African Safari? Just Add Water

Q. We'd like to experience two safaris -- one in Namibia or Botswana and one in South Africa -- then drive in and around Cape Town. Is this overly ambitious for a 2 1/2 -week trip?

Ira Tattelman, Washington

A. That's certainly enough time to see South Africa and either Botswana or Namibia, with a quick trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe along the way.

Between Botswana or Namibia, go with Botswana, which has better wildlife viewing, says Linda Friedman, executive director of Bethesda's Custom Safaris (301-530-1982, http://www.customsafaris.com/). Though it has the scenic Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, Namibia isn't a safari destination (if that's solely what you're seeking).

For this itinerary, fly into Cape Town and spend a few days exploring the city on your own. You may then wish to tack on a visit to Victoria Falls on your way to Botswana. "It's an easy stop," Friedman says.

After one or two nights at the falls, head to Botswana's Okavango Delta, then the Kalahari Desert. Friedman suggests three to four days at each, plus a visit to another water-based game park. After Botswana, fly to Johannesburg, a launch point for seeing the big game at Kruger National Park. Fly home from Johannesburg.

While you can wing it in Cape Town, your itinerary in Botswana should be booked in advance. The country has a limited amount of lodging, and it tends to fill far in advance, Friedman says. It wouldn't hurt to book your lodging in Victoria Falls, too. If you choose Namibia, arrangements for that leg of your trip also need to be arranged in advance.

More info: South Africa Tourism, 800-593-1318, http://www.southafrica.net/; Botswana Embassy, 202-244-4990; http://www.botswanatourism.org/.

We'd like to rent a condo in west or south Maui this summer, preferably with a pool, near a beach and away from crowds. Ideas?

Karen Hendrixson, McLean

Both west and south Maui get crowded during the summer, but you're still able to rent a condo in a spot that retains a low-key island feel. Or, for more action, big chunks of the island have major resort areas filled with hotels and rental condos.

The lush western coast is where you'll find expensive condo rentals along Kaanapali Beach, within a short stroll of resort chain hotels and shops. Jon Blum, who spends every winter on the island and maintains a tourism Web site ( http://www.mauihawaii.org/), suggests spots north of Kaanapali, such as the towns of Honokowai or Napili.

A two-bedroom condo with a kitchen at the 190-unit Outrigger Royal Kahana resort in Kahana, for example, starts at $319 per night during the summer, according to Maui travel consultant Kay Ryan (808-669-0451, http://www.mauikay.com/).

South Maui, meanwhile, is made up of mostly low-rise buildings along two-lane roads. "It eliminates the Miami Beach feel," says Bonnie Pauli, who runs South Maui Condos ( http://www.mauiownercondos.com/), an online network of condo rentals by owner.

The towns of Wailea and Kihei have the most rentals. Ryan pointed to the low-rise Maui Kamaole resort in Kihei as an example: A two-bedroom condo there runs $225 per night during the summer. Just about every condo community has a pool, and though buildings aren't right on the beach, they're generally across the street.

More info: Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 800-464-2924, http://www.gohawaii.com/.

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