hi, spiegelcjs,

just posted a reply to your book query post.

I'd be really keen to read your trip report especially CPT, as we are going to SA for the last two weeks of July starting in CPT. we too have a day with Selwyn.

have a wonderful time,

regards, ann

TripGirl,

Here is a Singita vs. Mala Mala comment from a recent thread.

"I should say that some members of our group were disappointed that I did not choose Singita for our stay over MM, but after researching on this forum, I was persuaded to do MM. In the end, everyone agreed that Mala Mala was a fantastic choice and definitely worth a return trip."

Here is the entire report.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34992680

Hi tripgirl. I can relate because we have used Conde Nast top agents too on other continents and have great trips that way.

Our first trip to Africa was Zambia (Royal Livingstone for the falls), then Botswana (Mombo, Chiefs and Stanleys), then SA for Singita Boulders, then 5 nights in Cape Town at the Cape Grace.

The camps change all the time, depending on management and what's happening with the weather conditions. But in our case, we saw the best game at Singita. We saw the big five twice in three days. We saw eles surrounding a lost rhino. Leopard in a tree with a kill, cheetahs, leopard on the hunt, baby lion cubs just 2 months old, playing and romping. Herds of buffalo, quite close. White rhino walking within ten feet of our vehicle.

I think if your heart is set on Singita, you should go for it or you'll always wonder. I like the plan where you cut out Botswana and the falls and save those for a future trip. I agree with everyone who said move some of those 7 Cape Town days -- we did a lot in 5 days. Recommend Cape Grace highly - is it very easy to walk out to the waterfront and they have a car to take you to dinner. Their staff is wonderful and will arrange any tour, anything you need.

I liked that Singita had it together, that you had a guide/driver and a separate tracker who looked out for animals. If another vehicle finds a great siting, they will let the other vehicles know. It felt like we did not drive for hours seeing very little, the way we often did in Botswana (that was just our experience at that time, I'm not knocking Botswana - lovely people there and we'll go back someday).

We are going back to Africa and this time we will try Mala Mala, the small Rattrays camp, which sounds like your taste (not the main camp).

:spiegelcjs, I left you REI addresses in that other thread about duffles. :)

Tripgirl,

Just a note. I know Phoebe Weinberg and she's great and very personable. She's has tremendous pull with the various high-end camps (Singitas, Wilderness, Orient Express) and she knows whats she's talking about down to room numbers, guides etc... Probably just what you need. Shes been to Africa 50 plus times and goes for weeks on end when there.

My southern Africa trip is booked for September/October. I am quite pleased, so far, with the SA agency I am using:

www.southerndestinations.com

Hi Spiegelcjs!

Have a wonderful and safe trip!! We are doing a rather similar itinerary in about 4 months from now. (So we are looking forward to your trip report). We tried to book Selwyn as our guide; but he is busy and will be getting his award at that time. (If anything becomes available in his schedule, we are waiting). We go from Newark Airport to Capetown, MM, Ngala, Jo'burg, and Vic Falls. Where are you staying at the Falls? Enjoy every moment of your fabulous trip! Have a safe journey.

Carole

: wkwb42a

We are staying at the River Club. I know that the Royal Livingston seems to be the location of choice on this board but Nicky at Eyes on Africa told me there was going to be a large convention there when we would be there and I do not like that. We are staying at the River Club which is a Wilderness property and more like the accomodations in Bots I believe than a hotel

I promise I will post when we return.

No conventions please! That was a good call on Nicky's part.

I saw a long slide show presentation complete with music on the River Club by a couple who were first-time visitors to Africa. They originally did not even want to go to Vic Falls but their agent talked them into it. They absolutely loved the place and raved about the food. It looked very impressive on their big screen TV last year.

It's where I'd want to recover between Level 5 Rapids and Bungee Jumping! Those are on your Vic Falls agenda, aren't they? ;)

Have a fantastic trip, Spiegelcjs!

LOVED the River Club-hope you do too! You can stay at a big hotel anytime-at the RC you can wake to the sounds of the hippo pod and a view of the Zambezi right outside your open-sided chalet. Hope Archie, the lab, is still around to join you for lunch under the trees. Don't remember the food being great but the Amarula was plentiful and it's just a short drive to the Falls-try to take the heli ride if you can.

tripgirl-Other's recommendations for Phinda and Londolozzi are good ones. Accomodations at Phinda Forest Lodge are excellent. The camp is a little large for my taste, and I actually prefer a more modest tent (feels more like being in the bush), but if you are "very urban" Forest Lodge would be an excellent choice. The "rooms" are individual buildings with glass walls, large deck and huge well appointed bathroom. I didn't spend much time in my room, so it was almost a waste for me. But, the game viewing was excellent, guide and staff also fantastic, as was the food. Londolozzi Tree Camp would also be an excellent choice. Cottages with private plunge pool, small private deck, beautiful bathroom with large slipper tub, and a refrigerator stocked with your favorite wine. Game viewing was also wonderful. I've never been to Singita so I can't compare.

spiegelcjs-I second the recommendation for the helicopter ride over the falls. Or, you might try a microglide if wind conditions are favorable.