Has anyone visited MalaMala since the strike? I know Kaye has, but she did not mention any problems. My great concern is that there are no trackers. When we went this time last yr to Rattrays we felt our tracker John was essential to wildlife spotting. I am sure it is still possible to see the big 5 easily but what about the smaller creatures. This March we were hoping to concentrate on birds and try to spot the 'little five'.
regards
Barb

I wouldn't worry about it, the game in the sabi sands requires little tracking...If however you are sympathetic the needs of the workers you might consider staying there in the first place... just a thought..

Mkhonzo,

Did you intend:

..."If however you are sympathetic the needs of the workers you might consider NOT staying there in the first place."

Kind of like refusing to cross a picket line?

RE: John--what a guy. He was my tracker. I always sat in the middle seat because my vehicle mates could only climb as high as the front seat. With John always in the back, we spent a lot of time together.

He would point out obscure sightings of common animals just to me so I could marvel at his spotting skills. I appreciated that he would acknowledge my occasional spots as well that I would point out to him. We had a great time in the 2nd and 3rd seats together playing spot the animals.

His job action might include some retirement benefits because he was the most senior tracker, there for decades.

either way.......you'd still be considering staying there in first place....

Hi Barb

I was there during the strike. I had no problems that was why I didn't mention any. My top priority is the gamedrives and while the weather was against me, I still had fantastic sightings. I had 4 kills at MM, and while I do not particularly want to see them, I do know that they are special sightings as it shows the skill required to bring down prey that are watchful nearly every minute of their lives.

I also love the birds and the little things so I do not think you will miss out in the gameviewing department.

The only thing I really did notice was the lack of people walking around during the day.

Regarding trackers, there are at least two Johns at MM. The one at Rattray's is an exceptional tracker and over the years I have seen some exceptional tracking. There is another one that is older and did work with Bruce Hedges and I think that may be the one you are referring to Lynn.

Kind regards

Kaye

Barb

We noticed very little difference, in fact we had our best viewing in a few years, and the stats they keeep re game viewing suggest that viewing is improving without the trackers.

For birds Gordon is the best ranger.

As for Mkhonzo's notes on the staff. MM staff levels have been quite high as a result of the Rattray's desire to maintain good cimmunity relations. I think now that loyalty has disappeared then there may be some major changes.

I dont know whether the pay structure is markedly different at MM than other lodges, all I know is that there is a huge stack of resumes from hopeful candidates for any positions that may be available.

I would not hesitate to give MM my usual high recommendation.

Mkhonzo, do you have the workers’ side of the story. Everything here and in the other thread is nauseatingly one-sided and googling I only find the words of the owner.

Nyamera
Try and find out who the head of this Union is. I promise you you will probably find him at his posh home with a whiskey in his hand and his Range Rover and wife's Mercedes parked in the garage. That's how Africa works.

Let's get it right. Spotters, not trackers.

For all the plaudits they get from certain quarters the MM management are not the most desirable to work for - witness the ridiculously high turnover of rangers compared to other lodges, head rangers getting sacked for daring to go and visit another lodge, the definite 'them' and 'us' atmosphere in camp (in more ways than one), the hard glances of managers at the young rangers when one of them may seem to say something out of place at the dinner table etc

I'll be honest - I couldn't wait to get out of the place. The atmosphere was not conducive to being on holiday.

Hi Tanky
I agree, lets get it right.
A simple question I would like to ask you.
Are you an employee or an employer.
Looking forward to your honest answer.

Gosh,
I didn't want this to turn into a work related argument - all I wanted was to be prepared for a disappointing wildlife viewing without the trackers.
Thanks to NapaMatt and Kaye for reassuring me

regards
Barb

Ok Guys, Calm down.
You only need one good person to show you a lion or leopard.
My particular interest was with regards to a thread posted many years ago about WS not having trackers on their vehicles and how it impacted game viewing. As this is an open forum there certainly many, many views.

Barb

You'll have a great time.

Matt

Barboy,

I know you were not intending on a mgmt-labor debate. It looks like you got some timely firsthand advice. I hope you have a fantastic trip and enjoy the Little 5 and everything else.

I would like to know what the trackers' (or if you prefer spotters') side of all this. There are always two sides and when we known them, then we can make up our minds as to what is fair and right.

While the head of the tracker/spotter union may enjoy some of the amenities listed, I don't think Tracker John has a Mercedes.