[skink1978]

I have already decided that my next ‘big trip’ will be to South Africa, splitting my time between Cape Town, the Karoo and Kruger. My business dictates when I can take my holidays and it seems I may be able to fit my visit into April or May, 2011 (otherwise I will have to wait until September/October).

I realise September/October will be much better for birds (and cetaceans off Cape Town). However, as mammals are my main priority, I wonder if there are any big disadvantages to visiting South Africa in April/May over September/October?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Trevor Hardaker]

Originally Posted by skink1978

I have already decided that my next ‘big trip’ will be to South Africa, splitting my time between Cape Town, the Karoo and Kruger. My business dictates when I can take my holidays and it seems I may be able to fit my visit into April or May, 2011 (otherwise I will have to wait until September/October).

I realise September/October will be much better for birds (and cetaceans off Cape Town). However, as mammals are my main priority, I wonder if there are any big disadvantages to visiting South Africa in April/May over September/October?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Finally!!! You are coming to our part of the world... Fantastic!!

Yes, Sept/Oct would be better for birds (they are all displaying and proclaiming territories then, so it makes them easier to find), but all the endemics are here throughout the year and you may just have to work a little harder for them. In terms of cetaceans, Sept/Oct is not really that much better - yes, there are lots of Southern Right Whales around then which won't be around in April/May, but there are still good numbers of cetaceans here throughout the year (Humpbacks and Bryde's Whales are fairly regular as are a number of dolphins). Most of the species are not really that restricted in range, so are of lesser importance on a global listing scale. The one you really want is our stunning west coast endemic, Heaviside's Dolphin, which is available all year.

However, although April/May might not be the best time for birds, it is a fantastic time for herps! And I am going to make sure that you see plenty of those while you are here...

For general mammal viewing, the time of year is of less importance. Most of the big and easy stuff can be seen pretty much any time of the year. I wouldn't worry about that too much.

Once you have your dates vaguely finalised, please let me know so that I can try and set aside a couple of days for when you are in Cape Town to introduce you to our local wildlife. After all, we owe you big time...

[Steve Babbs]

For mammals I'd seriously consider Kgalagadi. Your best bet for: cheetah, caracal and wildcat and also good for lion and leopard (although you should see these two in Kruger).

I'm not sure how good April/May is for a pelagic, I'm sure Trevor would be able to tell you that, but my pelagic from Cape Town certainly counts of one of the highlights of my life.

Obviously I don't have Trevor's local knowledge but I have spent a fair amount of time in South Africa - including the areas you're visiting, on trips where mammals were of higher importance than they are for most birders, so feel free to PM me.

[Trevor Hardaker]

Originally Posted by Steve Babbs

I'm not sure how good April/May is for a pelagic

If you've never done a Southern Oceans trip before, any time of the year would be good as you'd still probably get at least 4 species of albatross, several petrels and shearwaters, etc. It's also a good time for transient species through our waters like Black-bellied Storm Petrel and has also turned up a good number of vagrants over the years as well. So, all in all, there is nothing wrong with a pelagic in April/May.

Would also agree on the Kgalagadi as a great spot for mammals. Kruger is fantastic, but doesn't really offer too much that you can't get anywhere else in Africa, especially East Africa. Kgalagadi lacks certain of Kruger's big mammals (Elephants, Buffalo, etc.), but you do probably have better chances on the cats there. There are also far more endemic bird species represented there as it has many of the arid western species which don't get across to Kruger and are restricted to the Northern Cape and southern Namibia and you also stand a much better chance of getting a bigger list of herps there as well.

But, if you have enough time, I would do both Kgalagadi and Kruger! Then you are really getting a good cross section of what the country has to offer. And, obviously, you mustn't forget about Cape Town!

[skink1978]

Many thanks for the replies.

As keen as I am to get a plan sorted, accommodation booked, etc, there are a few factors out of my control that will decide the time of my visit. I will know better in a couple of weeks, however I really hope to make the trip in April or May.

Whilst I enjoy birding greatly, it’s mammals and herps that are my biggest priority. The fact April/May is excellent for herps makes me even more determined for an earlier visit.

Like most visitors to SA, my biggest issue is lack of time to fit everything in. I will only have a maximum of two and a half weeks so I’m keen to spend my time wisely, hopefully exploring a couple of areas well, and leaving other parts of the country for future visits. However, the more research I do, the harder it becomes to prioritise the various reserves and ecosystems!

Steve – ever since I saw your excellent Caracal photo earlier this year I’ve wanted to visit Kgalagadi. The current trip report in the vacation section has only heightened my interest in the park. I may be wrong on this, but it just seems that Kruger is more accessible, tourist friendly and would be more suited to Sarah who has never visited Africa before. Whilst I love exploring remote areas, Sarah is more accustomed to restaurants and decent accommodation, especially when she is on holiday.

Personally I think I would much prefer Kgalagadi (Brown Hyena and the cats swing it for me) so I will have to do more research before we decide.

Either way, I will probably be taking you up on your kind offer and will be sending a PM if I have any questions.

Trevor- We would be delighted if you could spend some time showing us around Cape Town. I will email you as soon as we have some dates sorted, and we can build the rest of our SA itinerary around any time you may have free. In the meantime please send my regards to Margaret and have a fabulous time in Uganda!

[Steve Babbs]

If you're going for 2 1/2 weeks I'd only do part of the country and make many return trips. It's a superb country, easy to travel in and not too horribly expensive to reach from the UK - Air Egypt aren't great but they are very cheap to SA. To put it into perspective I spent two weeks just in Kruger - it's the size of Wales - and 16 weeks in South Africa and Namibia and I want to do at least one more 6 week trip.

If I was you I'd either do Cape Town, The Karoo and Coast or fly to J'burg and do Kruger and one or two other places rather than attempt both areas.

There's decent accommodation in Kgalagadi, and least it looked decent from the outside - we camped - and there is a restaurant as Twin Riveren. Again, we never used this.

Incidentally, we saw our best reptiles in Namibia, such as the superb Namibian rock agama and western banded spitting-cobra, although that may be due to the time of year.

[Sal]

You would probably get a wider variety of mammals in Kruger; we go there end May-June and never fail to experience wonderful sightings and, incidentally, these do include cheetah! It really depends whether there are specific mammals you are after. Kgalagadi has comfortable accommodation and the bush camps are amazing (but do hire a 4x4) but whereas there are restaurants and shops in all the main camps in Kruger, this is not the case in Kgalagadi. You have a difficult decision! The best thing is that by May, the light for photography is beautiful wherever you go.

[Dave Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Sal

You would probably get a wider variety of mammals in Kruger; we go there end May-June and never fail to experience wonderful sightings and, incidentally, these do include cheetah! It really depends whether there are specific mammals you are after. Kgalagadi has comfortable accommodation and the bush camps are amazing (but do hire a 4x4) but whereas there are restaurants and shops in all the main camps in Kruger, this is not the case in Kgalagadi. You have a difficult decision! The best thing is that by May, the light for photography is beautiful wherever you go.

While Kgalagadi does indeed offer comfortable accommodation, particularly at Mata-Mata, there is not a lot of it, so again early booking would be sensible. You would also have to self-cater except at Twee Rivieren. It is probably easier to spot wildlife in Kgalagadi, which is relatively open and unobstructed by vegetation, whereas Kruger is more heavily vegetated. The Kgalagadi creatures seem relatively relaxed, and offer good photographic opportunities. As a dryland habitat the Kgalagadi offers fewer, although more specialised, species, both bird and animal, than Kruger, and, all things being equal, you will have to work harder in Kruger for that GOOD sighting. But that, in my opinion, is half the fun. Anything that comes too easily is always less rewarding. The two areas are simply different sides of the same coin, and it would be nice to visit both, should you be able to do so.
Best wishes,
Dave

[skink1978]

Many thanks for the additional information. Although I’ve visited Botswana (with a day in Namibia) I didn’t get chance to see many of the iconic African mammals as I was busy volunteering on a crocodile research project.

For this reason I am keen to see at least 4 of the Big 5 (I have seen Elephant). Apart from this, my main interest is in the smaller mammals such as the various genets, mongoose, civets etc. Both parks seem good for these.

Whichever park I decide on I’m sure I’ll have a fantastic time.

Thanks again for the help.

[skink1978]

Originally Posted by Steve Babbs

If I was you I'd either do Cape Town, The Karoo and Coast or fly to J'burg and do Kruger and one or two other places rather than attempt both areas.

This does make perfect sense. It all depends on how much time I have to spare, but if it's only 2 weeks I may just stick to one area.

[Steve Babbs]

Both genets in Kruger only small-spotted (Genetta genetta) in Kgalagadi. To be honest if you think this is a one off trip to South Africa I'd go for the Kruger option, it'll probably get you more new mammals and you won't get all the big five in Kgalagadi, in fact only lion and leopard are there - the big five are relatively easy in Kruger. If you plan to do another trip (or more) then they're both superb so it doesn't really matter. The Cape Town/Karoo/Kgalagadi has several species not available at Kruger or harder there. E.g. The superb gemsbok and bat-eared fox.

Brown hyaena is a bit of a long shot in Kgalagadi.


You'll love it so I'd keep the next few holiday slots free for return trips if I was you. Once you get the taste you'll want to go to Namibia as well.

[birdboybowley]

Originally Posted by Steve Babbs

...the big five are relatively easy in Kruger...

Hmmmmm....I beg to differ!

[Dave Kennedy]

Originally Posted by birdboybowley

Hmmmmm....I beg to differ!

Have to agree - been working in the African bush for give or take 47 years, and I never take the Big Five for granted. Elephant and buffalo are (in Kruger, at any rate) relatively easy. Rhino occur more frequently in the southern half of the Park, although they have been moving slowly northwards. But the cats - and especially leopards - well, you need a little bit of luck there. Remember, Mike, their stock in trade is hiding..they're bloody good at it, and it is so easy to miss that flick of an ear or tail that might give a cat's position away. I suppose what I am saying is a) don't take the Big Five for granted and b) should you fail to see all of the Big Five, do not regard your trip as a failure. It should be clear from the excellent vacation reports currently appearing in the Forum that the bush is overflowing with fascinating and wonderful sightings. If you've read them you will have found their authors getting excited about a Barking Gecko, or a Cape Fox. And that is as it should be, for I have never seen a Barking Gecko, and I have had just two Cape Fox sightings in all those years. I wish you well on your trip, and take it from me, Big Five or no, you will have a wonderful time.
With best wishes for the Christmas season,
Dave

[Sal]

We nearly always see the big five in our annual Kruger trip although, like Dave, we never take this for granted and have had the occasional dip. We have also seen both genets, cheetah, serval, caracal, African wild cat, African civet, honey badger and various others at different times. I agree that it is more challenging to find them in Kruger because of the thick vegetation but at that time of the year - especially May onwards - the vegetation is usually not so thick and animals are starting to use the visible waterholes so you have a better chance. I have been to both places (although not so recently to Kgalagadi) and love them both; they are so very different atmospherically but if you love desert landscapes, Kgalagadi is wonderful. There is more visual variety in Kruger especially if you enjoy other things such as plants, shapes, insects, noises, birds and so on.

[Steve Babbs]

Originally Posted by birdboybowley

Hmmmmm....I beg to differ!

Actually thinking about it leopard can be pretty tricky, although we saw three. Maybe I'll change 'relatively easy' to 'you have a not unreasonable chance'.

[skink1978]

Many thanks for all the replies.

With so many potential lifers in the offering, I think I would be blissfully happy in any of the parks. While a leopard would be good, I’ll happily settle for a couple of lions and a wildcat!

Once I get a plan sorted I’ll be back on the SA forum with more questions.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[birdboybowley]

Originally Posted by Steve Babbs

Actually thinking about it leopard can be pretty tricky, although we saw three. Maybe I'll change 'relatively easy' to 'you have a not unreasonable chance'.....unless you go with Ads!

That's what it needed Steve

[Trevor Hardaker]

Hi Mike,

Seeing as it is Sarah's first African experience, I would probably recommend that you choose Kruger over Kgalagadi. It may not be your personal preference, but you will still get to see a lot of new things and she will still have a lot of the home comforts there.

Unfortunately, in my opinion anyway, the Big 5 thing is a way overplayed tourist set up. While the 5 species included are all fantastic iconic mammals, I have seen many tourists who are only interest in seeing those 5 species because they are the "Big 5" and will only give things like Cheetah, Black Rhino, etc. a fleeting glimpse because they did not "make the cut". Obviously, I know you are not like that and will be enjoying everything you see, but I just think far too much emphasis is put on that. You will come away from Kruger with a big list of birds and mammals, but just bear in mind that very few of these will be endemic species - most of them occur over a huge area on the continent and are probably easier to see in East Africa. Many South Africans will always push Kruger as the ultimate wildlife destination in the country and, whilst it is an awesome place, it holds a lesser value to those international tourists who travel widely around the globe in terms of new species. But, I still think from Sarah's point of view, it would be your best bet.

And please don't think that Cape Town only has a few cetaceans to offer you...:) The most reliable place in the entire country to see Caracal, the West Coast National Park, is only a 30 min drive from my house! And, within that same sort of radius, I can also offer you African Wild Cat, both genets, several species of mongoose and hares, Cape and Bat-eared Foxes, Black-backed Jackal and a good number of ungulates too. And, depending on how much time you have in Cape Town and how much sleep you are after, if you are prepared to travel a little further (say about a 2-3 hour drive's radius from my house) and we have a little bit of luck on our side, I can throw in possibilities like Honey Badger, Aardvark and Aardwolf and we even have our very own Cape Leopards, although these are extremely difficult to see!!

Kruger for herping is not great - you will see a few of the really obvious species like a couple of skinks, monitors, geckos, etc and maybe a few snakes as well, but it is very difficult there because, for the most part, you are restricted to your car and cannot get out and chase after the things. However, if we set aside some time in Cape Town for herping specifically, we can probably find you a few species of tortoise, at least a dozen species of lizard and gecko (and more if we have more time) and at least a dozen species of snake as well.

Anyway, I am sure you are going to get lots of advice on the forum, but once your plans become a little more concrete, let me know and we can take it from there. And, if Sarah feels a little exhausted from all the wildlife stuff while you are in Cape Town and wants to see more of the "normal" world, Margaret would love to take her around and introduce her to some of the other attractions that Cape Town has to offer... you know, shops, wine routes, etc....

[skink1978]

Originally Posted by Trevor Hardaker

And please don't think that Cape Town only has a few cetaceans to offer you...:) The most reliable place in the entire country to see Caracal, the West Coast National Park, is only a 30 min drive from my house! And, within that same sort of radius, I can also offer you African Wild Cat, both genets, several species of mongoose and hares, Cape and Bat-eared Foxes, Black-backed Jackal and a good number of ungulates too. And, depending on how much time you have in Cape Town and how much sleep you are after, if you are prepared to travel a little further (say about a 2-3 hour drive's radius from my house) and we have a little bit of luck on our side, I can throw in possibilities like Honey Badger, Aardvark and Aardwolf and we even have our very own Cape Leopards, although these are extremely difficult to see!!

Kruger for herping is not great - you will see a few of the really obvious species like a couple of skinks, monitors, geckos, etc and maybe a few snakes as well, but it is very difficult there because, for the most part, you are restricted to your car and cannot get out and chase after the things. However, if we set aside some time in Cape Town for herping specifically, we can probably find you a few species of tortoise, at least a dozen species of lizard and gecko (and more if we have more time) and at least a dozen species of snake as well.

Anyway, I am sure you are going to get lots of advice on the forum, but once your plans become a little more concrete, let me know and we can take it from there. And, if Sarah feels a little exhausted from all the wildlife stuff while you are in Cape Town and wants to see more of the "normal" world, Margaret would love to take her around and introduce her to some of the other attractions that Cape Town has to offer... you know, shops, wine routes, etc....

That seems like a good swap for a lift to see some badgers and some duff dipper info! Those icecreams at Thornton-le-dale must have been good!!

All the best