jgourdji

I have narrowed down our choice of a Madikwe lodge to Makanyane and Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve for our first safari. The former is quite a bit more expensive for a stay in March, 2010.

After reading all the posts, I believe the difference is that Makanyane offers private land, but does this make any real difference? One poster mentioned the more central location of MH is an advantage.

Also, Makanyane is on the river, and thus more game can be seen from the rooms. Madikwe also advertises a view of a water hole, but apparently from a distance.

Finally, Makanyane is unfenced, and requires an escort to and from the rooms. Is this safe, or do you feel confined by this rule?

The Trip Advisor reviews were all excellent for both properties.

Any advice would be welcome. OurTA is holding space at both properties, and is pressing for a quick decision.

Thanks, Judy

jgourdji

I forgot to add that Makanyane also offers walking safaris. I don't believe that Madikwe Hills does.

Judy

cary999

"The Trip Advisor reviews were all excellent for both properties"

Typical of TripAdvisor, everything gets 4 + stars. By reviewers who have never been to any comparable places for comparison. "My best safari ever" - sure it was because it has been your only safari ever.

Whether Makayane being on private land makes any difference depends on what wildlife frequents that property. Suppose that is rather obvious, huh. One advantage would be that you can go/drive off road on private land. Not that you can't in the Reserve, but they have special rules that very limits how/when/where you can drive off road. (At least in 2007, has changed?). When I was there in May 2007, most everything I saw was from the roads and typically close to a man made water hole. Have you checked the camp ranger reports/newsletters, both camps have them on web site.

What bothered some about the Reserve was viewing of elephants. In that they stayed away from them and it is great to get really close in among a heard of eles. It seems the eles have been imported from Zimbabwe(?) and are very skittish of humans and in fact have killed a couple of people and damaged property. Here is one report - http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=1032327 Not trying to scare you, I would not worry, they were very safe about the eles when I was there. But again, I found that not getting close was disappointing. But I digress.

Camp escorts. Most every camp I've been to requires an escort -at night- to and from rooms. I have not felt confined by this since it is almost always simply to and from dinner. I would feel confined if were true during the day when I like to wander around a lodge. You sure it is 24/7 or only at night?

March 2010 is a reasonable time away so I'm bit surprised that your TA couldn't give you a couple weeks to decide. But maybe reservations are tight, you could call each camp and ask. Sorry, but I would not totally trust your TA. Did TA inform you of the "specials" at MHL? http://www.madikwehills.com/rates/specials.html . Says for 2009 but they have had such deals for years so I'd guess for 2010 also.

I wish someone here would answer if they have been to -both- camps. That's what you'd really like. Having said all that, if it is your first safari you will have a great time at either camp.

regards - tom

napamatt_2

I visited Makanyane in February 2005 I think, it will be in the SA Trip Report Index.

Here's a quick synopsis.

Rooms - wonderful, lovely views over the river, our outdoor sitting area was very private and one evening before dinner we were enjoying a quick glass of wine and realized a bushbaby was on our sliding door - 5 feet away - without doubt the best bushbaby viewing I've had.

Food - top notch at every meal.

Game vehicles - landrovers, but the back seats are on stilts, so rather than having a normal floor for your raised seat, your legs dangle if you're short enough! Very bad for tripods unless you're right behind ranger.

Rangers - we had two, lady called Vanessa who was excellent, replaced by head ranger Philip when she went on leave. Both excellent.

Service - great quality. Camp manager Grant was attentive and helpful.

Public areas - wonderful. The pool is beautiful, and has some of the most comfortable lounge chairs we've ever experienced.

Drives - Makanyane has some private land, which while we were there was occupied by mating Lions - no one else saw them for a few days. The reserve is fenced and you will drive along the fence frequently. Four years ago there were definitely some dead areas with no game in sight. The central plains had lots of game, but millions of flies, so many that it was tough to keep camera's still. The flies are a summer problem, disappearing with colder weather. There are not many roads, and off-roading is not permitted, so you will ikely bump into vehicles from other properties.

Game - Lions on many occasions, 4 male Cheetah, Dogs, Elephants (2 bulls - huge tuskers - skittish) other general game. Springbok and Hartebeest were new to us.

Missed out on Leoprad, Brown Hyena and Black Rhino.

Birds - some different species than SSGR, but it's not a birding destination as such.

Overall a good experience, the game didn't compare to Mala Mala,but we didn't expect it to.

I would definitely go back to Makanyane.

atlga

jgordji, I suppose you ruled out Mateya Safari Lodge while in Madkiwe? Having stayed at Mateya and seeing the other lodges, I have to give Mateya the nod.

I wouldn't think it's too far from the price range of the others, it's smaller, more personalized with beautiful private suites, pools and outdoor showers. The cuisine was the best I've had in the bush. Lovely owner from here in the states who we were thrilled to meet on our stay. Artwork from all over Africa. You can sit beside your pool and watch animals come and go to the waterhole.

The vehicles we were in had footrests to steady your camera for shots...the ranger we had was a big photographer, so understood our requests for photo ops. We went off road for Big 5. One area had recently undergone a controlled burn we were told, so that was off limits.

We have also been around Botswana, Sabi Sands, etc. and honestly, there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. I love experiencing the different terrains and game viewing. You will soon be bitten by the safari bug as we all are! Have a great time!

jgourdji

Mateya is way above our price range. The other lodges have specials we can take advantage of.

spassvogel

I know Makanyane, Mateya and Impodimo.

Frankly - I would either choose Mateya OR Impodimo. Makanyana has very nice accommodation (3 walls are glass walls) mwith river view but March most probably the river might have dried up.
Mateya is more expensive than Makanyane (maybe 1000ZARpppd) but Impodimo is a real alternative if money counts.
Very nice chalets, very good meals and excellent game drives (tracker + guide).
Generally speaking for all the othet Madikew Lodges: They can drive off road for 300 m max. Makanyane has a rather small area as private land but IF there is no wildlife - or major wildlife, as it was when we visited in March 2008 - then that is not a selling point.
As Tom pointed out: Most lodges escort guests after dark to/from tent for security reasons. I must say I appreciated those escorts rather than becoming the reason for enhancemant of the safety measures.

SV

jgourdji

Thanks to all for your advice. After discussions with our TA, we have chosen Makanyane. I hope we see some game! I guess it depends on the luck of the draw.

Judy

jck4

Judy - you will love it. We stayed there 3 years ago for our one and only safari and it was magical.