That is a new name...
Have we got info on that one yet? :D

We also would be interested in a cruise/safari adventure. I think a 3-4 day pre or post cruise adventure safari would be just right. Of course, if there is much travel to arrive at the "camp" it would certainly cut into the time we would have. Realistically, what would be the ideal timing for us to be able to go on a 3-4 day viewing safari (taking into account travel to and from camps, etc.) ?
With all this positive response on this board, it looks as if we could take up a safari camp all by ourselves.
Please keep us in mind when plans become more concrete. Thanks

Assuming your cruise stops in Cape Town, it is a 2 hr. flight to (flights go frequently) Johannesburg. There you connect with SA air link or a charter for a 1 hr flight to the Sabi Sand area (where most of the SA lodges are located) You could leave Cape Town early AM and be tracking leopards in the PM. Game drives take place in the early AM and late afternoon. If your group is large enough, you could charter directly from Cape Town.

we have been in contact with various camps as we hear about them ( those that will fit the bill for all of us.. price, accomodations and ofcourse room for all of us to go)..
will give you updates as we get the info back from them...Of course it is hard to make concrete plans without real dates.. but we are concentrating on March 2006 for now...

HRPROF:
glad we caught you in between trips - you sure get around! I knew you would have tons of advice and suggestions for this group, you certainly steered us right on Singita, once upon a time. This may not be the right forum for MY questions, as everybody else on this thread is only interested in SASS (South Africa Short Stay). Maybe I can start a new thread on "East Africa Full Safari", or if you don't mind giving me your e-mail address, I can write to you directly (you can find ours in Irv's profile). This of course at your convenience, after you get back from your trip. Anyway ... I'm so glad to hear my opinion confirmed, that Kenya and Tanzania are the BEST for large herds of animals, I want to see the largest concentrations. I hope I'm also right about the time of the year to go, early Fall (our Fall) - would appreciate your advice on that. Also very glad that Kenya is safe for tourists, must be if you are going. Last year Radisson cancelled the originally planned stop in Mombasa because of terrorist concerns (perceived or real), so we missed out on the one-day safari in Tsavo East.
I'm looking forward to a report on your upcoming East Africa trip - best wishes for a safe and wonderful one!
"Mrs. Irv" - but I prefer Oggia or Maria.

Maria

Yes, I remember well our conversations on your recent stay in South Africa. I'm delighted that you were pleased with Singita. It's hard not to be! If you're looking to see the migration (northward movement of animals from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara), the best time to go is July-August. The short rains begin in November. A good first trip to East Africa should include the Mara and Samburu in Kenya, Ngorogoro crater and Serengeti in Tanzania along with Amboseli.

One warning about East Africa. There are stunning vistas of plains game and if you're able to catch a river crossing during the migration, it is a wildlife spectacular. But, there are lots of people! Will e-mail you a report on our return.
Ted
PS Ehalkyard@aol.com

We seem to have reached a brick wall until we know when and where cruises are planned in 2006, as the cruise lines will block off space before their itineraries are out for the lodges they select. Of course, those of us resarching this subject are now really schooled in the beauty of this country (South Africa) as well as the fact that there are many lovely properties to choose from even if you choose not to take the ship's tour/pre-cruise. Oh, the value of the internet now, as oppossed to yesteryear and sending for all those brochures when you were researching a trip!

I think it might be time for another tea set challenge for our PROPOSED 2006 Africa/cruise adventure. Any ideas???

Did someone mention tea set? I think I can rustle up just the perfect prize!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by med4bike: IN PART
[QB] We also would be interested in a cruise/safari adventure.
With all this positive response on this board, it looks as if we could take up a safari camp all by ourselves.


That's what I meant by Take over of the camp

Oh tea set? I love it.. Since it's South Africa do they do High Tea?

then a lovely African ensemble would be appros

I was just over at the Silversea site to see if they have a pre cruise safari package. I didn't find that but I did find the pre cruise Egypt package. I have got to say, Silversea blows Radisson away as far as the value of their pre/post packages!

Three Night Post-Cruise Package
(Voyages: 1434A , )
Air/Sea Guests: $545
Cruise-Only Guests: $795



Overview

View the grandest monuments of antiquity as you stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Be transported through 7,000 years of history in Cairo’s Museum of Antiquities including 12 rooms filled with treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamen. Tour imposing Manial Palace, built in 1899 in a rich Arabesque style, with its beautiful gardens and collections of Islamic art. Travel to ancient Sakkara, famous for the Step Pyramid of Pharoah Zoser, the first pyramid ever to be constructed.



What's Included


One night at the Helnan Palestine Hotel, Alexandria, Egypt
Two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel, Cairo, Egypt
Included Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner


$545pp sounds very reasonable for 3 nights...as far as cruise line pre cruise prices go.

I just checked into Monte Carlo pre cruise at the Hotel de Paris at the Silversea site, it was priced at $645 while Radisson's price was $895?? Silversea even included a half day tour.

Really good prices..and the Egypt sounds great..
wouldn't that be a great addition to the Africa..

Hey check this out...
www.safariwest.com

and it's located in the CA wine country!

If all else fails.......