mala mala or londolozi
Feb 6th, 2007, 06:37 AM
#83
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Tuckeg: this will be a tangent but I saw above that you went to Kwandwe. I'd be interested in reading your impressions of that experience as there hasn't been much reported on this site.
It would not typically be the type of area that I choose but I may want to travel in some non-malaria/children friendly reserves in the future.
Thanks.
It would not typically be the type of area that I choose but I may want to travel in some non-malaria/children friendly reserves in the future.
Thanks.
Feb 6th, 2007, 09:35 AM
#84
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Hi Tuckeg (George)!
Yes, your prompt description of Ngala main camp did help! You have reinforced our decision to stay there (along with Mala Mala main camp) on this our 1st trip to Africa! We are hoping to get 2 different experiences. Thank you very much for the interesting report. We appreciate your (and everyone's) excellent advice!! Needless to say, we are very excited about our trip!!
Yes, your prompt description of Ngala main camp did help! You have reinforced our decision to stay there (along with Mala Mala main camp) on this our 1st trip to Africa! We are hoping to get 2 different experiences. Thank you very much for the interesting report. We appreciate your (and everyone's) excellent advice!! Needless to say, we are very excited about our trip!!
Feb 6th, 2007, 10:12 AM
#86
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Hi Kaye,
Thanks for the correction. Before I answered I checked at Sabi Sands map and remembered that Kirkman's had been part of MalaMala and thought they might but I couldn't remember seeing their vehicles. Talking with my wife today we seem to remember seeing a MalaMala game viewer the second night we were there as we were leaving a leopard sighting but can't be sure.
George
Thanks for the correction. Before I answered I checked at Sabi Sands map and remembered that Kirkman's had been part of MalaMala and thought they might but I couldn't remember seeing their vehicles. Talking with my wife today we seem to remember seeing a MalaMala game viewer the second night we were there as we were leaving a leopard sighting but can't be sure.
George
Feb 6th, 2007, 12:13 PM
#87
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Kirkmans is located on the property known as Toulon (Gillian Rattray's book has a nexcellent history on the SSGR, showing maps from the 1890's). This was purchased by Mike Rattray in 1983 and completed Mala Mala at its largest. At that time it ran from Marthly in the North, past Eyrefield, Mala Mala, Flockfield and Charleston down to Toulon. After the purchase Mala Mala built and operated Kirkmans Camp on Toulon. The original site of Harrys Camp was north of the river in Charleston. Once Harry's moved to the current Rattray's location in Flockfield, the running of Kirkman's so far from the MM infrastructure became an issue, so the property was sold to Exeter. Essentially all the land south of the bend in the river is Kirkman's, in addition they can drive over the southern portion of MM, known as Charleston. MM vehicles can traverse the entire property. In addition back in 1996 MM sold Marthly to Londolozi, and they do not share traversing rights.
I think the radio is extremely helpful, remember most people get to do this once, for a few days, if they are lucky, and so every chance to see these beautiful animals should be taken. I like the way it works at MM, the ranger has a headset and mike, you are aware when he is reporting in, but you don't have to listen to constant chatter, though I think the radio traffic is very well regulated at MM, and there is not much chit chat. That is definitely not the case in Bots, where the radio would erupt into life for the most pointless chatter frequently during drives.
I would expect cordial relations to be maintained between MM and Kirkmans, they share a radio channel for the south, so that everyone knows where everyone is and what they are seeing / tracking.
I think the radio is extremely helpful, remember most people get to do this once, for a few days, if they are lucky, and so every chance to see these beautiful animals should be taken. I like the way it works at MM, the ranger has a headset and mike, you are aware when he is reporting in, but you don't have to listen to constant chatter, though I think the radio traffic is very well regulated at MM, and there is not much chit chat. That is definitely not the case in Bots, where the radio would erupt into life for the most pointless chatter frequently during drives.
I would expect cordial relations to be maintained between MM and Kirkmans, they share a radio channel for the south, so that everyone knows where everyone is and what they are seeing / tracking.
Feb 6th, 2007, 01:17 PM
#88
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Matt- "That is definitely not the case in Bots, where the radio would erupt into life for the most pointless chatter frequently during drives."
Where in Bots, so I can avoid those places? Radio chatter has not been my experience at any of my Bots destinations, but I realise all places are not uniformly good.
John
Where in Bots, so I can avoid those places? Radio chatter has not been my experience at any of my Bots destinations, but I realise all places are not uniformly good.
John
Feb 7th, 2007, 06:29 AM
#90
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John
If WS has a failing it is that, many times during our June trip last year, our guide would turn the radio off. I didn't notice it as a problem at other places, but seeing as we visited most for a couple or three nights it may not have registered. We had our share of other issues at other operators which I have covered previously. Mombo was the worst for radio chatter.
If WS has a failing it is that, many times during our June trip last year, our guide would turn the radio off. I didn't notice it as a problem at other places, but seeing as we visited most for a couple or three nights it may not have registered. We had our share of other issues at other operators which I have covered previously. Mombo was the worst for radio chatter.
