Re downtime at Safari Plains then in the original review I was there in November which is the start of the SA summer but as you say June/July/August are their winter months. A quick "Google" (other search engines are available) gives as at today, 13 June, a South Africa sunrise circa 7.00am and a sunset circa 5.30pm. Their winter days will be shorter than when I was there and I am guessing that drive times may well vary at different times of year. Perhaps someone on a our summer / their winter trip can offer timings for that time of year.

I would imagine it would be too cold for the pool and whilst we used to hang out by the pool there is also a large indoor communal lounge and bar area where people can socialise.  

I prefer a physical book and I only used wi-fi in the tent for e-mails, news and a bit of social media. As mentioned there is no TV/radio in the tents so bring your own entertainment. If wi-fi is not good enough in the tent for downloads then I am sure there is better reception in the main building.

Of course if early starts are not your thing there is always the opportunity for a nap!

It is a brilliant trip.

Ian   

All of this has been really useful. I am looking to go in 2027. Is May a good time to go. I can't go anywhere where the humidity is to high so I need to be careful on the time of year I travel to places? 

I would look at this website which is really useful for weather/humidity info by month: https://www.weather2travel.com/south-africa/may/ 

Naturally weather forecasts are unpredictable but looks like May might be a good time to travel there.

Best wishes,

Lorraine

Any advice about tipping at Safari Plains? I presume it is expected, and cash preferred? What sort of level? (I always find this a bit difficult.)

Jo

I wrote the original review and think I have posted (probably on another thread) something about tips at Safari Plains but I might be mistaken.

When it comes to tips then cash is King and as the rangers and staff are all from South africa (there is no holiday director) then SA Rand it is.

The nfinal notes you get from JY about 3 weeks before departure usually gives guidance on amounts.

I can't recall the exact amounts involved but we had two whip rounds;-

1. Firstly for the 2 rangers (we were a group of 10 in 2 jeeps with the same rangers throughout.

2. Secondly for the staff. they work on rotas so the people looking after us at the start were not necessarily the same as those at the end. The message being that the money was to be shared amongst all the staff.

of course if you want to give a bit extra to someone then by all means do so.

It is a great trip - enjoy.

Ian