Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and WHERE ELSE FOR SAFARI
Jul 22nd, 2009, 02:32 PM
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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and WHERE ELSE FOR SAFARI
This is possibly the way our trip is setting up (October, 2010)...
4 nights in Cape Town
Last 3 nights at the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
WHERE TO GO FOR THE MIDDLE 3 NIGHTS??? Since we're in Sabi Sands, should we go to Kruger or should we go to the Okavango Delta and then back to the Ivory Lodge. Is Phinda a "different enough" location than Sabi? Have you ever known anyone who is so overwhelmed by this?
Also, between properties, will we have to overnight in Joburg?
Should we go to a Singita property instead of the Ivory Lodge?
I keep writing because I keep "re-formulating" my ideas. It's crazy! I appreciate any input.
Fran
4 nights in Cape Town
Last 3 nights at the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
WHERE TO GO FOR THE MIDDLE 3 NIGHTS??? Since we're in Sabi Sands, should we go to Kruger or should we go to the Okavango Delta and then back to the Ivory Lodge. Is Phinda a "different enough" location than Sabi? Have you ever known anyone who is so overwhelmed by this?
Also, between properties, will we have to overnight in Joburg?
Should we go to a Singita property instead of the Ivory Lodge?
I keep writing because I keep "re-formulating" my ideas. It's crazy! I appreciate any input.
Fran
Jul 22nd, 2009, 03:11 PM
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If you have 3 nights in the middle, I would not try to include Botswana.
If you list what you want to do in Cape Town, we may be able to provide some other suggestions on how to spend another 1, 2, or 3 nights there. It would not be hard to spend a week there. I spent 10 nights and could have stayed longer.
If you lengthened Cape Town, then the rest of the nights (assuming there were some) could be added to Lion Sands. Spending 4 or 5 nights there would not be redundant because the animals are always doing something different.
Phinda is different enough* but I believe you would need to o/nt in Joburg. Now you are down to 2 nights. A 2-night stay at Phinda would go well with your itinerary, but it just seems a waste to spend 1/3 of your spare 3 nights in Joburg.
*There are 7 unique and distinct habitats; it is a cheetah sanctuary so your odds of cheetah are higher here than Sabi Sands; my favorite antelope, the nyala, are abundant; there are many additional activities at Phinda besides vehicle safaris, such as rhino tracking, canoeing, cultural visits, etc.; and the accommodations are very interesting. I only stayed at Forest Lodge, which is in the Sand Forest, and you can walk around the trails at will without escort looking at monkeys, birds, and antelope.
I think you could stay 3 nights in Timbavati, near Sabi Sands and make use of all 3 of your free days. Maybe Kings Camp, which gets great reviews.
If you list what you want to do in Cape Town, we may be able to provide some other suggestions on how to spend another 1, 2, or 3 nights there. It would not be hard to spend a week there. I spent 10 nights and could have stayed longer.
If you lengthened Cape Town, then the rest of the nights (assuming there were some) could be added to Lion Sands. Spending 4 or 5 nights there would not be redundant because the animals are always doing something different.
Phinda is different enough* but I believe you would need to o/nt in Joburg. Now you are down to 2 nights. A 2-night stay at Phinda would go well with your itinerary, but it just seems a waste to spend 1/3 of your spare 3 nights in Joburg.
*There are 7 unique and distinct habitats; it is a cheetah sanctuary so your odds of cheetah are higher here than Sabi Sands; my favorite antelope, the nyala, are abundant; there are many additional activities at Phinda besides vehicle safaris, such as rhino tracking, canoeing, cultural visits, etc.; and the accommodations are very interesting. I only stayed at Forest Lodge, which is in the Sand Forest, and you can walk around the trails at will without escort looking at monkeys, birds, and antelope.
I think you could stay 3 nights in Timbavati, near Sabi Sands and make use of all 3 of your free days. Maybe Kings Camp, which gets great reviews.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 04:10 PM
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The only way I would even consider changing camps would be if I could be assured that I wouldn't miss a game drive at either camp. i.e leave one camp after the morning drive and get to the other in time for the 4pm game drive.
If the camps are close enough where you can drive between them you can do that. If you have to fly,it probably won't work.
We've stayed at Singita Boulders and Mala Mala (Main Camp) & we'll be staying at Lion Sands for 4 nts during our next trip in a couple weeks. (Yeah!) I expect Lion Sands to be every bit as wonderful (in every way) as Singita was. And the game viewing at Mala Mala was great too.
Also, I will tell you that we are staying in Cape Town this trip for 4 nts and have discovered that it's not near long enough to get everything done that we want to do.It's amazing how much there is to do there!I wish we had more nights there.
I would suggest you add one night to Cape Town and then fly directly from CT to Nelspruit(MQP)and spend 5 nts at Lion Sands. Just my 2 cents.
If the camps are close enough where you can drive between them you can do that. If you have to fly,it probably won't work.
We've stayed at Singita Boulders and Mala Mala (Main Camp) & we'll be staying at Lion Sands for 4 nts during our next trip in a couple weeks. (Yeah!) I expect Lion Sands to be every bit as wonderful (in every way) as Singita was. And the game viewing at Mala Mala was great too.
Also, I will tell you that we are staying in Cape Town this trip for 4 nts and have discovered that it's not near long enough to get everything done that we want to do.It's amazing how much there is to do there!I wish we had more nights there.
I would suggest you add one night to Cape Town and then fly directly from CT to Nelspruit(MQP)and spend 5 nts at Lion Sands. Just my 2 cents.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:03 PM
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In May, we did a flight from Sabi Sabi to Phinda and didn't miss a game drive. We stayed at Earth Lodge for 3 nights, then Vlei for 4 nights. Although we loved Vlei, I would check out the lodges closer to the river. We went twice to the river so that we could get a full variety of experiences. Also, we did sort of a cultural tour one afternoon from Vlei. I think it was a really good combo. Both places were fantastic.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:06 PM
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Thank you Atravelynn and agswimmer for your comments. I think we now might consider a 5th night in Cape Town. There is so much to do, I agree, and we want to do it all.
We do have the time to do another 3 day safari AND include an overnight in Joburg. I guess what I'd like to know is if there is a recommendation of another "super" property that would be a fairly simple commute to Lion Sands. We don't want to be so close as to have a similar safari experience but would love to be far enough away so as not to have to stay over in Joburg.
Any ideas???
We do have the time to do another 3 day safari AND include an overnight in Joburg. I guess what I'd like to know is if there is a recommendation of another "super" property that would be a fairly simple commute to Lion Sands. We don't want to be so close as to have a similar safari experience but would love to be far enough away so as not to have to stay over in Joburg.
Any ideas???
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:26 PM
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Ivory Lodge is without a doubt my favorite place to stay and looking for a second choice is usually my problem. I have been to Phinda twice and I do love it there. At Forest Lodge, Walter is without a doubt one of my favorite rangers. You should have Cheetah and black rhino sightings that you likely will not get anywhere within Sabi Sands or Timbavati.
The downside is how to get from Lion Sands to Phinda. You can arrange from direct airfare but it is very pricey. Even if you flew to Joberg first and spend the night there, you will be paying a lot for airfare. Is it worth it, well I did it twice, but not a 3rd time. So the answer is yes and no, depending on your desire and finances. There are a lot of excellent properties within Sabi Sands, Singita, Londolozi, Leopard Hills to name a few. If you go to the Timbivati, you will have additional good choices. I am not sure that you will see too much different from northern Sabi Sands to Timbivati, so you might choose closer if its convenient for you. I visited Ngala Tented Camp in Timbivati, and while it was nice, I have no plans to go back there.
I hope this helps regarding the Safari stuff. I have not been to Cape Town. For me, if I fly 10,000 miles, I want to see something different than cities, beaches and wineries which I have in California (but that's just me). I have heard Cape Town from many folk that its a great place to go.
Mike
The downside is how to get from Lion Sands to Phinda. You can arrange from direct airfare but it is very pricey. Even if you flew to Joberg first and spend the night there, you will be paying a lot for airfare. Is it worth it, well I did it twice, but not a 3rd time. So the answer is yes and no, depending on your desire and finances. There are a lot of excellent properties within Sabi Sands, Singita, Londolozi, Leopard Hills to name a few. If you go to the Timbivati, you will have additional good choices. I am not sure that you will see too much different from northern Sabi Sands to Timbivati, so you might choose closer if its convenient for you. I visited Ngala Tented Camp in Timbivati, and while it was nice, I have no plans to go back there.
I hope this helps regarding the Safari stuff. I have not been to Cape Town. For me, if I fly 10,000 miles, I want to see something different than cities, beaches and wineries which I have in California (but that's just me). I have heard Cape Town from many folk that its a great place to go.
Mike
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:40 PM
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Lion Sands is in the Sabi Sand Reserve and any of the other dozen camps there or in the Timbavati Reserve (e.g. Kings Camp) just north will have similar terrain. Here is a map showing these camps, reserves and their border with Kruger. http://tinyurl.com/phlubo
Ok, so how about driving yourself around Kruger for 3 days - as you already mentioned. Fly into JNB or one of the other two airports near Kruger, HDS (Hoedspruit) and MQP (Mpumalanga). Rent a car from Avis drive in Kruger for three days. Drive to Lion Sands and Avis will pick up (collect) the car. Kruger terrain will still resemble a lot the terrain at Lion Sands but with you being your own safari guide the experience is very different. We know, will be doing that this Sept for third time, flying (from USA) into JNB, driving in Kruger for 7 days then out to Kings Camp for 8 nights. Out of Kruger we pick an Avis agent at Hoedspruit and they ride into Kings Camp with us. He then takes the car back to Avis. Rental cars are more expensive in SA than USA, expect to pay about $50-70 per day. Kruger's nice private camp bungalows are about $80 per night (two people). So you can do Kruger for around $200 per day - two people.
Or, you could rent car out of JNB and just sight-see around the area north and east of JNB, the great escarpment area. That would work, nice leisurely couple of days then drive into Lion Sands etc.
regards - tom
Ok, so how about driving yourself around Kruger for 3 days - as you already mentioned. Fly into JNB or one of the other two airports near Kruger, HDS (Hoedspruit) and MQP (Mpumalanga). Rent a car from Avis drive in Kruger for three days. Drive to Lion Sands and Avis will pick up (collect) the car. Kruger terrain will still resemble a lot the terrain at Lion Sands but with you being your own safari guide the experience is very different. We know, will be doing that this Sept for third time, flying (from USA) into JNB, driving in Kruger for 7 days then out to Kings Camp for 8 nights. Out of Kruger we pick an Avis agent at Hoedspruit and they ride into Kings Camp with us. He then takes the car back to Avis. Rental cars are more expensive in SA than USA, expect to pay about $50-70 per day. Kruger's nice private camp bungalows are about $80 per night (two people). So you can do Kruger for around $200 per day - two people.
Or, you could rent car out of JNB and just sight-see around the area north and east of JNB, the great escarpment area. That would work, nice leisurely couple of days then drive into Lion Sands etc.
regards - tom
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:42 PM
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Hi Mike. Thanks for your response. Okay...please give me another property that we will love. As much as I want to go to Botswana, I think it'll add too much to this trip in terms of time and money...perhaps another time.
That's a long trip -- CA to Southern Africa but it must be such a respite for you.
So...where can we go that's as fantastic as the Ivory Lodge, a relatively easy commute but where we will be able to have a slightly different viewing. Thanks.
That's a long trip -- CA to Southern Africa but it must be such a respite for you.
So...where can we go that's as fantastic as the Ivory Lodge, a relatively easy commute but where we will be able to have a slightly different viewing. Thanks.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 05:44 PM
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mike - i thought you took the phind/sabi sands shuttle which is ZAR 5,500 per person? i think they charge double for a single person, but this is four pax so they should be ok.
lion sands has joined a strategic partnership with nitani in the tuli of botswana. this is why i recommended the two as a combo yesterday in Fran's other forum thread. the person that owns lion sands also own the cape cadogan in cape town (a hotel). they have a three camp package that offers a bit of a discount. here is the package which is pretty reasonable. http://www.lionsands.com/tours/2b_classic_krg_vf_ch.php
BUT - you need to upgrade to ivory lodge so it will cost more. AND - nitani is now stay3pay2 so the price might be lower than what is shown on this sight. i endorse this package!
i agree with mike that ivory lodge is fantastic.
craig beal
lion sands has joined a strategic partnership with nitani in the tuli of botswana. this is why i recommended the two as a combo yesterday in Fran's other forum thread. the person that owns lion sands also own the cape cadogan in cape town (a hotel). they have a three camp package that offers a bit of a discount. here is the package which is pretty reasonable. http://www.lionsands.com/tours/2b_classic_krg_vf_ch.php
BUT - you need to upgrade to ivory lodge so it will cost more. AND - nitani is now stay3pay2 so the price might be lower than what is shown on this sight. i endorse this package!
i agree with mike that ivory lodge is fantastic.
craig beal
Jul 22nd, 2009, 08:19 PM
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Mytoss writes, "For me, if I fly 10,000 miles, I want to see something different than cities, beaches and wineries which I have in California (but that's just me)."
I agree and that's why in Cape Town and Simons Town, I spent my time with the Great White Sharks at Seal Island, so there were seals too; with the penguins at Boulders Bay; on a couple of baboon walks with Baboon Matters; at Kistenbosch Gardens with unique fynboss species; at the scenic Cape of Good Hope; and at the Robben Island, the former prison where Mandela was held.
I agree and that's why in Cape Town and Simons Town, I spent my time with the Great White Sharks at Seal Island, so there were seals too; with the penguins at Boulders Bay; on a couple of baboon walks with Baboon Matters; at Kistenbosch Gardens with unique fynboss species; at the scenic Cape of Good Hope; and at the Robben Island, the former prison where Mandela was held.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 08:31 PM
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This from another ongoing thread here if you haven't seen it -
Makutsi http://www.makutsi.com/English/index.htm also has reasonably priced weekly packages that include visits to Kruger, Drakensberg and Blyde River Canyon.
regards - tom
Makutsi http://www.makutsi.com/English/index.htm also has reasonably priced weekly packages that include visits to Kruger, Drakensberg and Blyde River Canyon.
regards - tom
Jul 23rd, 2009, 03:26 AM
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I would do Cape Town as initially planned followed by 2 nights in the wine lands (Grande Roche or Le Quartier Francais) and then head up to Ivory and spend the rest there.
Botswana in between doesn't make sense - you get lost in traveling times!
I rather extend my safari stay in one lodge than changing to another one - if it doesn't offer a complete change of scenery and animals.
Jus my 2 cts
SV
Botswana in between doesn't make sense - you get lost in traveling times!
I rather extend my safari stay in one lodge than changing to another one - if it doesn't offer a complete change of scenery and animals.
Jus my 2 cts
SV
Jul 23rd, 2009, 06:07 AM
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Craig made a good suggestion if you want to go to Botswana. I only recently heard they have special connections that can get you from Lion Sands. Its something I am considering on my next trip.
As for my trip from Phinda to Lion Sands, I took a charter and I paid very dearly for it the two times I did it as I was traveling alone. The costs even from then have gone up quite a bit and that is why I have had to pass on Phinda, it just got too expensive to fly and it takes too long to drive. If the cost were spread out on a per person basis, it might seem more reasonable. They do charge for a minimum of 2 people even if you are traveling alone.
Mike
As for my trip from Phinda to Lion Sands, I took a charter and I paid very dearly for it the two times I did it as I was traveling alone. The costs even from then have gone up quite a bit and that is why I have had to pass on Phinda, it just got too expensive to fly and it takes too long to drive. If the cost were spread out on a per person basis, it might seem more reasonable. They do charge for a minimum of 2 people even if you are traveling alone.
Mike
Jul 23rd, 2009, 06:53 AM
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Mike...Could you give me a "ballpark" on what it would cost for 4 people to charter a plane from Phinda to Lion Sands, and what is the flying time?
Is there enough of a change of animals and scenery if we do both places?
Thanks. Fran
Is there enough of a change of animals and scenery if we do both places?
Thanks. Fran
Jul 23rd, 2009, 09:26 AM
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So Craig...or anyone...
Here's where I am now...
Cape Town to Phinda to Lion Sands to Joburg to USA
Flight to Phinda from Cape Town... how much and what is its scheduled --
Flight from Phinda to Lion Sands (ZAR 5500) - what is its schdule?
Flight from Lion Sands back to Joburg - how much and when are those flights scheduled (at least as of this date -- I know they're subject to change)
It seems as though it could cost each couple up to $4000 USD just for these flights!
Here's where I am now...
Cape Town to Phinda to Lion Sands to Joburg to USA
Flight to Phinda from Cape Town... how much and what is its scheduled --
Flight from Phinda to Lion Sands (ZAR 5500) - what is its schdule?
Flight from Lion Sands back to Joburg - how much and when are those flights scheduled (at least as of this date -- I know they're subject to change)
It seems as though it could cost each couple up to $4000 USD just for these flights!
Jul 23rd, 2009, 10:36 AM
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Here you get the freedom to check all routes/times yourself for easy consideration:
http://www.fedair.com/
SV
http://www.fedair.com/
SV
