NO,MALA MALA for sure...keep in mind that there is no difference in game viewing as it is the same at every lodge in the SSGR OO O

Howzit Duanne
Check out my post re back to the 60's. I would love to have you on this one.
Mark

What are the game drives like at Mala Mala Main Camp? How many passengers per vehicle? Would the smaller camps provide fewer passengers per vehicle?

Thanks
cj

Mala Mala camps all use Land Rovers.

There are two seats up front, one occupied by driver of course. Then two benches behind which will hold three people, lastly someone can sit with the tracker right at the back for an elevated view.

MM keeps the # of pax in a vehicle to 6. If you opt for Sable or Rattrays then that will be 4.

I would always recommmend asking the question about the configuration of the vehicle, and how many pax max. For example a vehicle with a max capacity of 6 is great, but not if they squeeze 6 people in.

Game drives at MM are fabulous, much like the rest of the Sabi Sand, they definitely wine for my money in terms of record keeping and knowledge of their Lions and Leopards, not always the case elsewhere.

During my visit to MM main camp in 2004....we were a party of 4 and so, they gave us our own Truck for all 4 nights.

Hari

Thanks Napamatt and Hari,
The focus of our trip is photography, do you think it is essential to have a private vehicle at MM main camp? Would it be better to have the private vehicle at Lebala? The time would be September.

Thanks, cj

cj

Lebala 100% - you need private vehicle. I always book one there....

MM main camp- i hv only been once and they gave us a seperate vehicle as we were 4. I think Napamatt and Kaye are the best people to answer that question.....

Hari

Not necessarily essential, but much depends on your vehicle mates. Having been so often to MM, we generally get a vehicle just for our group of 4 without extra charge. I would spend the money at Lebala rather than MM.

KIBOKO - I have been to MM twice (11 nights total) and have always shared game drives. I've never had a problem with other guests in regard to photography. They have all been content to sit at a sighting until everyone is ready to leave. It seems the rangers are very accommodating to the needs of the photographers also. You might check with the lodge to see if you could arrange for a private vehicle if you get there and find your vehicle mates are unsuitable. You might also get lucky and have a private vehicle without paying for one. We had 4 game drives without any other guests in June.

Kiboko,

Are you doing just MM and Lebala on this particular trip? or other Bots camps as well? I only ask this out of curiosity.....thks

Hari

Hari,

We are thinking of the following itinerary.

4 nights Little Kwara, 4 nights Lebala, 2 nights Lagoon, 4 nights Mala Mala. Any thoughts on this?

cj

Kiboko,

For July, as you mentioned.... I just did 3nLagoon,4nLebala,3nLK in August. It was a good split for that time of the year. I wish i had more time at Lebala, but, that was just the luck of the draw for me....i personally prefer more time in the Kwando concession- between Lagoon and Lebala.(because it is HUGE). You have more chance for Wild dog at these two camps.

4n MM is a nice complement to this.
Hari

My wife and I are doing two nights at MM and three at Londolozi..any suggestions or advice? This will be our first visit to SA..

Cheers,

Chris

Just have a great time, try and be patient on game drives, and try not to be fixated on having a must see animal, the tendency is that you won't see anything else until you see your prized species. Lastly remember an animal in sight is worth hundreds who may be round the next corner.