Question:

OK, I’m outta gas, and I need to recharge my batteries with my vacation this christmas (how’s that for mixing metaphors?). I’m currently in Congo, and I have a 2 week break which falls right in the busy time of year: right before Xmas until right after New Year. I’m visualizing a place to go and <<relax>>; it doesn’t have to be in Africa, but I’m posting here because I figure r.t.a. readers are some of the most well-travelled people on the planet. I’m willing to go anywhere in the world, and I’m travelling with my girlfriend. What I am visualizing: –I can see in my mind’s eye someplace tropical, with a waterfall, a self-contined hut, and a jungle. Lots of birds and flowers, and great scenery that makes you go Ahhhh! Not too far from civilization (for food shopping, etc) but not in the middle of Touron Central, either. Definately NOT a lot of 18-25 year olds partying all night: I’m into places that aren’t yet too discovered. Prices aren’t too bad, and I can spend my days lounging on a sand beach, or flyfishing below the waterfall, or swimming in the stream, and just relaxing. Any suggestions? –riverman

Response:

Try the Andaman Islands.  Limited birds and flowers, but great for relaxing, camping, forests, village life, etc. I run a dive resort on one of the islands there (upfront disclosure).  It has info on how to get there, and things to do, and stuff. www.diveindia.com is the site.  It is focused on one particular island for now, but it has links to travel agents, flight/boat booking sites, etc. Feel free to email me at vkalia at diveindia dot com if you want more info (I dont check this email).

: OK, I’m outta gas, and I need to recharge my batteries with my vacation this : christmas (how’s that for mixing metaphors?). I’m currently in Congo, and I : have a 2 week break which falls right in the busy time of year: right before : Xmas until right after New Year. I’m visualizing a place to go and : <<relax>>; it doesn’t have to be in Africa, but I’m posting here because I : figure r.t.a. readers are some of the most well-travelled people on the : planet. I’m willing to go anywhere in the world, and I’m travelling with my : girlfriend. : : What I am visualizing: : –I can see in my mind’s eye someplace tropical, with a waterfall, a : self-contined hut, and a jungle. Lots of birds and flowers, and great : scenery that makes you go Ahhhh! Not too far from civilization (for food : shopping, etc) but not in the middle of Touron Central, either. Definately : NOT a lot of 18-25 year olds partying all night: I’m into places that aren’t : yet too discovered. Prices aren’t too bad, and I can spend my days lounging : on a sand beach, or flyfishing below the waterfall, or swimming in the : stream, and just relaxing. : : Any suggestions? : : –riverman : : — Vandit Kalia <this space for rent>

Response:

Central and Northern Mozambique. Try anywhere from Villancoulos northwards. Safari N’jema Marc

Response:

> What I am visualizing: > –I can see in my mind’s eye someplace tropical, with a waterfall, a > self-contined hut, and a jungle. Lots of birds and flowers, and great > scenery that makes you go Ahhhh! Not too far from civilization (for food > shopping, etc) but not in the middle of Touron Central, either. Definately > NOT a lot of 18-25 year olds partying all night: I’m into places that aren’t > yet too discovered. Prices aren’t too bad, and I can spend my days lounging > on a sand beach, or flyfishing below the waterfall, or swimming in the > stream, and just relaxing. > Any suggestions? > –riverman

Check into Goa, India.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> OK, I’m outta gas, and I need to recharge my batteries with my vacation this > christmas (how’s that for mixing metaphors?). I’m currently in Congo, and I > have a 2 week break which falls right in the busy time of year: right before > Xmas until right after New Year. I’m visualizing a place to go and > <<relax>>; it doesn’t have to be in Africa, but I’m posting here because I > figure r.t.a. readers are some of the most well-travelled people on the > planet. I’m willing to go anywhere in the world, and I’m travelling with my > girlfriend. > What I am visualizing: > –I can see in my mind’s eye someplace tropical, with a waterfall, a > self-contined hut, and a jungle. Lots of birds and flowers, and great > scenery that makes you go Ahhhh! Not too far from civilization (for food > shopping, etc) but not in the middle of Touron Central, either. Definately > NOT a lot of 18-25 year olds partying all night: I’m into places that aren’t > yet too discovered. Prices aren’t too bad, and I can spend my days lounging > on a sand beach, or flyfishing below the waterfall, or swimming in the > stream, and just relaxing. > Any suggestions? > –riverman

Elandsbaai Lots of birds, good fishing, lovely scenery, one hotel, no shops very few tourists (except in December) The beach is great but the water is cold, on the other side of the hill is a fresh water vlei.. About one hour (75kms. of dirt roads) from something resembling civilisation. The hotel did a fantastic breakfast for about $2US. I think I might catch a couple of days there over the Christmas break. Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

i would have to recommend the Seychelles or Arenal Costa Rica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> OK, I’m outta gas, and I need to recharge my batteries with my vacation > this > christmas (how’s that for mixing metaphors?). I’m currently in Congo, and > I > have a 2 week break which falls right in the busy time of year: right > before > Xmas until right after New Year. I’m visualizing a place to go and > <<relax>>; it doesn’t have to be in Africa, but I’m posting here because I > figure r.t.a. readers are some of the most well-travelled people on the > planet. I’m willing to go anywhere in the world, and I’m travelling with > my > girlfriend. > What I am visualizing: > –I can see in my mind’s eye someplace tropical, with a waterfall, a > self-contined hut, and a jungle. Lots of birds and flowers, and great > scenery that makes you go Ahhhh! Not too far from civilization (for food > shopping, etc) but not in the middle of Touron Central, either. Definately > NOT a lot of 18-25 year olds partying all night: I’m into places that > aren’t > yet too discovered. Prices aren’t too bad, and I can spend my days > lounging > on a sand beach, or flyfishing below the waterfall, or swimming in the > stream, and just relaxing. > Any suggestions? > –riverman > Elandsbaai > Lots of birds, good fishing, lovely scenery, one hotel, no shops very few > tourists (except in December) > The beach is great but the water is cold, on the other side of the hill is a > fresh water vlei.. About one hour (75kms. of dirt roads) from something > resembling civilisation. The hotel did a fantastic breakfast for about $2US. > I think I might catch a couple of days there over the Christmas break. > Richard

Response:

Question:

Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned a few places. Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. Thanks in advance, Trev M

Response:

Hi, Try    www.naturatours.co.za Regards, Wieslaw.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up > into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned > a few places. > Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a > couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend > tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? > Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. > Thanks in advance, > Trev M

Response:

> Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up > into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned > a few places.

Pilanesburg game park is adjacent to Sun City. The latter is a hotel resort with casino, golf courses, water world etc. Personally, if you have visited Kruger for the game viewing, the Pilanesburg would be much of the same. If you want to see Sun City, well you’re there already….. > Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a > couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend > tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? > Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing.

I would suggest one of the following rather (not for game viewing): 1. Short visit through Mpumulanga [ used to  be called the Eastern Transvaal] on the way back from Kruger Park) for scenery and historical gold rush towns. 2. Fly down/back to Cape Town for a few days. Scenery, wine routes, Table Mountain, Waterfront, Cape Point, Robben Island etc.  Clive Reid

Response:

Dear Trev M Please visit our web-site and please contact us for a package. We recommend at least 1 or 2 nights in the Kruger Park for the best game viewing Kind Regards Johann Prinsloo www.guest.co.za/venues/prinnis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Try    www.naturatours.co.za > Regards, > Wieslaw. > Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up > into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned > a few places. > Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a > couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend > tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? > Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. > Thanks in advance, > Trev M

Response:

>Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up >into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned >a few places. >Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a >couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend >tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? >Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. >Thanks in advance, >Trev M

Self-drive vs. Tour Operator have pros and cons depending on your personal preferences. I’d suggest self-drive if you have time on your hands, then you can stay over longer in an area that you like. You’ll also be able to see more that way. However, you talk about a "quick trip" so perhaps a tour operator would be a better option in your case. There are tour operators that e.g. do the Kruger Park and other game reserves, I don’t have any names available (yet) but you could try these two South African search engines: http://www.aardvark.co.za/ http://www.ananzi.co.za/ Danie Palm – South Africa Disability is not inability but a challenge http://www.lando.co.za/pdp

Response:

Pilanesburg is a very good park and comes with a variety of ways of seeing the wildlife – morning drives, early evening drives, walking tours and hot air balloon trips.  It also has a very wide variety of animals – about 8000 different types as it encompasses both dry lands and wetlands. And I do believe they will take you off-road so you can see the big 5 which you can’t do if you drive yourself through Kruger. You have to keep to the approved roads and be at your accommodation or leaving the park by sundown. If it is a ‘fast trip’ you are taking, one alternative  would be to stay someplace close that offers deluxe accommodation at B & B prices like Mr. Willem Nells at Rustenburg – http://www.golf-in-africa.co.za/  He also will drive  you there, Sun City or whereever you wish to go at reasonable prices. No one much listens to me but I will say it again anyway – do not try to see everything at  once or you will go home worn out and frustrated because you saw a little of a lot of things but not enough of what you wanted to see.  If you try to see Pilaneburg and Kruger (it’s a fair distance between them and both are rather large places to see properly) you will not see either very well – and here I am considering your words of it being a ‘fast trip’. Leave something for your next trip – everybody wants to come back – and it is relatively inexpensive due to the exchange rates with both North America and Europe. Or you could go with a  tour company of which there are many, me being one but I do tours that people will remember for being good, not for being rushed around like a whirlwind so if you are talking about a week to see both – I don’t do that because I know you will go home tired out and frustrated. My suggestion would be to take a look at the Nells’ site (http://www.golf-in-africa.co.za/) and see Pilanesburg well, maybe take in the Lost City at Sun City and some of the things offered in Jo’burg. Whatever you do, have a terrific holiday here. You’ll love it! Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up >into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned >a few places. >Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a >couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend >tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? >Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. >Thanks in advance, >Trev M > Self-drive vs. Tour Operator have pros and cons depending on your personal > preferences. > I’d suggest self-drive if you have time on your hands, then you can stay > over longer in an area that you like. You’ll also be able to see more that > way. > However, you talk about a "quick trip" so perhaps a tour operator would be > a better option in your case. There are tour operators that e.g. do the > Kruger Park and other game reserves, I don’t have any names available (yet) > but you could try these two South African search engines: > http://www.aardvark.co.za/ > http://www.ananzi.co.za/ > Danie Palm – South Africa > Disability is not inability but a challenge > http://www.lando.co.za/pdp

Response:

hi trevor , my name is willem nel and i operate out of rustenburg in the north west province. we do trips to pilansberg as well as other wildlife sanctuaries and game farms in the area. we run a golflodge but also cater for the normal traveller(www.golf-in-africa.com)please contact me as i would love to help you plan a outstanding trip. willem – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking at a quick trip to Sth Africa early next year. I want to get up >into Kruger and maybe a day or two elsewhere. Seen Pilanesburg mentioned >a few places. >Is it worth just doing a day tour out of Jo’burg or going up for a >couple of nights and staying in a local lodge? Would folks recommend >tour operated or self-drive if I decided to stay a couple of nights? >Any alternative suggestions? Many interested in game viewing. >Thanks in advance, >Trev M > Self-drive vs. Tour Operator have pros and cons depending on your personal > preferences. > I’d suggest self-drive if you have time on your hands, then you can stay > over longer in an area that you like. You’ll also be able to see more that > way. > However, you talk about a "quick trip" so perhaps a tour operator would be > a better option in your case. There are tour operators that e.g. do the > Kruger Park and other game reserves, I don’t have any names available (yet) > but you could try these two South African search engines: > http://www.aardvark.co.za/ > http://www.ananzi.co.za/ > Danie Palm – South Africa > Disability is not inability but a challenge > http://www.lando.co.za/pdp

Response:

Question:

I’m planning an Egypt trip for early 2002, but have no experience of that country. Besides that I don’t know the price level of Egypt, is it in level with Asia (Thailand)? Anybody who can recommend a good (cheap hotel in Cairo), my budget is around 20-25 USD at the maximum, preferrably down to 10 if possible. On the other hand I need AC, cable TV and would like to have a pool at the hotel, all wich is possible in Asia at that price. Further, I think I can spend about 2 weeks, what is feasible in terms of covering the country? Cairo, Alexandria, Harguda, Luxor? Any advice or experience? Climate in first quarter 2002? /Regards, Anders — Remove the obvious part before replying by mail please!

Response:

> Anybody who can recommend a good (cheap hotel in Cairo), my budget is > around 20-25 USD at the maximum, preferrably down to 10 if possible. > On the other hand I need AC, cable TV and would like to have a pool at > the hotel

Sincere answer: stay home! (preferrably down to 10 whole dollars, he NEEDS ac, cable TV, and a pool). Succes, John.

Response:

I can’t believe anyone would want cable TV – or any TV when they are on holiday – that’s part of the great thing about travel – no news to worry about. AC and a pool – well OK if they are there but I don’t like AC at night anyway – a ceiling fan is much better. Some of the pools I have seen in developing countries look like breeding ground for all known diseases. Joanna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anybody who can recommend a good (cheap hotel in Cairo), my budget is > around 20-25 USD at the maximum, preferrably down to 10 if possible. > On the other hand I need AC, cable TV and would like to have a pool at > the hotel > Sincere answer: stay home! (preferrably down to 10 whole dollars, he NEEDS > ac, cable TV, and a pool). > Succes, John.

Response:

Good grief, If I could find an hotel in any country in Africa with Air Conditioning, Cable TV, and a pool at a price of $10, I’d move there next week, and stay permanently. In all the countries I’ve been to (admittedly I’ve never been to West Africa) I’d be happy with electricity and running water for $10. Hot water would be an unexpected luxury. Happy hunting… Marc – Kampala, Uganda was Marc – Johannesburg, South Africa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m planning an Egypt trip for early 2002, but have no experience of > that country. Besides that I don’t know the price level of Egypt, is it > in level with Asia (Thailand)? > Anybody who can recommend a good (cheap hotel in Cairo), my budget is > around 20-25 USD at the maximum, preferrably down to 10 if possible. > On the other hand I need AC, cable TV and would like to have a pool at > the hotel, all wich is possible in Asia at that price. > Further, I think I can spend about 2 weeks, what is feasible in terms of > covering the country? > Cairo, Alexandria, Harguda, Luxor? > Any advice or experience? > Climate in first quarter 2002? > /Regards, Anders

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I can’t believe anyone would want cable TV – or any TV when they are on > holiday – that’s part of the great thing about travel – no news to worry > about. > AC and a pool – well OK if they are there but I don’t like AC at night > anyway – a ceiling fan is much better. Some of the pools I have seen in > developing countries look like breeding ground for all known diseases. > Joanna > Sincere answer: stay home! (preferrably down to 10 whole dollars, he NEEDS > ac, cable TV, and a pool). > Succes, John.

Well, an Agilent salesman told me ‘You only get what you pay for’, I guess that goes also for answers, you get the answers you asked for? Besides, TV is very nice to have while in the hotel room, resting from all the noise, pollution and hassle and after the shower. Travelling is extremely hard work and a rest in the room for a couple of hours is a must. I was not aware of the cold climate in Egypt though! The water temperature in the red sea is well below +20 C during Oct – March and day temp in winter around cold +20 C. So a tempered pool is a must if you want to have a swim. /Anders — Remove the obvious part before replying by mail please!

Response:

Question:

Hi all. Can anybody other than agents (sorry) recommend a reasonably price hotel for our last night in Africa. We leave from J,berg at 7:30pm, I think. Anything to do there for a day? We are connecting on to Namibia going, but got stuck with the overnight on the way back. Thanks, Harvey

Response:

For Hotels Check http://www.clickafrique.com/Travel/Hotels.asp#Southafrica For what to do Check http://www.clickafrique.com/Travel/CountryGuide.asp#Southafrica (The Johannesburg Home Page is worth looking at.) Regards C Bello www.clickafrique.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all. > Can anybody other than agents (sorry) recommend a reasonably price hotel for > our last night in Africa. We leave from J,berg at 7:30pm, I think. > Anything to do there for a day? We are connecting on to Namibia going, but > got stuck with the overnight on the way back. > Thanks, > Harvey

Response:

Question:

I was wondering if anyone could tell me when the best time to travel to South Africa would be…depending upon price of airline tickets and season.  Does anyone know where to look for good price airline tickets and hotel accomadations?  What sites would you recommend on seeing?  How much time should I plan to spend over there?

Response:

Oh my golly gosh.  How long is a piece of string? I think for airling tickets your best bet would be to shop locally.  I don’t know where you are, so can’t help there. The best time to travel here depends on what your interests are.  At the moment we have the flower season on the West Coast, which is where you see miles and miles of wild flowers growing every spring.  I can tell you it’s beautiful right now. If you want to see the animals in the parks, the best time to travel would be around August to October because of the heat, and because in those areas it is immediately after the dry season and so you have a better chance of seeing animals. For the Western Cape, March is one of the best times, because it’s still warm and beautiful, and the wind isn’t too bad.  In general, we get most of our tourist for the whole country between September and May each year. Hotel accommodation depends on what class of accommodation you need, and the sites for booking would depend also on that.  As for how long to stay, the longer the better, I say. Will you be travelling alone, or in a group, hiring a car or using public transport? I am a registered tourist guide, with a slant towards field guiding, and will be happy to assist you where I can. Catherine — =Not nuts, just a little eccentric.= – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I was wondering if anyone could tell me when the best time to travel to South > Africa would be…depending upon price of airline tickets and season. >  Does anyone know where to look for good price airline tickets and hotel > accomadations?  What sites would you recommend on seeing?  How much time > should I plan to spend over there?

Response:

Question:

I may be going to Bardados in the next month or so on business. I don’t see many comments are requests on this bboard about it. Can anyone give some advice, pointers, tips, etc. Thanks for any and all help! Bill Hadley

Response:

> I may be going to Bardados in the next month or so on business. I don’t > see many comments are requests on this bboard about it. Can anyone give > some advice, pointers, tips, etc. > Thanks for any and all help! > Bill Hadley

Hello Bill Hadley, Strange why there is not more questions about Barbados, yes. Since it is such a popular destination. You may have seen some of my comments of the island if you have gone trough the postings on this newsgroup. If not, I will give you a short description of what I think Barbados is like, tips etc. It is a very small island. It only take some very few hours to drive around the island with a car. Hotels are mainly found on the coast south of Bridgetown, and on the west coast. But you will also find some few restorts on the south east coast. Why is it so? The reason is the wind is always coming from east. That make the east coast not too gentle if you like swimming. There is many beaches on the east coast, but There is not many I would recommend you to swim at there. On the southwest and west coast, there are many nice beaches. In fact, you can almost walk from Bridgetwon and up to the north point. Almost all is one long beach. And the water is calm. Of Barbados population of about 265.000, about half live within 15 minutes away from Bridgetown (with car). That makes it rather busy and much traffic on that part of the island. The west coast is more quiet. Most nightlife is to be found south of Bridgetown. There is many nice restaurants, some good bars, clubs and places to dance. Many of them is located in an area called St. Lawrence Gap. The price level is high in Barbados. For a full dinner at a normal restaurant, you must pay about USD 30-50 pr. person. And there is not a problem to find restaurants more expensive than that. To rent a car will cost you about USD 350 for one week with a 4 seater car. If you rent it for shorter periods, the day price will be a good bit higher. The population on the island is mainly  - – - – (what word to use???) of slaves taken from Africa in the period between 1627 and the late 1800 century. About 5% is white. The country has a stable political situation, and one of the best econocic situation in the region. You can feel rather safe walking around in Barbados. The crime is not that bad, but it could be better too. But I find that they have done quite a lot of improvement about crime the last few years. But always make sure to lock the doors and windows when you leave your hotel room or villa. And you can not leave your wallet on the beach while swimming. There is limited activities on a small island like that. But there will be more than enough to fill a vacation or two. I like the sea a lot, and love a trip on one of the sailboats/catamarans that bring tourists for rides. Or Jolly Roger. The pirate ship that is known all over the world. That is an experience. Other than that, I recommend an island tour. The east coast is very nice. Other than that there is canefielsd, canefields and some more canefields if you drive on the inland of the island. One more thing you should see is Harrisons Caves. Known to be one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Discovered in 1970 by Ole S