Hi everyone,
I am going to SA in November. I am looking at choosing between the following reserves for a three night/four day safari: Mala Mala (main lodge), Exeter River Lodge, Simbambili, Tanda Tula or Ngala (main lodge). Primary focus is on game viewing. What do you recommend? Do they all limit number of people per vehicle and the number of vehicles? I know everyone loves Mala Mala but have not heard as much about the others particularly River Lodge.
Thanks.

I know this will be a surprise to everybody, but I'm recommending Mala Mala.

I wont stick my neck out for a particular lodge. However, stick to one of the lodges in the Sabi sands area vs the Timbavati for better all-round game viewing.

Many visitors have had luck at Ngala with their wild dog pack. However, having got an email from CCAfrica last week.....the pack hasnt been around for quite some time....

Hari

Hello,

Now this will be a surprise to everyone...I'd also recommend Mala Mala. I recently returned from a visit there, and the game-viewing and guiding was phenomenal.

Cheers,
Julian

Julian,

What have you heard about Exeter? I pre-poned my safari by two days (Phinda booking) and managed to squeeze in a couple nights at Exeter. Did you get to talk to anyone during your recent trip about Exeter and game viewing there?

Rocco did post info on the traversing areas of the Western section of the SSGR, which looks like a 10,000 hectare zone.

Hari

We stayed at Mala Mala last year and were just delighted. The guide was terrific, the food was good and the accomodations were great. We saw lots of game on the drives and were even able to see animals from our back porch. We can truly say that Mala Mala was a wonderful experience

Hi sf traveler,

I can only recommend MalaMala! Have not been to the other camps, but have been to MalaMala quite a few times and stay quite a long time. Game viewing is my top priority, and by a long shot, MalaMala is easily my preferred destination. It is a large property, so if they have more vehicles, you will not be aware of it, and quite frankly, it works to your advantage, in that more sightings will be available for you! With the radio communication, I see far less of vehicles there than I did on reserves elsewhere!

Kind regards,

Kaye

Thanks everyone. We booked at Mala Mala - two nights at the Main Lodge and one night at Sable Camp (becaue the Main Lodge was booked). Can't wait!

Hello,

I'm sure you'll have a great time at Mala Mala! I stayed at Sable Camp and it was great. I'll be posting some pictures to the Safari Photo Album when I manage to get the photos from my current trip uploaded. The suites are quite large and have views over a grassy area in front of the camp.

Cheers,
Julian