Travel Thru Middle East and South Africa Question

[Franco]

I hope this question finds it's way to the proper forum:

My cousin and his wife, both MDs and eye surgeons are embarking on a pro bono stint in Africa, their first session will be at the eye clinic in Zimba, Zambia.

Here are the question and concerns: They are planning to fly JoBerg to Livingston to then overland to Zimba. They would like to spend some time in SA, doing the tourist thing. I have only transited JoBerg, so I am no help.

Should they plan to arrive in Capetown, tour around and then proceed thru JoBerg. What are some "must see" sites in SA?

Next question; How best to get from the US to SA? I have been a part of that discussion here on the Forum - but it pertained to firearms, they will have only personal items and their surgical gear (I do not know how much). I have not seen any restrictions or advisories concerning travel thru Doha or Dubai, have any of you?

When I suggested they go - Emirates First Class SFO to DUB - I was told to find other options.


I know you guys will have some advice - thanks

 

[Jason Miller]

Take the direct from Atlanta to CT, rent a car and run around. Then continue to Zambia. If you wanting to visit SA I would skip coming in through Europe and ME> Thanks for your service to Zambians. I work with medical teams serving in Africa and they bring such a blessing to the locals.

 

[wesheltonj]

Well, I would fly into Victoria Falls, tour around there, to include a trip to Chobe, then head to Zambia. On the way out, head to Kruger and visit then fly from Nelspruit to Cape Town and finish up there and fly out of Cape Town to the USA.

Its not alway possible to avoid that shit hole JNB, but try.

 

[Sue Tidwell]

Well, I would fly into Victoria Falls, tour around there, to include a trip to Chobe, then head to Zambia. On the way out, head to Kruger and visit then fly from Nelspruit to Cape Town and finish up there and fly out of Cape Town to the USA.

Its not alway possible to avoid that shit hole JNB, but try.

I'm watching this thread as well. I have been invited to visit a friend in South Africa to travel around for a couple of weeks. I'll be traveling by myself since Rick will be coming to hunt several weeks later. Haley told me to fly into JNB and then take the local commuter plane from there to Durbin....to avoid having to stay in JNB overnight. Do you think it is best to fly into Capetown instead? Is that safer. Thanks for any help you or anyone else can offer. Sue

 

[wesheltonj]

I'm watching this thread as well. I have been invited to visit a friend in South Africa to travel around for a couple of weeks. I'll be traveling by myself since Rick will be coming to hunt several weeks later. Haley told me to fly into JNB and then take the local commuter plane from there to Durbin....to avoid having to stay in JNB overnight. Do you think it is best to fly into Capetown instead? Is that safer. Thanks for any help you or anyone else can offer. Sue

(1) I think its safer.
(2) Way more to do in Greater Cape Town
(3) V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay is nicer then Sandton and Rosebank in Jo'Burg
(4) Took Uber everywhere in Cape Town, not a chance in Jo'burg

More flights to and from JNB over Cape Town.

 

[DLSJR]

Franco, Business Class on Emirates or Qatar is fantastic. Dubai is a fascinating place, Doha not as much. Personally, when I’m going to Africa and either of those two airlines fly to my destination, I don’t consider any other airline. I would not spend the extra $$ for first class, as both have excellent Biz Class.

With regard to touring South Africa, they may wish to consider hiring an escort who knows the ropes and can provide a measure of security for them. One PH who does this and has been highly recommended to me is Walter Enslin, owner of Kwan Safaris. He’s a good guy!

Thanks to them for doing meaningful, good deeds for people who desperately need their services!

 

[PeteG]

If in Cape Town for the touristy bit (which makes sense), then Kenya Airways does a direct flight to Livingstone. Eliminating the need to stop over at OR Tambo in jhb.

Alternatively, Cape Town to Lusaka and Lusaka to Livinstone by air
Or Cape Town to Lusaka and Lusaka to Zimba by road.
Proflight Zambia, SA airlink, SAA

OR Tambo to Livingstone has more options than Cape Town to Livingstone.

 

[MarkB]

Being from Canada I have no input on what route and flights you want or should take.

As for the tourist part. In 2021 after my SA safari I rented a car (regular 4 door with trunk no need for 4x4 in dry seasons) and drove 8000 KM in 3 weeks. I would recommend full insurance, glass and animal. I never used but was a comfort on dirt rds.

SA has tons of sites, must see and things to do. From wineries, penguins, shark diving, horseback riding ocean or mountains, table mnt, cape of good hope, Cape Town= SA's NA city, yes Parks, I rented a rondoval's inside Kruger for 4 nights, seen all the dangerous 7 plus most PG animals. Its a must do item. So many options on places to stay, from small guest houses to large fancy hotels. Choices are endless and only money dictate what you want.

As for being safe. Be smart, watch your surroundings and be aware. I felt safer in all SA towns, cities and suburbs more than I do in Vancouver, Toronto or most downtowns of large US cities. Never ever felt unsafe. SA in an awesome place, great food, great people and great things to see and do.

The tour was a lifetime memory making adventure, something I will do again.

MB

 

[Philip Glass]

I hope this question finds it's way to the proper forum:

My cousin and his wife, both MDs and eye surgeons are embarking on a pro bono stint in Africa, their first session will be at the eye clinic in Zimba, Zambia.

Here are the question and concerns: They are planning to fly JoBerg to Livingston to then overland to Zimba. They would like to spend some time in SA, doing the tourist thing. I have only transited JoBerg, so I am no help.

Should they plan to arrive in Capetown, tour around and then proceed thru JoBerg. What are some "must see" sites in SA?

Next question; How best to get from the US to SA? I have been a part of that discussion here on the Forum - but it pertained to firearms, they will have only personal items and their surgical gear (I do not know how much). I have not seen any restrictions or advisories concerning travel thru Doha or Dubai, have any of you?

When I suggested they go - Emirates First Class SFO to DUB - I was told to find other options.


I know you guys will have some advice - thanks

This is just too broad of a question. Africa is a big place and we would need to know more of what they were interested in doing as a tour. I would guess Cape Town would be a likely destination for them. There is plenty to see and do in Zambia as well.

 

[Franco]

Franco, Business Class on Emirates or Qatar is fantastic. Dubai is a fascinating place, Doha not as much. Personally, when I’m going to Africa and either of those two airlines fly to my destination, I don’t consider any other airline. I would not spend the extra $$ for first class, as both have excellent Biz Class.

With regard to touring South Africa, they may wish to consider hiring an escort who knows the ropes and can provide a measure of security for them. One PH who does this and has been highly recommended to me is Walter Enslin, owner of Kwan Safaris. He’s a good guy!

Thanks to them for doing meaningful, good deeds for people who desperately need their services!

I agree completely. Emirates has been my first choice, Qatar - only when Emirates wasn't available. My wife and I have made 2 trips on Emirates First Class, and the standard has now been set.
Both Emirates and Qatar fly non-stop from SFO to the Middle East, although my cousin is talking about a stop-over in NY to avoid such a long flight.

My time as an airline pilot was spent flying international, so I'm more inclined to for the long flights. Plus, traveling with firearms I try to avoid as many stops as possible.

Thank you for the recommendation of Walter Enslin, I will pass that along. I suggested they retain someone for that very reason. I was planning to meet them in Zambia, I had a leopard hunt scheduled for June, but an unplanned surgery and recovery will prevent that.

 

[Franco]

This is just too broad of a question. Africa is a big place and we would need to know more of what they were interested in doing as a tour. I would guess Cape Town would be a likely destination for them. There is plenty to see and do in Zambia as well.

I have asked them to list some things they would like to do. I've made a few suggestions.