Need Help with South Africa Safari
 

We are planning a safari for January. We want luxurious accomodations, amazing food, and great animal sightings. Singita seems amazing but at over $2300 a night, it seems too much. What would be the second best or third best place? I know its a difficult question to answer, but what are the pros and cons. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We would prefer to keep it around $1500 per night for both of us.

I've been to Mala Mala on many occasions and absolutely love it. Check out malamala.tv for his weeks animal sightings. It is not as luxurious as Singita, but who cares, you are there to see the animals and it more than delivers in that regard.

Main Camp - 1000-1250
Sable - 1500
Rattrays - 1600

Hi there

Take a look at Exeter's Leadwood lodge or Exeter's Dulini lodge - both absolutely fantastic - you still get all the bells and whistles but you don't pay Singita rates. If it was my choice, I would go to Dulini - awesome place. Another option is Ulusaba Rock Lodge, also magic.

Why not try Shamwari in the Eastern Cape a wonderful 5 star big 5 reserve, voted Africa’s leading safari for the past 5 years and the worlds greatest conservation program.

Price is approximately $600 per person per night.

A further benefit is the area is malaria free.

Hello,

I wholeheartedly recommend Londolozi in the Sabi Sand -- superb guiding, wonderful game-viewing, and great food and accommodation. I've stayed there several times, and highly recommend Tree Camp and Bateleur Camp -- Suite 1 in Bateleur Camp is really something special, with an infinity pool built among the rocks of the Sand River -- the sunny rocks are also popular with lounging lion!

Londoz and Singita were originally both owned by CC Africa. The rangers at Singita are for the most part CCA trained (at Londolozi). So you'll be getting the same guiding you would at Singita, and it's definitely within your budget. Take a look on the website, www.ccafrica.com -- they sometimes have special offers as well.

Londoz, Singi, and MM are the top three reserves -- the order depends very much on what you like in a camp. I chose Londoz because the camps are smaller and more intimate than MalaMala, and even the magnificent suites are less expensive than Singita -- whilst offering some of the best game-viewing in the Sabi Sand. I love leopard, and Londoz is particularly well-known for its relaxed leopard. If you are interested in leopard, request leopard expert Maxine Scott as your ranger.

Cheers,
Julian

Singita once owned by ConsCorp? First time I ever heard of this.

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

It was a long time ago (perhaps before CCA was officially incorporated). If you have the 'I Dream of Africa' book on the founding of Londoz you'll find it in there. Singita and Londoz were effectively one operation for quite some time, and remain on very friendly terms with one another (including limited traversing rights on each other's property when following predators, etc).

Cheers,
Julian

Julian, must be a black-out or similar.
I will have a look at the book.

Mitch

Thanks! Is Lonodolozi have a lot of suites? What about Leopard Hills or Grand Manewale?

Hello,

Londoz has one camp which is all suites (Tree Camp, my personal favourite). There are also suites in the other three camps (Bateleur, Pioneer, and Founders).

Leopard HIlls is in the far west of the reserve, not the best game-viewing area. It has a very small area of exclusive territory and otherwise shares its driving area with a lot of other lodges (Ulusaba, etc). I wouldn't recommend it.

Royal Malewane is located in the Thornybush Reserve, a different area to the Sabi Sands -- it's further north. Thornybush is very small and has a high lodge density. There also seems to be more emphasis on 'spa' activities at Malewane rather than game-viewing. I've stayed in the Timbavati Reserve neighbouring Thornybush, and found that while the game viewing was good it wasn't as good as that in the Sabi Sand.

Cheers,
Julian

BTW, January is definitely high season in SA, which is probably why you're seeing the prices you are. It's also not the best time for game-viewing, as the rains have made the plants grow tall and thick, screening the animals from view -- so the quality of your guide is paramount.

You should also be aware that the weather in the Kruger park area will be very hot and humid at that time of year, so a place like Londoz Tree Camp or Bateleur where you have a private plunge pool will probably work better for you.

Cheers,
Julian

I was concerned about the heat but told that its no hotter or more humid than the Carribean during the summer. So I wasn't that worried. The alternative would be to wait until July to go. Frankly, I am too impatient and would prefer to go on safari ASAP!

It was mentioned that Leopard Hills did not have that good a game viewing. I must humbly disagree, we have been to Ulusaba, Dulini and Leadwood all in the same area as Leopard Hills and we had the most awesome game-viewing experiences. In my, once again, humble opinion I think that Londoz needs to revamp there lodges they are not up to scratch with these new lodges on offer. If you plan to go during Summer then Dulini would be my choice, beautiful plunge pool - have a look at www.exeter-lodges.com

Hello,

The suites at Tree Camp at Londoz are beautiful and luxurious -- take a look on the CCA website -- and the guiding and game-viewing are superb. However, the Londoz design aesthetic is more 'classic safari' than 'designer safari', unlike some of the newer lodges like Ulusaba. It's a matter of taste -- I prefer the former, but there is certainly nothing wrong with the latter (though the 'sausage tree fruits' made of fairy lights at Vumbura Plains are a bit much, IMO).

Whilst it is doubtless possible to have good game-viewing anywhere in the Sabi Sands, the bed and vehicle density of the Ulusaba/Leopard Hills area is a bit too high for my liking -- the larger reserves such as Singita, Londoz, and Mala Mala offer a more exclusive experience.

Cheers,
Julian

Mitch,

The reference to Singita is on p.189 of the 'I Speak of Africa' book. I was a bit off -- it wasn't owned by CCA, but was managed by them as a CCA camp. The rangers' background is referred to in Suzie Cazenove's 'Licence to Guide' -- I've also talked about this with my rangers at Londoz vis a vis their relations with their ex-colleagues at Singita.

Cheers,
Julian

CCA never owned Singita, it was a one year marketing contract.

You CAN'T go wrong with the Game in the Sabi Sands, it is good throughout. Each lodge likes to believe that they have a unique quantity, all BS, the game is consistent throughout.

Sabi Sabi, has four lodges, Earth, Selati, Bush and Little Bush (as from March 06 as they have taken this over from CCA) each lodge has it's own charm and charatcer and of course price. They too have some attractive and competitve packages that include a variety of air fare inclusion predicated on the length of your stay. Once you have done the arithmatic you'll understand that you can achieve up to 40% off. These are limited so best go to their website and check it out.

Shamwari IMO is tame: all introduced game with fenced Lion enclosure (that might have changed more recently) It's a good conservation project though and deserves support.

Dr_Andrea -

While January will be hot and humid and the grass may be higher as coming right after the November and December rains in the area - most of the high-end lodges have air conditioned suites and those wonderful plunge pools.

July, in turn, is the high season in Kruger with comparable prices. Forget the plunge pools, as it's too cold to use often with ice crystals. July is winter in the Southern Hemishphere, with lower grasses and easier animal spotting, but the mornings and nights will be damn cold. Don't fret, though, the same suites have fireplaces and the a/c unit pumps out heat in the winter months.

Even if the cost of 1-nt at Singita is more then most people's monthly house note, I'd go for Singita for a few nights - it's worth every penny - game viewing, guides, aesthetics can't be beat, outstanding food, they know what you want before you think of it. Then spend a few nights at another camp or another reserve - Manyeletti or Timbavati.

Roccco should be home soon and have some feedback for Simbabili (sp) which doesn't sticker shock as much. Wait a few and you'll hear more then you ever wanted to know about "Roccco's Adventures." Can't help but love the guy and actually miss him. LOL!

Dr. Andrea - there will be more helpful information forthcoming. Keep the faith.

Julian - sorry, but wrong on that CCA/Singita thing - even if in writing? Singita-Ebony was the first camp to give CCA a run for their money; then with Boulders blew CCA out of the water, necessitating their upgrades to Londoz properties. Maybe there was a short-term agreement, but Singita was, otherwise, very independent.

Hi Sandi,

I'll drop an email to some people who were actually working there back then and see what they say. This should answer the question of exactly what the relationship was.

Regardless of the exact twists and turns of their past history, it's clear that Londoz and Singita share an unusally cordial relationship today, which includes limited traversing rights over each other's property -- as far as I know, that's pretty unusual among the exclusive lodges.

I don't know if this is true of the younger guides, but some of Singi's senior guides are ex-Londoz (per Suzie Cazenove, a lot of senior guides in general are ex-Londoz). The rangers who have been at Londoz for a long time are still close to their former colleagues -- apparently the parties are legendary.

Cheers,
Julian

I really appeciate everyone's help! But I still don't know which one is the best!! Is it really that subjective???

Yes, "best" is highly subjective. The Sabi Sands is one large reserve, with an open border to Kruger, so the animals generally wander freely throughout the Sabi Sands and game viewing is generally excellent throughout. The top lodges are practically the same, and its a matter of taste, like choosing between Latour, Margaux, Petrus, etc. All great -- depends on what you prefer. I think you have the answers to your question and the lodges listed are all excellent.

I'm also not sure why in your initial post you assume Singita is the best -- its not on the top of my list and for game viewing I'd select Mala Mala because their reserve is the largest, but their lodge is also bigger and less intimate.

I assumed it is the best because it ranks the highest in all of the rankings I have. I think Mala Mala is not going to be luxurious enough for what I am looking for even though the game will be good.

Hello Dr_Andrea,

From one doctor to another, I think you need to do a little triage...

Decide which factor is most important: luxurious accommodations; food; game-viewing. Rank lodges based first on Factor 1, then on Factor 2, and then on Factor 3. That should enable you to come up with the best lodge for you.

I'd also spend some time on the websites of the various lodges. Londoz Tree Camp, for instance, is quite comparable to Singita Ebony, though the design aesthetic is a bit different. CCAfrica's food is wonderful -- a gourmet in the bush experience. I'm a foodie, and I really enjoyed the food I had there. They're also excellent at catering for any dietary requirements or preferences.

If you want a 'safari-moderne' experience, like Singita Lebombo, the options are pretty limited, because most lodges opt for a more classic safari look. Personally, if I want accommodation with cutting-edge modern design I go to Italy, not to the bush -- to me, the 'modern' designs clash rather painfully with the environment. I believe good design complements the environment and doesn't get 'in your face', but other people prefer a very striking contrast. All a matter of taste.

Hope this helps you make up your mind.

Cheers,
Julian

Just for context -- when I'm traveling in Europe and Asia, I'm an Oberoi/Relais and Chateaux person (though the only Oberoi properties I've stayed at are the 'Vilas' in India -- I don't like their more standard hotels).

Cheers,
Julian

Another thought: unlike on other types of holiday, on safari you spend relatively little time in your room. Game drives take place twice a day, and last 3.5-4 hours. Meals usually take place in the lodge dining room, or sometimes out in the bush. You're really only in your room to sleep and for brief period between meals. This might be an important factor in your decision-making.

In case you're curious, my personal triage system is:
1. Game-viewing
2. Food
3. Accommodation

Cheers,
Julian

Sorry, that should be 'Game drives take place twice a day, and last 3.5-4 hours EACH (7-8 hours total).

Cheers,
Julian

I also prefer more "classic" then "modern" accommodations, the reason we selected Ebony over Boulders at Singita. Except for the photos of Lebembo and Sweni which are very modern in design - I'd like to see them, but not necessarily have a stay at either.

Granted game viewing is a prime reason when visiting the safari locations in any of these countries and we enjoyed ours tremendously, we also wished we had an extra day to "just enjoy our house" - the deck the stretched around the entire house, facing the river where we could easily enjoy water game and those on the far bank; but also the plunge pool, outdoor shower, arrange a pampering massage, just have one day of decadent pleasure in our private world - where no one could see what we were doing, 'cept the four-legged or flying critters ... and they wouldn't tell!

You may want to look into Richard Branson's place, Ulusaba, which is very expensive.

I would never stay there because its on the westernmost fringe of the Sabi Sands, but its supposedly very luxurious, with a spa and gym.

Ok...Good call with the triage. However, I am a psychologist and not a medical doctor!

I don't care about the decor as long as it is luxurious. So it could be modern or safari-esque. Either is fine. We had a plunge pool before at the Oberoi in Mauritius. Frankly, we did not use it once. But maybe on safari the heat will drive us to the pool.

Food is super important! I need to have good food. It doesn't have to be really fancy, just very tasty.

Game Viewing is obviously important. However, its my first safari. So I don't even know what I am looking for in this category. I think if I see some baby animals I will be thrilled. I would also really love to gain some knowledge on how they track the animals and animal behavior in addition to seeing them.

I am sort of leaning to Londolozi after I read everyone's comments. Leopard Hills seems too small. Londolozi seems the closest to Singita. Right? I was also considering Grand Malewane. Gosh, you people are helpful!!

Andrea, why South Africa?

In January you will see thousands of Zebra and Wildebeest babies in the magnificent Serengeti. With predators everywhere. And then some!

Eben

I don't know anything about the Serengeti. I guess I also want to visit Cape Town.

Dr Andrea: I have posted somewhere above already, but would still wholeheartedly recommend 2 of Exeter's Lodges - Dulini and Leadwood Lodge - Dulini has that classic African safari look, but incredibly beautiful rooms - I have stayed at Londoz Tree lodge and Ulusaba Rock Lodge and neither compare i.t.o accomm to Dulini. The food and game-viewing there are also fantastic. Leadwood, on the other hand has a more retro feel to it and was voted 3rd most luxurious lodge in Africa - only way to describe it is pure exclusivity - also fabulous - takw a look at www.exeter-lodges.com.

Another option that might interest you is Ivory lodge at Lion Sands - check out www.lionsands.com - very exclusive and brand new - biggest rooms available anywhere as far as I am aware. Hope this helps somewhat!!

I've enjoyed reading this nice book, "A Kitchen Safari: Stories & Recipes from the African Wilderness" - a good appetizer for CCAfrica places such as Londoz.
http://www.safari-shop.de/CoffeeTabl...#1-77007-127-X

Mitch

Mala Mala has a new small camp called Rattrays which may satisfy some of the luxury requirements.

Dr_Andrea -

There are just too many choices and as soon as you think you've found the right one, a new even better camp/lodge opens. One can find something better or worse with any number of the camps/lodges posted here on your thread. Hey, if you make a mistake (I doubt it), there's always another trip - next year. We've all been where you are, but return again because we've all been bitten.

Some prefer modern, some classical, some larger, some smaller, some only for game viewing, some for food, some for culture, some for pampering, and on and on.

Is your Protravel agent suggesting any accommodations other then the "big" names that appear in Conde Nast? And from whom he/she gets a nice commission? I sure hope so. Has he/she been response to you when you suggest different accommodations?

At this point with so much coming your way - as I mentioned above, wait a week or so until Roccco returns and see what comment he has on some of the many camps mentioned. Not that Roccco is the be-all/end-all on these (all) accommodations, but he has an interesting view that I think you should have. But ignore anything he mentions/suggests about Zambia - that's for a completely different trip! LOL!

Dr Andrea

I have been to Singita Boulders and all 3 -gameviewing/accomodation/food are fantastic. Paying in Australian dollars does make me stay there for 2 nights only, and if it wasn't for the great staff, I do not think I would go there.
I am a huge fan of MalaMala as gameviewing is my top priority by a long shot and the only reason to be returning to Africa. If super luxury accomodation & food were my only priorities, I would not need to fly that distance. MalaMala's accomodation is very comfortable and the food suits me, but I think that it is food, not cuisine. I understood that their new camp Rattrays would have the accomodation, but the food would be similar to the main camp.
In december I am off to two new camps for me, Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands which does look beyond belief and Founders Camp at Londolozi which I have tried to change but unable to now after someone mentioned that is was a kid's camp!
In january it will be very warm so you do have a lot more time in your room than in winter.
I have been to Ulusaba (not the rock one) and I found the accomodation nice but way too small! Unless things have changed dramatically since May 2000, Shamwari was not luxurious, in fact in our room we has bore water which was most unpleasant, and the gameviewing was disappointing as not enough time has passed for the animals to be relaxed around vehicles. I do think the lions are no longer enclosed but still the animals cannot roam free like the Sabi Sands. Thornybush has the same problem.

Have a look at Lions Sands as it has had some great comments here in the past. You can call these up by running lion sands in the search for area.

Kaye

Thanks everyone for your help! I decided on Grand Malewane!! I am going to book it during the next couple of days after I finalize some things. Any thoughts on Grand Malewane?

DR Andrea

You meant to say Royal Malewane...right?

In my opinion Thornybush Game Reserve is nothing more than a huge zoo.

I have been to most reserves in the SSGR and Mala Mala is without a doubt my favourite.

I am sure that Ratrays Camp will satisfy your need for luxurious accommodation.

Hello,

Royal Malewane is located in the Thornybush Reserve, a different area to the Sabi Sands -- it's further north. Thornybush is very small and has a high lodge density. There also seems to be more emphasis on 'spa' activities at Malewane rather than game-viewing. I've stayed in the Timbavati Reserve neighbouring Thornybush, and found that while the game viewing was good it wasn't as good as that in the Sabi Sand.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that a safari lodge is quite different to a hotel. At a hotel like the Oberoi or the Ritz, you are paying for posh accommodation, excellent service, and location. At a safari lodge, you are paying for all of those things PLUS a few more -- guiding (the quality of your guide makes a huge difference in your experience) and exclusivity (having a large area of land and its animals to yourself, shared with a small number of others -- so you can stay as long as you like at a sighting and sightings don't turn into a traffic jam in the bush).

I can't vouch for the guiding at Royal Malewane, but the emphasis on 'spa' activities implies that guiding is not a priority. The Thornybush area is certainly less exclusive than MM, Londoz, or Singi -- there is a very high lodge density, which means that you are more likely to have to share your sightings with other vehicles and are more likely to see other vehicles.

However, if luxury is the priority, you will certainly find that at Royal Malewane.

Cheers,
Julian

Its my first safari, so I think I will be happy with the game viewing. But you definitely gave me something to think about.