My wife and I are back from Mashatu, Mala Mala and Camp Jabulani. I am not going to do an in depth trip report becuase the trip is similar to one's already on this forum.

Mashatu was awesome. It is a unique experience. My wife and I would return there in a second. The game viewing was incredible (lions, leopards, large herds of elephants, impala, cheetahs.) The guide/tracker were awesome. The details in the rooms were amazing. I really liked how open the terrain is...makes for very good game viewing.

Mala Mala was interesting. Way overpriced for us. I am glad we experienced it though. You can tell that is caters to the large tour group. Inexpereinced guides. They all looked like teenagers that just stepped out of a Gap commercial. Game viewing ok, but I think that was the rangers fault. Way too commercial for us. Also for a luxury suite they need to do away with the plastic shower stall. The only good about Mala Mala is they do free laundry.

Camp Jabulani was really cool. I was torn about riding elephants but after seeing the entire facility it is first class through and through. The elephants were rescued from a camp in Zimbabwe. Just a good experience. The Hoedspruit endangered center was awesome as well. I am glad we splurged on Jabulani because the food was 5 star, as well as the rooms. The best hot chocolate we have ever tasted. It shares the Kampa reserve and game viewing was good, maybe even better than Mala Mala. When we arrived they mentioned that there is no set schedule and that we could do game drives when ever we wanted. We took advantage of this and did one 5am drive on Friday and then did another 7am drive on Satruday. We did 2 elephant back safaris. They are more elephany back walks, but well worth it.. 6-8 people total at the camp. And talk about a sundowner....They set up a table and chairs and we met there for drinks and 5 stars snacks.

The trip was perfect for us...all the flights were on time. We went ATL-Dakar_JNB on the way to Africa. And then went Air France JNB-Paris-ATL on the way home. All the flights and road transfers were spot on. We did nine flights in 12 days and not one was delayed. The weather was quite cool and overcast. We only saw 2 real sunsets. The rest of the evenings were overcast, but no rain.

Next time we go we will spend all of our time in Bostwana....it is a cool place. Maybe 2-3 days at Mashatu and then head into North Bostwana. Can't wait to start planning.

Also wanted to say thanks for all the advice. We packed just the right amount of clothes. I will add more to this post as I remember. I will also post a link to my pictures.

Scott and Susan.

Sounds wonderful!
Can't wait to see your photos!

Scoootr29 - Did you stay at the tented camp? who was your guide? Care to throw more detail on the sightings?>

Mala Mala or Mashatu?

scootr,

Would love to see pics from Mashatu when you get a chance to do so!

Glad, you had a terrific trip, though.....

Rgds,
Hari

I'm looking forward to seeing your photos of Mashatu since I'll be there next summer.

Was it Mashatu tented>?

Thanks for the comments. Mashatu continues to impress one and all!

Best hot chocolate anywhere? Jabulani moves up on the list for me, then. Did you write that it is possible to do elephant rides and walk with the elephants? Not sure I understood that. If you could elaborate a little more on your rides and the walks (if there are such things) I'd love to know.

Also if game viewing there surpassed Mala Mala for you, how many days do you think are optimal for a Jabulani stay?

How did you get to/from Jabulani? What I really want to know is for someone traveling alone who does not want to rent a car, do you know how that person would get there?

As for the "teenagers that just stepped out of a Gap commercial" at Mala Mala, I can sympathize with them because that's what everyone says about me too.

Welcome home and hoping for at least a few pictures at your convenience.

amolkarnik
Yes we will be at the tented Mashatu.