South African Explorer

[Shropshire Lad]

(10/06/2012 11:01 AM)Cornish Maid Wrote:  

(04/06/2012 06:25 PM)liz beth Wrote:  hi everyone,
is there anyone booked on the 25th october for the south african explorer, this is my first solo trip and im so looking forward to it, but a bit nervous too.
liz beth

Hi liz beth,
I have just booked on this trip for 25th October. Never been with JY before but have been travelling solo for 10 years now and loved every trip. I still get nervous when I set out but it's amazing how quickly groups gel together and you are always looked after by the tour leaders. It will be great!
Pam

You can now add me in too - looking forward to meeting you all .

Col

[Rosoer]

(29/03/2012 05:23 PM)sallyc Wrote:  Gents
As you will see from another post on this subject, I have booked to go on this trip on 27th September. I picked this date based on what the guide books and internet said about it. September is Spring in SA and is supposed to be fantastic for the wildflowers, whale watching as well as being the end of the dry season and therefore being good for seeing the wildlife. Temps are warm without being too hot.
As regards to creepy crawlies, although this is my first visit to SA I have previously been on safari in Kenya and Tanzania. I'm not a fan of the little beasties (especially spiders) but have never had problems before. The hotels used are generally of a very high standard, I know hotel staff are always happy to deal with any unwanted visitors you may be unlucky to encounter.
The last time I checked with JY there were ten people booked for this trip, it would be great for you both to come along too.
Sally

Hi Sally

I have booked for this trip on 27th Sept - so relieved to see other people on the forum so enthusiastic! My first trip with Just You, so bit apprehensive - but excited as well!
Look forward to meeting you - I'm flying from Heathrow.
Roslyn

[skippy]

Just come back from the July/Aug tour
Excellent
BUT................ make sure that you have a wooly hat, gloves and jumper
It can get extremely cold in the evening/early morning and when we were there a really cold front swept over the whole region and it has snowed in most areas (honest), doing the safari in Kruger is really great, but the wind chill needs to be taken into consideration, hence the above.
We saw all the top listed animals PLUS wild hunting dogs, which many locals have never seen.
The east/west cape is now showing whales just off shore, so take binoculars with you for a good look at them.

[sallyc]

Thanks for the feedback Skippy. Glad to hear you had a good trip. I must admit that I hadn't thought about packing any woollys - I guess I need to rethink things!
Sally

[BGray]

(10/08/2012 05:13 PM)sallyc Wrote:  Thanks for the feedback Skippy. Glad to hear you had a good trip. I must admit that I hadn't thought about packing any woollys - I guess I need to rethink things!
Sally

Hi you won't need woolies at the end of Oct don't worry! Cheers Bob

[skippy]

The areas that you travel are on both high and low levels, so you need to be prepared for rain (we only had a days worth, but it was really heavy), with a good quality raincape (not £1 type) or long rain mac, as otherwise a short top has all the water running over your legs.
Good quality shoes for walking, I suggest the trainer type or all terrain shoes You do not need walking boots, it is for the rock paths. If you have problems, take a walking can to take the pressure off your leg when walking up/down stone steps.
When it was sunny it was extremely warm, a hat and sunscreen is required.
But it gets cold in the evening and you should take a fleece type top.
Early starts on safari means it is very cold at the start, but then can get extremely hot, so you need to dress in layers that you can remove during the day. Suggest basic t-shirt under a shirt and a cardie/fleece with light jacket.
I found it really funny when in Cape Town, I was in t-shire and light trousres and the locals were in fleece/jeans and wooly hats, as they felt the cold (20 degrees)

On the high levels, it is wind that can be cold, so again a layer system is suggested.

I envy those who are going as i want to go again, you will really enjoy it.
Just bring a book for the rather long coach trips that will be needed between bases.

[skippy]

Forgot to say that you should be prepared for spending money

Eating a good breakfast is a good thing, as lunch is not provided and you will need to budget about 50 rand a day for lunch.

Tips for the coachdriver etc will set you back about 40 rand a day
You do not need to tip in resturants or at the hotels unless you want to

Drinks are reasonable at around 25 rand for a beer

The excursions are your main cost
Over the period I spent about £360 on them

You are allowed to take in 5000 rand (about £450) and if you need a top up, ATMs are all over the place,
ATMs are easy to use and I used my banks debit card which charged me only £2 for the service. so do not worry about travel checques and I advise that you do not consider changing cheques or stirling at a bank, as it takes forever with limited time to be able to do it

[Chrisg]

(31/03/2012 04:20 PM)Jackie Datson Wrote:  Totally agree with the comments about SA - went in 2008 and loved it so much am going again this November (bring on the elephants!)

J

Hi Jackie
I am also booked on the SA trip on 22 Nov is this the same date your travelling? From other peoples messages it sounds great and lots of useful information posted. I am looking forward to the trip as I will be celebrating my birthday out there too, wanted to be in a memorable place for my big birthday!
Chris