Having done South Africa -Elegant Adventure, what do you recommend for our next visit to Africa
Several years back we did Tauck's Elegant Adventure SA. We are ready to return to Africa in summer 2026. What do you recommend? Great Migration? K/T Classic Safari? Or something that includes Botswana?
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I’ve been to different areas of sub Saharan Africa 8 or 9 times now. I took the ‘Elegant’ a long time ago.
For a complete contrast, my first choice for you would be Classic K and T…if you are fit enough, splash out and do the K and T and Gorilla trek in Rwanda. I think the Migration tour is an unnecessary expense, it’s short and you may encounter some of the migration s anyway if you happen to be there at the right time as there are no set dates for it because it depends on the rains which are far less reliable in timings due to global warming/climate change.
I’ve been to Botswana a couple of times and I love it there but it’s a bit more like you experience in South Africa.
I’m looking at even more countries to visit in Africa, definitely addicted.
I recently received Tauck's 2026 Global Journeys & Safaris brochure and it has a very handy and informative listing of all the safaris on one page. As British recommended, the Kenya & Tanzania tour is listed as being good for first timers as is the new Spotlight on South Africa, Elegant Adventure and Tanzania: Serengeti to Zanzibar.
Since I have never been to Africa, I found the listing and 'Perfect For' section to be very helpful. I'm still determined to go, but now I'm torn between Elegant Adventure and the new Spotlight on...
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You would probably enjoy the Kenya and Tanzania trip, as it is more a true safari than Elegant South Africa. Not sure the summer is the best time for it, though. August can be very dusty. The Gorilla trips are wonderful, but they do require more stamina, although it is possible to request a gorilla family that is somewhat more accessible. We have seen quite a bit of the migration on Classic Kenya/Tanzania during October and November since it depends on the weather each year. It is easy to fall in love with Africa.
I would recommend K & T Classic Safari, it's a wonderful experience, I went in December and the weather was great.
mwirtz - Thank you so much for your suggestion. I know the Kenya and Tanzania tour seems to be a favorite, but my interest is more cultural; seeing the animals would be wonderful but secondary to my goals. At my age, trekking to see the gorillas would not be feasible, nor would it be fair on the other tour guests. I would be terrified anyway! If I was younger, absolutely.
gladysorlando984 - thank you as well.
Kfnknfzk. If you seek culture, the Original Elegant South Africa tour is way more focused on that. I’ve just looked at the Spotlight tour to compare. In addition, I know you like good service and for that you can’t beat the Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town, it’s one of the best hotels we have stayed in for that, also, I note the first hotel n the Spotlight tour is not even in Capetown, so if arriving a day early or doing something on your free afternoon it would involve more planning. The Cape Grace had a free limo service to utilize when we were there. The driver took us to Kirstenbosch gardens which was not part of the tour when we went and collected us later.
I went on K&T in July. I did not experience any problem with dust. The roads were dry without any mud. For me, it was a great time to travel there - by inadvertence, we got to see the migration. This was an unbelievable experience! The weather was perfect - no rain at all. And no sightings of tsetse flies. Nancy
Yes. We were in Tanzania last July too. No rain, a few tsetse flies one bit right through my son’s pants and drew blood. So far, no sign of sleeping sickness 🤪
We did K&T two years ago and Elegant Adventure this past September. I loved both tours, but K&T was truly amazing and unforgettable. I’d do it again in a heartbeat if there weren’t so many other places I want to see.
Thanks, British. I'm leaning towards the Elegant Adventure because of the Cape Grace and all the other excursions. Besides, I love Fairmont properties—my favorite hotel brand.
I have one very dumb question. I know I should wear drab and neutral "safari" pants, but do my tops need to be drab colors as well? Are pale pinks, blues and green hues okay while on safari or do I need to "blend in" with the elephants? I forewarned you it was a dumb question!
You are fine with those colors, not everyone wears safari gear Just make sure as much of your skin as possible is covered by clothing to avoid having to use more Deet then necessary. Tsetse flies are not around in South Africa but mosquitoes are, especially in Vic Falls area. You might want to take a few dress up things for evening in Cape Town and Johannesburg but still keep it simple.
I did not think the Cape Grace was a Fairmont, I thought it was a one off. I know it has been renovated since we were there.
Website says Fairmont. It doesn't matter...looks like a very nice property. I'm not too crazy about Deet applications, but I'll do whatever is necessary. No problem with "dress up" (ha, ha)...yes, simple but appropriate for the occasion. Thanks again. I do appreciate your guidance.