Novak

We are trying to decide whether to go back to Kenya next summer (third trip) or to try Kruger Park and a few nights in the Sabi Sands. I really enjoy the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara and we would like to see Samburu again and maybe Lake Bogoria or Lake Baringo. But we are also interested in seeing the leopards up close in South Africa. Not sure whether we would be happy with Kruger Park and can't afford all the time in the Sabi Sands. Looking at a two week trip. Any comments?

Nyamera

I saw 5 (several sightings of one of them) different leopards during my last trip to the Mara and 3 of the sightings were of leopards on the ground.

Novak

Where were you staying in the Masai Mara and what time of year?
Thanks

Nyamera

Novak, it was end of June/beginning of July and first I stayed at Bushbuck Camp on Lemek Group Ranch where I saw two leopards walking together and then I stayed at Mara Intrepids where I saw two different leopards in trees, one of them several times, and then a small leopard hunting like a serval on Paradise Plains. I exaggerated when I said that I had 3 sightings of leopards on the ground: there were 2 sightings and 3 leopards were involved. I just wanted to say that you don’t have to go to South Africa to see leopards, but I suppose there’re many other reasons to visit SA.

atravelynn

Even if leopards were not mentioned, a new location for your third trip would make sense.

Because you did mention leopards, your wish to visit the Sabi Sands also makes sense.

This report may be helpful if you ignore the Hong Kong and Dubai intro. It will certainly give you some chuckles, including the Hong Kong and Dubai intro.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35083126

This one combined Kruger, Mala Mala in Sabi Sands and Kings Camp in Timbavati, next to Sabi Sands
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35083850

This discussion on budget options in Kruger may be of interest.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35127485

You can read lots of reports on Kruger and Sabi Sands here.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34858382

My only personal contribution is a 4-night stay at Mala Mala the end of June that was very enjoyable. I had 6 sightings of 4 leopards.

I believe a couple of places in Samburu bait for leopards, almost guaranteeing a sighting. There are pros and cons to that practice.