If your mother really likes cheetah, #2. If she'd like to do some of the other activities offered at Phinda for variety, that's another vote for #2. If the transfer will likely be the hardest part, that points to #2.

Without the issues raised above, I'd toss a coin.

I can only hope I'll be contemplating a couple of safaris at 83. Good for her!

#1, no contest

regards - tom

Thanks!! It's still a coin toss?? Or does tom's no contest win? A little help here, tom!! Why?! MM over Kirkmans? Mashatu over Phinda? Good points, atravelynn. I will ask her what's important (her response was "I want to see animals like last time".) She only saw two rhinos - I know Mashatu doesn't have any, but MM does. She didn't see dogs, so I will have to look into the latest sightings. But I've been really unlucky with them, too.

Availabilty might be the clincher. She just told me she'd like to go in June or July. Yes, 2013. Time to send a couple of emails!!

Thanks again!!

We did MalaMala and Mashatu in 2008, driving the whole trip. What a great combo and we really enjoyed the scenery of the drive.

I've been to MM 3 times (2004, 6 & 8) and would very happily return. I've been to Mashatu twice (2003 & 2008) and would love to go again. We stayed 6 nights at Mashatu in 2008 and could have stayed longer.

I can't compare with Kirkman's and Phinda because MalaMala gives me everything I'm looking for (wildlife) and I haven't tried anyplace else.

sundowner - we did Mashatu (tented) in 2009 and loved it!! We would go back in a minute, too. We combined it with Arathusa and Pafuri, getting drivers between camps. It was great. I'd love for my Mom to experience it, too. Still undecided, though. Thanks for the great insight - 2 for #1, 1 lean #2.

Won't be at MM & Mashatu till this June so can't really comment but last I heard there were still 3 seats available on the 4 seater plane from Masahtu to MM.

I put a reply post yesterday but it did not seem to make it onto forum, think Fodors was having problems.

I've been to MM 2005, 2006, 2008(9?) but never to Mashatu.
Been to Kirkmans 1 time but never to Phinda.

Wild dogs are iffy anywhere.
If you want to see the big5 three ways - up close, personal, and often, go to MM.

But if you want the classic African savannah grass plains, go to Kenya.

regards - tom

"If you want to see the big5 three ways - up close, personal, and often, go to MM."
Agreed.

Depending on your Mom's goals for the safari and her distaste for transfers, have you considered just one place? I suppose the interests of the younger traveling companion must be considered as well. That person would likely prefer the variety of two places. YOU want your Mom to see Mashatu but do you think she would prefer Mashatu over the other options?

Is Mala Mala and Phinda a possible combo? I combined those. Many spotted cats in that itinerary. It required an o/nt in Joburg, though a charter between the two is possible for a price.

Funny Kath! Have a great time. Please let us know how much you loved it when you come back!

I believe a MM/Phinda combo would be possible, but the logistics become more difficult (no direct charters). Pafuri, in northern Kruger, which is the perfect stopover between MM and Mashatu is closed indefinitely due to flooding. I looked for alternatives for an overnight and found a couple in case it becomes a driver-transfer trip. MM/Phinda is easy - overnight in Mbabane, Swaziland. If it becomes a driving trip, any camps in Sabi Sands are possible combined with Mashatu or Phinda.

So Mom decided to start inviting the whole family (again). I can't go due to health concerns, so I am passing the planning torch to others. I think #1 is my winner, but if more people go it is unlikely there will be availability, so it will depend on what they can get. It is too complicated now for too many (who will bail at the last minute). I tried. Thanks for the help! I really appreciate the feedback.

(tom - you know I'm a Southern Africa girl!)

The big thing in all this is your health. Hope you are fine and ready to travel soon.