cary999

"When I see the desolation that has been created by the elephant overpopulation there, it gives one much to think about."

Seen that also out of camp Khwai River Lodge in 2005. I could not believe it, some of the terrain looked like it was a war zone. Just dirt and small barren trees. FWIW, Khwai River Lodge is in the bottom half of my list of favorite safari camps.

As for camp food - well, call me anything but don't call me late for lunch!!! Of the around 10 camps I've been to all have had excellent food. Even the little Robin Pope camps far far out in the wilds of Zambia.

regard - tom

LAleslie

A bit off the point about the elephant desolation, Mike, but you're right. It's a problem all over Southern Africa from what I've seen/read, and the elephant culls are a horrific alternative. My main point about CGL is location, location.
Tom, I should amend some of what I've said about food to say that the high end small lodges (Londolozi, and the WS camps I've been to) usually have good food (for the prices, they should!). I just wish they'd let the local chefs cook try more local stuff out on the guests. At Kwando Lagoon, my husband caught a little tilapia in the river and they cooked it for us for breakfast. Delicious!

wyness99

I just returned from a very similar trip.

I would HIGHLY recommend Dulini in Sabi Sands. It was AMAZING! The service was impeccable and the guides were fantastic. It is small - only 6 rooms and was just the best part of the whole trip. Everything, including the food, was excellent.

We stayed at the Chobe Game Lodge in Chobe - and it was such a good idea. The drive into the park is long and this saved us time and gave us a good launch point for safari on land and by boat. The food here wasn't as great as the other places we went...but the service was excellent and they were highly organized. I liked the convenience of the lodge, since we were only staying 2 days.

G2T

Also returned from similiar trip . . . 5 ntes in Cape Town, one night, two days at Victoria Falls (Zambezi Sun), Chobe Game Lodge and then Chitwa Chitwa in Sabi Sands. My family preferred going to Chobe first then Sabi Sands since the viewing in Sabi Sands allows close game viewing whereas in Chobe, the game is much further away. Chobe might be less impressive in the order that you have it arranged. Chobe, on the other hand, gives a more wide open feel. Although I hear that Mala Mala is fantastic, we stayed at the Chitwa House at Chitwa Chitwa and thought that we had a great experience for significantly less cost. Unless you are really into game viewing, I am thinking that 4 nights at Krueger might get a bit repetitive.

moremiles

I just returned from Londolozi Tree Camp and can highly recommend it and it actually exceeded our expectations. No children under 16 are allowed which affected our decision for that particular camp. The wildlife was spectacular, lots of leopards and pretty much everything else. Our guide was extraordinary and the service/atomsphere was definitely 5 star. The "rooms" are more like villas, quite large with wildlife in your backyard. It's all inclusive, even the minibar contents, and the food is quite gourmet. But, the wildlife is the highlight!

LAleslie

Welcome back moremiles. Glad you liked Londolozi. Just a superb place. I want to go back and see if it's different from when it was part of CCAfrica. WE stayed at Pioneer, which we liked for itsa intimacy.
Are you going to the Oct. 21 Redondo Beach GTG?

moremiles

Thanks LAleslie, and yes, the intimate camp was definitely part of it's attraction.
This is the first I've heard about the GTG, unfortunately, and I will be out of town again for it. Would love to meet some other Fodorites one of these days although I did meet one woman in Shanghai last year. Have fun!

karn

I went on a half day walk with Baboon Matters in May, and it was a wonderful experience. To skip it, since you will see baboons on safari anyway, is a shame!!! When you see baboons on safari, you look at them a short time and move on. You have very little connection with them. However, when you go on a walk with Baboon Matters you walk about a half hour into their territory. We witnessed family interactions, two different groups of males screaming at each other and chasing each other down to fight, and moms and young ones sitting on rocks waiting until it was safe to play again, when the "guys" had quit fighting. We sat down on a rock to watch some baboons, and a few minutes later noticed a baboon (dominant male) sitting on a rock above us, watching us!! These type of intimate experiences do not occur while in a safari vehicle. We were never threatened, afraid etc. Our guide directed us as to when to be quiet, and not to look at the dominant male, etc. It was a highlight of our experience. Thanks to atravelynn, who mentioned it was one of her highlights, which prompted us to pursue Baboon Matters. Highly recommended!

atravelynn

Karn, glad you had such a nice time. I agree completely that the baboon walk is <u>entirely</u> different than seeing them on safari.

ElaineAust

Hi Go2Maui
Goodness, you have some great replies here. I may be a bit late(just discovered Fodors Forum) but have a look at Matetsi Water Lodge (andBeyond property with day trips to the falls) outside Vic Falls and Ichobezi Houseboats on the Chobe (Namibia side). I visited in April and the game, accommodations and food was excellent. Matetsi was Sooo luxurious. Sundowner boat trips are a must.
Enjoy your trip you lucky, lucky person.
Elaine

Go2Maui

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and comments! There's so much more to consider now! I definitely want to visit Baboon Matters!

Lisey