flygurl

Hello all, I have been reading with great joy all the posts on Africa the last few months; we finally have a date and itineray With the EXCEPTION of three nights in Sabi Sands Game Park at the end of our trip in Mid-June. We have been thinking about Leadwood or Leopard Hills. Any input would be so helpful..Its at the end of our stay following a three day walking safari so the accommodations are as important- though I really want good rangers since its our last dance in Africa! Thank you all and I sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughts and cooperation on helping others navigate through the overwhelming amt of literature on lodges, parks, game sightings, etc. in Africa. Each one is individual, yet share a common love of Africa. We cannot wait to get there. (Prior to SA we will be in Botswana and Vic Falls)...Both of these lodges were recommended as romantic, with excellent viewing of roaming game from the lodge over a waterhole (LH) of a river (Leadwood) -just in case the walking safari does me in! The pools aren't so impt as I doubt we will get in them if its as chilly as everyone says in June. Any thoughts on that? Leadwood accommodates 8 and Leopard l6, and I thought the more the merrier; yet smaller intimate groups may be better on the game drives. HELP! Thanks again.

KellySmithCom

Hi Flygurl

I've been to Sabi Sands a few times (yes I have been fortunate). Its actually fun both ways - small and personal and a slightly larger crowd is lots of fun too! So thats very much a personal choice.

Both those lodges are good. (I haven't personally been to Leadwood but friends were there recently and they liked it). There are some nice lodges here, differing price brackets:
http://www.sa-venues.com/accommodati..._sabisands.htm

And in case you haven't seen this yet, there is a wildcam at Nkorho Bush lodge in Sabi Sands - give you a taste of what you will see. (Over Christmas we watched lion kill and devour a buffalo). Its not like the normal cams - this is some new technology, its live streaming footage. Fascinating. Here is the link:
www.wavelit.com/?ch=Wildlife&sh=africam

Have a totally fabulous trip and please tell us about it when you get back.

Kind regards
Kelly

flygurl

Thanks KellySmithCom; I appreciate the comments and watching the webcam will now become addictive! Did your friends say anything specific that they liked (hopefully loved) about Leadwood? I checked the website you listed too; of course there were more lodges that I got interested in too! Better just keep it at what I have...Leopard Hills looked inviting too. Know anything about that one? Thanks!

KellySmithCom

Hi Flygurl

I've been to Leopard Hills (is that the one you are referring to?) It was simply spectacular. everything, from service to ambience, food, lodging, everything was perfect. My friend said that she liked leadwood but it wasn't the greatest of the sabi sands lodges (in her opinion). But they did have a great time and there was nothing wrong, it was all good, just not her favourite.

That cam of course has to be viewed in daylight (SA time). Its 23:37 pm here now so nothing to see. But it does get addictive, I check it every day.

flygurl

Good Evening KelleySmithCom; Thanks so much for responding so quickly. I am new to these forums and am so delighted at the interest and help with a NOVICE at safari travel. Leopard Hills was one of my choices; along with Leadwood; I dont think it's too late to change - at least I can try. Would it be possible for you and your friend to compare the two. I guess when it comes to knowing I may only get there ONCE in my life (have saved for quite a while!) I'd love to feel very good about my selections - so anything you could possibly tell me in more detail would be so appreciated. What did you particularly love about Leopard Hills - location, accommodations? or was the game viewing spectacular; one thread I read suggested being hillside meant it was more difficult to get out on the ride...I did not quite get that as I saw a view from the air and it looked pretty easy to get around. But since you've been there, you'd know. What did your friend think of the game viewing at Leadwood. Was she not so pleased with the lodging or the gaming...I thought it may be too small and not have adequate rangers...Of course never having been on a safari in my life I really don't know what to expect from a smaller luxury lodge vs. a larger one. Input is always appreciated. Did the waterhole at LH draw in the animals - what time of year did you go. We will be there the second week of June after a week in Bots and several days in Nagala. I want to end the trip with exceptional memories - so maybe I can get my significant other to come up with funds for another trip...He wants to get to NZ! Thank you again.

cary999

Kelly, that live wildcam video feed is fascinating! In color with sound!!! I just had to smile on hearing the "work harder " bird. It is morning now there and the water hole is very quiet- except for the birds, about 6 different bird calls. Really neat. I have it running on another window so I can listen as I type this and quickly clip it up to check on the video. Thanks again.
News Flash - obviously someone there has control over the camera because it just now zoomed off of the water hole and on to what looks like, at some distance, many buffalo.
regards - tom

KellySmithCom

Hi Carry- that webcam is awesome. I've tried to find out exactly how that works - I first thought it auto panned to where there was movement - but I also think it must be human monitored. The quality and sound are fantastic (not like a webcam at all). Its like a whole game viewing experience on its own.

KellySmithCom

Hi Flygurl.

Its 11 am here and my friend is busy at work but will call me laterthis evening and then I'll get more info for you!

But what I can tell you right now is that ALL these luxury lodges have highly trained rangers and guides whose primary objective it is to ensure that you get to see as much wildlife as possible. They communicate via radio with other rangers and field guides to alert each other where the game is etc so they can get you to see and so they can show you the best and as much as possible. These lodges share unfenced terrain with the Kruger and the game moves freely through the reserves - you will see plenty, plenty wildlife and the rangers make it their mission that you get to see the big 5!!

As far as the accommodations go - I can't fault Leopard hills in any way. Actually, at any 5 star graded establishment in South Africa you are guaranteed an exceptional experience. We loved the ambience and the food and .... everything!!

I think its very hrd to make a choice between the two! I've been to 2 others. Lion Sands was my all time favourite. (lionsands.com) that was the ultimate! But I don't want to confuse you by adding more into the mix.

I will write this evening again once I've spoken to my friend.

Till later - Kelly

KellySmithCom

You have to put www. before that link I sent above. Their website doesn't do the place justice.

napamatt

A friend just came back from SSGR, where he stayed at Singita and Rattrays. In addition he visited several other camps, his comment on Leopard Hills, was that it was a bit tired and in need of a little work, in comparison to other properties he visited.

flygurl

Kelly and Napamatt, thank you so for your help; I truly am a bit overwhelmed by all the "luxury" lodges - the game is by far the most important; it's just the last stop after l0 days so I want it to be memorable! I appreciate Kelly all the time you've put into my questions! And I think I will just keep things as they are...ending with Leadwood. (Lion Sands was on my first list too!)Whew, as if there aren't other things to worry about. Wish I had stumbled upon these forums BEFORE making my plans. Now I want to change it all! I guess I will just have to make plans for the second trip asap! Thanks again
Now for my husbands query: he has a zeiss binocular 7x and is looking for any suggestions on what he should take for superb viewing. Any binoc folks out there? I want to take my own, but don't want to spend what he did! What is the best smaller binocular for the game rides? Once again, thanks in advance for the great advice I've been receiving!

napamatt

On Bins get a pair of 10*25's. They can be picked up for less than $200 and will be good for your trip.
I would only invest in expensive binoculars once you know you are going to use them frequently, which to me, means becoming a birder, mine are in use, several times a week, somewhat justifying the large price tag.

flygurl

Thanks napamatt, I've been perusing ebay but can probably go to any store in town if they can be had for under $200. Actually my husband loves birding so I should probably just get him another great pair of bins - so we dont fight over them and ruin the trip!