East and Southern Africa

Hello,

We’re heading to Kenya from July 14 to August 3, 2025. We’ve swapped our house to get our first base in Nairobi.

I’d like to know if the Severin Safari Camp is well located relative to the entrance of Tsavo National Park? From what I’ve read in another discussion, it’s better to hire a driver (rather than renting a car)?

Same question for Maasai Simba Camp?

And finally, what do you recommend for the Masai Mara: how many days should we plan? Any accommodation tips?

Thanks so much in advance.

The Brittons from the 56 🙂

Hi there, I’m looking into a future safari in Kenya, and I see a lot of accommodations in lodges or tents.

I’ve seen photos of different places, and it seems like there’s no... door to lock the room 😅

Would anyone know how to secure your belongings in this case? (Suitcases)

The question might seem silly to some, but I’ve never been on a safari before, and I’ve never seen a lodge or tent (other than the basic Decathlon tent).

Thanks everyone

Hi, We're considering accepting a safari quote from Grand5safari in Kenya, but they're asking for a 40% deposit, and we're hesitant because we're worried about getting scammed. Has anyone already paid a deposit to this provider and gone on a safari with them? Thanks! 🙂 Katia

Hi there, We’d like to do a fly-in safari in February or March 2026 in Southern Tanzania’s parks (Nyerere—formerly Selous—and Ruaha...). Why this choice? Because we’ve already been lucky enough to visit the northern parks in Tanzania. Why this time of year? Because it’ll be my birthday (a big one!).

Now, some agencies are strongly advising against this February-March period. Has anyone had experience with a safari during this time?

Otherwise, where should we go for a safari in February-March? Just a heads-up—we already have "quite a bit of experience" in East and Southern Africa and love trying new things. https://www.youtube.com/@lolodetoul54

Thanks, fellow Africa fans!

Hi there! 🙂

Once again, I’m back looking for advice

So, here’s the thing: in September, I’m planning a trip to Africa. There’ll be four of us—my husband, my 24-year-old daughter, my 20-year-old son, and me.

I’ve had this idea in my head for a while, but now it’s starting to feel real. The tricky part is that I’m on team "I organize my trip without an agency and handle things on the spot." But here’s the catch—my husband, who’s usually up for anything, doesn’t want to hear about a do-it-yourself trip. From what I’ve gathered, only Namibia allows that if I’m not mistaken. But if it’s possible in Tanzania (or maybe Kenya), I think I could convince him.

Anyway, here’s my first double question—more will probably follow! Can you travel without an agency in Tanzania? If not, which agency would you recommend, given that I live in Belgium?

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

Hi there, I’m planning a trip with my three teens in a 4x4 with rooftop tents in July 2025 and would love your thoughts on my itinerary (still a draft). Day 1: Windhoek Day 2: Keetmanshoop Day 3-5: Fish River Canyon Day 6: FRC stop in Mariental Day 7: Mariental to Sesriem Day 8-10: Sesriem, then depart for Swakopmund Day 11-12: Swakopmund Day 13-14: Spitzkoppe Day 15-16: Twyfelfontein Day 17: Stop in Outjo Day 18-20: Etosha Day 21: Waterberg Day 22: Waterberg to Windhoek Day 23: Afternoon flight

Thanks so much for your help! Anne Claire

Hi everyone, My wife and I are about to finish our trip in Tanzania and would like to head to Egypt via Ethiopia in early 2026. We’re leaving our Citroën 2CV in Dar es Salaam until next year. But we can’t find any recent feedback on whether it’s safe to cross the country, the state of the roads, or how long it might take to travel from southern to northern Ethiopia (road conditions). We have a tent, but I guess it’s useless—so are there decent places to stay along the way? We’re used to Africa, as this will be the 16th country our 2CV has crossed. Of course, we’re also very interested in any must-see spots along the route. Thanks for helping us make this trip happen!

Bonjour

Je voulais savoir si le Lesotho vallait vraiment le détour. Surtout qu il faut compter 160€ de peage

Cordialement

Hi, we’re planning to take the scenic route back from Kruger Park (Orpen Gate) but we’ll have our two travel bags in the trunk. In some countries, there’s no rear shelf to hide the trunk. I don’t know how it works in SA—what do you think?

We have the same concern because we’d like to do the Leopard Trail, but we’ll have our stuff with us too. We’re wondering if leaving the car in the parking lot where the trail starts is somewhat monitored or not. Thanks for your feedback!

PS: Is the Kruger section starting from Orpen Gate any good? Thanks a bunch!

Hi there, We did a trip to South Africa in August 2023 and at the time, we regretted not being able to make the most of the Cape Town area because of the weather. So we’re thinking of going back during the right season in early 2026 for 2 weeks, but I’m struggling a bit to plan the itinerary. We’d like to spend a few days on safari, but options are somewhat limited in this (large) geographic area since it’s not the right season for KTP, and Addo Elephant Park doesn’t seem like the best choice. Are there any interesting private reserves in this area? Otherwise, we’re considering starting with a few days in Madikwe from Johannesburg, then about ten days from Cape Town. For those 10 days, do you have any suggestions that go beyond the classic Garden Route? We’ve heard good things about the Cederberg, but after that, I’m struggling to put together something coherent. Thanks for your suggestions! Jacques

Hi there, I made my bungalow reservations in Kruger Park through Sanparks. I’ve sent several emails but never gotten a response from them. It’s not possible to reach them via WhatsApp, and calling them costs an arm and a leg 😱. Have you had the same experience with Sanparks? Their website is pretty well done—they boast about giving the best care to questions people ask them, but when it comes to email responses... it’s a ghost town 😕

Hi everyone, We're heading out again for a little road trip through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Quick question: we're leaving from Midrand, taking the N14 to Vryburg, then heading toward the McCarthy's Border crossing. After that, we want to reach the Mabuasehube Gate. The question is, how long does it take to get from Midrand to the Mabuasehube Gate? We plan to make one stop near Vryburg to fill up on drinks and snacks. Thanks in advance for your replies, especially if anyone's done this route before! JP M

I'm looking for a local guide to visit a Himba village near Opuwo in a respectful way. There’ll be two of us (my wife and I) with a car starting from Opuwo. If anyone has a contact—or even better, several contacts—for local guides to arrange this visit, thanks a million! Bernard

Hi there! I’m planning to go to Zambia soon. No visa needed for stays under 90 days—that’s great! When I arrive at the airport, what’s the best option for exchanging money? Are there any public transport options to get into the city? Otherwise, can anyone recommend a cheap guesthouse in town? Thanks! Dom

Hi there, Could you give me an idea of the price for a taxi from Windhoek International Airport to Windhoek for two people? Is it necessary to book in advance, or are there enough taxis available at the airport? Thanks! !

hi, We’d like to visit the main sites in northern and central Ethiopia, but we’re reading very different things about the security situation there. Is it safe for tourists to travel there right now? I guess it’s a bit safer with an organized tour, but we don’t want to push our luck. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hello forum,

We’re a family of 4 adults (2 grown daughters) planning our first trip to South Africa for 3 weeks in August 2025, traveling independently. I’ve been drawing inspiration from several posts on the forum. I’d like to book our flight tickets and nights in Kruger Park as soon as possible since that’s the most urgent part to finalize, if I understood correctly.

Here’s a first draft of our itinerary (with lots of unknowns about what there’ll be to see/do in Eswatini, Lesotho, Durban, etc.—I feel like the Lesotho leg involves a lot of driving).

I’d really appreciate input from the experts to help us craft a great trip. Thanks in advance!

Day 1

Departure from Paris Day 2

Morning Early arrival in Johannesburg Pick up rental car Groceries Afternoon Sightseeing Night in AirBNB near Johannesburg (1/1) Day 3

Morning Drive to Blyde River Canyon (500 km - 6h30) Afternoon Visit the canyon Night in AirBNB near Blyde River Canyon (1/1) Day 4

Morning Drive to central Kruger (200 km - 3h30) Night in Rest Camp (1/2) Day 5

Night in Rest Camp (2/2) Day 6

Morning Drive to southern Kruger (150 km - 3h) Night in Rest Camp (1/3) Day 7

Night in Rest Camp (2/3) Day 8

Night in Rest Camp (3/3) Day 9

Morning Drive to Mbabane (Eswatini) (250 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB or other (1/1) Day 10

Morning Drive to Maputaland (300 km - 4h) Afternoon Swimming (hippos and crocs?) Night in AirBNB or other (1/1) Day 11

Morning Drive to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi (130 km - 2h) Night in Rest Camp (1/2) Day 12

Night in Rest Camp (2/2) Day 13

Morning Drive to Durban (250 km - 3h) Night in AirBNB (1/1) Day 14

Morning First half of drive to Lesotho (225 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB or other (1/1) Day 15

Morning Second half of drive to Lesotho (225 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB or other (1/1) Day 16

Morning First half of drive to Drakensberg (250 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB or other (1/1) Day 17

Morning Second half of drive to Drakensberg (250 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB or other (1/2) Day 18

Night in AirBNB or other (2/2) Day 19

Morning Drive to Johannesburg (300 km - 4h) Night in AirBNB (1/2) Day 20

Night in AirBNB (2/2) Day 21

Morning Departure in early afternoon Day 22

Arrival in Paris

hi, I’m planning to rent a satellite phone starting from Johannesburg for our three-week trip through South Africa and Mozambique. I’ve found two rental companies and was wondering if anyone has used them in South Africa for this kind of service?

They’re SAT 4 RENT and RENT A SAT. RENT A SAT is the cheaper option but only includes 10 minutes of satellite communication—after that, it’s $1.99 USD per additional minute.

Thanks for any feedback you can share!

Bonjour à tous,

Voilà un retour de notre voyage en self drive en Tanzanie.

La Tanzanie est un pays magnifique, mais qui change rapidement, ce qui fait que pour les self drives tous renseignements prient à l'avance peuvent êtres caduques au moment du voyage.

Voilà quand même quelques informations pour les futurs voyageurs en self drive.

La voiture : Après de longues recherches, réflexions et plein de calculs, nous avons fait venir, d’Afrique du Sud, notre 4x4 avec tentes sur le toit, par notre loueur depuis deux ans, Safari4x4Hire. Le prix pour 31 jours nous est revenu à 247.00 dollars par jours. Le prix est moins chers que certains loueurs en Tanzanie (Shawsafaris : 380.00 dollars par jour, total avec les 18% de taxe) et un tout petit peu plus chers que certains autres (Tanzanian Pionners), mais avec une garantie d’avoir une voiture en ordre et fiable. Vous pouvez aller voir la discussion que j'avais lancée : ici

La Circulation : La limitation de vitesse est de 80 km/h sur les routes et de 50km/h dans les villages. Attention il y a beaucoup de contrôle de police à l’entrée des villages (radar de vitesse). Dans les villages et villes il faut aussi faire attention aux minibus qui sont en nombres et qui s’arrêtent et repartent sans signalisation. En ce qui concerne les routes goudronnées, elles sont pour la plupart en bonne état et beaucoup de pistes sont toutes neuves ou en rénovations (les Chinois sont dans le coin !).

Les Campings : Il est très facile de trouver un emplacement dans les campings en Tanzanie (peu de self drive), donc pas besoin de réserver à l’avance (nous avons souvent été seul dans les campings hors des parcs), dans les parcs il est facile de réserver aux Gates les campings publics. Avec les tentes sur le toit il y a un inconvénient c’est que les emplacements sont plutôt pour des voyageurs avec tente au sol, mais nous avons toujours trouvé de la place pour notre voiture. L’autre inconvénient est pour faire du feu, car il est presque impossible de trouver du bois (ce n’est pas une habitude en Tanzanie de faire du feu pour manger ou pour simplement l’ambiance). Le prix des campings en dehors des parcs varie entre 5.00 et 15.00 dollars (prix avec les 18% de taxe). Pour le prix des campings dans les parcs je le donne plus bas.

La nourriture : Il y a très peu de grandes surfaces en Tanzanie et les prix sont plutôt chers si on ne fait pas attention (marques européennes). En ce qui concerne les fruits et légumes on trouve facilement des vendeurs au bord de la route. Pour les autres courses, on peut faire ses courses dans des Supermarkets (Dar es Salaam, Arusha). A Arusha il y a un tout nouveau Shoppers Supermarket, propre et bien achalandé et pour la viande il ne faut pas hésiter à faire un tour à la boucherie Meat King. Il est aussi souvent possible dans les campings qui ont un restaurant de bien manger pour un prix d’environ 10.00 dollars (prix avec les 18% de taxe).

Quelques autres informations : 1. Aux stations essences on paye presque uniquement en liquide et le plus souvent en Shilling tanzanien.

2. Les entrée des parcs, les campings et le Ngorongoro se payent avec une carte (Visa, etc…) directement aux Gates. Exception au Selous où il faut déjà avoir un permit (nous ne l'avions pas en arrivant à la Gate nord, mais nous avons quand même pu entrer avec la complicité et gentillesse de la personne à la Gate).

3. Attention il y a pour quelques régions en dehors des parcs une taxe : La Wildlife management fee. Le payement est un peu flou : - Pour le Lake Chala on l’a payé à la Gate, en liquide. - Pour le Lake Natron il n’est pas possible de la payer à la Gate, on a dû s’arranger avec le camping. - Pour la région entre la Gate du Tarangire et le Lake Burungi (pour atteindre un camping) impossible de passer la Gate sans avoir fait le payement à Arusha.

4. Pour les plongeurs il est possible de faire de magnifiques plongées à Pangani avec Kasa Divers.

Prix des entrées des parcs et campings en juillet / août 2018 :

Saadani National Parks :

Entrée du parc par personne : 30$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au Public Campsite par personne : 30$ + 18%

Arusha National Parks :

Entrée du parc par personne : 45$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nous avons dormi à l’extérieur du parc.

Serengeti National Parks :

Entrée du parc par personne : 60$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au Public Campsite par personne : 30$ + 18%

Nous n’avons pas pu avoir de nuit dans un Special Campsite.

Ngorongoro Conseration Area :

Entrée du parc par personne : 60$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au Public Campsite par personne : 30$ + 18%

Nuit au Special Campsite par personne : 60$ + 18%

Descente dans le cratère pour la voiture : 250$ + 18% (il n’est pas obligé d’avoir un guide pour aller dans le cratère).

Tarangire National Parks :

Entrée du parc par personne : 45$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au Public Campsite par personne : 30$ + 18%

Ruaha National Parks :

Entrée du parc par personne : 30$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 40$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au Public Campsite par personne : 30$ + 18%

Selous Game Reserve :

Entrée du parc par personne : 75$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Entrée du parc pour la voiture (- de 2000kgs) : 50$ + 18% (pour 24 heures)

Nuit au camping public par personne : 30$ + 18% (Il n’est pas obligé d’avoir un guide pour visiter le Selous, mais surtout un GPS avec la carte Tracks4Africa, car il y a beaucoup de pistes).

Conclusion : Nous avons aimé les parcs du Nord, mais il y a vraiment beaucoup de monde et surtout beaucoup de voitures de safari (bon, ça facilite la chance de voir des fauves. Il suffit de suivre les voitures). Nous avons quand même préféré les parcs du Sud qui sont plus sauvage, il y a moins de monde et presque pas de voitures de safari et dans les campings on peut se retrouver tout seul (comme on aime 😏 !). Mais aussi bien au Nord qu'au Sud il y a une foison d'animaux et les gens sont sympathiques !

Si vous êtes intéressée par plus de renseignements sur la Tanzanie, je me ferai un plaisir de vous renseigner.

Hi everyone, has anyone been to Shingwezi Camp in the northern part of Kruger Park? I read on the SanParks website that the drive from Phalaborwa Gate to Shingwezi Camp takes 12 hours🤯. Can anyone confirm this? When I check Google Maps, it shows a 5-hour trip?? Thanks for your replies 😅

Hello everyone, I’m in the planning stages for a trip to Botswana in October 2025. This will be an extension of my trip to Namibia in January 2025. Of course, I have a lot of questions!

First one: For day trips visiting Botswana’s parks in a self-drive setup, do I need accommodation *inside* the parks? Is it possible to visit them on a day-trip basis, like in Kruger Park or Etosha?

Thanks in advance for your answers! Have a great day!

Hi there, We’re heading to South Africa for 17 days at the end of July/beginning of August with our two kids. We’re planning 4 days in the Drakensberg: 2 days at Royal Natal and two more to do the Sani Pass (but going through a local agency at Sani Lodge). We’ve rented a Toyota Corolla. Is that enough? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodations in the area? Or other ideas for those 4 days? Thanks so much for your tips! Happy holidays! !

Hi everyone, I’m planning to do the Sesriem–Etosha trip via Windhoek in a single day. I know... it’s really long... I plan to leave early in the morning... before 8 a.m. at any rate... I know the Sesriem–Windhoek stretch via Solitaire is entirely on dirt roads... What do you think? Have a great day

Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Namibia this summer and we’d love to know if it’s possible to get around without our own vehicle? Thanks.

Hello, Namibia in April for 11 days from the 10th to the 21st with 2 adults and 3 (our son from the 16th to the 21st). We’re looking to combine 2 short circuits for this brief stay. Should we book a vehicle and accommodation through an agency?

We’re used to traveling independently, but we’re hesitant about Namibia! Any recommendations for vehicle rental sites? And agencies?

We’re planning two short circuits—partly with accommodation and partly with camping. Thanks for sharing your experience!

We’re flying from Cape Town to Windhoek on the 10th and returning on the 21st or 22nd. Marie

Hi there, we're traveling in April with our 4-year-old child. We'll be spending a few days in Clarens and would then like to visit Hluhluwe. We don’t want to drive more than 3–4 hours a day, and the driving time is estimated at nearly 7 hours. Do you have any suggestions for a stopover and an Airbnb or guest house (safe town, nature) between Clarens and Hluhluwe where we could spend the afternoon and leave the next day, as well as a safe route? Thanks so much!

Hi there, I’m sharing my itinerary for your expert eyes and feedback. Quick question: Is it worth cutting a few nights to visit Epupa Falls? Would it be interesting to stop by Aus before Sesriem? Thanks everyone!

Day 1: Windhoek Day 2: Mariental Day 3: Sesriem Day 4: Sesriem Day 5: Gecko Camp Day 6: Walvis Bay / Swakopmund Day 7: Walvis Bay / Swakopmund Day 8: Spitzkoppe Day 9: Twyfelfontein Day 10: Twyfelfontein Day 11: Grootberg Day 12: Grootberg Day 13: Etosha West Day 14: Etosha West Day 15: Etosha East Day 16: Etosha East Day 17: Weaver’s Rock Guest Farm (CCF & Waterberg, rhinos) Day 18: Weaver’s Rock Guest Farm Day 19: Okonjima Day 20: Windhoek – evening departure

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out today to gather some great tips for the second part of our trip to South Africa, which will take place from 03/21 to 04/11. We don’t want to rush too much either. We’ll start in Cape Town (tickets already booked) since it seems like a good time to visit this region—except for the whales in Hermanus, which we won’t be seeing. Oh, and I almost forgot, we’re renting a car for both legs of the trip for more freedom.

The first part is planned like this:

- 03/21: Arrival in Cape Town, staying until 03/24 - 03/25: Visit to the Cape, including a stop in Simon’s Town - 2 nights in Stellenbosch from 03/26 to 03/28 - 3 nights in Knysna to explore the area from 03/28 to 03/31 - 03/31: Flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban, where we’ll spend one night in Umhlanga

After that, I’m a bit lost 🙂. Next, I was thinking of doing:

2 nights in St. Lucia 2 nights in Eswatini 4 nights in Kruger Park (2 nights in Skukuza and 2 nights in Balule to visit a private reserve) 1 night at Blyde Canyon 1 night somewhere to get closer to Johannesburg (Graskop?) since we’ll need to return the car by around 11:00 AM on 04/11.

So, does the second part make sense or not? I’ve done quite a bit of research, but I’m still a little lost . We can’t wait to be there, and your valuable advice would be very welcome. Thanks so much in advance, and have a great day! Luis

Hello,

Happy 2025, filled with wonderful travels! 🙂

We’re traveling as a family to South Africa for the first time in July (two parents and our four young adult children). We’ve planned a loop starting from Port Elizabeth for 13 days, followed by another loop from Johannesburg with 2 days at Blyde River Canyon and 5 days in Kruger NP.

We’re wondering about the Port Elizabeth loop. Here’s our initial idea: Day 1: Early arrival in Port Elizabeth, morning walk in Tsitsikamma NP, night at Storm River Rest Camp. Day 2: Continue visiting Tsitsikamma NP early in the morning, then Robberg Nature Reserve, night at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. Day 3: Visit the Wilderness area, night at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. Day 4: Drive to Hermanus. Several options: Bontebok NP or The Hoop and Cape Agulhas; night in Hermanus. Day 5: Coastal trail, boat trip (?), night in Cape Town. Day 6: Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Waterfront; night in Cape Town. Day 7: Cape Peninsula, night in Cape Town. Day 8: Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, Matjiesfontein; night in the area. Day 9: AM: Karoo NP; night in Beaufort West. Day 10: Karoo NP; night in Beaufort West. Day 11: AM: Camdeboo NP; night in Graaff-Reinet. Day 12: Morning: Camdeboo NP; drive to Addo Elephant NP; visit depending on arrival time; night at Addo Elephant Rest Camp. Day 13: Addo Elephant NP; night in Port Elizabeth. Day 14: Early flight.

Does this seem balanced and suitable for July? It’s quite packed, but we’ve already had to skip quite a bit. Initially, would it be better to spend 2 nights in Tsitsikamma and just one in Wilderness? Or just one night at each to free up a day for something else?

For the car, is a minivan enough, or should we plan at least an SUV for the parks given the season?

Thanks in advance for your feedback. Have a great evening

Hi there!

I’m planning a self-drive trip to Tanzania (either September or October).

This route won’t include any of the usual parks you hear about everywhere (too expensive, too crowded, too touristy).

The idea is to explore Tanzania more for its landscapes, beaches, and hiking. A little wildlife spotting, sure, but that’s not the main goal.

Here’s the itinerary I’m considering:

(Arrival and departure from Kilimanjaro Airport)

Night 1: Southern gate of Arusha NP

Night 2: Northern gate of Arusha NP

Night 3: Enduimet

Night 4: Same (near the gates of Mkomazi NP)

Night 5: Mkomazi NP

Night 6: Mkomazi NP

Nights 7-8-9: Pangani or Tanga

Nights 10-11-12: Usambara Mountains

Nights 13-14: Foothills of Kilimanjaro

I can’t find much info about Enduimet at all.

So if anyone has any details about this place...

All your ideas, tips, and suggestions for the rest of the route are welcome too!

Thanks! :)