After a trip to South Africa last August, my response to your query about itinerary would be to spend about a week in Kruger National Park which is 40klms wide x 450klms long. We went with a tour and had a very good guide for spotting the animals which are very well camouflaged. Also being in a bus (only smaller type buses allowed) gives you a height advantage to see more easily. We stayed at 3 different camp sites within the southern end of Kruger and it was a thrill to set out each day and wonder which animals you would see.

The camps are locked up each night from sunset to sunrise so you have to be inside the gates by then (in August it was about 6pm). We also did a night drive (with Park rangers) which was very exciting when we came across 4 lions walking up the road and we were in an open vehicle. Unlike going to a zoo, the animals have to be found so a day would not do Kruger or the animals justice. By the way, the park facilities were first class - some of the rondavels (African style huts) we stayed in had kitchen facilities, some not but there was always a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities which were kept very clean. In the camps we stayed, there were no restaurants - all self catering with a shop to obtain supplies from.

Capetown is a modern city dominated by Cable Mountain which you visit by cable car. The waterfront area is touristy but well worth a half day wander - it has many restaurants (only tried one which was good but can't remember name). Stellenbosch is the wine growing area and well worth a day's trip. Stellenbosch houses a very interesting museum - it starts with an original slab type cottage which you walk through and then onto three different houses all furnished in the style of the day showing the various levels of style. Also visit a Cape of Good Hope the most southern point - watch out for the baboons who will hop into your car looking for food as soon as you open the door. We did not see many beaches but did pass some on the way to the Cape. Another highlight of our trip was a night at a B& B in a black township out from Cape Town.

I would suggest you spend at least one week in Kruger and and the rest of your time in Capetown. Trust you will enjoy South Africa as much as we did. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact.

Sandra Winstone Tweed Heads Australia