Really looking forward to the SA trip, haven't heard or read a bad word about it. The intinerary looks very good both on the included & optional excursions.

Will probably give the winelands tour a miss as whilst I am sure it is very good I have done lots of them in the past. Instead i will take the day to explore a bit more of Cape Town especially as I want to do the Robben Island tour. So if anyone fancies tagging along they are more than welcome.

Looking forward to meeting up with everyone on 27th.

Cheers Keith.

Nice to hear from another fellow traveller. I'm sure we'll chat more nearer the time. I know it's wrong to wish time away, but I wish September would hurry up!

Sally

This is my first time using the community page & I have noticed your comment that you are doing the South African Explorer in November. I have booked this trip departing 22Nov 2012 are you going the same date?

I have booked this trip & will be celebrating a memorable birthday whilst away, I would be grateful for any tips.

Thanks Chris

Totally agree with the comments about SA - went in 2008 and loved it so much am going again this November (bring on the elephants!)

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is there anyone booked on the 25th october for the south african explorer, this is my first solo trip and im so looking forward to it, but a bit nervous too.

liz beth

Hi fellow travellers. I am thinking of going on the South African Explorer trip this year in September. It will be a an opportunity of a lifetime for me and hope it will fulfil a childhood dream. Went on the Classic Cities of Italy with Just You last year, great experience but did go with a friend. This one will be totally not knowing anyone.

Is September a good month to go? Would like to hear from anyone who has been before or considering it now. Chris

I'm going October which is supposed to be the best time.Sounds fantastic

hi everyone,

is there anyone booked on the 25th october for the south african explorer, this is my first solo trip and im so looking forward to it, but a bit nervous too.

liz beth

Hi liz beth,

I have just booked on this trip for 25th October. Never been with JY before but have been travelling solo for 10 years now and loved every trip. I still get nervous when I set out but it's amazing how quickly groups gel together and you are always looked after by the tour leaders. It will be great!

Pam

Yes I'm on the 27th Sept plus add-on trip along with Sally, its my first but have been so encouraged by all the testimonies that I feel really excited, I'm just in the process of booking an appointment for all the jabs. Looking forward to meeting everyone, not sure how many of us but the last I knew there were about 8 doing the add-on out of our group. Like Sally I can't wait!!

Regards, Yvonne

Just a quick 'heads up' for those of us going on this trip from September onwards. From August South African airways are no longer flying direct to Cape Town. Instead it looks like we may have to transit via Jo'burg. It shouldn't have too much impact on us except a slightly different departure time and arriving in Cape Town a bit later. Just You are aware of the issue and hopefully will be in touch once they know the new arrangements.

For those of us going on 27th Sept - only 101 days to go!!!!

Sally

Thank you so much for info, please keep us updated. I think we should be receiving our information pack shortly.

I'm also ticking off those dates, how exciing. Regards Yvonne

hi everyone,

is there anyone booked on the 25th october for the south african explorer, this is my first solo trip and im so looking forward to it, but a bit nervous too.

liz beth

Just found this forum. Am also booked on the SA Explorer for 25th October. Am flying from Manchester. Second trip with JY.

hi everyone,

is there anyone booked on the 25th october for the south african explorer, this is my first solo trip and im so looking forward to it, but a bit nervous too.

liz beth

Hi liz beth,

I have just booked on this trip for 25th October. Never been with JY before but have been travelling solo for 10 years now and loved every trip. I still get nervous when I set out but it's amazing how quickly groups gel together and you are always looked after by the tour leaders. It will be great!

Pam

You can now add me in too - looking forward to meeting you all .

Col

Gents

As you will see from another post on this subject, I have booked to go on this trip on 27th September. I picked this date based on what the guide books and internet said about it. September is Spring in SA and is supposed to be fantastic for the wildflowers, whale watching as well as being the end of the dry season and therefore being good for seeing the wildlife. Temps are warm without being too hot.

As regards to creepy crawlies, although this is my first visit to SA I have previously been on safari in Kenya and Tanzania. I'm not a fan of the little beasties (especially spiders) but have never had problems before. The hotels used are generally of a very high standard, I know hotel staff are always happy to deal with any unwanted visitors you may be unlucky to encounter.

The last time I checked with JY there were ten people booked for this trip, it would be great for you both to come along too.

Sally

Hi Sally

I have booked for this trip on 27th Sept - so relieved to see other people on the forum so enthusiastic! My first trip with Just You, so bit apprehensive - but excited as well!

Look forward to meeting you - I'm flying from Heathrow.

Roslyn

Excellent

BUT................ make sure that you have a wooly hat, gloves and jumper

It can get extremely cold in the evening/early morning and when we were there a really cold front swept over the whole region and it has snowed in most areas (honest), doing the safari in Kruger is really great, but the wind chill needs to be taken into consideration, hence the above.

We saw all the top listed animals PLUS wild hunting dogs, which many locals have never seen.

The east/west cape is now showing whales just off shore, so take binoculars with you for a good look at them.

Sally

Thanks for the feedback Skippy. Glad to hear you had a good trip. I must admit that I hadn't thought about packing any woollys - I guess I need to rethink things!

Sally

Hi you won't need woolies at the end of Oct don't worry! Cheers Bob

Good quality shoes for walking, I suggest the trainer type or all terrain shoes You do not need walking boots, it is for the rock paths. If you have problems, take a walking can to take the pressure off your leg when walking up/down stone steps.

When it was sunny it was extremely warm, a hat and sunscreen is required.

But it gets cold in the evening and you should take a fleece type top.

Early starts on safari means it is very cold at the start, but then can get extremely hot, so you need to dress in layers that you can remove during the day. Suggest basic t-shirt under a shirt and a cardie/fleece with light jacket.

I found it really funny when in Cape Town, I was in t-shire and light trousres and the locals were in fleece/jeans and wooly hats, as they felt the cold (20 degrees)

On the high levels, it is wind that can be cold, so again a layer system is suggested.

I envy those who are going as i want to go again, you will really enjoy it.

Just bring a book for the rather long coach trips that will be needed between bases.

Eating a good breakfast is a good thing, as lunch is not provided and you will need to budget about 50 rand a day for lunch.

Tips for the coachdriver etc will set you back about 40 rand a day

You do not need to tip in resturants or at the hotels unless you want to

Drinks are reasonable at around 25 rand for a beer

The excursions are your main cost

Over the period I spent about £360 on them

You are allowed to take in 5000 rand (about £450) and if you need a top up, ATMs are all over the place,

ATMs are easy to use and I used my banks debit card which charged me only £2 for the service. so do not worry about travel checques and I advise that you do not consider changing cheques or stirling at a bank, as it takes forever with limited time to be able to do it

Totally agree with the comments about SA - went in 2008 and loved it so much am going again this November (bring on the elephants!)

J

Hi Jackie

I am also booked on the SA trip on 22 Nov is this the same date your travelling? From other peoples messages it sounds great and lots of useful information posted. I am looking forward to the trip as I will be celebrating my birthday out there too, wanted to be in a memorable place for my big birthday!

Chris