btburger

We are looking at a safari in Botswana this July (Okavango Delta and Chobe), but a tour operator has suggested we consider some of the private reserves in and around Kruger instead, since the game is even more plentiful there and the costs are much lower (we would drive between lodges). In particular, he's suggesting Mashatu Camp (in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve just over the border in Botswana), Pafuri Camp (in the extreme north of Kruger), and MalaMala Camp (which, if I've got my jurisdictions straight, is part of Sabi Sand Reserve -- or next to it).

I get the impression that these private reserves are quite natural (well, aside from the buildings themselves) and uncrowded, and while the landscapes aren't quite as dramatic as in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the overall experience would be about as great for my wife, me, and our kids (ages 9 and 10; they're good travelers). Do you think that's correct?

Also, while Fodor's and Lonely Planet love MalaMala, Frommer's says their main camp isn't as good a value as some other places nearby, and they especially love Djuma; any advice between them?

By the way, we'll also spend a week in and around Cape Town, and several days hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness Area (thanks to the many of you who replied to my post about those!).

Bruce

DonTopaz

If you ask 5 people, you'll likely get 8 or 9 opinions, so don't take this as definitive:

If this will be your first safari, I'd say go for the more economical option in the Kruger area. You will likely beb completely wowed by the animals, the environment, and the people you meet.

Then, on your next safari (and believe me, there is an overwhelmingly good chance that there will be a next safari), choose Botswana. It's true that you'll likely go a few more minutes between game sightings. But it's also true that you will likely be completely blown away by the environment: you are not just on the edge of civilization, you are a million miles away from it. None of the paved roads that you're likely to have seen in S.A., none of the fences -- just you, the Earth, and her creatures.

Lillipets

Ditto what Rizzuto said, especially if this is your 1st safari.
Keep it inexpensive because you'll need $$ go back!

lbj2

I think that one the problems you face in the Okavango is the age of your children. Most of the camps will not accept Children under 12 and those that do, you may be required to pay for a private vehicle for your entire stay.

(This may also be applicable to some camps in the Sabi Sand)

I would also recommend the agents suggestion if you are looking to save a little money.

Mala Mala is also cheaper than a similar private lodge in Botswana.

Sounds like a great trip.

If you flew into Maun, Air Botswana would set you back around $400 each return - maybe half price for the children, I not too sure on pricing.

Flights into the camps are then the next expense, up to $150 each per leg.

So it all adds up.

spassvogel

I would also go for the ZA option! It saves you some budget for the next safari
The Delta experience is of course unparalleled but would mean another highlight for when you return!

Whatever camp/lodge you choose make sure they accept children below 12 years of age!

Mashatu (as well as Mala Mala) has a strange policy for the trackers: They sit in the back of the vehicle which doesn't make sense at all to me.

I am not a Mala Mala fan at all because of it's absolutele weird treatment of employees: trakcers and rangers are not allowed to socialise after work. The management interferes pretty heavily with their private lives.
Mala Mala is still operating without trackers (union dispute). Here you will be charged even for water which the bottle themselves at their own plant! Paying for these things might sum up especially with kids!
I would rather go for venues which include soft drinks.

Mashatu's tented is good value for money wildlife wise but the tents ask for major refurb. But if that doesn't bother you - go for it. Main camp is big which would be a negative blow to me as I always prefer the more intimate ones.

The drive from Johannesburg up to Pont Drift Borderpost is a 5-6 hrs (tarred) and from Krueger is 7-8 hours with one fuel stop enroute.

From Sabi Sands we drove up to Louis Trichard (Makhadu)(all tarred roads!) and stayed at a working farm which is involved in wonderful tribe arts and crafts and the stay unexpectedly became a highlight of its own as the owner takes guests to the artists. Would have loved to stay one or two more nights! It's self catering (very nice bungalows!) or with BLD and has a exceptionally tasteful boutique.
Next morning we drove the approx. 120kms to the border Post where we left the car, crossed the Limpopo river in a cable car (adventurous for kids!) and drove up to Nitani - in your case you will be fetched by Mashatu vehicles.

Parking at the border post is mostly safe but when we returned from NITANI (Northern Tuli) 2 weeks ago one car was burglarized. So make sure your rental has got sufficient insurance cover!

A good option would be King's camp in Timbavati. We saw 4 different leopards in 4 game drives besides all other kinds of game.

Another good option is Elephant plains camp in Sabi Sands. But they pack the vehicles up to the max! For photographers it's a NO NO!

Sabi Sabi Bush lodge is extremely pleasant as is Lion Sands River Lodge. Both in Sabi Sands.

Extremely pleasant lodge is LONDOLOZI in Sabi Sands. People go out of their way to please and make you feel like a friend instead of a paying guest. Leopard and lion sightings were outragous when we visited last week - 2 lionesses introduced their 6 tiny cubs to the "world" and we were thrilled to watch these tiny fury things for almost 3 hours. One lioness carried one of them in her mouth when the small one were reluctant to follow her call.
A male orphaned cheetah of one year lives in the vicinity and was observed hunting down a shrub hare!
We had a marvelous time at LONDO and certainly return!
Our favourite there is Varty (the superior suites are huge!)

I cannot comment on Djuma.

Happy Planning!

SV

sundowner

I've been to Botswana and the delta area twice, Kenya and Rwanda once, Mashatu twice and MalaMala three times. I took my (then) 10 & 12 year old kids to MalaMala for 5 nights in 2006.

I gave my oldest daughter a trip to Africa for college grad and wanted to take her everywhere I have been because I love them all. I decided on Mashatu and MalaMala because I felt we could get the most bang for the buck. Mashatu for the huge, dry area, staying in tents, outdoor showers, a hide behind the camp, huge herds of impalas, huge herds of elephants and possibly wild dogs (we got to see them once - yeah!) and possibly cheetahs (saw 3 or 4 of them 5 out of 6 days, I think). MalaMala for the predators. Leopards and lions and maybe cheetahs. Jackpot. We saw many leopards, many lions and baby lion cubs. This was last summer. It was my oldest daughter and my 14 yr old daughter and another fodorite, Carla. We rented a car and drove from JNB to Mashatu to MalaMala to JNB. Best trip ever! (Every trip to Africa is the best trip ever )

I don't hesitate to recommend Mashatu and MalaMala and I believe your kids are at the half-price age at MM (that's a bouns!). I haven't stayed at Main Camp at Mashatu because I love Tent Camp. I think your kids are too young to stay at Tent Camp but I believe they sometimes make exceptions so if you are interested just ask them. The tents I've seen at Mashatu are only large enough for two people so each of you will have to share a room with one of the kids but it's oh so worth it.

There are many camps in the area and everyone has their opinions and favorites. I've shared mine. Good luck making your choice!

btburger

Thanks for the replies. I should have added a few things in my original post: My wife and I have been on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, but our kids haven't. We know the Mashatu/Pafuri/MalaMala itinerary would be great, but we're wondering whether the Okavango/Chobe itinerary would be significantly better, or just different. We are willing to pay more if it's significantly better. And we're not counting on another safari in Southern Africa because, while we travel a lot, there are several dozen other parts of the world that we're eager to visit.

atravelynn

Mala Mala was great when I went a couple years back. You may to investigate the current labor situation first before signing on there.

Another Sabi Sands camp that really has my interest from other reports and from people I've met in Africa who recommended it, is Elephant Plains. I think it is less expensive than Mala Mala (though MM was not overpriced in my opinion for the wildlife-rich area). The downfall of Elephant Plains seems to be that they put are quite a few people in the open vehicle--more than Mala Mala. I don't think it hinders anyone's view because the vehicle is open, but if you want really good photos, and are in the middle, your odds of the perfect shot go down. Also the additional bodies can jiggle the vehicle so it is not as still for photos, wherever you may be sitting. But if you just want nice snaps of animals, I think the seating would be fine.

I do think the Mala Mala area is unique because it is the largest, it has the Sand River running through it, and it is the oldest with the longest history of animals being accustomed to vehicles. Still, Elephant Plains has my interest and might be worth a look.

If giving up Botswana opens up more days, consider Phinda, sort of near Durban.

atravelynn

Here is an Ele Plains report. You can search for some more.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ant-plains.cfm

Pamo2

I had a similar question. Group of lady friends in their 50's want to travel to Africa. Have heard great things of Botswans. We were thinking: Okavango, CHobe, Vic Fall and Cape Town. A agent is suggesting we skip Okavango and go to Kruger. Any thoughts and what would be the tradeoff.

mytmoss

I will not add to much of what was already written. I agree with most of the advice. I have been to Djuma Vuyutela Lodge and I am going to be there again next month. It is a very nice lodge with very large rooms. The game viewing there is excellent. The only down side, and its only a matter of opinion if it is even a down side, is that the full shower is only outdoors. There is a very large tub with a shower device also, but its a bit more awkward. There is a lot to be said for outside showers, but its not for everyone.

Mike

mytmoss

PS....the shower is still private even though it is outside !

spassvogel

I love greater Kruger for it's predictability of big cats - foremost leopards. But I also LOVE tracking.

Botswana is much wilder then South Africa and comes much closer to the idea of SAFARI. SS, Timbavati, Thornybush....more zoo like but if one is just after the cats - they should certainly choose greater Kruger.

cary999

For my first or only safari I would not go to Kruger but to a private reserve camp. Kruger is too restrictive about going off road, you are not permitted such. While most private camps in South Africa or Botswana it is allowed to go road and this is where you will most likely see the big 5 up close and personal .

regards - tom

christabir

I did the Sabi Sands (Arathusa), Pafuri, Mashatu trip - it was fantastic! If you search arathusa or click on my name you should find my trip report from last year. We had a driver between camps instead of a rental and it worked out perfectly I also did Botswana. Loved it, too. They are very different from each other. I might be in atravelyn's camp here - Phinda and Sabi Sands (hopefully our next trip) sounds great, too. Since your kids are little, you probably have to have a private vehicle, and as sv says, many won't allow kids. IMHO, I would save Bots for later when the kids are older and can really appreciate how incredibly special it is.

Whatever you decide, it'll be great.

HariS

http://www.kwando.co.za/content/view/30/31/

Not sure if this will be of interest to you - ask your agent to enquire about it.

Kruger vs Delta.

Both are very different. For a first visit, you are going to be thrilled by either.... Kruger obviously more commercial and more guaranteed sightings. Bots will be more pristine, yet weather, flood levels etc etc., will make things a bit different.

For a party of 4, ask your agent to enquire which camps would provide you a vehicle for yourselves..... most camps in Bots and SA are kid friendly.

cary999

Hari, you think Kruger, Kruger National Park, will guarantee more sightings? I think maybe we, or at least I am, confusing Kruger with Kruger area. Kruger area being the reserves Sabi Sand and Timbavati for example. Those reserves "guarantee" sightings. I don't think Kruger National Park does, IMHO .

Also, not sure how feasible/relevant here, but if they are looking for the classic African savanna plains, movie, National Geographic look, then Kenya or Tanzania is what they want.

regards - tom

HariS

Tom, read the OP? - their TA was suggesting MM and possibly other similar options.

cary999

And right you are Hari.
Just me I guess, like to be very specific .

What about someone who says - I want to go on an African safari. Do you think they might be disappointed by the look and feel of South Africa or Botswana when they may have a mental picture of the classic Kenyan savanna?

And wonder what OP decided, OP post is over year ago. And as far as I can tell from Fodors crazy search, no followups after May 2009.

regards - tom

HariS

Ouch! My bad ........ didn't check the date. I guess outdated, now.

Guess there's very little of interest on Fodors, Tom ..... a thread from a year ago gets bumped up. Maybe Jordon and Egypt????