An unanticipated but exciting opportunity to tour southern Africa in April 2026 - advice and input requested

[Seat0B]

At Sossusvlei make sure you get to the top of Big Daddy, so you can tell me what it was like

You’ll hear about it if I do, that’s for sure!

 

[Seat0B]

Thanks @JohnM. I understand from the more experienced that once I go to Africa I will want to go back, so your info will be useful for that! Plus there are a couple of overlaps in itineraries.

 

[Jacques Vert]

I don't know how I missed this thread during the planning stage but looks like you have it organised and will have a great trip.

+1 & I visited Southern Africa in 2016 (Kruger) and again in Feb/Mar 2017 and yes I did a TR: Kruger and Southern Africa
While some of the locals and many in Australia express reservations about "doing your own thing" in Africa, we organised everything ourselves and drove from JNB to Kruger, from CPT to Franschhoek and the Garden Route, and from WDH around much of Namiba. While you should always be careful we had absolutely no problems, so don't be too concerned.

I see you have a week in CPT before the wedding and if not too busy a trip to Robben Island and/or a day trip to the Cape (we drove) are both well worth the effort.

If you intend to climb Big Daddy then start training now. (I climbed Hill 45 instead; more than enough exercise for me.)

You mentioned waiting until Nov to book flights and hoping for a DSC offer; there is a DSC now if you or +1 have an ABN and join QBR. Note that reward flights to/from JNB with QF are some of the most difficult to get. Most options will be with Emirates or Cathay.

Good luck with it all and enjoy the wedding.