Thread: Nonrev African Safari trip?

Going there next weekend. Africa is huge--where do you want to go? What time of year? Can you fly SA or DL? What about EU carriers--LH, AF, KL, etc. Solo or couple?
Here's a quick rundown of getting to South Africa via JNB on DL. Really really hard for OALs. Must be very flexible. ATL is nonstop. You can fly DL to other African cities but may have similar issues w/payload optimization--then you have to use OALs. I recommend starting with tripadvisor.com for specifics by country for local advice--carriers, routes, etc.
We fly w/25 yrs seniority and still I worry every time. We had to zed on EK to Dubai to get home once.
Been 5-6 times--Boss used to fly Cape Town alot, via DKR.
Once you have an idea of where you want to go, I can advise with recent experience. I'll know lots more shortly. A few other folks here have great pointers, too.
I do alot of research prior. If you want to send PM, feel free. I can forward files I've amassed over the 5+ yrs going to SA.
I've been monitoring this month's flts to/from JNB and they go from no nonrevs to 20 getting on. Flexible is the key.
All that said--it's SA is such a great place to visit--so much variety in one country. Reasonable food, petrol, guesthouses, wines!! Safaris range from self-drive, self-catering to luxury all-inclusives. Malaria free and not...
Hope this helps.

You might have an issue with SAA. It's not known to be very service oriented. What time of year are you thinking?
I have some really amazing properties I've been watching for a year--one is Ngorongoro crater area in Tanzania--two others are Kenya. I don't have personal experience outside of South Africa and Senegal, but will be happy to assist. Don't even count on seats until the day before...be forewarned...

Are you planning to include Vic Falls?
This might be helpful:
Victoria Falls - Africa's Adventure Holiday Destination
These people are premier source for VF on tripadvisor.
You can do Chobe with VF, instead of Kenya.

I believe our WN pilot spouse has a connection for safaris in that region;
PM B737Capt

Well, it took forever to get them processed, but res agent got them done (with help--hardly anyone in CVG does ID 's anymore!)

FWI:
typical South African Airways tkts for JNB to safari areas run about $140 RT JNB to HDS for example. In 2010, our RT tkts to Richard's Bay were $130. Airline designation is actually XZ for the Express RJs (Dash 8s) and they depart from Terminal B domestic (walkable from INT Term A)

Just more stuff to put into your brain for future storage~