First time in Africa – 4 weeks (Dec 24 – Jan 23), self-drive safari + beach. Where to go?
Hi all! My partner and I (two adults from Germany) are planning our first trip to Africa and would love your advice and experiences.
**Fixed dates:** Dec 24 – Jan 23 (can't change them, we know it's peak season?!)
**What we'd like:**
- **Safari**: the main highlight. A mix of a few nights in a nice lodge and some self-drive/camping with a rooftop tent.
- **Self-drive road trip**: rental car (4x4 with rooftop tent is fine) for most of the trip.
- **Active first part**: we're happy to be on the move and see a lot different things.
- **Beach at the end**: roughly the last week (more or less, depending on your advice) just relaxing on a great beach.
**Flexible:** Domestic/regional flights are no problem.
**Budget:** maximum. € 10k per person, excl. international flights
**Our questions:**
- Which country/region works best for self-drive safari in late Dec/January (rainy season, heat, wildlife viewing)? South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, or a combination?
- Lodge vs. rooftop tent: where is each worth it?
- Garden Route / Cape region over the holidays: worth it, or too crowded and better skipped?
- Beach week: Zanzibar seems best weather-wise in January. Is Mauritius risky because of cyclone season? Any other good options (Mozambique, Seychelles, South African coast)?
- where and how to book?
Thank you!!