Mashatu Tuli Block
Oct 3rd, 2008, 02:16 AM
#21
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Mr Safari
1. Well that is fine then, Mashatu must have lied to me.
2. If there are 9 seats and one next to the driver than that is 10 of which one is the "spotter", are you saying that we did not see this?
3. Given the obvious fact that you must not have read my report which clearly states the reason for our need to stay in this camp, then I find your comments bemusing.
The term "walled" is an accurate description, it is apparently meant to represent the Mmamagwa Ruins, why do you find the use of it offensive.
4. I doubt that 99% is an accurate figure but is does strangely equate the the percentage of customers (quoted by Mashatu) that are apparently "happy" with this type of arrangement. The purpose of my report is to inform others of the operation of the camp, why should the regimented nature not be pointed out. We know of lots of camps where this is not the case. Again if you had bothered to read my report you would notice that we asked for and were provided with a Private Vehicle at extra cost. The fact that we got nothing extra other than the vehicle is not normal in 99% of the camps we have stayed in with a private vehicle.
5. You may agree but we do not, and we are entitled to express this. The views expressed by PB sums this position up entirely and with great accuracy.If you honestly believe that you can track better from the back of a vehicle rather than the front then you have clearly never tracked an animal.I have never seen this before in any camps that use a Tracker/Spotter so I suppose Mashatu/Mala Mala must be correct and the remaining 99% of operators are completely ignorant of the dangers posed.
You are correct in stating that there should have been some form of communication but none was noticed.
6. How do you know this? The researchers told us the collar would not be removed as it was fitted by a researcher currently not operating in the area. Do you believe the researcher lied to us, and why in spite of our complaints and those of others was nothing done about it!
Can you explain exactly what research was being undertaken and why, the researchers could not come up with a convincing explanation.
7. Would you also assert that the entirety of New York was yours?
Everything in the report is accurate whether it is fair or not is up to your interpretation. Once again I see you are upset by the use of "walled". You are correct that I could have looked it up on the Internet, and I did look up the camp that I booked, which was Tented Camp. Again if you bothered to read my report you will see that it was roughly 3/4 weeks before departure that we were told by email directly from Mashatu that private vehicles were not available for customers of Tented Camp.Given that our booking was made almost at the beginning of the year then we think that the notice was a bit late. We were also on a self-drive through Namibia and Botswana for 4 weeks, attempting to make changes at this late stage would have been almost impossble, so we had no alternative but to go with what we were offered. As it turns out this was not a very good decision.
Finally you are obviously not disturbed by the comments made by Mashatu relating to the Horse Back Safari having a right to interfere with the Wild Dog den because they were there first.
Tanky
Thank you very much, it was not my intention to dissuade people from visiting this camp, Perhaps Mashatu have managed this with their own words.
1. Well that is fine then, Mashatu must have lied to me.
2. If there are 9 seats and one next to the driver than that is 10 of which one is the "spotter", are you saying that we did not see this?
3. Given the obvious fact that you must not have read my report which clearly states the reason for our need to stay in this camp, then I find your comments bemusing.
The term "walled" is an accurate description, it is apparently meant to represent the Mmamagwa Ruins, why do you find the use of it offensive.
4. I doubt that 99% is an accurate figure but is does strangely equate the the percentage of customers (quoted by Mashatu) that are apparently "happy" with this type of arrangement. The purpose of my report is to inform others of the operation of the camp, why should the regimented nature not be pointed out. We know of lots of camps where this is not the case. Again if you had bothered to read my report you would notice that we asked for and were provided with a Private Vehicle at extra cost. The fact that we got nothing extra other than the vehicle is not normal in 99% of the camps we have stayed in with a private vehicle.
5. You may agree but we do not, and we are entitled to express this. The views expressed by PB sums this position up entirely and with great accuracy.If you honestly believe that you can track better from the back of a vehicle rather than the front then you have clearly never tracked an animal.I have never seen this before in any camps that use a Tracker/Spotter so I suppose Mashatu/Mala Mala must be correct and the remaining 99% of operators are completely ignorant of the dangers posed.
You are correct in stating that there should have been some form of communication but none was noticed.
6. How do you know this? The researchers told us the collar would not be removed as it was fitted by a researcher currently not operating in the area. Do you believe the researcher lied to us, and why in spite of our complaints and those of others was nothing done about it!
Can you explain exactly what research was being undertaken and why, the researchers could not come up with a convincing explanation.
7. Would you also assert that the entirety of New York was yours?
Everything in the report is accurate whether it is fair or not is up to your interpretation. Once again I see you are upset by the use of "walled". You are correct that I could have looked it up on the Internet, and I did look up the camp that I booked, which was Tented Camp. Again if you bothered to read my report you will see that it was roughly 3/4 weeks before departure that we were told by email directly from Mashatu that private vehicles were not available for customers of Tented Camp.Given that our booking was made almost at the beginning of the year then we think that the notice was a bit late. We were also on a self-drive through Namibia and Botswana for 4 weeks, attempting to make changes at this late stage would have been almost impossble, so we had no alternative but to go with what we were offered. As it turns out this was not a very good decision.
Finally you are obviously not disturbed by the comments made by Mashatu relating to the Horse Back Safari having a right to interfere with the Wild Dog den because they were there first.
Tanky
Thank you very much, it was not my intention to dissuade people from visiting this camp, Perhaps Mashatu have managed this with their own words.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 03:50 AM
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Sniktawk,
Personally I appreciate your report and think it's perfectly fair to report your personal experiences. Whether they match up to those others have had makes them NO LESS valid or worthy of sharing.
I am appalled that this camp accepted your booking so long ago, with an agreement (and payment taken) for a private vehicle only to let you know so close to departure that they would NOT fulfill the contract they had made with you after all. I would be absolutely furious if that were to happen to me and that alone, even without considering the rest of your report, is enough to put me off making a booking for this property. It is simply NOT an acceptable way to treat customers.
Regarding your other points:
As a fellow keen photographer, I admit I also don't like destinations where a high number of predators are collared. I know that the data that comes out of (good) research projects is very important, but from a selfish point of view, it does impact on photography and that's a huge part of why I go. So for me, knowing that there are a number of collared animals there is worthy of note.
I'm also disturbed by the report that a lion with too tight a collar is not being assisted by current researchers because a previous researcher collared him and left without removing the collar. That's unprofessional of BOTH current and previous researcher. It needs to be resolved. If the previous researcher comes back and gets upset his collar was removed, he should have made arrangements for it to be replaced/ loosened before leaving!
As for the comments about the wild dogs denning in the wrong place, how outrageous! The jumping / skills test area could and should be moved. Riding routes for customers could and should be re-designed. Rare animals should be put first and doing so would not impact on their profits so it's unforgivable not to do this. Again, knowing this reaction sent to you from the camp management tells me a lot about their thinking and it's not thinking I'm admiring.
As for the tracker issue, it wouldn't even OCCUR to me to ask whether they sat in front or back as I've only ever come across them perched at the front. Where a service offered is different to the norm in most other places, I think it should be up to the camp to make it clear to guests, not for guests to psychically guess what questions they need to ask ahead of time!!!
As you know, I disagree with you about a lot of stuff, but I think your reactions are absolutely fair and thank you for reporting.
I'm not denying the experiences of those who have a different view of the camp to you. Nor should they deny yours!
Personally I appreciate your report and think it's perfectly fair to report your personal experiences. Whether they match up to those others have had makes them NO LESS valid or worthy of sharing.
I am appalled that this camp accepted your booking so long ago, with an agreement (and payment taken) for a private vehicle only to let you know so close to departure that they would NOT fulfill the contract they had made with you after all. I would be absolutely furious if that were to happen to me and that alone, even without considering the rest of your report, is enough to put me off making a booking for this property. It is simply NOT an acceptable way to treat customers.
Regarding your other points:
As a fellow keen photographer, I admit I also don't like destinations where a high number of predators are collared. I know that the data that comes out of (good) research projects is very important, but from a selfish point of view, it does impact on photography and that's a huge part of why I go. So for me, knowing that there are a number of collared animals there is worthy of note.
I'm also disturbed by the report that a lion with too tight a collar is not being assisted by current researchers because a previous researcher collared him and left without removing the collar. That's unprofessional of BOTH current and previous researcher. It needs to be resolved. If the previous researcher comes back and gets upset his collar was removed, he should have made arrangements for it to be replaced/ loosened before leaving!
As for the comments about the wild dogs denning in the wrong place, how outrageous! The jumping / skills test area could and should be moved. Riding routes for customers could and should be re-designed. Rare animals should be put first and doing so would not impact on their profits so it's unforgivable not to do this. Again, knowing this reaction sent to you from the camp management tells me a lot about their thinking and it's not thinking I'm admiring.
As for the tracker issue, it wouldn't even OCCUR to me to ask whether they sat in front or back as I've only ever come across them perched at the front. Where a service offered is different to the norm in most other places, I think it should be up to the camp to make it clear to guests, not for guests to psychically guess what questions they need to ask ahead of time!!!
As you know, I disagree with you about a lot of stuff, but I think your reactions are absolutely fair and thank you for reporting.
I'm not denying the experiences of those who have a different view of the camp to you. Nor should they deny yours!
Oct 3rd, 2008, 04:15 AM
#23
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Kavey,
Thank you very much for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.
As you have commented on the collaring situation I think it is only fair to state that the reply I received indirectly from David Evans (apparently the Rattray's stepson) did give me numbers of collared animals in the Tuli block. These appear to be not as excessive as I may have lead people to believe.
Unfortunately I cannot attach the table to this response.
There are apparently 6 elephants and five leopards collared in Mashatu. The collared lions apparently number only two and are in "Charter", I have no idea what this means. The four collared Wild Dogs in one pack apparently are the responsibility of NOTUGRe, this is apparently a SANParks abbreviation for Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
Thank you very much for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.
As you have commented on the collaring situation I think it is only fair to state that the reply I received indirectly from David Evans (apparently the Rattray's stepson) did give me numbers of collared animals in the Tuli block. These appear to be not as excessive as I may have lead people to believe.
Unfortunately I cannot attach the table to this response.
There are apparently 6 elephants and five leopards collared in Mashatu. The collared lions apparently number only two and are in "Charter", I have no idea what this means. The four collared Wild Dogs in one pack apparently are the responsibility of NOTUGRe, this is apparently a SANParks abbreviation for Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 06:56 AM
#24
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Sorry for being late to the game on this one.
Personally I would much much rather have a tracker in the back row of a vehicle than out in front. As a photographer, having a tracker interfere with my field of view just doesn't work for me. I don't think that 99% of people would care that a tracker was in the back, so why bother disclosing it? If you care, then you will bother to ask ahead of time.
I agree about the collaring issue. Just horrible to hear. Hopefully your experience was just bad fortune, and that other guests don't have the same experience. Perhaps your feedback will wake them up to revisit their entire program.
Personally I would much much rather have a tracker in the back row of a vehicle than out in front. As a photographer, having a tracker interfere with my field of view just doesn't work for me. I don't think that 99% of people would care that a tracker was in the back, so why bother disclosing it? If you care, then you will bother to ask ahead of time.
I agree about the collaring issue. Just horrible to hear. Hopefully your experience was just bad fortune, and that other guests don't have the same experience. Perhaps your feedback will wake them up to revisit their entire program.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 07:28 AM
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Andy,
Your comments on trackers surprise me. Personally I prefer a private vehicle so I can move where I need to be. I have never had the slightest problem with a tracker getting in the way of shots, this is because the places where I generally visit position you correctly for photography.I also prefer my tracker to track.
Your comments on trackers surprise me. Personally I prefer a private vehicle so I can move where I need to be. I have never had the slightest problem with a tracker getting in the way of shots, this is because the places where I generally visit position you correctly for photography.I also prefer my tracker to track.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 07:35 AM
#26
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Yeah, I think it is just a personal preference thing. I haven't had any issues with trackers in the back at Mala Mala, and I did see where they do a great job when helping navigate through the bush, both forwards and backwards. They can see obstacles that the guide simply cannot see. As far as actual tracking goes, a guide should be able to do this on his own and no tracker is needed to do this. So when it comes to my own personal preference, I would choose that no tracker be in the vehicle at all.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 09:24 AM
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very interesting in deed!
- mashatu is meant to be an upmarket camp which should - based on rates - by far put no more pax then 6 max in a car!
- the most disturbing fact for me is the collaring which obviously is sloppily monitored.
i would expect the camp management to have an eye on that and report to wildlife service authorities as this is live threatening to the lions! i would not consider this negotiable but insist actions are going to follow!
- safari routine should be adjusted if everybody agrees incl. guide/tracker team!
an upmarket camp always focuses on to clients interests and also requests far in advance guests preferentials so that the camp can prepare and act accordingly.
- tracker belongs in front so that guests can observe and even support tracking! passenger seat remains vacant if tracker needs to retire to safety. the reason given for putting a tracker in the back is hilarious.
- especially on safari the ability and enthusiasm of the driver/tracker team is indispensable for a safari's success.
not at all a good resumee for both mala mala which let's that happening as well as for mashatu.
div
- mashatu is meant to be an upmarket camp which should - based on rates - by far put no more pax then 6 max in a car!
- the most disturbing fact for me is the collaring which obviously is sloppily monitored.
i would expect the camp management to have an eye on that and report to wildlife service authorities as this is live threatening to the lions! i would not consider this negotiable but insist actions are going to follow!
- safari routine should be adjusted if everybody agrees incl. guide/tracker team!
an upmarket camp always focuses on to clients interests and also requests far in advance guests preferentials so that the camp can prepare and act accordingly.
- tracker belongs in front so that guests can observe and even support tracking! passenger seat remains vacant if tracker needs to retire to safety. the reason given for putting a tracker in the back is hilarious.
- especially on safari the ability and enthusiasm of the driver/tracker team is indispensable for a safari's success.
not at all a good resumee for both mala mala which let's that happening as well as for mashatu.
div
Oct 3rd, 2008, 09:32 AM
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mr safari
- your assumption that 99% of camps have strict safari routine is nothing but false! mostly - even more moderately priced camps and lodges adjust to clients whishes as much as possible!
- tracker means TRACKING and not watching! tracking means reading tracks which cannot be done thoroughly from a high vantage point.
- interpretation of main camp being not tented is also a rule mentioned by you which i have not figured out yet.
div
- your assumption that 99% of camps have strict safari routine is nothing but false! mostly - even more moderately priced camps and lodges adjust to clients whishes as much as possible!
- tracker means TRACKING and not watching! tracking means reading tracks which cannot be done thoroughly from a high vantage point.
- interpretation of main camp being not tented is also a rule mentioned by you which i have not figured out yet.
div
Oct 3rd, 2008, 09:39 AM
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This continues to get more interesting and for me more disappointing.
Mr. Safari: it sounds like you are involved with this operation, if so could you please address these comments made on the wild dogs. It is very disturbing. If you do have intimate knowledge of Mashatu then I am also distressed to read this statement "As a lion grows, so the researchers will adjust the collar!" I hope this is just an area that you really do not know the details of because it is absolutely irresponsible to collar a wide-ranging animal that is still growing under the assumption that you can re-capture the animal and adjust the collar. In the case of a young male lion he is possibly going to disperse a great distance or is already nomadic. It has to be assumed that one day the lion can wander far off, perhaps into another country even considering the proximity to Zim and South Africa and thus no adjustment is possible and he may strangle. If a growing animal is going to be collared it is vital to invest in a self-expanding collar and or one that can be programmed to fall off. I sincerely hope that is what has been done in this case and you are just incorrect in what you are reporting. Who ever is responsible for this lion's collar needs to be contacted ASAP and alerted while it is in the area and can be corrected.
Andy: I think the problem for those of us that appreciate trackers is you do check since that is an important consideration for booking and the literature and staff will tell you there is a tracker not saying they are actually just a spotter.
I also think if a high percentage of people do not care where the tracker sits or think they don't need one then they have not had the great fortune of seeing a master of bush craft at work. I think its important to consider that in places like National Parks where you cannot go off road or Mala Mala where there are many vehicles in a relatively small area so animals are constantly being spotted and shared the value of the tracker may be small but in giant wilderness that only has two or three vehicles on thousands of acres active tracking is often how you get any picture of far ranging species. Good guides in off-road areas position so the tracker is not in the way of photos but what I'm saying is if he is in the way for the first 30 seconds with a leopard the point is you are seeing a leopard that never would have been found without the tracker. At places like Kwando camps, Mapula Lodge, and Deception Valley Lodge it is common to track down predators over vast areas and I have seen them find multiple leopards, lions, wild dogs and cheetah that would not have been found by just driving the roads. At Deception Valley Lodge, which has thick Kalahari scrub I was with a bushman tracker who over 25 minutes took us right to a leopard. After leaving her we drove ten minutes and he picked up another trail which he tracked to a second leopard. These were by far my two best leopard sightings ever with tremendous photo opportunities that would have never even happened without the tracker.
Some guides are good trackers but it is extremely difficult to drive, track, talk to guests and continue to spot all at the same time. When guides do actively track it usually goes much slower due to needing to drive than with a dedicated tracker and with each passing minute the chance of finding the animal goes down. In my view this is definitely a case of the sum of the team far exceeding what one person can do with regularity. Some camps have trackers but they are not dedicated to active tracking, I think its one of those things that once you see it really it action you become a believer.
Mr. Safari: it sounds like you are involved with this operation, if so could you please address these comments made on the wild dogs. It is very disturbing. If you do have intimate knowledge of Mashatu then I am also distressed to read this statement "As a lion grows, so the researchers will adjust the collar!" I hope this is just an area that you really do not know the details of because it is absolutely irresponsible to collar a wide-ranging animal that is still growing under the assumption that you can re-capture the animal and adjust the collar. In the case of a young male lion he is possibly going to disperse a great distance or is already nomadic. It has to be assumed that one day the lion can wander far off, perhaps into another country even considering the proximity to Zim and South Africa and thus no adjustment is possible and he may strangle. If a growing animal is going to be collared it is vital to invest in a self-expanding collar and or one that can be programmed to fall off. I sincerely hope that is what has been done in this case and you are just incorrect in what you are reporting. Who ever is responsible for this lion's collar needs to be contacted ASAP and alerted while it is in the area and can be corrected.
Andy: I think the problem for those of us that appreciate trackers is you do check since that is an important consideration for booking and the literature and staff will tell you there is a tracker not saying they are actually just a spotter.
I also think if a high percentage of people do not care where the tracker sits or think they don't need one then they have not had the great fortune of seeing a master of bush craft at work. I think its important to consider that in places like National Parks where you cannot go off road or Mala Mala where there are many vehicles in a relatively small area so animals are constantly being spotted and shared the value of the tracker may be small but in giant wilderness that only has two or three vehicles on thousands of acres active tracking is often how you get any picture of far ranging species. Good guides in off-road areas position so the tracker is not in the way of photos but what I'm saying is if he is in the way for the first 30 seconds with a leopard the point is you are seeing a leopard that never would have been found without the tracker. At places like Kwando camps, Mapula Lodge, and Deception Valley Lodge it is common to track down predators over vast areas and I have seen them find multiple leopards, lions, wild dogs and cheetah that would not have been found by just driving the roads. At Deception Valley Lodge, which has thick Kalahari scrub I was with a bushman tracker who over 25 minutes took us right to a leopard. After leaving her we drove ten minutes and he picked up another trail which he tracked to a second leopard. These were by far my two best leopard sightings ever with tremendous photo opportunities that would have never even happened without the tracker.
Some guides are good trackers but it is extremely difficult to drive, track, talk to guests and continue to spot all at the same time. When guides do actively track it usually goes much slower due to needing to drive than with a dedicated tracker and with each passing minute the chance of finding the animal goes down. In my view this is definitely a case of the sum of the team far exceeding what one person can do with regularity. Some camps have trackers but they are not dedicated to active tracking, I think its one of those things that once you see it really it action you become a believer.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 09:56 AM
#31
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PB
we experienced exactly what you are describing:
our tracker found 2 collared sub-adult lions in LZNP. the collars were extremly tight. we asked the guide to take care of the problem getting that addressed to the zam wildlife authorities as we were told these lions crossed the river from mana pools/zim.
we got the confirmation that the collars had been taken off soon after they were spotted.
i hope that wasn't just lip service.
div
we experienced exactly what you are describing:
our tracker found 2 collared sub-adult lions in LZNP. the collars were extremly tight. we asked the guide to take care of the problem getting that addressed to the zam wildlife authorities as we were told these lions crossed the river from mana pools/zim.
we got the confirmation that the collars had been taken off soon after they were spotted.
i hope that wasn't just lip service.
div
Oct 3rd, 2008, 10:36 AM
#32
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sniktawk-
I must add my opinion that if you were promised a private vehicle and it was not delivered then that is unforgivable.
Was the additional cost include in your cost quote for the safari? Bet not, big clue. HOWEVER, it was your AGENT that promised the private vehicle, right? So who made the promise and who is to blame? Seems to me the fault is with your agent. Yeah, sure the agent said it was not-my-fault, what else would she say? Maybe it was an honest misunderstanding between her and Mashatu? But if it is important to you, a deal breaker for you, then you should have questioned/checked more throughly. First clue, was additional vehicle cost part of the quote?
Also, tracker, spotter, scout, guide, ranger, lead, captain, etc. I feel we are arguing semantics not purpose or function. And I still want do not want a tracker on the fender, he is very much in the way of photography. And it only complicates how the guide must position the vehicle.
regards - tom
ps - I'd think twice before using that agent again.
I must add my opinion that if you were promised a private vehicle and it was not delivered then that is unforgivable.
Was the additional cost include in your cost quote for the safari? Bet not, big clue. HOWEVER, it was your AGENT that promised the private vehicle, right? So who made the promise and who is to blame? Seems to me the fault is with your agent. Yeah, sure the agent said it was not-my-fault, what else would she say? Maybe it was an honest misunderstanding between her and Mashatu? But if it is important to you, a deal breaker for you, then you should have questioned/checked more throughly. First clue, was additional vehicle cost part of the quote?
Also, tracker, spotter, scout, guide, ranger, lead, captain, etc. I feel we are arguing semantics not purpose or function. And I still want do not want a tracker on the fender, he is very much in the way of photography. And it only complicates how the guide must position the vehicle.
regards - tom
ps - I'd think twice before using that agent again.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 11:54 AM
#33
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Sniktawk - your comments concerning the collars and dogs are very concerning to me. I do want to comment though on the vehicle and horse situation.
Especially as someone who is very particular about your safari experience, I am very surprised that you did not check into Mashatu at all before you booked it. It very clearly states on their website that at the tented camp there are a max of 8 clients per vehicle and that sole use of vehicles isn't permitted. It also discusses the predator and ivory drives done with the researchers and the horseback riding safari option.
I don't know how you could have not known any of this until so close in. I don't mean to sound rude, but I really feel like maybe you share in some of the responsibility in this confusion.
I will be going to Mashatu in December, and I truly hope to have a great time. I certainly don't want to see lions in trouble or dogs being run off by irresponsible tourists or guides. I do however know the "rules" of camp because I read their information provided.
Especially as someone who is very particular about your safari experience, I am very surprised that you did not check into Mashatu at all before you booked it. It very clearly states on their website that at the tented camp there are a max of 8 clients per vehicle and that sole use of vehicles isn't permitted. It also discusses the predator and ivory drives done with the researchers and the horseback riding safari option.
I don't know how you could have not known any of this until so close in. I don't mean to sound rude, but I really feel like maybe you share in some of the responsibility in this confusion.
I will be going to Mashatu in December, and I truly hope to have a great time. I certainly don't want to see lions in trouble or dogs being run off by irresponsible tourists or guides. I do however know the "rules" of camp because I read their information provided.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 12:20 PM
#34
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Tom, don't know if I'm understanding correctly BUT given that others here have said that Mashatu DID provide private vehicles for them in the Tented Camp, I would assume that the property did indeed confirm to the agent that this was available/ booked and, for some reason, changed their mind at short notice.
From my understanding, what then happened is that Ken switched to Main Camp, as they said that they COULD provide private vehicle for him there.
Hence not being happy about the accommodation, even though it may be as described on website, it's not what he originally chose and booked.
Also, if I'm correct, this means he DID get private vehicle, albeit in wrong camp, and therefore SHOULD have been afforded more flexibility on game drive times, especially in terms of staying out longer.
From my understanding, what then happened is that Ken switched to Main Camp, as they said that they COULD provide private vehicle for him there.
Hence not being happy about the accommodation, even though it may be as described on website, it's not what he originally chose and booked.
Also, if I'm correct, this means he DID get private vehicle, albeit in wrong camp, and therefore SHOULD have been afforded more flexibility on game drive times, especially in terms of staying out longer.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 02:08 PM
#35
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kavey
regarding the SUV and doing game drives to snit's desire:
if one pays 350+$ for SUV one doesn't pay that amount to leave that car in the parking lot!
of course if one has got a SUV he/she can stay out as long as wished respecting park rules.
therefore it's always wise to make sure the guide/tracker team is keen on staying out as well and also educated how to drive the car into the best position in order to take great pics considering leaving camp in the morning in order to exploit the light, angle, sunshine etc.
div
regarding the SUV and doing game drives to snit's desire:
if one pays 350+$ for SUV one doesn't pay that amount to leave that car in the parking lot!
of course if one has got a SUV he/she can stay out as long as wished respecting park rules.
therefore it's always wise to make sure the guide/tracker team is keen on staying out as well and also educated how to drive the car into the best position in order to take great pics considering leaving camp in the morning in order to exploit the light, angle, sunshine etc.
div
Oct 3rd, 2008, 03:06 PM
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Guess I'm confused about this whole private vehicle deal at Mashatu. I'm now thinking that snitawk did have a private vehicle at Main Camp. The 6 seater and 9 seater Land Crusers he refers to had ONLY they two in it. Not 4 or 7 other guests. Anyway, not worth the bandwidth to figure it all out. So, never mind 
regards - tom
regards - tom
Oct 3rd, 2008, 08:25 PM
#37
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....I have been many many places where my guide had adequate skills and desire to to tracking for himself. I am not saying that a tracker on the front of the vehicle didn't do his job for you, but rather a good guide worth his own salt can do tracking for himself. Just my experience and expectation of a guide. If a guide cannot track then he really isn't a great guide, IMHO.
Oct 3rd, 2008, 09:32 PM
#38
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Well it seems to have been busy since I last visited, and on initial reading no further spook postings from Mashatu.
Yes we did get a private vehicle but could not have one at Tented camp where I was meant to be booked.
Yes I should have looked at the website but why should I when I am told that what I asked for is booked.
I will repeat it was not until Skimmer mentioned it that we found out that this was the case if anybody had told us earlier then we would not have made the booking in the first place. It may have been the fault of the agent I do not know. I feel that this is unlikely as Mashatu did not react to this part of my report. Given their overall tone of blaming everything on everybody else not themselves then I am surprised that they did not take the opportunity to pass the buck on this aspect.
Yes having a private vehicle should give you a better time and more attention, this did not happen at Mashatu, it is the first time that we have had this experience. Given the fact that we use private vehicles for most trips since 2005 i.e. the last 4 years then we found this a little odd.
What I find hard to believe is the portions of my complaint that people single out to comment on. The only really important parts are the comments made by Mashatu on the Wild Dogs , which are the most appalling thing I have ever had said by a Lodge. Thankfully some posters have spotted this and reacted accordingly.
From these comments alone nobody who considers themselves a Wildlife enthusiast should ever visit them again, but it is your choice.
The rest may be explained by the various excuses offered and my failure to dig deeper despite having got what we asked. The presence of so many spooks is a clear indication that this has touched a nerve at Mashatu. Perhaps they may take the collar from that poor Lion?
Finally the tracker/spotter situation still bemuses me. I find it hard to believe that anybody would not wish for a tracker, perhaps it is because not many lodges have them anymore. They used to have Trackers at all WS lodges but they were all dismissed after 9/11. This system is far better and works well, in the few places it is practiced properly.
Just last month we found Wild Dog in dense Mopane, this could not have been achieved with simply a guide. This was achieved by intensive tracking by two people whilst I drove the vehicle, something that I am very happy to do if you end up with Wild Dogs or anything else for that matter.
Even more surprising is that Div and I agree on something
Yes we did get a private vehicle but could not have one at Tented camp where I was meant to be booked.
Yes I should have looked at the website but why should I when I am told that what I asked for is booked.
I will repeat it was not until Skimmer mentioned it that we found out that this was the case if anybody had told us earlier then we would not have made the booking in the first place. It may have been the fault of the agent I do not know. I feel that this is unlikely as Mashatu did not react to this part of my report. Given their overall tone of blaming everything on everybody else not themselves then I am surprised that they did not take the opportunity to pass the buck on this aspect.
Yes having a private vehicle should give you a better time and more attention, this did not happen at Mashatu, it is the first time that we have had this experience. Given the fact that we use private vehicles for most trips since 2005 i.e. the last 4 years then we found this a little odd.
What I find hard to believe is the portions of my complaint that people single out to comment on. The only really important parts are the comments made by Mashatu on the Wild Dogs , which are the most appalling thing I have ever had said by a Lodge. Thankfully some posters have spotted this and reacted accordingly.
From these comments alone nobody who considers themselves a Wildlife enthusiast should ever visit them again, but it is your choice.
The rest may be explained by the various excuses offered and my failure to dig deeper despite having got what we asked. The presence of so many spooks is a clear indication that this has touched a nerve at Mashatu. Perhaps they may take the collar from that poor Lion?
Finally the tracker/spotter situation still bemuses me. I find it hard to believe that anybody would not wish for a tracker, perhaps it is because not many lodges have them anymore. They used to have Trackers at all WS lodges but they were all dismissed after 9/11. This system is far better and works well, in the few places it is practiced properly.
Just last month we found Wild Dog in dense Mopane, this could not have been achieved with simply a guide. This was achieved by intensive tracking by two people whilst I drove the vehicle, something that I am very happy to do if you end up with Wild Dogs or anything else for that matter.
Even more surprising is that Div and I agree on something
Oct 3rd, 2008, 11:58 PM
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Mala Mala has been mentioned here with regard to their trackers/guides. I must stick up for them. Although the tracker/spotter was at the back of the vehicle he was definitely tracking. We spent a great morning tracking a leopard and eventually finding him and another afternoon tracking a rhino.
I must admit that at Mashatu it was more spotting rather than tracking but it didn't spoil our stay there as we still had good game viewing and our guide and tracker/spotter were still working hard for us.
Sniktawk: I am very concerned about your wild dog and lion comments and wish that we could have some sort of definitive answer from Mashatu, other than the strange post from Mr Safari. Perhaps someone has a good contact there who can look into this?
I must admit that at Mashatu it was more spotting rather than tracking but it didn't spoil our stay there as we still had good game viewing and our guide and tracker/spotter were still working hard for us.
Sniktawk: I am very concerned about your wild dog and lion comments and wish that we could have some sort of definitive answer from Mashatu, other than the strange post from Mr Safari. Perhaps someone has a good contact there who can look into this?
Oct 4th, 2008, 01:01 AM
#40
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Lynneb
We clearly do not agree on the tracker thing but who cares its a free world (hopefully).
I have not been to Mala Mala so would not comment other than David Evans told me that the same system is used at all Rattrays camps. I am glad it worked for you at Mashatu.
As I stated the source of my comments from Mashatu is David Evans who I am told is the stepson of the Rattrays, this seems to be somebody who is probably high up, but I do not know.
No response was provided regarding my concerns about the Lion collar other than a list of collared animals. As for the Horses coming before Wild Dogs, this is a direct quote from the response of David Evans.
You can ignore Mr Safari and J Garner there source seems to be the same response as I received and I doubt that it was sent to them. Interestingly Mr. Safari is a first time poster with amazingly detailed knowledge.
We clearly do not agree on the tracker thing but who cares its a free world (hopefully).
I have not been to Mala Mala so would not comment other than David Evans told me that the same system is used at all Rattrays camps. I am glad it worked for you at Mashatu.
As I stated the source of my comments from Mashatu is David Evans who I am told is the stepson of the Rattrays, this seems to be somebody who is probably high up, but I do not know.
No response was provided regarding my concerns about the Lion collar other than a list of collared animals. As for the Horses coming before Wild Dogs, this is a direct quote from the response of David Evans.
You can ignore Mr Safari and J Garner there source seems to be the same response as I received and I doubt that it was sent to them. Interestingly Mr. Safari is a first time poster with amazingly detailed knowledge.
