Posts by Soulfull

EC 261?

In my opinion, the real advantage of Platinum status over Gold status is the ability to retain the status for 10 consecutive years without interruption, allowing you to achieve lifetime Platinum.

The dedicated Platinum phone line is also a significant perk. When dealing with complex issues, their agents can work "miracles".🙂

Will we have enough time?

If everything goes well, yes!

Good evening,

I think (without certainty and without committing) that he’ll need a Schengen transit visa with Air France or any other European airline (maybe not TK).

A airport transit visa. Not a Schengen visa.

For transiting in Istanbul too, by the way, just so you know, a airport transit visa is also required for a Cameroonian national.

Michel

Thanks for the correction and the exact details. That definitely limits his options and will make his trip longer for sure!

Back then, the hard-shell seat "slid" forward and the backrest tilted slightly backward (great for the neighbors behind ;)). A minimalist comfort kit was provided. For the meal, there was champagne served in a real glass as an aperitif, and the starter was foie gras. Those were the key markers. The seat has recently been changed, and the soft product has likely evolved as well.

Actually, for me, the extra cost doesn’t justify the additional comfort. Especially since now you can pay for upgrades (often good deals) at the last minute. Handy if you want to treat yourself just for a specific portion of the trip (like an overnight flight, for example).

Hello everyone,

You’re probably aware that Premium Economy classes are becoming more and more common among regular airlines. I wanted to get your opinion? Do you think the value for money is good? Personally, I’ve tried the ones on British Airways and Emirates, and I absolutely loved them! I do wish we had access to Fast Track and/or the lounge, but otherwise, I really think it’s an excellent alternative. Some photos of Emirates’ PE

The 3 times I was able to try Premium Economy were during operational upgrades on AF (2 flights to JNB and 1 to DXB).

While the experiences were obviously great since they were free, they don’t make me want to spend extra for this kind of hybrid product. For me, it’s either economy or business class (when possible)!

Stay 1 year Platinum and 1 year Gold, or 2 years Gold? That's a good question that'll depend on your future trips. If you're planning a significant drop in your travels in year N+3, then yes, this solution will let you smooth out your frequent traveler status usage over the long term (especially since the difference between Gold and Platinum is minimal).

Good evening Marloth Park is outside KNP It’s not my thing at all Berg-en-Dal You can do your drive and exit KNP for Mbombela

Thanks for the quick reply! 🙂 What’s the point of choosing Berg-en-Dal? Do all game drives end at roughly the same time? What time? (I’m not used to safaris 🙁).

Hello Never done a walk I can’t answer that question

No worries! 🙂

Just to put your mind at ease, I’ve got two more questions for you 😛:

For budget reasons (from CPT), we’ll be arriving and departing (to JNB) from MQP Airport in Mbombela instead of Skukuza—it’s more than double the price, so we’re skipping it . We’ve already booked two nights at Lower Sabie, and since you mentioned Mbombela isn’t very interesting to visit, I’ll use my Accor points for the stay in Cape Town. So, for the second-to-last day and final night, as we’re leaving Sabie, would you recommend heading to Berg en Dal, Crocodile Rest Camp, or Marloth Park? The last one seems popular (why???), even though it’s outside Kruger. (By the way, I like the idea of reducing costs by paying with points—but nothing’s set in stone—I’d rather make Mom happy if the game drives are better in one of the other two camps.)

After the morning, if our flight is at 1:20 PM (arriving at 2:15 PM for an Air France flight at 6:50 PM), does it seem doable or not to do a game drive, then drive to MQP and return the rental car?

Hello,

The SanParks website states the following, which answers your question:

"A physical fitness certificate must be presented if you are over 65 years old."

As for the walk, like all guided activities worldwide, it depends on both the other participants and the guide.

That’s actually why I don’t like guided tours... It’s a bit of a lottery.

Is there a deadline to get it done? She’s getting her flu shot soon—is it a bit too early to ask for her fitness certificate?

The thing about guided tours is very true. Plus, her English is really basic—won’t she get (too) bored 😕 (4 hours, after all!!!)?

In a YouTube video of the Lower Sabie Rest Camp, a sign clearly states that early morning bush walks (4h) are limited to those aged 12-65.

My dear mum, who’s fit, is part of a local walking club with an average of two outings a week all year round—she also does other sports (skiing, snowshoeing, and cycling). Of course, no one can predict what’ll happen in 6 months, but do you think it’s really off-limits for her to do these bush walks because they check IDs (I don’t mind walking—but 4 hours... good grief, Angélique, for mum 😛, I’d love to have that option), or do we need a medical certificate, or is a good tip enough since we’re in Africa?

Hi, Just like your mum, we’re used to hiking in the mountains, and we would’ve loved this activity!

Whatever answers you get, don’t do what we did! We were particularly interested in these early morning bush walks and had signed up for the "hike"—but on the wrong day! These walks (used to) take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays (if I remember correctly) and only in certain camps. Not used to booking, we signed up for a Wednesday at the "right camp" where the activity does happen—but we forgot that to do the walk on Wednesday morning, you obviously need to book accommodation for Tuesday night, not Wednesday! Long story short, we missed out... We later opted for a short sunrise walk... There were about ten of us in single file with two armed guards (logical), and a few tourists, some of whom didn’t seem used to walking at all. One woman (South African) had a long dress as her "gear," which kept getting caught on bushes. Maybe that’s why the 4-hour hike is limited to those under 65! We didn’t see much on this short outing except for hippos in the distance, which we could only make out with binoculars—and we definitely weren’t allowed to get close...

Great tip, thanks so much for the valuable advice—she approves 😉

Thanks so much to everyone for all your replies! The full itinerary (with your precious recommendations) is coming soon 🙂:

BonsoirEnd of May Be careful, it can be cold around Joburg A beanie and a thick fleece on a game drive isn’t ridiculous For me, the sooner we leave Joburg, the better Why one night on the way back in Joburg or Pretoria??? You’ll have flights to avoid that Pretoria is safer and has some history But limited interest for such a short stay Yes, two loops of equal length in my opinion Keep it simple Enjoy instead of rushing With that in mind for two simple loops Stick around CT without going too far Take a full east flight to Joburg Drive to the Panorama Road Stay in a reserve in Manyeleti and return via Hoedspruit by plane to Joburg and flight back Simple and effective

Your advice is simple but so valuable—last night, I managed to snag one of the last "BD3U" 😉 spots at Lower Sabie Rest Camp—6 months in advance . (8400 ZAR for 2 nights, how much to get the rental vehicle in?)

Just a quick question though—for you or anyone else!

In a YouTube video of Lower Sabie Rest Camp, a sign clearly states that morning bush walks (4h) are limited to ages 12–65.

My dear mom, who’s in great shape, is part of a local hiking group with outings twice a week year-round—she also does other sports (skiing, snowshoeing, and cycling). Of course, no one can predict what’ll happen in 6 months, but do you think it’s *really* forbidden for her to do these bush walks because they check IDs (I don’t mind walking—but 4 hours... yikes for mom 😛, I’d love to have that option), or do we need a medical certificate, or is a good tip enough since we’re in Africa?

What a lovely community here with such a warm welcome 😎.

My mom’s birthday is in early November. She’ll receive her paper guides (Michelin 2025 and *Petits Futés Carnets* 2025) and "officially" her tickets then, but I’ll need to advise her (thanks to you all—thank you 😉) and leave her some flexibility to choose "her" activities .

I have non-refundable Accor points that need to be used (=booked) before December 5, 2024

Cape Town seems like the best option. Nelspruit has no appeal. Johannesburg—well, I wouldn’t stay there for two nights (am I wrong?)

As many accommodations as possible will be booked using Air France air miles

There doesn’t seem to be a huge selection in South Africa, right?

Not driving to JNB will help avoid traffic and the stress of returning on the last day!

Coming back from the east (Blyde Canyon), we’ll skip the city. 😉

At worst, other reserves or the Karoo if it fits naturally into this itinerary

I’m not a big fan of Addo, but it’s the only Big Five reserve in that area.

Karoo NP has diverse wildlife and much prettier landscapes, but no Big Five. The park fits well into a Cape Town circuit with an arrival from the west (the vineyards) and, in a shorter version, a return via the south through Swartberg Pass and the coast.

I don’t know the Blyde River Canyon

It’s nice, but I don’t see the point of making a round trip just for that area… The Drakensberg has more to offer.

So, why not push on to the nearby Kruger, which would make a small loop around Cape Town without an animal park, then another loop from Nelspruit Airport including Kruger and Blyde.

Pilanesberg is out—it’s not the best anyway.

Arrival: JNB - Visit Johannesburg - Night in JNB

Flight to Cape Town Loop

Flight to Nelspruit Loop

Return by car to JNB or by plane - Last night in Pretoria

Not tiring except for the domestic flights, very few nights in animal parks, but still the best: Blyde, Cape Town, the vineyards.

Two Mercure hotels in Jo’burg (affordable for 2 nights with 2 rooms) and 1 in Nelspruit, 1 Pullman in Cape Town (way over budget for the three of us with 2 rooms ), and 2 or 3 Mantis lodges (even more over budget elsewhere). If there’s nothing interesting in Johannesburg for 2 days, worst case, the Accor points will be used for a wedding in Belgium in July 2025. For Flying Blue hotels (2 rooms - 3 people), availability is much better (well, depending on the dates). Why do you recommend staying in Pretoria (over Johannesburg on the return)?

So, you two are suggesting two loops around Cape Town and Kruger? Loops are great because renting a car costs less. No Garden Route or Drakensberg, then. How should the time be split between the two loops? 50/50? I think one park is enough, and if Kruger is possible and available with the Big Five, that’s great. What’s the ideal duration to enjoy it as a first-time visit? And which area(s) should we go to?

Good evening, I’m replying to Attila’s message because I largely agree with their opinion.

We arrive in Joburg and leave from Joburg. From CT, you can fly to Hoedspruit or Skukuza. Or Nelspruit (now called Mbombela), but there’s only one flight per day, and it’s quite late. Connections from PE or George all go through Joburg. So logically, it makes sense to keep Joburg as the entry/exit point and Hoedspruit or Skukuza as bases. I’d skip Joburg and head straight to CT. I’d explore around CT: Peninsula Penguins Table Mountain Whether or not to visit the vineyards I could go to West Coast NP Or even make a quick trip to Cederberg Return via Mossel Bay Basically, I’d spend a good amount of time in a fairly small area (more relaxing). Then I’d fly from CT to Hoedspruit or Skukuza.

From Hoedspruit, I’d visit Blyde. And... Either I’d limit myself to the KNP at Orpen, Satara, or Mopani. Or... I’d consider a private reserve (oh, Ms. Attila might not agree). In Manyeleti, like Honeyguide (more relaxing). In Timbavati, like Shindzela (more complicated timing, so Honeyguide is better—it’s one of the examples I know). I think both can pick you up. And I’d fly out of Hoedspruit. Or I’d arrive at Skukuza (fewer flights, car rental possible, heart of Kruger). It’s not the wildest camp, sure, but in this case, it’d be practical. I’d stick to Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, Lower Sabie. Then I’d drive back... to Joburg via Blyde, with Graskop or Sabie as a base. It’s not difficult at all. We arrive from the east, so few cities. It’s doable from Graskop, but if you want to be very relaxed, You can stop overnight in Dullstroom... There you go. These last three years have been in South Africa. (Don’t laugh, you old-timers!) In the eastern part, from north to south, And in the west, around CT. The patients will have to wait for a summary travel journal to come...

Thank you so much for this detailed response. Airlink has direct flights from PE to Nelspruit. Same question about the stay distribution—any advice? All these names inside and outside the parks have me lost—I’ll look them up one by one—but clearly, the Panorama Route from your journal is a real draw. Unless the Drakensberg is possible in one of your many combinations. Do your two loops differ from your friend Attila’s 😉? Which place or park with the Big Five should we visit?

I keep seeing issues with booking in Kruger—isn’t it too late if we book in mid-to-late November? Thank you for your triple journal—exactly the info and recommendations I need right now—I’m eagerly waiting for the rest 🙂

Attila Rjulie Voyajou It’s party time!!!!!

Yes, thanks Michel. Great to see the regulars again 😛

Shared pleasure, but I wonder if the regulars didn’t knock out Soulfull. Hope he recovers faster than Michel, who still hasn’t gotten up after his unfortunate collision with a sausage tree. 😏

No, not at all! Thanks for checking in on my health. I just need to catch up since I’ve been traveling recently!😛

Attila Rjulie Voyajou It’s party time!!!!!

Yes, thanks Michel. Great to see the regulars again 😛

Shared pleasure, but I wonder if the regulars didn’t knock out Soulfull. Hope he recovers faster than Michel, who still hasn’t gotten up after his unfortunate collision with a sausage tree. 😏

A man with a "full soul" won’t take offense that old friends are reuniting in his thread and will forgive our slip-ups 😊 Hi everyone, happy to see you all again after this long imposed silence. I’m still having some IP address issues to sort out with the new site owner, but I hope to keep exchanging. And thanks to Soulfull for his kindness.

My pleasure, and no, quite the opposite—it’s even better when veterans chime in and reconnect. Everyone’s welcome here!🙂

Too bad we can't (yet?) give likes 😉. This Panorama Route is really tempting (I already thought I was in 2025), but less so than the Drakensberg?

Hello, I’m taking advantage of the forum reopening to ask this question:

For her 70th birthday, my mom will receive—as a gift—a trip to South Africa at the end of May 2025. We’ll arrive and depart (13 nights later) from JNB on Air France AF990/AF995. We’ll obviously rent a car for certain parts of the trip. I’ve been to the Cape Town area and as far as Agulhas twice, but she’s never been to South Africa before. She might enjoy a day or two of safari, but it’s not a priority for her. I’m well aware that trying to pack in too much is risky, which is why I’m looking for your advice on itineraries, safety, and health (status of the Marburg virus). So far, which combinations of these visits (in no particular order) would be doable and most enjoyable for her at a reasonable pace:

1-day excursion to Pilanesberg Park (+ Hartbeespoort on the way back if possible), self-drive or with a tour guide? 2 nights around the Panorama Route self-driving Garden Route from/to George/PLZ for 5 nights (what are the must-sees for a first-timer with so little time?) Wine region for 2 nights (is it worth doing both the Stellenbosch bus tour and the Franschhoek Wine Tram the next day, or vice versa)—she loves good wine! Cape Town for 2 nights (is it worth stopping at the Cape of Good Hope if—only if—you’ve maybe already been to Agulhas?).

This would give a final itinerary like this:

Day 1: Morning arrival in JNB—rest day/to be defined Day 2: Guided game drive excursion to Pilanesberg Park Day 3: Flight JNB–Port Elizabeth, pick up rental car, drive to Tsitsikamma Day 4–6: Garden Route: activities to be defined Day 7: Transfer to Franschhoek: Wine Tram in the afternoon Day 8: Taxi to Stellenbosch for the Vine Hopper bus tour Day 9–11: Transfer to Cape Town: activities to be defined Day 12: Flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit Day 13: Visit the Panorama Route Day 14: Flight from Hoedspruit or Nelspruit to JNB, then evening flight back to France

Given the time spent on the Garden Route, what are the must-sees? Same question for the Panorama Route? In general, she prefers beautiful walks with incredible landscapes/views and cultural visits over big cats, but it would be a shame not to see some local wildlife like meerkats, whales (I doubt it in May), or penguins during her stay! There you go—feel free to critique (not too harshly, though😛)/advise/improve. Thanks in advance! 🙂

Ce sont (seront) des vols codés Air France ou Transavia?