My 2023 trip - Israel, South Africa, USA

[drcam]

Dear people, it has been a while since I last posted here, and I was fortunate in being able to travel to a certain extent during the pandemic.

In 2023, I will be doing a 6-week trip starting in mid-June. I plan on going to the following places:

South Africa - 2 weeks. Intend to visit some of - Johannesburg, Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Kruger National Park; please let me know which of these should be priorities.

Israel - 10-14 days. Intend to go to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and Petra.

USA - 10-14 days - a week in New England/Coastal Maine, going to Acadia National Park for a few days, maybe 3 days in Chicago or LA thereafter.

Remaining time 3-4 days in Bali.

If you have any suggestions on how long I should stay at each city please let me know and your opinions would be greatly appreciated. I love food, meeting people and landscapes. Happy travels for 2023!

 

[CaptainCurtis]

South Africa - 2 weeks. Intend to visit some of - Johannesburg, Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Kruger National Park; please let me know which of these should be priorities.

Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls would be my priorities. Less so JHB and Pretoria. IMO,

 

[cove]

I wouldn’t spend a lot of time in Johannesburg.Cape Town is pretty and a vineyard or two visit is worthwhile.
I did enjoy getting to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.Sight seeing and swimming in the sea was memorable.
The US is much more expensive now due to their dollar and inflation. I still enjoy Los Angeles. A couple of nights in Chicago can be fun.

 

[RooFlyer]

As others have said, Johannesburg and Pretoria have little to offer the tourist. Not sure what it’s like now, but Jo’burg used to be outright dangerous.

The Jordan side of the Dead Sea is MUCH better for tourists than the Israel side. In fact, I’d aim to spend more time in Jordan than Israel; maybe 8 days and 4. I’ll post links to my trip reports to both later.

 

[craven morehead]

Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls would be my priorities. Less so JHB and Pretoria. IMO,

100% Agree with @CaptainCurtis .

Pretoria has the Voortrekker Monument which is worth a visit should you get there.

Voortrekker Monument | South African History Online

www.sahistory.org.za

This place is also well worth at least a one-night stay and not far out of Pretoria. You can opt to walk with Lions should that be of interest.

Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve – North West Province, South Africa

ukutula.co.za

 

[RooFlyer]

Jordan trip here ( incl Petra):

Post in thread 'Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in between'
Dubai & Jordan by EK/QF First; from Moses to Lawrence of Arabia and lots in between

Israel here:

Post in thread 'Twice around the world in 40 days'
Twice around the world in 40 days

 

[drcam]

Thank you all for your suggestions!! I've thought about this trip a bit more and have a few more ideas:

(1) Being time limited, would it be okay to visit one of the game resorts closer to Pretoria rather than going to Kruger? Is there a minimum practical number of days for it to be worth going to Kruger National Park? Also, how safe is domestic economy air travel in South Africa?

(2) There appears to be availability readily available for direct flights from JNB to TLV in J on El Al airlines. Has anyone flown with them? Or I could just buy a paid Y fare with a stopover in either Istanbul or Dubai. Any preferences?

(3) Is it too hot to visit Dubai, Petra or the Dead Sea in early July? I have a fair bit of tolerance and once hiked the Flinders Ranges in 105-degree heat, but would it negate the enjoyment of such a trip?

 

[CaptainCurtis]

(1) Being time limited, would it be okay to visit one of the game resorts closer to Pretoria rather than going to Kruger?

We went to Madikwe, which I think was marginally closer to Pretoria than Kruger. We had a great time.

 

[pyffii]

Yes, we've flown with El Al from JNB to TLV return and it was in J so better than fine...both flights ontime and service and food above average.....And to add I think you'll find the Israeli side of the Dead Sea to be much better than you might expect with canyon walks from Ein Gedi spectacular and the climb up to Massada even better....swimming in the Dead Sea will be the same BUT the Israeli breakfasts are famed for their choice and quality....Enjoy your trip and I'll be following

 

[SYD]

As others have said, you don’t need to spend a lot of time in JNB. It’s a worry when the second top attraction in JNB on TripAdvisor is the train back to the airport…(true story!).

Depending on where and the time of day your‘re flying to/from it can unfortunately be necessary to stay o/n. There are some airport hotels but otherwise get the train to Sandton or Rosebank. Both relatively safe and have a collection of hotels and restaurants.

There‘s a Hop on Hop Off bus tour (2 loops that crossover). It’s a handy way to see the place. We didn’t actually “hop off” other than to change loops. During the commentary the tour guide referred to a few areas as “marginal” (ie places you do not get off the bus at).

JNB is the stepping off point for Kruger. I’ve driven out twice but there are flight options. Depending on whether you’re going to Kruger proper or one of the private reserves might guide how long you need. The private lodges usually include an afternoon and morning Safari. So if you arrive in time, you get that first arvo off road Safari, then the following morning before breakfast - repeat for as many days as you stay. 2 or 3 nights ought to be enough to see most things. Others can provide better advice on a Kruger proper (there’s other threads on the topic), but although it’s self drive, you have to stick to the roads.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Pretoria but it’s not far to drive to JNB airport. We did once coming back from Kruger. Did the o/n in Pretoria before flying off to CPT (or maybe it was VIC Falls).

Cape Town is good and you can base yourself there and do trips out but it’s also possible to do a bit of a circle road trip to wine country (Franschhoek is much nicer to visit/stay than Stellanbosch) and Simonstown.

Ideally try and arrange flights so you can leave SA via CPT rather than backtracking through JNB if possible.

Vic Falls is impressive but unless you’re going on a bunch of tours you probably don’t need too many days on the ground (again there are some other threads discussing as well as some pointers on other safari options etc).

 

[asterix]

I'm supposed to spend 10 days visiting Biblical sites based out of Galilee and Jerusalem at the end of April 2023. Looking forward to our trip.

 

[drcam]

I'm hoping to finish the Old Testament before I go - for the first time at the ripe old age of forty-three! Only 721 pages to go!

 

[RooFlyer]

And to add I think you'll find the Israeli side of the Dead Sea to be much better than you might expect with canyon walks from Ein Gedi spectacular and the climb up to Massada even better....swimming in the Dead Sea will be the same BUT the Israeli breakfasts are famed for their choice and quality..

We’ve obviously had different experiences . My stay on the on the Israel side of the Dead sea was pretty awful and I couldn’t even get into the sea from the hotel I stayed at - see trip report. The Jordan side resort was absolutely wonderful. But I agree there are some good things to do on the is Israeli side nearby such as Masada etc. ( I took the cable car up to Masada. ). Ditto in Jordan.

I'm supposed to spend 10 days visiting Biblical sites based out of Galilee and Jerusalem at the end of April 2023. Looking forward to our trip.

Jesus’ baptism site in Jordan is worth a visit if you can venture that far. It’s close to the current Jordan River bathing site on the Jordan side, about a kilometre away from the river, as the river course has changed. The Israeli bathing site is about 10 m away from the Jordanian bathing site, obviously on the Israeli side, but is much less atmospheric. Europeans tend to go to the Jordanian side, Americans tend to go on the Israelis side. .

 

[Franky]

My wife visited J'Berg around 2010, and from the 1st floor of the building she was in, saw a person being chased by 3 others in the street below, who ended up being bashed and robbed in broad daylight. Has refused to go there again.

I accompanied her a couple of years late to Capetown, which was a great place. Robben Island is worth a look. Also about an hour away is a Cheetah rehab centre. Most of them had been returned from the despots in the Balkans who used to keep them in concrete cages, but they are now looked after as they would not survive in the wild, so you can get up close and personable with them.

Next we went to Port Elizabeth and were met by our hosts who took us to a game park (Shamwari) about an hours drive away which is several thousand acres, and you are guaranted to see the big 5 creatures, and many others to boot. We were there for 3 days and the accommodation is brilliant, built at tree top height on the edge of a steep ravine. There are only ten units here, and underneath each of our balconies, elephants, gazelles and other creatures come at various times during the day to do their ablutions and take a drink in the stream that runs about 20m below them. Daily tours are done in open former US Army Hummers, and the driver carries a rifle alongside him. Our driver stated he had never been required to use it in anger. Again, in the middle of the Shamwari park, there is also an animal refuge where there are a few aged lions and other critters who need looking after. Prior to visiting this place, I had never had any wish to visit a game park, but this place was special. Recommend to all.

Israel - Masada and the Dead Sea swim have been mentioned, they are all part of one tour, which also included a glimpse of the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Whilst in that area, don't forget Bethlehem and Nazareth, as well as Galilee.

Having said all that, I am now getting the urge to do it all again, it was well worth it. I'm sure you will love your experiences.

 

[craven morehead]

Thank you all for your suggestions!! I've thought about this trip a bit more and have a few more ideas:

(1) Being time limited, would it be okay to visit one of the game resorts closer to Pretoria rather than going to Kruger? Is there a minimum practical number of days for it to be worth going to Kruger National Park? Also, how safe is domestic economy air travel in South Africa?

(2) There appears to be availability readily available for direct flights from JNB to TLV in J on El Al airlines. Has anyone flown with them? Or I could just buy a paid Y fare with a stopover in either Istanbul or Dubai. Any preferences?

(3) Is it too hot to visit Dubai, Petra or the Dead Sea in early July? I have a fair bit of tolerance and once hiked the Flinders Ranges in 105-degree heat, but would it negate the enjoyment of such a trip?

(1) Pilanseberg National Park is close to Pretoria & Domestic Air travel is perfectly safe.

2 days 3 nights would be the minimum I would do in KNP. You could drive the park for the 2 days and still squeeze in a night drive.

Pilanesberg National Park & Game Reserve

Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5, along with an abundance of flora and fauna. This Game Reserve in South Africa is every wildlife enthusiasts dream.

www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org

 

[vetrade]

I'll chime in with some comments about SA & Vic Falls....
We've been to SA numerous times. JNB is essentially a transit city simply because IMHO the "attractions" there are boring, rather than it being inherently unsafe. If you are overnighting there you will find the area just north of the JNB CBD (incl. Houghton, Melrose Arch, Killarney and Sandton) has good hotels, modern shopping malls with some sxcellent restaurants and is safe to walk or drive around during the day. We have never felt unsafe there and find the people very friendly and helpful on the whole.

You mentioned you are 43 and like landscapes but obviously I don't know if you are a latte/tour bus type of traveller or whether you enjoy self driving and actively engaging in things of interest. If you are the latter, there are many great experiences to see. Kruger NP is a must see destination but the quality of the experience is many times better at one of the private game reserves (such as those in the Sabi Sands area of KNP) rather than just visiting the public areas of KNP where you have to stick to the designated roads.
The drive from JNB to Kruger has gems many people miss such as Gods Window, Three Rondawels, Bourke's Potholes and Blyde Canyon (an overnight at the Graskop Hotel is worth it too), so I'd recommend that. Overall I'd suggest 4-5 days for the JNB - Kruger sector.

Pretoria isn't worth the cost of the petrol to drive there.

Cape Town: Three days here would be a minimum for me. There's Table Mountain, Lions Head, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (with enough excellent quality restaurants to keep you sated for a month). You could easily spend a day doing the drive around Camps Bay, Chapman's Peak, Boulder Beach (penguins) and on to the Cape of Good Hope with it's lighthouse. Robben Island has historical interest because Mandela was kept there but as a scenic spot it scores a zero.

It would be criminal to go to CPT without also taking the 40 - 50 min drive to the wine areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Very picturesque and thoroughly enjoyable. For a truly "WOW" experience go to the Delaire Graff Estate just west of Stellenbosch for lunch. It is a vineyard/restaurant/art gallery owned by diamond billionaire Laurence Graff. Google some pics and you will see what I mean.

Victoria Falls is worthy of 3 days. Walk along the track beside the falls, walk across the bridge, chopper ride over the Falls, take a boat ride on the Zambezi River, visit Royal Livingston Hotel, or get adventurous by jumping in the exhilarating Devil's Pool right on the edge of the Falls. We also stayed at Imbabala Lodge game reserve which is right on the Zambezi up near the border with Namibia and Chobe NP. The wildlife there was outstanding.

 

[drcam]

Thank you vetrade - I do like driving, went on a VERY long roadtrip in the Western US but the mileage was just too long. Don't know if I want to do it again for six hours a day!

I'm very much looking forward in South Africa to spotting some species of the Greatest Team of All. On my last trip I got to watch a final in Sellwood, Oregon. GO THE CATS!

 

[Franky]

Thank you vetrade - I do like driving, went on a VERY long roadtrip in the Western US but the mileage was just too long. Don't know if I want to do it again for six hours a day!

I'm very much looking forward in South Africa to spotting some species of the Greatest Team of All. On my last trip I got to watch a final in Sellwood, Oregon.

GO THE CATS!

Now you've ruined the whole story!!!...

 

[drcam]

Thanks everyone for your advice. A couple of nights at a private reserve in greater Kruger definitely seems much more pleasant than staying the same time in Johannesburg.

Re: Middle East - is it plausible to do a day trip from Tel Aviv or Amman to Cairo to see the pyramids? Also, is July too hot to be going up the Nile to Luxor/Thebes and points south? I was in Vegas and Death Valley in September and it was tolerable...... but is it really worth it in lieu of say going to Tel Aviv and the Sea of Galilee?

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Middle East - is it plausible to do a day trip from Tel Aviv or Amman to Cairo to see the pyramids? Also, is July too hot to be going up the Nile to Luxor/Thebes and points south? I was in Vegas and Death Valley in September and it was tolerable...... but is it really worth it in lieu of say going to Tel Aviv and the Sea of Galilee?

Assuming there are suitably timed flights, and I imagine there would be, then, yes, you could make a day trip to Cairo to see the pyramids from Tel Aviv or Amman. Once you are in Cairo, a visit to the pyramids can be a half day exercise with an hours drive to and from the airport. If the new Grand Egyptian Museum is open by the time you go, then it would be a full day. Yes, it will be hot in July, but if it’s your only chance to see the pyramids, I would say grab it.

I’ve just come back from a visit to Egypt, including a Nile cruise and Luxor etc. With limited time, I would suggest not doing a Nile cruise to get to Luxor, but to fly there 1 hr from Cairo. From Luxor, you can even fly down to Aswan and further to Abu Simbel if you wanted to, the latter leaving very early in the morning, and arriving back in Aswan about lunchtime, as I did.

I personally didn’t think much of Tel Aviv in itself and the sea of Gallilee was atmospheric, but not a huge highlight of my trip to Israel in itself. So if you’re looking to directly substitute those two for a couple of days in Egypt, I would choose Egypt.

My recent Egypt trip report:
Thread 'Dipping my toe back in the Nile'
Dipping my toe back in the Nile