We will be visiting Africa for the 5th time in March. The rainy season can affect photography as well as your ability to see the wildlife. In addition, it also breeds mosquitoes and therefore the added element of malaria. All-in-all, we thought late June-early July were the best times in South Africa. Vic Falls is quite tremendous at that time of year as well.

All that said, we have been to Londolozi which is an excellent and varied destination and virtually guarantees quality game sightings. Likewise, we have had two very fine visits to Lion Sands where the staff made us feel like family! Both would be great choices. In my opinion, you want at least three full days to enjoy any of the lodges in South Africa. IMO, you don't need to visit more than one lodge unless you plan to be there for a week or more.

If you get north to Tanzania or Kenya, the biggest attraction is the great migration. In the fall (Sept-Oct) the animals are near the Mara River where National Geographic films the crocs feasting on them as they try to cross the water. In the early spring the herds are south near the NgoroNgoro crater for calving season. Personally, I would recommend visiting the crater where you have 30,00-45,000 animals in a small space surrounded by steep hills that make game viewing easy and plentiful. Also, the accommodations can be 5-star!

From personal experience, if you plan to fly via Cape Town and Jo-berg, limit your safari to South Africa and perhaps a 2 day excursion to Vic Falls from Jo-berg. Adding points in Botswana, Kenya or Tanzania will make your travel arrangements awkward and you'll spend a lot of time in transit that you'd wish you'd spent looking at wildlife.

Our favorite tour operator is &Beyond Safaris (ask for Ian Michler) Dry season means less foliage to hide the animals and they tend to congregate near water holes, making them easier to find.