HariS

Thanks, Kaye.

CarlaM

Thanks Kaye. May I ask what camp will you be changing to with your nieces? I have 9-10 nights devoted solely to game viewing. Original plan was to do 3/3/3, then 5/5, now I am just thinking staying put in one place. Decisions, decisions...then I need to decide WHEN to go. I don't like cold weather (I am a native Californian).

cary999

Carla-
When I get back from Kings Camps and
MM 6 weeks from now I'll let you know how that combo works. (Will be my second time at Kings Camp and third time at MM). The 5 nights at Kings Camp is $1,400. Cost a lot less than 3 at MM. Then after KC 6 nights MM, MM cost $3,450.
In your planning, for the cost of say, all 10 nights at MM of $5,750, you could do 5 at KC and 7 nights MM for a 12 night safari, total cost $5,425. The $300 savings should cover the extra air transfers required.
(But my preference would be to have 10 nights at MM AND 5 nights before at KC ).
regards - tom
ps - I have a feeling that Kaye is "changing" camps within MM, maybe not.
ps again - I hope the lion cubs at MM will have survived for my visit.

CarlaM

Tom, I actually had a similar idea recently if I split up the time:

3-Kings Camp (the transfer can't be far to Ngala, anyone know?)
2-Ngala Tented camp (I really want to try the tent experience)
5-Mala Mala

cary999

Ngala tented in Timbavati, yes? From a map looks like it is less than 10 miles from Kings Camp to Ngala. I'd bet there is a "road" between the two camps and other camps. I also think they share traversing rights. So for camp transfer they would just send a vehicle over to get you. There is also a little airstrip around there that is shared (I think).
Also, Kings Camp did have a deal going (still?) that if you stay 4 nights the 5th night is no charge. So if you are going to stay 3, I'd make it 4 and get that extra one (2 for price of 1).
regards - tom

Lily622

I'm a bit late, but figured I would throw in my .02 cents. My husband and I went to MM for four nights in July after spending some time in CPT. I booked directly with MM, asked about a discount (never hurts) and was told they don't do discounts. MM also arranged the charter flights to/from Nelspruit (highly recommend that routing!). I booked the flights on SAA from CPT - Nelspruit/ Mpumalanga myself using the SAA website. No problems whatsoever, very easy!

obrienenator

I am going to Mala Mala 7 nights and then Ngala tented camp for 4 nights. I will create a trip report when I get back. I could only get away from work for 2 weeks. I also wanted a tent experience. First time to South Africa leaving this Friday.

KayeN

Hi Carla,

Naturally I stay within MalaMala, and we have a few super luxury nights at Rattray's. Being on tough water restrictions at home now, I am dreaming of that volume of water in the Rattray's shower!

Kind regards

Kaye

CarlaM

Kaye, I didn't think you would venture from MM, that is why I questioned you changing camps!

Tom, do you have a good map showing distances in Timbavati?

CarlaM

oops, hit the post sign accidentally.
Lily, thanks for the tip. Not too late for your 2 cents, it's taking me FOREVER to make up my mind.
Obrien, I can't wait to hear about your trip. Your timing is perfect with the new wild dog pups at Mala Mala. And combining with Ngala is something I will be very interested in. Have a great trip! &lt

Clematis1

If book Rattrays through a TA/outfitter, they can get you a discount.

cary999

Carla
No I don't have a really good map. But here is the best I've found - http://www.timbavati.com/
You have to go to the map page. Map shows camp locations and roads. You can see the roads with names linking the camps. Also shows the air strips. No distance scale but from the top to bottom of Timbavati is close to 20 miles.
regards - tom

CarlaM

Thanks Tom, that is much better than the ones I have found. Did you see the white lions of Timbavati on your last trip? I remember reading about them somewhere but can't recall where. Gorgeous~

Hope the lion cubs at Mala Mala tough it out too!