Jan 14 Capetown on the Silver Wind

[jdhmeh]

My sister in law and I will be on the Jan 14 Capetown cruise. I'm looking at the shore excursions and trying to decide if we want to go to the Kruger Park for the 2 night trip or go on one of the 1 night trips. They both sound great, but the trip to Kruger will make you miss the great sounding ones in Richards Bay. Does anyone have any advice?

[jpalbny]

I'd recommend doing the safari portion of your vacation separately from the cruise. We spent 3 nights pre-cruise at a private game reserve next to Kruger. Would not have wanted to miss any of our cruise days!

[NCCruzQueen]

jdhmeh, You and your sister-in-law will have a marvelous time on safari. I agree with JP & Chris, go to Cape Town early and take a 2-3 day safari. Ask your TA for suggestions/ideas of different lodges. I went to Madikwe Hills in 08 and had a magnificent time. Also, I'd suggest spending a few days in CT pre-cruise. It's a city filled with interesting history, foods and scenery. Don't miss going to the Cape, the penguin colony, Table Mountain and a vineyard. So much to see and do there.

[duct tape]

...and don't forget Robben Island. Since we (CCers) do not know your time constraints it is hard to choose for you. In a perfect world, you would spend quite a few days in and around Capetown, another few days on safari at one of many terrific lodges and/or do overnights from the ship. Safari is physically more difficult as we age, lumpy, bumpy vehicles and paths, older bones, etc. Having done quite a few extended safaris and having done overnights from the ship in Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth, I wouldn't have misssed any of them! but your choice. Phinda is wonderful, Boulders @ Singita is heaven on earth as well some other camps in and around Kruger. One point of interest to me: if your camp in in the park proper you cannot go "off road" to look for animals. In private camps you can. Access improves. Hope this helps.

[wripro]

I would go even further and suggest that you allow at least a week prior to the cruise and do two different camps in different areas, perhaps two nights in each and then three nights in Cape Town. The animal viewing experience differs from one area to the other and since South Africa is so far away it pays to extend and take advantage of your time there.

[jdhmeh]

Thanks for all the suggestions. We're already doing the Blue Train to Capetown before the cruise. It's going to be wonderful no matter what we decide!

[duct tape]

Great choice! Did the Rovos Rail and loved it.