A friend & I are planning to visit Cape Town and Kruger Nat'l Park in late November. We’re starting in Cape Town and have a fairly good idea of activities and things to do but need help with the safari side of the trip. We've narrowed down the accommodations choices to two; Ngala tented or Kirkman's Kamp. Is Sabi Sabi the more preferable area to stay and view the big 5? Both have had very good reviews, and we're really torn as to which one to stay at since we only have 4 nights.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi

Haven't been to either, but do go on a regular basis to MalaMala, a property bordering the north of Kirkman's Kamp. Not sure of their traversing rights these days, but certainly Sabi Sands is a great viewing destination generally speaking. Sorry cannot be more help as haven't stayed at either!

Kind regards

Kaye

I have been to Umkumbe, which is south in Sabi Sands, and borders Sabi Sabi and Nottens (and Mala Mala, across the river). And I have been to Elephant Plains, which is in the north of Sabi Sands.

But if I'm not mistaing Ngala is even higher up; between Timbavati en Manyeleti. I have been to Pungwe (which is Manyeleti-south, and I must admit I have not seen the northern part of that reserve aka where the Honeyguide camps are). I've been in Timbavati as well; the northern part (Simbavati River lodge) and the southern part (Shindzela). Maybe Shindzela is the closest to Ngala I've been.

The thing is; it's not that easy to compare. Your chances of seeing the big 5 depend on a lot of factors, some of which you cannot control, some of which change with the season; traverse, guide quality, weather, etc...

My biggest tip would be to stay long enough and/or use a combination of camps.

Timbavati has a few advantages (in my book) as it is a little rougher and as it easy to get to a lot of lodges (Klaserie as well) from Hoedspruit airport. IOW it's easier to combine a few lodges there, while the choices are more limited from Nelspruit airport.

But then I must admit that the leopards are th tamest in Sabi Sands, with Timbavati being a close second (thy are much more skittish in Klaserie, for example). So that's an advantage for Kirkman's, perhaps.

B.regs,

J.

Hi Trvljunkie
I visited both Kirkmans and Ngala Tented in April 2010.
Very different camps but Ngala Tented stands out as a more intimate venue. Game viewingat both locations was not exceptional as it was pretty damp, but good if it is a first time safari.All the Big5. Guides were excellent, as with all &beyond operations.
But my favourite &beyong location is Phinda. Maybe check them out. Easy access and a great range of options. Cheetah and rhino sightings were wonderful. And the icing on the cake was my first live sighting of a porcupine.
Cheers
Elaine

HI , good advice so far .

I have gone to both Kirkmans ( 2 NIGHTS ) and Ngala Tented ( 4 NIGHTS )in 2009.

If the BIG 5 is your priority i would choose Kirkman´s ( base on our experience there ) but we enjoyed both places very much . I think SabiSand is a little better for leopard , but in the bush nothing is writen , but we are lucky there are many more things to enjoy than the big5.

Ngala Tented had in my opinion a little better atmosphere been smaller and more intimate.

Very Good guiding at both camps .

Paco.

With only 4 nights, I'd consider staying 2 nights at each. I'm not usually a fan of staying less than 3 nights at a camp, but I'd likely bend that rule with only 4 nights tota.

The two camps are not all that far from each other, and it will be neither complicated nor expensive to arrange a transfer between the two. And the difference between the two -- topography and accommodation style, especially -- would make the variety worthwhile.

Be sure that whoever arranges your trip takes advantage of the 4th night free that andBeyond (the camps' operators) offer.

Don

I stayed at Ngala and Exeter River lodge in Sabi Sands.

Definitely better sightings of leopard at Exeter, although we saw them in both areas. Better wild dog sightings (and a Hyena den with puppies) at Ngala.

Overall I preferred Ngala as there was less crowding, less queueing for sightings and less stress on the animals. Rangers were aggressive at animal sightings in the Sabi Sands area.

Ngala tented camp was the highlight of our 10 days on safari.Rob and Amos were a great couple driver/tracker.We even got to run(drive at break-neck speed) through the bush to keep up with a 21 wild dog pack hunting impalas.One morning when we thought we were driving back for breakfast we turned a corner of a dried out river and were confronted with a picture perfect impromptu breakfast on white linen covered tables.Such a surprise!They really make you feel special(for a price) at Ngala.Mama the chief hostess was a delight too.You will not be disappointed at Ngala!

If you can, I would do both. I have been to both (on the same trip) as you are likely to get a more varied game viewing. Leopards in both places (better in Kirkmans) but better wild dog and cheetah possibilities at Ngala.

I agree that a combination of the 2 would be the best. The only disadvantage then would be the time (about 3,5 hours by road) and cost of a transfer between the 2. In my experience, game viewing at Kirkmans is slightly better, but Ngala Tented gives you a much more intimate and luxurious game viewing experience, so it really would be nice if you could experience both! You'll still qualify for your 4th free night on the andBeyond special pay 3, stay 4 offer.