Mashatu Tuli Block
Sep 29th, 2008, 11:33 PM
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Mashatu Tuli Block
As you are by now all aware we are rather keen on photography and video.
At Mashatu there are no facilities for having a private vehicle at Tented Camp however you try, so we had no option but to stay at main camp. As the vehicles from Tented Camp were normally packed with up to 10 people this could have been a good choice
Main Camp was not at all to our taste, firstly it is “walled”, secondly the accommodation was completely over the top each unit is a semi with a ¾ bed and normal single. The seating area faced a large French window which allowed you a view of all of the trees and shrubbery outside and not much else. Unless you slid the window open there was no sounds of the jungle. There is one large bathroom with bath, shower and toilet, plus a separate toilet.
A complete contrast to the blend into the wild and listen to it approach adopted at our favourite camps.
The camp was run with a strictly regimented approach, wake up 06.00 coffee, tea and biscuits at 06.30 Morning drive 07.00 returning at the latest at 10.15, Brunch 11.00, High Tea at 15.30 Afternoon Drive 16.00, returning at latest at 19.15. Evening meal at 20.00 sharp followed by singing!! We did however manage to go out at 05.30 on two occasions to see the wild dogs.
For the first two days we had a 6 seater Land Cruiser with guide and tracker, the tracker sat at the back, we were told it was unsafe to have a tracker at the front. This off course meant that on the rare occasions he spoke or pointed out something you could neither hear nor see him, a great breakthrough.
On the final two days we were put into a 9 seater Land Cruiser, probably the most uncomfortable experience ever!
Finally at no stage was any tracking undertaken by the guide or tracker, the only time they left the vehicle was for toilet breaks! The pictures of the Young Eagle were only taken as a result of Helena’s spotting neither guide nor tracker saw it!
With the exception of Wild Dog recently introduced from those nice people at SANPARKS, then there was very little of interest to see unless you like collars on the majority of Male Predators and on FOUR adult wild dogs, east o avoid for photography but not video!
The major exception to this was the extremely large amounts of Eland.
In addition to the Dogs we saw 5 lion 3 females and two relatively young males with whom they had clearly been breeding. One of the males was collared by “researchers”. The purpose of this was unclear but appeared to be how long you can keep a small collar on a growing Lion before it is strangled, absolutely disgusting. We complained to one of the researchers who responded that it was not one of the Lions he had collared so he could do nothing about it (eco friendly or what?). We saw the same female Leopard on three occasions, and a brief glimpse of a male without a collar a rare sight indeed, we only hope he can escape the researchers. As for the famous Elephants none were seen in any number (10 at best) and no Bulls at all. In addition we saw a few Zebra, Wildebeest, Steenbok etc, plus a couple of nice sightings of Bat Eared Fox.
I will not mention our guides name but he was clearly disheartened, the reason for this was evidently the researchers. These people interfere with the running of camp and sell their guided tours to unsuspecting tourists were it not for Helena restraining me I would gladly have collared the lot, the tales they told were monstrously false, it was quite sickening!
A final item of interest was that we were perplexed to find that despite the fact that we were the first to leave Main Camp early in the morning when we went to see the Wild Dog, we discovered vehicles already there, it turned out that these were vehicles from Rock Camp, this is apparently a Syndicated Private Lodge near the banks of the Limpopo in the south of the concession. Whilst not as bad as finding two WS camps in your exclusive concession it is yet another deceit practiced on customers expecting exclusivity. In addition horse back safaris are also run on the concession we were delighted to discover several riders approaching the Wild Dog den and scaring both the pups and adults, more fun ensued when Helena was able to video the Wild Dogs with the sound of their camp being dismantled. Even more bizarre was the subsequent discovery of a small “jumping” course for the horses!!
All in all very disappointing we shall not return, but may consider investigating other lodges in the Tuli block. There are apparently several others despite the Mashatu Map being sold in the shop indicating that they are the only lodge in the Tuli Block.
My photos can be found at the following:
WILD DOG
http://sniktawkwild.zenfolio.com/p760253380
In case you wonder why there are many Dog pictures it was because most were taken on the dry Limpopo River bed
OTHERS
http://sniktawkwild.zenfolio.com/p541368421
At Mashatu there are no facilities for having a private vehicle at Tented Camp however you try, so we had no option but to stay at main camp. As the vehicles from Tented Camp were normally packed with up to 10 people this could have been a good choice
Main Camp was not at all to our taste, firstly it is “walled”, secondly the accommodation was completely over the top each unit is a semi with a ¾ bed and normal single. The seating area faced a large French window which allowed you a view of all of the trees and shrubbery outside and not much else. Unless you slid the window open there was no sounds of the jungle. There is one large bathroom with bath, shower and toilet, plus a separate toilet.
A complete contrast to the blend into the wild and listen to it approach adopted at our favourite camps.
The camp was run with a strictly regimented approach, wake up 06.00 coffee, tea and biscuits at 06.30 Morning drive 07.00 returning at the latest at 10.15, Brunch 11.00, High Tea at 15.30 Afternoon Drive 16.00, returning at latest at 19.15. Evening meal at 20.00 sharp followed by singing!! We did however manage to go out at 05.30 on two occasions to see the wild dogs.
For the first two days we had a 6 seater Land Cruiser with guide and tracker, the tracker sat at the back, we were told it was unsafe to have a tracker at the front. This off course meant that on the rare occasions he spoke or pointed out something you could neither hear nor see him, a great breakthrough.
On the final two days we were put into a 9 seater Land Cruiser, probably the most uncomfortable experience ever!
Finally at no stage was any tracking undertaken by the guide or tracker, the only time they left the vehicle was for toilet breaks! The pictures of the Young Eagle were only taken as a result of Helena’s spotting neither guide nor tracker saw it!
With the exception of Wild Dog recently introduced from those nice people at SANPARKS, then there was very little of interest to see unless you like collars on the majority of Male Predators and on FOUR adult wild dogs, east o avoid for photography but not video!
The major exception to this was the extremely large amounts of Eland.
In addition to the Dogs we saw 5 lion 3 females and two relatively young males with whom they had clearly been breeding. One of the males was collared by “researchers”. The purpose of this was unclear but appeared to be how long you can keep a small collar on a growing Lion before it is strangled, absolutely disgusting. We complained to one of the researchers who responded that it was not one of the Lions he had collared so he could do nothing about it (eco friendly or what?). We saw the same female Leopard on three occasions, and a brief glimpse of a male without a collar a rare sight indeed, we only hope he can escape the researchers. As for the famous Elephants none were seen in any number (10 at best) and no Bulls at all. In addition we saw a few Zebra, Wildebeest, Steenbok etc, plus a couple of nice sightings of Bat Eared Fox.
I will not mention our guides name but he was clearly disheartened, the reason for this was evidently the researchers. These people interfere with the running of camp and sell their guided tours to unsuspecting tourists were it not for Helena restraining me I would gladly have collared the lot, the tales they told were monstrously false, it was quite sickening!
A final item of interest was that we were perplexed to find that despite the fact that we were the first to leave Main Camp early in the morning when we went to see the Wild Dog, we discovered vehicles already there, it turned out that these were vehicles from Rock Camp, this is apparently a Syndicated Private Lodge near the banks of the Limpopo in the south of the concession. Whilst not as bad as finding two WS camps in your exclusive concession it is yet another deceit practiced on customers expecting exclusivity. In addition horse back safaris are also run on the concession we were delighted to discover several riders approaching the Wild Dog den and scaring both the pups and adults, more fun ensued when Helena was able to video the Wild Dogs with the sound of their camp being dismantled. Even more bizarre was the subsequent discovery of a small “jumping” course for the horses!!
All in all very disappointing we shall not return, but may consider investigating other lodges in the Tuli block. There are apparently several others despite the Mashatu Map being sold in the shop indicating that they are the only lodge in the Tuli Block.
My photos can be found at the following:
WILD DOG
http://sniktawkwild.zenfolio.com/p760253380
In case you wonder why there are many Dog pictures it was because most were taken on the dry Limpopo River bed
OTHERS
http://sniktawkwild.zenfolio.com/p541368421
Sep 30th, 2008, 03:59 AM
#2
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I have always wondered what happened to those luckless animals who have been collared. Although I realize that in some instances valuable research data has been obtained some of the younger animals surely would have to be monitored closely and have collars removed. One documentary I saw said that the large collars on elephants had small (very small!!) explosive devices which would detach the collar after a certain period. I wonder if that is true or an urban myth.
The experience sounds disappointing although you would never think it from the photos.
10 visitors in a vehicle … ummmmm
The experience sounds disappointing although you would never think it from the photos.
10 visitors in a vehicle … ummmmm
Sep 30th, 2008, 04:53 AM
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Too bad about your Mashatu experience. I think it is a wonderful first class place.
We enjoyed the game drive schedule, "walled" camp and guides/trackers.
I would have been overjoyed to just have seen wild dogs.
It seems to me that you have very specific safari camp requirements. If the camp could not or did not meet those requirements. Why go? It seems to me you are setting yourself up for failure.
Just a thought.
We enjoyed the game drive schedule, "walled" camp and guides/trackers.
I would have been overjoyed to just have seen wild dogs.
It seems to me that you have very specific safari camp requirements. If the camp could not or did not meet those requirements. Why go? It seems to me you are setting yourself up for failure.
Just a thought.
Sep 30th, 2008, 05:16 AM
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I was recently at Mashatu, albeit the tented camp.
We enjoyed our stay and it didn't feel anything like you've described.
Our guide and tracker worked really hard to ensure we had great sitings. The camp felt very relaxed. There were fixed meal times but we didn't get the feeling that we had to rush back for a particular meal.
We did see one collared lion but we also saw other lions, leopard and cheetah that weren't collared. We chose not participate in any of the researcher activities as I've done soemthing similar before. Those that did participate found themselves tracking collared animals which I guess is normal in that type of situation.
We enjoyed our stay and it didn't feel anything like you've described.
Our guide and tracker worked really hard to ensure we had great sitings. The camp felt very relaxed. There were fixed meal times but we didn't get the feeling that we had to rush back for a particular meal.
We did see one collared lion but we also saw other lions, leopard and cheetah that weren't collared. We chose not participate in any of the researcher activities as I've done soemthing similar before. Those that did participate found themselves tracking collared animals which I guess is normal in that type of situation.
Sep 30th, 2008, 06:24 AM
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Scootr29
I certainly do have specific requirements,this camp failed miserably in meeting them.Many others do not, but I figure that you always get a dud on most trips.
Cybor
Thanks for your comments, it is clearly possible to get some good photos in most places even there.
I certainly do have specific requirements,this camp failed miserably in meeting them.Many others do not, but I figure that you always get a dud on most trips.
Cybor
Thanks for your comments, it is clearly possible to get some good photos in most places even there.
Sep 30th, 2008, 07:27 AM
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Snik..not to get in a shouting match but...
My wife and I know that we do not like cruise ships. Why would we take a vacation on a cruise ship?
Your description of Mashatu as a "dud" is not fair, especially if you knew before hand it would not meet your specific requirements. Why spend $700 plus a night for a "dud"?
Your stay at Mashatu could have been averted by making a simple phone call or sending a simple email with simple questions. Or by asking the folks on the board who have been..including me.
For instance:
1) Is the camp "walled"?
2) Does the tent camp have access to private vehicles?
3) Are the game drives on a specific schedule?
4) Does the tracker sit at the front of the vehicle?
5) Is there any research going on at Mashatu?
6) Does the concession share with other camps?
7) Are the vehicles comfortable?
These simple questions may help you in weeding out the "duds" in the future.
I personally think that any safari experience at any safari camp is as far from a "dud" as you can get.
My wife and I know that we do not like cruise ships. Why would we take a vacation on a cruise ship?
Your description of Mashatu as a "dud" is not fair, especially if you knew before hand it would not meet your specific requirements. Why spend $700 plus a night for a "dud"?
Your stay at Mashatu could have been averted by making a simple phone call or sending a simple email with simple questions. Or by asking the folks on the board who have been..including me.
For instance:
1) Is the camp "walled"?
2) Does the tent camp have access to private vehicles?
3) Are the game drives on a specific schedule?
4) Does the tracker sit at the front of the vehicle?
5) Is there any research going on at Mashatu?
6) Does the concession share with other camps?
7) Are the vehicles comfortable?
These simple questions may help you in weeding out the "duds" in the future.
I personally think that any safari experience at any safari camp is as far from a "dud" as you can get.
Sep 30th, 2008, 07:55 AM
#8
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The maximum number of guests on their website indicates 7 at the main camp and 8 at the tented camp. Did you have the max number of people in your vehicle each day? That can certainly be challenging for photography. I have found that I select my camp locations based on my ability to prearrange for private use, and avoid those locations where I am not able to do so. There are some exceptions, such as camps that guarantee a maximum number of around 4 people per vehicle. Sorry you had a bad experience at Mashatu. The collaring situation doesn't sound ideal, to say the least.
Sep 30th, 2008, 07:56 AM
#9
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For how many days/nights were you there? In September?
I don't like the game drive start times for photography. 7.00 would seem to be a bit late and 16.00 is certainly too late for this time of year. 15.00 would be much better, what are you doing in camp anyway until that time of the afternoon? I've had these discussions before with other camp management and they seem to fixated on the idea of "winter" and "summer" hours. However, it is very possible that your guide will agree to go out earlier if everyone in the vehicle also wants too.
10 guests in a vehicle? NO thanks. How many guests usually in your vehicle?
regards - tom
I don't like the game drive start times for photography. 7.00 would seem to be a bit late and 16.00 is certainly too late for this time of year. 15.00 would be much better, what are you doing in camp anyway until that time of the afternoon? I've had these discussions before with other camp management and they seem to fixated on the idea of "winter" and "summer" hours. However, it is very possible that your guide will agree to go out earlier if everyone in the vehicle also wants too.
10 guests in a vehicle? NO thanks. How many guests usually in your vehicle?
regards - tom
Sep 30th, 2008, 06:14 PM
#10
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Very nice photos of the wild dog pups playing. Love them. The bat-eared foxes are really nice too.
Your sightings actually sound very good for four days, but I'd be leery of any place with conference facilities.
Your sightings actually sound very good for four days, but I'd be leery of any place with conference facilities.
Sep 30th, 2008, 06:20 PM
#11
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You avoided the collars nicely with your photos.
Can you give an estimate of the % of your predator sightings that had collars?
I think it is interesting I have not seen collars brought up before and collars are a significant variable.
But then I saw one or two collars on wild dogs at Chitabe and did not mention them because the collars did not interfere with my wildlife viewing.
Can you give an estimate of the % of your predator sightings that had collars?
I think it is interesting I have not seen collars brought up before and collars are a significant variable.
But then I saw one or two collars on wild dogs at Chitabe and did not mention them because the collars did not interfere with my wildlife viewing.
Sep 30th, 2008, 08:34 PM
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Scootr 29
We were booked into Tented Camp with private vehicle at the last moment we found out from Skimmer that this was not allowed. When we asked my agent she said the lodge had never informed her of this.
Six weeks before departure it was apparently impossible to change anything, so we had little option but cancellation at loss, so we went ahead. Your other comments are silly who would ask these sort of questions.
Hindsight is an amazing thing and given that most people on this site rave about this place we thought we were on a reasonable bet.
If you have never been to a dud safari camp then you are lucky, but I am sure that what we consider to be dud is entirely different to that of other less experienced visitors.
Andy
We had a private vehicle hence just the two of us. We always do this to ensure no overcrowding and normally great flexibility.Waving a 500mm around is not a possibility on these overcrowded vehicles.
Atravelynn
We were there for 4 days.
As we saw so few predators % would mean nothing.As I stated in my report 1 Male lion was collared in a most cruel manner. 4 adults in the Wild Dog pack, the only other predator we saw was a female leopard we were told that female predators are not collared. We also saw one male leopard for around 10 seconds this was not collared, for obvious reasons we asked that this should not be reported.
We were booked into Tented Camp with private vehicle at the last moment we found out from Skimmer that this was not allowed. When we asked my agent she said the lodge had never informed her of this.
Six weeks before departure it was apparently impossible to change anything, so we had little option but cancellation at loss, so we went ahead. Your other comments are silly who would ask these sort of questions.
Hindsight is an amazing thing and given that most people on this site rave about this place we thought we were on a reasonable bet.
If you have never been to a dud safari camp then you are lucky, but I am sure that what we consider to be dud is entirely different to that of other less experienced visitors.
Andy
We had a private vehicle hence just the two of us. We always do this to ensure no overcrowding and normally great flexibility.Waving a 500mm around is not a possibility on these overcrowded vehicles.
Atravelynn
We were there for 4 days.
As we saw so few predators % would mean nothing.As I stated in my report 1 Male lion was collared in a most cruel manner. 4 adults in the Wild Dog pack, the only other predator we saw was a female leopard we were told that female predators are not collared. We also saw one male leopard for around 10 seconds this was not collared, for obvious reasons we asked that this should not be reported.
Oct 1st, 2008, 04:32 AM
#13
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I'm sorry you were so disappointed by your visit. I was at tented camp for 5 days in July and loved it. I could never in my wildest dreams afford a private vehicle so the most I can hope for is being with a group that has similar interests.
We saw leopards every day and none of them were collared. We also saw a group of 4 cheetah and another pair and no collars there either. There were no collars on the wild dogs we saw either, but then we only saw 4 of them. The one male lion we saw was collared and I have to adnmit it didn't seem "right" somehow. We were told that there are few adult male lions at Mashatu and they don't know why. When they do show up they never seem to stay.
I understand the need for research. And with todays modern electronics it seems like there are more unobtrusive methods of tracking. We spent a morning with the elephant researcher. She agreed that there are probably more subtle things, but it all boils down to $$$$. Researchers have a limited budget so they can't take advantage of all the latest electronics.
We loved it at Mashatu and saw a lot more of the smaller things that seemed to get skipped in the Sabi Sands quest for the Big 5. And we loved the hide at the tented camp.
We stopped by the main camp one day and it isn't my type of place either.
We also saw tons (literally) of elephants every day. It's odd that seeing a collar on an elephant was not as disturbing to me as seeing one on a lion. I'm not sure why..that's just my gut reaction.
The only collared elephant we saw was in Sabi Sands. We thought that little yellow box just behinnd the top of her head made her look like a taxi cab!
The guides at tented camp were wonderful. I'm sorry you ended up with a "dud."
You still ended up with some wonderful photos.
I tried to find the rest of your trip report but can't find it. Can you point it out for me? Thanks.
We saw leopards every day and none of them were collared. We also saw a group of 4 cheetah and another pair and no collars there either. There were no collars on the wild dogs we saw either, but then we only saw 4 of them. The one male lion we saw was collared and I have to adnmit it didn't seem "right" somehow. We were told that there are few adult male lions at Mashatu and they don't know why. When they do show up they never seem to stay.
I understand the need for research. And with todays modern electronics it seems like there are more unobtrusive methods of tracking. We spent a morning with the elephant researcher. She agreed that there are probably more subtle things, but it all boils down to $$$$. Researchers have a limited budget so they can't take advantage of all the latest electronics.
We loved it at Mashatu and saw a lot more of the smaller things that seemed to get skipped in the Sabi Sands quest for the Big 5. And we loved the hide at the tented camp.
We stopped by the main camp one day and it isn't my type of place either.
We also saw tons (literally) of elephants every day. It's odd that seeing a collar on an elephant was not as disturbing to me as seeing one on a lion. I'm not sure why..that's just my gut reaction.
The only collared elephant we saw was in Sabi Sands. We thought that little yellow box just behinnd the top of her head made her look like a taxi cab!
The guides at tented camp were wonderful. I'm sorry you ended up with a "dud."
You still ended up with some wonderful photos.
I tried to find the rest of your trip report but can't find it. Can you point it out for me? Thanks.
Oct 1st, 2008, 01:07 PM
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Just a few thoughts after looking at the Mashatu web site (www.mashatu.com)
From the look of it, their beds look quite appropriate, and not small like you appear to be mentioning. It looks like the have a queen size, a twin size plus a sleeper sofa all in the same room. here is a photo:
http://www.mashatu.com/gallery/MSHA115.jpg
as far as the walls go, that is just a personal preference that you have. I don't think that is something you should complain about. It is something to take into consideration if you are looking for a more wilderness type of feeling.
from what I read, lodges and camps have a food and game driving schedule that makes it easy for the staff to know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. I am sure there are exceptions. Did you request or ask?
I couldn't tell from your text, but are you complaining that the tracker was in the rear of the vehicle? I can only suspect that having a tracker in the front would be both dangerous for him and also a hinderance for some sort of photography.
Charging wildlife, a rearing black mamba, stumps that fly off wheels and a vehicle stopping against an object have all been known to cause injury to trackers.
From the look of it, their beds look quite appropriate, and not small like you appear to be mentioning. It looks like the have a queen size, a twin size plus a sleeper sofa all in the same room. here is a photo:
http://www.mashatu.com/gallery/MSHA115.jpg
as far as the walls go, that is just a personal preference that you have. I don't think that is something you should complain about. It is something to take into consideration if you are looking for a more wilderness type of feeling.
from what I read, lodges and camps have a food and game driving schedule that makes it easy for the staff to know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. I am sure there are exceptions. Did you request or ask?
I couldn't tell from your text, but are you complaining that the tracker was in the rear of the vehicle? I can only suspect that having a tracker in the front would be both dangerous for him and also a hinderance for some sort of photography.
Charging wildlife, a rearing black mamba, stumps that fly off wheels and a vehicle stopping against an object have all been known to cause injury to trackers.
Oct 1st, 2008, 05:10 PM
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FWIW, regarding tracker up front on the vehicle finder/wing -or- up back on top. MalaMala is the only camp that I have been to that puts them up back. The four other camps that I've been to that use trackers put them up front. As a guest I much prefer to have the tracker in back out of the way of my view.
And yes it is possible to change the game drive schedule times. Guides are usually very wiling to do it if all guests on their vehicle agree. Going out earlier in the afternoon does not impact the dinner hour (after the game drive) and staff.
regards - tom
And yes it is possible to change the game drive schedule times. Guides are usually very wiling to do it if all guests on their vehicle agree. Going out earlier in the afternoon does not impact the dinner hour (after the game drive) and staff.
regards - tom
Oct 1st, 2008, 08:36 PM
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J Gardner,
You and others clearly take your customers to be stupid and gullible little creatures!
It is absolutely amazing that you quote exactly the same words as those used by Mashatu in the response to a travel agent who had forwarded you my comments.
Are you by any chance related to the respondent you quote?
I can only wonder why you chose to leave out the following parts of the response from Mashatu in relation to my comments on Wild Dogs and Horseback Safaris which appear at thend of my report.
This is also something that I will draw to Management's attention and ask that the Horse Safarisare monitored for what I would deem to be a serious misdemeanour. Notwithstanding this,
1. the horse safari operation was in place many years before the dogs decided to den close by!!
2. the horse safari operation requires that ALL participants are able to adequately handle a horse before they are allowed amongst big game whilst mounted. A small "jumping" course is their way of ascertaining the ability of each rider. Again, the dogs neglected this aspect when choosing a home for their pups.
I will leave it to those on this forum who are not TA's or operators to decide about your selective recollection of "facts".
I presume many others may wonder why such a "wildlife friendly" lodge apparently excuses the behaviour on their concession by blamimg Wild Dogs for picking the wrong place to raise their pups.
These comments alone should be enough to open a few eyes.
You may wish to wonder why anyone could think it let alone put it in print!!!
You and others clearly take your customers to be stupid and gullible little creatures!
It is absolutely amazing that you quote exactly the same words as those used by Mashatu in the response to a travel agent who had forwarded you my comments.
Are you by any chance related to the respondent you quote?
I can only wonder why you chose to leave out the following parts of the response from Mashatu in relation to my comments on Wild Dogs and Horseback Safaris which appear at thend of my report.
This is also something that I will draw to Management's attention and ask that the Horse Safarisare monitored for what I would deem to be a serious misdemeanour. Notwithstanding this,
1. the horse safari operation was in place many years before the dogs decided to den close by!!
2. the horse safari operation requires that ALL participants are able to adequately handle a horse before they are allowed amongst big game whilst mounted. A small "jumping" course is their way of ascertaining the ability of each rider. Again, the dogs neglected this aspect when choosing a home for their pups.
I will leave it to those on this forum who are not TA's or operators to decide about your selective recollection of "facts".
I presume many others may wonder why such a "wildlife friendly" lodge apparently excuses the behaviour on their concession by blamimg Wild Dogs for picking the wrong place to raise their pups.
These comments alone should be enough to open a few eyes.
You may wish to wonder why anyone could think it let alone put it in print!!!
Oct 1st, 2008, 10:37 PM
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Yikes, the introduction of wild dogs has created so much excitement and buzz for the area it scares me if that is the management attitude toward them, especially in the first year of denning for a species with very high mortality rates.
In an issue of much less importance a 'tracker' must sit out in front where it is easily possible to find the spoor to track. From the back at slow speeds an occassional trail may be spotted but nothing like what can be done from the front. As someone who puts great importance on the tracker this is a factor when I select where to stay and thus I wish that camps/lodges would say they have a guide and a 'spotter' if that is the set up. The spotter can still add a lot of value with extra eyes in a high perch and the ability to share with guests from the back but it is different than a tracker who may find the trail that leads to the sighting as opposed to only seeing what is already in view.
In an issue of much less importance a 'tracker' must sit out in front where it is easily possible to find the spoor to track. From the back at slow speeds an occassional trail may be spotted but nothing like what can be done from the front. As someone who puts great importance on the tracker this is a factor when I select where to stay and thus I wish that camps/lodges would say they have a guide and a 'spotter' if that is the set up. The spotter can still add a lot of value with extra eyes in a high perch and the ability to share with guests from the back but it is different than a tracker who may find the trail that leads to the sighting as opposed to only seeing what is already in view.
Oct 2nd, 2008, 10:02 PM
#18
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Wel, that's Mashatu off my list of places to visit.
As for the tracker...PB is completely correct. A guy sitting on the back row is a 'spotter'. As I travel on my own I usually get a whole row to myself...this allows me to position myself on either side for the best angle. I ceratinly wouldn't go to any lodge where the spotter takes up one of the seats.
I've never had any photography issues with thetracker on the bonnet - they nearly always get into the vehicle when in close proximity to predators.
As for the tracker...PB is completely correct. A guy sitting on the back row is a 'spotter'. As I travel on my own I usually get a whole row to myself...this allows me to position myself on either side for the best angle. I ceratinly wouldn't go to any lodge where the spotter takes up one of the seats.
I've never had any photography issues with thetracker on the bonnet - they nearly always get into the vehicle when in close proximity to predators.
Oct 2nd, 2008, 10:19 PM
#19
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FWIW, to continue this, I don't mind if the "spotter" sets in the back row. The back row is my least favorite setting position since it is up high and many times gives you a looking down perspective on the animals. Especially when the guide typically positions the vehicle as close as they can. (Likewise in mini vans where you have to stand to photograph).
Most trackers I've seen on the fender do not get in the vehicle at any time. And the tracker in front can really be in the way if you're videoing animals crossing in front of the vehicle or walking along side.
regards - tom
Most trackers I've seen on the fender do not get in the vehicle at any time. And the tracker in front can really be in the way if you're videoing animals crossing in front of the vehicle or walking along side.
regards - tom
Oct 3rd, 2008, 12:54 AM
#20
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What a strange message this is!
1. I have had a private vehicle at Mashatu at Tented!
2. 10 Guests could not fit on one Landrover.
3. It is logic that would make me figure that Tented Camp is tented andMain camp is not! So I would expect to find walls. Wrong choice of camp, i think!
4. 99% of Safari camps in Africa run on this 'regimental' timing. You can join in or not. If you want to change this, then yes, you have to hire a private vehicle, if avaialble. How else would you suggest they do this without increasing your costs more? Although you say it is strictly regimented",..you asked to go out earlier for the wild dogs, and did! Not so strict!
5. I agree with the logic of the tracker being high up and at the back. He has a far better view up there, and he does communicate with your RANGER on what he spots. I have also seen a Tracker alsmost maulled by an Elephant on the front seat of a LandRover before! He is safer and far more effective for TRACKING/SPOTTING on the back, in my opinion! It is your RANGER who should be communicating with you. Not the spotter!
6. As a lion grows, so the researchers will adjust the collar!
They are doing GREAT research work!
7. I doubt if I paid for a map to be produced to promote my Hotel in New York, I would put the names of other hotels you can also stay at!
I feel a lot of this is very unfair and gives a very incorrect impression of a unique destination
The beauty of the Internet is that we can go to the www page of the safari lodge and see that it has walls for example! If we don't like the look of it...DONT GO!
1. I have had a private vehicle at Mashatu at Tented!
2. 10 Guests could not fit on one Landrover.
3. It is logic that would make me figure that Tented Camp is tented andMain camp is not! So I would expect to find walls. Wrong choice of camp, i think!
4. 99% of Safari camps in Africa run on this 'regimental' timing. You can join in or not. If you want to change this, then yes, you have to hire a private vehicle, if avaialble. How else would you suggest they do this without increasing your costs more? Although you say it is strictly regimented",..you asked to go out earlier for the wild dogs, and did! Not so strict!
5. I agree with the logic of the tracker being high up and at the back. He has a far better view up there, and he does communicate with your RANGER on what he spots. I have also seen a Tracker alsmost maulled by an Elephant on the front seat of a LandRover before! He is safer and far more effective for TRACKING/SPOTTING on the back, in my opinion! It is your RANGER who should be communicating with you. Not the spotter!
6. As a lion grows, so the researchers will adjust the collar!
They are doing GREAT research work!
7. I doubt if I paid for a map to be produced to promote my Hotel in New York, I would put the names of other hotels you can also stay at!
I feel a lot of this is very unfair and gives a very incorrect impression of a unique destination
The beauty of the Internet is that we can go to the www page of the safari lodge and see that it has walls for example! If we don't like the look of it...DONT GO!
