Can someone please comment on our proposed itinerary for Botswana/South Africa in August 2008:

- 3 nights Stanley's Camp. Background: All the "luxury" camps were booked during our stay. Only luxury alternative is one of the new CCA camps opening in June 2008 (not sure we want to stay at a new camp). We could do Jao for 2 nights, but were told we should spend at least 3 nights in the Delta. Has anyone stayed at Stanley's that can comment on the game viewing and accomodations? Is it anywhere close to luxury?

- 2 nights Savute Under Canvas (CCA semi-permanent camp...focus is on seeing the big cats)

- 1 night Royal Livigston (main purpose was to see the Falls)

- 3 nights Cape Grace in Capetown. I read that the V&A Waterfront was undergoing redevelopment and construction was scheduled to continue through the end of 2008. Also, I read that the Cape Grace was scheduled for a renovation during the time we are there. Can anyone comment on this? If not the Cape Grace, can you please recommend a good alternative?

- 3 nights Singita Boulders. How does this compare to MalaMala Rattrays or other camps in the area? Is Singita worth the premium?

We arrive into Capetown in the evening and leave in the morning so we only have 2 full days there. Is that enough to see the city? We are spending one day in the winelands and the other touring the city. Should we cut out Vic Falls or a night in Singita to stay one more day in Capetown?

We only have 12 nights (very short time) and want to see as much as possible. This is our first trip to Africa so any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I haven't been to Singita, so can't compare ...... why should it be worth the extra premium? I was at MM Rattray's and their emphasis is on customer service/satisfaction. If your main interest is the bush, let him know when you get there and they will go all out for you.

There is a stunning view of the sandriver from the deck and almost everyday in the afternoon there is a big elephant herd that comes down to have a drink! - most importantly, if you are a party of 4 you will get your vehicle

Another good luxury camp to look at is Mapula Lodge far north in the Delta. I haven't been to Stanley's Camp but looking at pictures I would say Mapula is more luxurious and it costs less to boot. By comparison to WS camps it would be on the high end of the 5 paw camps like Kwetsani and Tubu Tree for large, beautiful accommodation.

Hi Dlw88

I have been to Stanleys and the food and the acocmmodation in great, it is not on a par with chiefs, Mombo and Jao, but it really is a very warm, friendly and welcoming camp, the rangers are great and game sightsings are very good.I do not think that you will have an regrets by going to this camp.
I have not seen Savute under Canvas, but sounds and look lovely.
Royal Livingstone is nice and a typoical 5 star hotel.

The Cape Grace will be undergoing renovations, but they are very good at not disrupting the guests at all, the waterfront is in a huge building phase but should be nearlly completed. If you are worried about building works, The Table Bay is a good 5 star and The Radisson which is 5 minutes from the waterfront is a fantastic alternative.

Singita - every die hard fan of mala Mala will say it is not worth it. Trust me if you got space at Singita, keep it, the accommodation is 100% more luxurious the personal attention and care is well worth it, the game is awesome, the rangers are unbelievably good, Rattrays on Mala Mala is closer to Singita than mala Mala and you will have the most outstanding safari. Even at Singita if there are 4 of you in a party you will genrally have our own vehicle!

It is a good but busy itineray, the only thing I may change is as you have 3 nights at Singita, I would only do 4 nights in the delta and spend an extra day in Cape Town.

Enjoy your trip

Hi dlw88

I did stay at Stanley's, though a long time ago, September 2001. It was a tented camp and was extremely hot that year, and being in the tent during the day was not really possible. It was a nice camp, certainly not one I would call luxury. The gameviewing was quite good, not fantastic! They did have the ele walks with Doug Groves, which we all really enjoyed!

I have been to Singita a few times, last time being December 2005. It was getting ridiculously expensive. I am a fan of MalaMala, and while I love Main Camp, I am also love Rattray's for a few days as well. Rattray's would be my absolute favourite accomodation! I have always had good rangers at Singita, but in my opinion, the gameviewing is better at MalaMala.

The only comment I will make about your trip is that you are taking a lot of flights, which really adds to the expense and the wasting of time. If it was me, I would be cutting down the number of stops, and being an obsessive gameviewing person, it would be any cities!

Kind regards

Kaye

Thank you so much for your feedback. It is much appreciated and very helpful!

I think we are going to stick with Stanely's Camp and may rethink the Falls to get an extra night in Capetown (and also reduce the number of flights/stops).

Hi dlw88

did you ever think of Nxabega. We stayed there two years ago and it was fantastic. cc under canvas is great and for Savute and chobe the only thing to do.

hi, dlw,

i second the 3 days in CPT option.

1 day for the city [I'd prioritise Table Mountain and Kirstnbosch gardensm, but that's just me],

one day for the cape - unmissable walks and views IMO, and a great restaurant.

and one day for the winelands - very interesting and great scenery.

There's a book called "7 days in Capetown" with enough ideas for a fortnight in it, and then some.

i would seriously contenplate spending a month there or there abouts if I had time.

regards, ann