

I don't think there's a diff btw doing either first- it just means u take longer flight at the start or at the back. Since u meeting friend in johburg, my suggestion is go there first. Ur fren can show u around/share w u about SA, the culture, the food, what to look out for. So when you're alone in Cape Town u are q familiar w SA customs already.

Even if you're not very keen on safaris, at least try a day trip- kind of a MUST when visiting Africa- unless you've been on others in other parts of Africa.

Capetown, no questions asked. Table Mountain. For a scenery junkie, Table Mountain will definitely be your favourite. Spend afew more days exploring that scenic area.

Johburg- u can spend 3-4 days MAX (based on ur interests). Take a free walking tour for history and culture. Visit pretoria for history + township. Apartheid museum MUST visit for history junkies as well. Same goes for the UNESCO cradle of human kind - which is pretty much a fossil site. This place is more for educational/informational purpose tbh. There's casino in Johburg as well, but not sure if you're keen. Oh and my recommendation is to get a driver to drive u around, cause alot of stuff will be beyond the outskirts of Johburg. PM me if you want the contact of the driver i used previously!

Thanks! Not keen in casino. Friend will be showing me around so won't need a driver.

Btw, he gave me a recommendation for a tour agency. Anyone keen, pm me and I'll send the info.
 

dilphinus

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Anyone with experience with the waitlist (to JNB and CPT) on SQ biz class? The flights I want, be it in March, April and October, it's all on waitlist. Anyone know if these flights clear fast for the waitlist?
 

WadsUpDoc

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is Port Elizabeth worth visiting?

I think you can give it a miss lol. Nothing much there, not worth travelling to. Just a mall and the seaside. Unless you have lots of time and just want to visit some smaller reserves nearby
 

bizzaro

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looking for travel buddy in june

looking to go in june 26 day tour and 14 day self drive. im looking for a travel buddy to do an extensive tour of the country
 

danielkok

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Anyone with experience with the waitlist (to JNB and CPT) on SQ biz class? The flights I want, be it in March, April and October, it's all on waitlist. Anyone know if these flights clear fast for the waitlist?

Very hit and miss situation. You may be on the wait list until a day before your departure day. Very stressful. In fact, sometimes you check Seat Alert app and see empty seats, but SQ is willing to leave the seats empty rather than to give them to waitlist pax.

What I suggest is for you to call them to ask. They'll tell you they dunno. But they'll log your call so, at least in future they'll know you are enthusiastic... Also, think of a reason why you should be given the seat. Example, ahem, medical appointment the following day that can't postpone.
 

deodorant

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Anyonewith experience with the waitlist (to JNB and CPT) on SQ biz class? The flights I want, be it in March, April and October, it's all on waitlist. Anyone know if these flights clear fast for the waitlist?
I never bother waitlisting biz, especially as I don't have any status on SQ (No need to say PPS, nowadays KF silver also don't have liao). At best I will confirm biz and waitlist first, so if the waitlist doesn't clear I still have a ticket to fly.

In your case I personally think it's too risky, because if the waitlist doesn't clear then what are you going to do about all your booked hotels, annual leave, etc?

Anyway it's been almost 4 years since I last visited ZA, not sure how up to date these are but maybe they'll help you anyway: http://look-see-eat.blogspot.sg/2014/06/six-days-in-mother-city-cape-town-south.html

capetown1-1.jpg
 
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danielkok

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I visiting next month leh...

I visiting 31 March till 4 April, then going on Garden Route. Hopefully will be ok. My airbnb host said there's water rationing but other than that no issue. Yet.

Loading up my luggage with mineral water...
 

le_munchkin

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Hotels and supermarkets will have bottled waters readily available so don't have to be too worried about it.

Certain toilets have switched off their taps but provide hand sanitizer for you and their toilets are really clean so not an issue.

Just be a responsible traveler, use their bucket to collect bath water for flushing toilets etc in your hotel even though they might have boreholes. Every drop of water means alot to them. :)

I visiting 31 March till 4 April, then going on Garden Route. Hopefully will be ok. My airbnb host said there's water rationing but other than that no issue. Yet.

Loading up my luggage with mineral water...
 
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