Suggestions for Jan

[dizzymcfarlane]

I have two weeks leave in January and am looking for suggestions please. I had thought about a winter cruise to see northern lights but reviews are awful. South Africa is another possibility but as I am a bug magnet not so sure. Any one any other ideas please ?

[Omega1]

South Africa is perfect in January especially if you stay down on the Cape (Garden Route). It’s malaria free and because there’s usually a breeze bugs aren’t a problem. We were there in January (our 5th trip) there’s so much to see and do.

[Guest]

How about Thailand? Or somewhere else in SE Asia. It is nice there that time of year.

[Jan]

“suggestions for Jan” - for a few seconds I was hoping ... 😃😃😃😃

[claireyfairy8]

What about the Amazon? Pretty amazing place. I went in 2008. Surprisingly, the bugs weren't that bad.

[dizzymcfarlane]

Originally Posted by Omega1

South Africa is perfect in January especially if you stay down on the Cape (Garden Route). It’s malaria free and because there’s usually a breeze bugs aren’t a problem. We were there in January (our 5th trip) there’s so much to see and do.

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I’ve seen you recommending South Africa on other threads. Do u book it all yourselves or through a company. Have u stayed on a game reserve or can u recommend one. I’m blown away by all the different choices and don’t want to make the wrong one ! Thanks for any help or suggestions. I’ve booked many an independant trip but am struggling with this one for some reason.

[dizzymcfarlane]

Originally Posted by Claudette

How about Thailand? Or somewhere else in SE Asia. It is nice there that time of year.

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We are hoping to do a massive holiday when I retire heading that way and visit Australia as well so it’s kind of in the background meantime

[Omega1]

Originally Posted by dizzymcfarlane

I’ve seen you recommending South Africa on other threads. Do u book it all yourselves or through a company. Have u stayed on a game reserve or can u recommend one. I’m blown away by all the different choices and don’t want to make the wrong one ! Thanks for any help or suggestions. I’ve booked many an independant trip but am struggling with this one for some reason.

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We book everything ourselves - flights, hire car, accommodation.
The last three times we flew with Qatar via Doha (Qatar was recently voted world’s no1 airline). The best game reserves in the south are on the Eastern Cape eg Shamwari and Amakhala. Not cheap but good. The Kruger NP (in the north) is the best known game area - it’s huge, about the size of Wales. Two years ago we did a self drive day in the Kruger - it was amazing and saw loads of animals inc big 5 (except leopard) - all for the £40 entrance fee. Attached to the Kruger are some private game reserves eg Sabi Sands which are excellent but you need deep pockets.
My recommendation would be to start in Cape Town and explore that area including the wine lands. Then slowly drive east across to the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown area for a private game reserve - but there’s lots to see on the way. The exchange rate is still good so excellent value. Shout if you have any specific questions.

[dizzymcfarlane]

Omega - fab post. Thanks. However I’ve showed husband the games reserves you’ve mentioned and that’s it! South Africa it is. I’ve no doubt I’ll be back with more questions but just one just now - we were told Kruger was a bad idea in January cos of weather, malaria and biting bugs ?

[Omega1]

Originally Posted by dizzymcfarlane

Omega - fab post. Thanks. However I’ve showed husband the games reserves you’ve mentioned and that’s it! South Africa it is. I’ve no doubt I’ll be back with more questions but just one just now - we were told Kruger was a bad idea in January cos of weather, malaria and biting bugs ?

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Kruger is in a malarial area so you do need anti-malaria meds. We were there end of Nov and the weather was great for game viewing and we didn’t get bitten. My recommendation would be southern Cape for a combo of great places to visit and a safari. Too many people try to visit everything in one visit which really isn’t feasible.