AfricanSky vs Afton Safari Lodge

[375Fox]

New member here... Ive booked my first safari with Avula Safaris (May 7-16/2025). Im traveling with my wife and it will be our first time traveling to Africa. I have heard some pretty bad things about Joberg. Avula has us staying with Africa Sky overnight before leaving for East London the next day. Im concerned about landing in Joberg in the evening, leaving the airport, and making the commute to Africa Sky for the overnight. Is it questionable or am I overthinking it?

You are overthinking it. The drive from the airport to Africa Sky is very similar to an airport shuttle at any US city. You’ll be surprised at the level of infrastructure in South Africa. It’s a developed country. However, I would not consider being a general tourist in Johannesburg for the day without a guide. That’s where you’d get yourself in trouble in Johannesburg not the drive to Africa Sky with Gilbert.

 

[npm352]

I've only stayed at Afton. I've stayed three times, 2005, 2023 and 2024.

All my stays have been very nice. The staff was great, rooms clean, lodge very neat with a great taxidermy collection and food was good.

My only criticism was they played it super close on getting me and others to the airport for our morning connections on two of these...like I had to beg my way through the line, sprint to the gate and beg them to wait for my dad who ran, but wasn't quite as quick as me. Point being, it did add a lot of stress.

 

[MarkB]

I have stayed at both, over a long span in years. Stayed at Afton for a couple safaris some years ago, then African sky in 2021 before safari then 14 days in City Lodge locked in after a couple months in Africa on same trip. I always add 3-5 days before any other in Africa flights so early departs never an issue. All on the list above are very nice, and to me expensive, at home I do not stay in that level of hotel, when I go to Africa I want to be more immersed in Africa from the start. So last 2 weeks in 2021 stayed at Sun Rock Guest House. Was awesome, excellent home cooked meals, feels more Africa, huge trophy room, bar, gym area, yes leave the property and walk around, shop, tourist stuff and on time included airport drop of and pickup shuttles. As a bonus got to BS with some world class hunters who also stay there. Just read a story in Safari mag of one of the guys I speak of from our 2021 safari. Heard the safari story before magazine did. Was a great time and I will do again before and after every safari. Oh and it also lets me add to the TF list as prices are far less.

MB