South Africa - good TA or accomodation recommendations needed

[GCC]

I am off to a conference in Capetown in October with Mrs G and baby G. We want to spend a week or so prior seeing Southern Africa, the "big 5" etc, probably in Kruger NP. I asked the Amex Platinum TA to look at options for us, but they seem to be drawing a blank due to difficulties accommodating the baby. She just turned one.
We are not expecting to take the baby on safari / game drives etc, looking more for a nice lodge where a nanny can look after her for a few hours while we head off to see the sights and animals.
Does anyone know either a TA that is knowledgeable about SA, or a suitable game lodge that welcomes a happy, well traveled babies?

 

[wingspan]

Are you heading to WMHC 2011 in Cape Town?

 

[GCC]

World Veterinary Congress 10 -14 Oct - looks like WMHC is on the following week.

 

[wingspan]

Looks like Cape Town is having a busy couple of weeks then! I still haven't heard about whether I've been accepted to WMHC but if I am I hope to check out a bit of South Africa too, so I'll be following your threads for ideas!

 

[albatross710]

I used TripAdvisor to research accommodation in CPT. There was a range of very nicely appointed hotels around the Waterfront area within walking distance of the Convention Centre that the Vet conference is being held at.

As a solo traveler whom likes to get out of the main hotels I choose Bluegum guest house which was fantastic for me. I would also stay there with my family.

Also, taxis are cheap around CPT so don't worry if you are not within walking distance of the convention centre.

I heard anecdotally that infants are not welcome to safari. They look way too inviting for the wild felines and are seen as a food source. Not your intention I'm sure.

I didn't do a major safari but there are heaps on offer via the web. I have a feeling that booking out of Australia means paying well above the odds. They seemed easy to book out of CPT. People I met had been to Botswana and Kenya and spoke very highly of those countries.

When in CPT be sure to visit Robben Island.

Enjoy

 

[sweens]

I travel to South Africa often and always use the same local T/A...she is based in Pretoria and has a great knowlege of South Africa in general, she is very good.

A$ Credit cards are no issue and she gets you local pricing.

Her contacts are...Roslyn de la Hunt [email protected]

She is also availbale on skype to talk to.

 

[GCC]

I heard anecdotally that infants are not welcome to safari. They look way too inviting for the wild felines and are seen as a food source

I must admit I've been a bit worried about that!:evil:

Thanks for the suggestions so far. A colleague has also suggested Botswana as a safer option so will look into that.

There is a Hilton due to open on the Capetown waterfront in the next few months, which may be a good option as I will get HH Gold benefits.