sels

which do prefer and why??

napamatt

I've only been to MM, but I go there twice a year, so they must be doing something right.

Search for trip reports by Kayen or Austkaye, she has been to both and prefers MM hands down.

mytmoss

I've been to Lion Sands twice now, however not Mala Mala, they too are doing something right. I will say that I have stayed at Ivory Lodge and not River Lodge and there are big differences in the accommodations between the two.

KayeN

Hi sels

I have not been to River Lodge, but I have stayed at Ivory Lodge. I do really like the accomodations and food and being on the Sabie River is very scenic, but that is certainly not my priority, which is definitely gameviewing.

Rattray's at MM, is now my favourite accomodation - Ivory Lodge is in two rooms with an outside hallway to get to the lounge and visa versa, and while interesting, it is not something I am comfortable with using in the evening, so nice to look at but a bit unusable for me.

But far and away, I decide my trip purely on being given the best gameviewing opportunities as often as possible and of course, the accomodation must be comfortable. The rangers are also very important, especially at MM, as you spend a fair bit of time with them. I have always had the same ranger at IL and have been very happy with him, while at MM, I have also been very happy with the rangers, and I have had a few over the years.

If you have specific questions, please ask away, otherwise Mat is quite correct when he says for me, MM wins hands down!

Kind regards

Kaye

mytmoss

Kaye is correct about the description of Ivory Lodge, in that it is two rooms. Personally I loved going out in the evening between the two, but that of course is personal comfort and preference. I am going back to Lion Sands this August for 7 days. My goal there it to take more photos as this is my major hobby. I have not been disappointed in LS, as I generally see the big 5 over 1/2 the days I am there and leopards on a regular basis.

I too have a regular guide at Lion Sands and I can say he has given me photo oportnities that I have not had before. I have heard nothing but great things also about Mala Mala also. However I am sure you would not be disapointed with Ivory Lodge.

Below is a link to shots I took there two years ago.

http://www.pbase.com/mytmoss/lion_sands_2005

Also a series of shots of lions playing in the Sabi River

http://www.pbase.com/mytmoss/lions_playing

Mike

matnikstym

mytmoss~ EXCELLENT pictures! Love the elephant's morning walk!

cary999

I like the room rate at LS River Lodge, $400 pppn. This compared to MM at $575 pppn.

regards - tom

Shruto

Hi mytmoss,

We are planning to go to river lodge in end of April. Do you think we can ask for your guide?