Hi Jaya and all of you travelling to South Africa - I have now been here a week and you are in for a treat! We are currently in Knysna and heading for Port Elizabeth tomorrow, Sunday. I was surprised to find the cost of living here means your Rand goes further than you think! I have found it useful to keep some 10 Rand notes handy for tipping, for room maids etc. It's quite chilly today - usual rule of layers applies - especially on the water. Also use sun creme freely even if it looks overcast - the sun is strong. We have been reminded to drink plenty - of water! and that we should use a sun hat. Sun glasses for the sun and if it's windy! :cool: Cape Town especially can be very windy!
Our TS programme is slightly different to yours but each day has had highlights - Table Mountain in glorious sunshine, penguins, I went to Robben Island on a free afternoon - I thought it worth the trip, some others did the afternoon tea at Mount Nelson and thoroughly enjoyed it, lovely gardens, wine tasting (in our case with chocolate!), whale watching - as we are the whale watching trip we had a night at Hermanus - but you can see whales at different points along the coast, ostriches, caves and a steep tractor/trailer ride today in Featherbed Nature Reserve. Looking forward to Kruger. Some of the scenery en route has been amazing. It is of course spring time here so the wild flowers and gardens are getting underway - by the time you arrive everywhere should be in bloom!
Hotels have been OK - tea/coffee making and hair dryers! There is a supermarket a very short walk from the Cape Town hotel. If you are staying at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays it is right on the harbour with lots of varied shops and eateries all around (as well as some lovely sailing boats and catamarans). Wifi has been available and free but not always very cooperative - it's good here in Knysna! You do need a South African adaptor (or a multi world wide) - I bought one reasonably at Heathrow - here in Knysna there is a UK style point but you can't rely on that elsewhere.
As anticipated for those carrying on to Zambia three nights is not enough! We have had to choose what to do in the time we have - Chobe is a whole day. We have an included Zambezi cruise and an included guided tour of the falls. I have opted for the longer helicopter flight (having bravely taken off I want to get the most out of it before landing!) and the Livingstone Express. Your tour manager will be able to clarify how you can fit in all you want to do!
Have a good flight and just enjoy the wonderful experience to come! 🙂
