Hi Carole

Do you know what, I can't remember about the flight, but I think it was via Johannesburg as BA did not have any direct flights to Cape Town.  The situation may be different now.   If you do the add-on then the flight is back from Johannesburg.  Cape Town was a bit on the cool side, but as you travel towards Kruger, it gets hot.  Cape Point was very breezy and cool.  You do need a fleece or something warm for the cool days and the early morning game drives though they do provide you with blankets in the jeeps.  I personally did not go walking on my own as there was hardly any time to do so, but I can see that they have changed the itinerary a bit, giving you some free time in Cape Town.  Cape Town is fairly safe, but Johannesburg is not so I would not advise anyone going out on their own in Jo'burg.  Your Tour Manager will also tell you what is safe and what is not.  I did most of the optional excursions though missed out the township one in Knysna as needed some 'me' time.  I had a wander on my own near the hotel visiting shops on the harbour front and felt very safe.  Since I did the Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea option in Cape Town, I had to miss the township tour as both were on the same day in the afternoon.  In the morning we had an included excursion to Bo-Kaap, a Malay Quarter, which has now been dropped from the itinerary hence the free morning now.  We were accompanied by the Tour Manager for the add-on.  Our Tour Manager as Annie Forsey and she was brilliant.  She booked all our optional excursions for the add-on whilst we were in South Africa.  If you do the add-on, then don't miss the day trip to Botswana (Chobe National Park).  This is an amazing trip, especially with the add-on and if you do decide to book then you will love every minute of it.  Do feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Regards

Jaya

Hi Jaya,

Thanks for the info, sounds an amazing experience. I understand Kruger is likely to be even hotter than you experienced in October, as will the places in the add-on. Unfortunately, I don't do well in extreme temperatures. However, I notice the tour also goes in Mar and April as well as September next year so will look into the temperatures at all those times.

Regards

Carole

I did this trip in March this year. Flight out was direct from Heathrow to Cape Town and the return flight was from Jo'burg. I did both township visits and enjoyed meeting the individuals/groups making  a difference within their own communities.

This is a great holiday. Hope you decide to book

Lesley

Wow what a fabulous review of your holiday, thank you ::D

I'm thinking of doing this one next with the added whale watching in Oct, I'm glad you got to see a whale too. Yes wild dogs are rare so again very lucky ::)

After reading your report I will book for this holiday. Better start saving up hehe xx

I thoroughly recommend this trip and if you can, do the Zambia add-on as well. You will love it.

Regards

Jaya