spiegel, you might check with Rocco or Julian from this board for some ideas. Another option is check with Mark at tagasafaris.com. I'm sure all of them will get you more time in the bush at a lower cost.

Hi! Dennis....i guess the time difference between Hawaii and India, makes just the two of us on the msg boards at the moment........

Hari

seems that way Hari! what time is it there? it's around 6:00 p.m. here

goodmorning ! Sunday , 6.00 am here

Hi! Dennis, it's 10:30 AM sunday morning. Time difference is 9:30 hrs ahead of east coast time.

Hari

Thanks so much for all the advice so far!

1)How about feedback of those who have been to Lagoon and Lebala? Since they are so close to each other, is the viewing the same?

2)How would you rate Kwara vs. Chitabe in late May/ early June?

3)What is the main difference between WS and Kwando camps?

Wait... Selinda doesn't look part of WS, is that right?

Parkertraveler,

Hi! Selinda is marketed by Wilderness.

I have been to both Lagoon and Lebala. On my upcoming August trip, i am going to both camps. The Kwando concession is huge. The northern section is Lagoon and to the South is Lebala. Both are a little varied in terrain, Lebala being more open.....giving you better predator action and a place where it is relatively easier to follow the dogs, should they be hunting. Lebala is a bit more luxurious in terms of accomodation.(both are priced the same)

Lagoon area may hv better elephant action later in the dry season and a better chance of roan and sable antelope.

Kwando vs Wilderness.....i hv been to camps of both companies....like them both. Kwando markets itself with a stong emphasis on guiding and quality game-viewing. I have had several 10 hr drive days at Kwando. Very good guides and camp staff (My experiences)

At Wilderness, i've had good game drives also. They hv better food/accomodation. However, Kwando is very good also. They dont focus on the gourmet crowd. Some Wilderness camps like Mombo have spectacular food!!! Kwando has simpler but, adequate menus. However, on all safaris i find myself eating too much.

Your other question, for late May/early June.......for predator action, Kwara vs Chitabe......perhaps Chitabe wins by a fraction....By the time, your trip rolls around Kwara's new camp, Little Kwara will be in business. Only 4tents and more luxurious. The old Kwara tents are very average....in all honesty.

Sure this either helps or confuses you even further!!!

Hari

Parkertraveler,

Here's an update of my Kodakgallery where i hv pics from both Wilderness and Kwando.http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-lasqq8

: santharamhari

I have clicked on the slide show but can't get them to advance. What am I doing wrong?

What's the worst case scenario with Chief's in late May? I've been reading that sometimes with the floods, you won't be able to reach all of the driveable areas? Would the areas left that you can drive on still be incredible?

spigel,

Just click play, when the frame comes on with the first picture. Just did a test on the link, it does work.....

Hari

Hari -

Do you think the location of the new Little Kwara camp will be near the main Kwara and have the same access to game viewing?

Hi! It's no more than 5 mins from the main camp. They were originally scheduled to be located one hr away....but, had to re-locate due to the new location actually being in the moremi game reserve. This is why there is some delay in opening the camp. Recently, couple of fodorites were at Kwara and had to stay at main camp. It should be ready for action shortly.

Yes, the game viewing areas will be the same........

Hari

Parkertraveler,

Sorry......i missed your question on Chief's camp.....IMO, you'd be better off going there during either late in the dry season or during the green season. Green season would allow you to get incredible rates for stay combined with fantastic game viewing. If i were to return to Botswana in the green season, i would spend a week at Chief's camp.....(Nov-Mar)

Hari

OK everyone please help me tighten this up. 1.June 07 websites still show that June is "shoulder season" and pricing is slightly less than in July. Is this correct? 2. Do I spend more time in the delta or the Savuti/Linyanti area? 3. camp choices in the delta for June Chiefs, Chitabe, Stanley's or Duba Plaines? 4. Savuti /Linyant - Kings Pool or Selinda. 5. Any other suggestions are welcome. We will have a total of 18 days including flying. So take off 3 days for travel leaves 15 days to do Capetown, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. How would you break this up? Also considered one day in Johannsburg to go to Soweto.

If shoulder season ends in June what would the game viewing be like in May or should we just bite the bullet and wait until July/August. One of the reasons for going in June was to cut the cost somewhat.

Hi! Shoulder season for Wilderness camps ends Mid june i.e., High season starts June 15, 07. If you really want to cut some costs, you need to complete your trip prior to these dates. You will still see some top-notch game viewing.

However, later in the dry season August and onwards you will encounter some spectacular sightings......more notably the huge herds of buffalo and elephants.

Your question, of linyanti vs delta (time duration)......depends on what you are looking for....

Hari

Hari, where do you live? You are either far away or up late like I am in California. Regarding what we are looking for is excellent game viewing, good lodging but not as high end as Mombo, but no plain tents, some city and culture also. This is our first to Africa, and possibly the only one. We are both a young 60 but have so many other places we still want to see. This is the reason for adding Cape Town and the falls. Am I trying to squeeze to much into 18 days with 3 days for traveling. Also this trip is so expensive for us. I am thinking it is going to be about $20K US without air as we are using FF miles. I wish I could figure out how to do it for less but I do not want to stay in lodges, because I want the camp experience.

Hi Spiegeljcs,

I live in India......yep, far away from CA...

Ok, to answer ur question, if i were in your shoes..... would do 3 nights minimum cape Town, 2 nights Falls, Would try to do Chitabe and Selinda to maximize my time in Botswana and enjoy some very good game-viewing. You should get some discounts if you stay atleast a combined 7 nights between the two camps. I would do 4 selinda and 3 Chitabe. Also try to fit this in, prior to mid-june.

Hope this helps. Did you try to have a look into the Kodak gallery earlier in the thread?

Hari

Adding up....3 days to travel, 3 days CT, 2 days VF......u also need couple nights in Joburg to transit? you may be left with an extra day to add to either Selinda or Chitabe. The longer you stay in a camp, the more likely you r to see something interesting. Also, you dont rush thru sightings.

Hope this helps.

Hari