cristeen

With new SAA sale prices, we are back to trying to plan our first South Africa Safari trip this Sept. instead of putting off until August 2012. Good thing is we were originally planning for this year so I have a bit of information. As many here have so generously helped with, there is still so much to learn and consider.
I think we've decided to take what I consider the easier way to plan. We are now looking at the &Beyond packages. Originally I thought they would be a bit more over the top than we are looking for, but they sure do include a lot with aircraft pick up. We really are not interested in driving ourselves. I think we will save that for a repeat visit. Same with heading to Victoria Falls. Another time.
Anyway, there is a package that offers nights combined at Kirkman's Camp in Sabi Sands and Ngala Private Game Reserve. They have lodges in Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Phinda, etc. I know you all know much better than I.
Any suggestions as to the best for game viewing and seeing different habitats?
I know I can read and read and find something wonderful at each and not as great at each.
We are looking at 10-14 days. No beaches or city visits. Just a couple of parks.
Suggestions and reviews your experience is appreciated. We need to make a decision quickly.
Thanks so much!

atravelynn

I did a Sabi Sands and Phinda combo that was outstanding--4 and 7 nights respectively for 11 nights total in the parks. Between Sabi Sands and Phinda, I had to o/nt in Joburg.

I stayed at Mala Mala and even spent some time in Kirkmans because Mala Mala has traversing rights. Excellent area with lots of leopard activity.

Then a week in Phinda, which is a little longer than many visits but I did 3 morning rhino trackings. Also a lovely canoe trip and some cultural activities. There are many options besides traditional game drives in Phinda. You mention different habitats, well Phinda has 7 distinct habitats that add to the overal experience and makes a longer stay exciting each day. I stayed at Forest Lodge in the Sand Forest and enjoyed being able to walk around the paths and observe nyala antelope, impala, monkeys, and birds.

The first 61 photos of this album are of Mala Mala safari, which is next to Kirkman's and we even spent some time on Kirkman's property.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...d&x=0&y=xaqwzq

52 photos of Phinda. The last 2 are of Forest Lodge.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&x=0&y=-chzkj4


If 14 days is in SA, I'd do 4 each at Kirkman's, Ngala, and Phinda. With a night up front in Joburg and a transfer day, that's 14.

cristeen

atravelynn-Thank you! Your photos are stunning! I look at them and get lost in imagining I may see even a fraction of the wildlife.
I have seen, especially on the other travel site, quite a few people really like Kirkman's. Not as many are as positive about Ngala. I guess Sabi Sands is the must see place. I thought Phinda looks like a very nice variation. It sounds like I may even be able to save and go for 3 nights each with an night in Joburg. One good thing. I do have points for a free hotel night that would be able to be used there. Thank you for your suggestions. They are much appreciated!

cary999

10-14 days, all safari. Works for me!!! In 2008 I spent 16 days at just two camps in Kruger area, Kings Camp and Ngala Lodge. My Fodors trip report -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35161085

Anyway if Ngala -Tented-, ok. If Ngala Lodge, no thanks. (Trip report). Ngala Lodge technically may be in Timbavati but they do not share traversing with other Timbavati camps. Ngala Lodge game drives go down into the Ngala Tented private area.

Kirkmans good. (Been there, 5 nights 2009). And heard good things about the other &Beyond camps in Sabi Sand, Exeter, Duilini. &Beyond usually has specials like go any camps combo 8 nights, pay for only 6. This year also? If &Beyond includes air shuttles that could be worth a lot, they can be $$$$$.

regards - tom

atravelynn

One more thing--If you like spotted cats a Kirkman's and Phinda trip would likely supply you with both leopard and cheetah sightings.

atravelynn

Just saw your response cristeen. I'd bet you will see similar wildlife and have lots of equally great photo ops. Maybe not the wild dogs, which were rare, but probably more lion shots since it was a lack of lions at Mala Mala that lured in the dogs.

christabir

Judging from our past discussions, budget is an issue for you. Not sure, but it seems like it. I planned a trip in April for June in 2009 - you have time, but you need to be flexible.

I planned a trip for my Mom last year to do Kirkman's/Phinda. 4 nights each, fly between camps, road transfers. During shoulder season, it was over $8000 pp for 8 nights. Sept is peak season, so it might be more. That's pretty expensive (especially for me). Any decent travel agent can book camps, road transfers, charters at the places you want to go. No need to go the easy route. Look into a Sabi Sand/Timbavati/Mashatu Tented combo. We did 3 nts Arathusa, 3 nts Pafuri (N Kruger), 4 nts Mashatu for under $5000 pp two years ago, including two charter flights and two road transfers. Three very different eco-systems and we had a great experience. Well, Pafuri was OK, and Mashatu Tented is still my favorite camp.

Kirkman's/Phinda is a great option and you are guaranteed to be pampered.

Or check out these:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...und-kruger.cfm

Ngala Tented gets better reviews than Ngala Lodge (I didn't like Ngala Lodge in 2006).

cristeen

Tom-thanks! I did see your report about Ngala. That is part of what has me wondering if we are better going to Kirkman's and Phinda. Truth is, this is my first time on the continent, much less on safari. I'm sure to me they will all be wonderful. I have seen &beyond does have the 1 night free after staying a certain number of combineable nights. And, yes, I agree, they offer air shuttles that appear to be a great value.
lynn-I like everything! haha, that's my problem. I must say, though, I have a heart for rhinos. No reason. I just like them. Otherwise, I really would like to see as much as possible. We also very much enjoy birds,though are not making this a birding trip.

Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?

cristeen

christabir-I almost missed your post. We must have been typing at the same time. Thank you! Yes, I always plan a budget. It just makes sense to me. We are flexible. We are not ones to ususally go with the pampering style, but this will be a big anniversary for us so I am justifying it a little bit. No massages or plunge pools. It's just not us. I would give up some of the luxury to see more and allow for more photos. I am going to look at your Arathusa, 3 nts Pafuri (N Kruger), 4 nts Mashatu now. Thanks!
Lynn-yay! I sure hope so! I'll be happy with any of them. I have seen a few posts about the wild dogs lately, too. Who knows?
Truthfully, my biggest fear...that I'll be a giddy idiot when I see the magnificent wildlife.

christabir

I'm still a giddy idiot on safari. I even have a giddy idiot sound.

Have fun planning!

cary999

MalaMala in Sabi Sand and Mashatu in Bots are sort of sister camps. Mashatu is just over the border into Botswana. MalaMala will put together a package deal for the two camps for you. -
http://www.malamala.com/itineraries/...ckage_2011.pdf

I have been to MalaMala three times (love it) but not to Mashatu. So I'm not sure how different the experience is between the two camps. I do know that others here have been to both and love both. Maybe they will chime in on it. Budget might be serious consideration.

regards - tom

DonTopaz

christabir, anyone who <i>isn't</i> some form of giddy idiot about safaris has a character flaw, if you ask me.

cristeen

christabir- haha! Oh good! I won't be the only one, then!
Tom- Thanks! That looks like another great option.
Now that the weekend is here, I'm getting nervous. I hope I hear from TA today so I may book flights. I don't want to book until I know that there is space at some lodge for us.

Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?

DonTopaz

12-14 days wouldn't be too much for me. But, especially in the Greater Kruger area, I might break the time up a bit, maybe spending a couple of nights at a non-safari lodge or inn. That's mostly because the morning game drives typically mean getting up at 5.30 or 6.00, and I don't mind taking a break from that routine from time to time. It's easy enough to skip the morning drive on occasion (or all the time, as one poster here is wont to do), but the Kruger area has the advantage of having plenty to do & see in addition to game drives.

atravelynn

"Do you guys think 12 or 14 days of safari is too ambitious for first timers?"

Definitely not for "giddy idiots on safari", which fortunately it appears you aspire to be. Each outing is different and the time will fly.

Any of the combos suggested for your 12-14 days will provide you with a fabulous time.

cristeen

Thanks!
The TA hasn't gotten back to me today. They are probably closed on the weekends. Now it gives me more time to obsess over lodges. Right now, depending on what she comes back with, we are thinking Kirkman's & Phina & possibly Ngala
or the MalaMala in Sabi Sand and Mashatu in Bots suggestion. It sounds pretty good, too.

christabir

Since you are using either &Beyond or Mala Mala, you could shoot off an email to both of them. They'll get back to you by Monday. At least you can get an idea of availability and cost quickly. I think there is one flight weekly between MM and Mashatu. That's a convenient flight. If you include Pafuri, the distances are drivable. We got drivers for our transfers and it worked out perfectly. And you get to see some of S Africa, not just fly over it.

Mashatu Tented is very rustic - we loved it, but Main Camp might suit you better. Check the website.

12 nights at two camps? That's a long time. I'd do 3 or even 4.

cary999

You're in USA (like me), you gotta spend 14 days (or more) to make it worth the cost, loooooong flights, and time change.

Hard to say how I'd split 14 days to include MalaMala-Mashatu. Looks like that deal for both is 7 nights ?. Could go Mashatu first and stay 2 additional night at Mashatu. (now at 9 total). Back to MM add 1 night there (10). Still in Sabie Sand go to (quick easy vehicle transfer) &Beyond camp for 4-5 nights. Yeah, that's the ticket!!!

regards - tom

cary999

ps - even after around 200 game drives, I'm still giddy my first one every safari!!!

regards - tom

cristeen

We are flexible on our dates. I would say we would go up to 12 nights. Now with this weekend waiting, I'm going through the indecision and ret-thinking again. I origingally wanted to do 2 safari camps and Vic Falls in one trip. Adding Vic Falls puts a good dent in the bidget. Doing all camps makes for a lot of game drive days. Then, of course, I think, shouldn't I treat this as I would visiting any other new place and try to see more? Not museums and the city, but more than just the camps. Ugh...so much to consider. I think going to the Phinda area looks like it would allow for more than all game drives. The Kirkman's & Ngala package looks good & a pretty good value. But, I think I rather go to most any of the other camps than Ngala. If I go to Botswana, I think I should see Chobe. If I'm going that far, I may as well go back to my Vic. Falls plan. The TA has on their site that they guarantee lowest price and are tyypically 5%-10% lower than the rack rate. I should hear back from her tomorrow. I didn't want to contact the reserves directly yet because I thought they may not honor the TA if they have my name first. Isn't this normally the case?
I guess tomorrow's information will help me make these decisions. I just hope I haven't missed the avaiable flights now.
Thank you all so much for your help. You have been great! I'll let you know what we come up with.