Amazing safari tour, full of highlights…although…
The Acacia 14 day southern magic tour is a fabulous itinerary and overall we had an unforgettable experience and a great time. It's not for everyone though and we did have one concern. For those thinking of doing this tour I'll explain in some detail (worth it if you're seriously considering it, otherwise I'll probably bore you to tears) and include some tips you may find helpful.
Firstly, its jam packed with highlights and almost every day was a "wow" day. It's well organised and our guide/driver Lawrence did a great job showing us the sights (particularly the animals which is why most of us were there) keeping the tour on track, accommodating everyone where possible and doing it all with a sense of humour. The tour is for up to 12, but we had 8 which gave us a little more room on the bus, and generally made things a little easier. We were also blessed with a great multinational group who were fun, were considerate of each other, and looked after each other even though we'd just met. All essential for the tour to be a real success. We also creamed it when it came to spotting the animals. As you'll be regularly reminded, the animals are wild, and in their natural habitat - so there is no way to guarantee you'll spot what your looking for. However, we were very lucky, and spot we did, time and again and some things beyond everybody's expectations. Hope you're as lucky. The accomodation isn't luxurious, but comfortable enough in most cases- though there were 2 places that we felt needed improving or replacing (I'll have a brief summary of the accomodation at the end). The food varied a bit but was generally quite good. Overall, we loved it. Now why it's not for everyone, and
then to our concern (I'm not trying to build suspense, just keep a logical order!)
To keep to the itinerary, and see all the great things they have lined up, you need to keep a fairly cracking pace. Early starts and full, long days. Many hours spent on the bus and on game drives or other tours. Everyone was pretty tired by the end of each day. Then you have to eat, clean yourself up, and repack so you can bring your bags to the bus before breakfast the next morning, which is usually pretty early. It was all worth it, but if you're looking for a relaxing or easy paced or luxury tour, this isn't for you. TIP: If you're finding the pace tiring, only do the extra optional activities if it's something you really want to do - otherwise use the time to chill and recoup.
Our concern was related to those long days. The tour has only one driver/tour guide. In view of the long days and how tiring they were, most of us were concerned about the driver getting tired. Particularly as they do one tour straight after another, without any break, for several months at a time. Our guy did a great job, but he's only human and did look pretty tired at times. I raised the need for 2 drivers with Acacia after the tour, and they were quick to respond and offer explanations on how they determine the workload. Some of the explanations seemed reasonable, and they did appease me a little - but having experienced the tour firsthand, I wasn't totally convinced. It only takes a tired driver to have a "micro sleep" one time for tragedy to occur. TIP: Our group decided that on the days with long drives, or if the driver was looking tired, we'd take it in turns to sit up the front with him - just to make sure and add that extra bit of interaction that helps keep you alert. And occasionally buy him a cup of coffee at a drive stop, they don't usually spend money on themselves - even for coffee.
Some extra TIPS: The game drives in the mornings in open vehicles get VERY cold. And sometimes at the end of the day too. We did our tour at the start of spring, so probably if you did it in summer it would be fine. But even when the temperature seemed ok standing still, the moment the vehicle started moving it changed dramatically. Take more warm clothing on the game drive than you think you need, you can always leave it on the seat if it warms up; For the ladies- if you need a hairdryer, take one with you. Almost none of the rooms have one and often reception didn't either; For electrical plugs, you only need a South African to your country plug. Zimbabwe and Botswana accomodation already have adaptors to take an SA plug; Take a linen sleeping bag liner and pillow cover with you. Most of the places are fine but there was at least a couple of places we wished we had one; The lighting in most of the rooms is very poor - something common in hotels around the world- so packing and finding things can be a bit painful. You will need a good head torch for the one night you spend camping, so keep it handy for task lighting in your other accommodation; Victoria Falls is the first chance to do some souvenir shopping, but if you go to the markets you'll have to haggle. I thought things would be dearer here, and haggled quite hard. Later I found that prices elsewhere are generally more expensive and felt bad I'd haggled them down so much! After haggling, you will likely get a better price here than South Africa for souvenirs.
Finally if you're still reading this treatise (must mean you're keen about going!) then I'm including a brief (ish) comment about each of the accommodation places in the order that we went to them:
Nesele Lodge. Not fancy, but quite ok. Rooms were a little small (which is true of most of the places and sometimes makes it a little difficult to organise your luggage) but clean. Food included traditional African fare, very nice and plentiful. The owner takes you out on your first game drive (in Kruger) and does a great job of finding the animals- that was a sensational day. The only thing was the hired staff at the lodge never smiled or looked you in the eye (unlike everywhere else). One of guys on our tour made the comment that it felt like an old time plantation. Maybe we were imagining things but it made most of us feel a little uncomfortable.
Boma in the Bush. This is a caravan/camping ground with the accomodation being cabins (trailer homes I think our American friends call them). That's fine as they are little roomier with a kitchenette - but they were pretty run down and not that clean. They are need of a refurb and not really up to scratch. Food was fine.
Travellers Guest House. One of the nicer accomodations on tour, but rooms were very small -with the exception of 2 of the rooms that were in a different section. Food was great.
Sprayview hotel. This was the best accomodation on tour. Proper hotel with a higher standard. Breakfast only here, but very good.
Thebe lodge. Accomodation here was fine. Food was a bit ordinary.
Gweta lodge. This was one of the groups favorite places. The accommodation was good (though the roofless ensuite was a challenge for some!) but it was more about the quaintness and vibe to the place - which was really nice. Food was good too.
Delta Rain. This is billed as "simple accomodation" but we found it a little too basic, and not that clean the first night. This was mentioned to the staff by some in our group and it was better the second night. A better standard of accomodation would be nice at this stop.
Elephant camp. Proper bush/ tent camping but made relatively comfortable by your hosts. Was a nice inclusion for 1 night.
Kwa Nokeng. They have various accomodation here and different people on our tour got different accomodation. All were roomy for a change, which was great, and food was good in a lovely outdoor dining area. No real complaints here.
Hope all that helps someone!
