For any who have been to Mashatu, can you tell me if you've participated in the extra charge activities and, if yes, were they worth it? I'm wondering specifically about the walking safari, the Ivory Drive and the Predator Drive. I think that you actually miss one of your game drives to do these so if they are phenomenal-not-to-be-missed activities, I will plan on trying them out. Otherwise, I'll be happy with the regular game drive.

I did an Ivory Drive and it was wonderful. Jeanetta knows the elephants on an individual basis and can tell you lots of good stories.
It was well worth it to miss a regular game drive.
I would have done the predator drive but the researcher was gone when I was there.
When will you be there? I'm green with envy!

Hi CarrieT

I have also done the ivory drive with Jeanetta and it was well worth it, she is a very knowledgeable woman!
She has left to finish some paper and in her place now is Mark, and we went with him on the ivory drive last month. Different, but also very knowledgeable about many things. Naturally, he doesn't know the eles like Jeanetta, who does, but still well worth it even though I had done it less than 12 months before.
The other two I don't have any experience of as both cat and dog man have been away when I was there both times. With their knowledge though, if they were there, I think I would do them as well.
With missing the gamedrive, it still is a gamedrive and whoever is behind the wheel is well aware of what sightings are being seen, so I still believe you would not miss a sight worth seeing!
Kind regards
Kaye

Carrie-

We did the walk and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you are staying for 3 nights or more I think two activities are included. We chose not to do the other offers because we had our own private safari vehicle (lucky us-there were large groups and we were on our own!!). We would have done all of them if we had different circumstances. I really wanted to do the horse safari or bike safari at extra cost, but we were not "capable" - in other words they were afraid we wouldn't be able to stay upright if there was a problem. I'm jealous. Mashatu is great. Are you staying at tented or main? If main (we were at tented and LOVED it but it's not for everyone) ask in advance to go see the rock art. Have a great time.

Thank you for your replies. It sounds like it's something I should look into while I'm there. I'm not going until October...just dreaming a little early And thanks for the reassurances that I won't miss too much if there is something big happening. I am staying at the tented camp for 5 nights, but I'm not sure if any of the activities are included for me since nothing was said about that when I booked. It would be nice since they are all over $40 and every little bit helps..

P.S. I can't see the rock art if I'm at the tented camp? I do already have one special request in to go to Pete's Pond so I suppose I don't want to bother them too much ;-)

We were not taken to see the rock art, but I would DEFINITELY request it before you go if that is something you want to do. I don't see it on the website at all any more - odd. Pete's Pond is not a big deal - it's pretty much on a much-used "road" and we passed it twice in four days. Who did you book with? Directly with Mashatu or with a TA? Ask them if any activities are included. Ours were, but the website no longer shows that they are included, but I would still request info.

I stayed 8 nights & regret not doing the ivory drive with Jeanetta. We dropped off some guests to meet her in the bush & I could instantly feel her passion for what she was doing. I did do 2 mountain bike rides. It was just myself & the researcher doing the leopard research. Great sense of freedom to be riding along and have game such as giraffes running to your side some 50-75 meters away. We covered a lot of area and saw quite a bit of game and also stopped to check various remote leopard camera traps.

Hi Carrie -- My husband & I will be there in October also (18th - 21st), maybe our paths will cross. We're in the main camp tho' - does that mean never the twain shall meet?

The operator who helped me plan our trip spoke highly of the extra activities. He said,
"I did the mountain biking safari which was a great experience. The biking is done along the elephant paths which are mostly along the contour lines, so fairly level. I also recommend two other optional activities namely the predator drive and ivory drive; the additional cost is only about $45 per person per activity."

I'm hoping to try at least one of them while we're there.

Are you getting excited? Still seems a long way away but I know those 10 months will fly by.

christabir: I booked directly with the properties using their travel agent, but I will contact them and ask about both - I'm just curious now.

LOL - If my friend and I were in shape, the biking sounds great. I think we'll be sticking to the drives or the walking.

Leslie_S: We are just going to miss each other. I'll be there the week before you. Yes, it's 10 months away but it will be here before you know it. And I'm getting daily reminders - I just got off the phone with South African Airways who said they canceled my flight on October 3rd out of Washington D.C. and they need to change it to either a day earlier or a day later. I said a day earlier of course! That means one extra day in Cape Town for me....oh darn! I wish it could equal an extra day on Safari, but that wouldn't work with other flights and arrangements that are booked. So now I've got to come up with something else to do in Cape Town....I think I can do it!

Too bad, it would be fun to say hi in person.
Yes, I'm guessing you can find something to do in Cape Town! I'm bummed that we're not getting there this trip but I'm sure this will not be our last visit to S. Africa.

We just booked our flights - I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for any changes. Did SAA contact you?

When we get a little closer maybe we can talk packing lists - I've been working on one based on the good info here on fodors. I think I remember this is not your first safari so you're probably a pro at it. The luggage limitations will force me to finally learn to pack light.

Leslie_S, yes, watch your flight, but they will contact you for sure. They seem to be shuffling right now. I'm keeping an eye on my Victoria Falls flight too because I thought that was through Airlink, but so far it is still on.

Yes, I did my last safari with just a small back-pack type carry-on and my camera bag. It worked out great! I now take all trips with just a carry-on no matter where I go. It's great freedom! This forum is an excellent resource for sure. Just plan on hand-washing underwear and doing laundry at your camps or hotels and you'll have no problems.

I forget - where else are you going besides Mashatu?

If you are going to/from ORTambo I highly recommend getting a driver as opposed to flying. You have to fly through Polokwane via charter to/from mashatu and then get an airlink connection. It took forever and we would have been much happier seeing something on the way, and it would have taken just a couple more hours without the hastle of another airport. Mashatu can arrange the transfer.

I agree wholeheartedly about carry ons!! Liberating is the perfect word. We take a small luggage cart in our bag (we got the one from Brookstones and it's perfect) for dragging our stuff through airports and public transportation. Use a one quart freezer bag instead of a regular one.

Enjoy the rest of your planning!!

"If you are going to/from ORTambo I highly recommend getting a driver as opposed to flying."
Something to look into - thanks christabir

We go to Mashatu then Pafuri then King's Camp in the Timbavati Reserve.
What about you, Carrie?

And wow, that is packing light - I bow down to both of you! I better start whittling down my list!!

My flights are already booked so perhaps you can benefit Leslie. I did look into it briefly, but it just seemed to save time flying and it will get me there in time for the afternoon game drive.

Leslie_S: I've heard a lot about Paufuri and King's - it will be nice to hear how you like them. Keep notes! I'm going to Cape Town/Zimbabwe/Mashatu/Mala Mala with Mashatu and Mala Mala being the only safari portion of the trip(well, and one day at Chobe park while at Victoria Falls).

Oh, and yes, whittle away. Do you know I think I actually brought things that I never used and/or wore! It's amazing when I brought so little to begin with.

Leslie-

We took the same trip only backwards. We started in Sabi Sands, got a driver to Pafuri (really easy transfer), another driver to Mashatu (another great ride and didn't miss a game drive that day). It was a perfect trip. We loved every second and our drivers were so pleasant and good guides.

We - two adults - packed all of our stuff in two carryons and a camera bag, and we even spent three nights in London!! It can definitely be done and it's not as hard as you think.

So you really only need a couple of outfits and get laundry done every other day or??
I understand we won't need anything fancy but it still seems impossible to go for 2 weeks with only a carry-on.
Feel like in October we'll need to be prepared for a range of temperatures, layers, etc.

Sounds like a good trip, Carrie. People acted surprised that we'd go to Africa and not see Victoria Falls. Next time - along with Cape Town

Actually, October should be pretty warm from what I understand...I you won't need heavy coats, etc - maybe just a light jacket for the evenings. I think the key is to bring things that you can mix and match (hence the traditional khaki color). If it were me and I was going for two weeks, I would pack 3 or 4 pairs of pants and 5 or six shirts (plus you'll have the outfit you're wearing), and as many pairs of underwear that I can fit in and call it good. Really, I have faith in you - I know you can do it! You may want to bring a pair of pants that zip off into shorts for the daytime...

As far as your trip, it sounds fabulous and it's ok that your focus is more on your safari for your first trip there - Victoria Falls will be waiting for you the next time you're in the area....

Let me know how the packing goes when the trip gets closer...

Thanks for the tips...I think I can handle that amount of clothing. But the other stuff adds up too - the camera, binocs, books, bug spray, pith helmet...

Leslie, get a camera bag that is a little bigger than your camera so you can put some extra things in. I know it is hard the first time - I bought things for the trip that went unpacked when the time came. But I've been much better at packing since then. Hey, if I can do a 3 week trip to Italy and Greece - that included a 12 day cruise - with just a carry-on, the safari should be a piece of cake ;-)