Regarding the rangers eating with you every night, I would anticipate that it wouldn't be an issue if you are in a larger group of, say 6. On my last trip there this spring it was just a friend and I, and I am glad that our ranger had similar interests (photography) and we had tons to chat about. Great guy. I can easily see that it could be an issue, especially for somebody like a honeymoon couple that has arranged for a sole use vehicle.

Again, we really enjoyed our experience at Rattray's but felt there were some weaknesses that detracted a little. Andy there were 2 different groups of 8 traveling together and the rangers ate with them and just sat there and shoveled the food down while the 8 guests who were all related or old friends talked about other things. They were more interested in why their blackberry did not get reception than the elephants walking by in the river bed. It stood out as an awkward situation for the rangers.

As for the know it all comment I apologize when someone says if you did not think seeing wild dogs was the most incredible experience it is all I kneed to know about you, is being a know it all. The comment was meant in jest and maybe someone could teach me to make smiley faces on a MAC. Ciao!

Making smiley faces on a MAC is not all that difficult
Even laughing is possible

In all honesty though, while I recently did a safaris to Botswana and Tanzania, I have done several to Mala Mala. If you had an issue with meals all you needed to do was to ask to dine alone. If you had issues with your particular Ranger, you could have asked Nils (The Ranger Trainer) for another Ranger. Most people have the same time of experience Andy describes. I am fortunate in never having encountered anyone not thrilled by a wild dog sighting. If I overreacted, I apologise. However, I still think you went on an expensive safari without doing any homework. Ted

Sorry should read-"recently done my first safaris to Bots...."

To the rescue with smiley info...

Mac, PC, whatever--if you wish to make a smiley or variation thereof on Fodors, this is the legend

http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/

scfphoto

Thanks for the great photos of my favorite place in the world. I appreciate your comments both positive and negative, I have had some negative experiences at Mala Mala, but not enough to detract from the positive in any meaningful way. Each time a problem has occured I made management aware and it was dealt with in a positive manner.

I think you probably spent a lot of your time in the same areas, in reading the game reports it does see that a lot of action was quite concentrated. Also the southern part of the property does not get visited as often as it deserves because of the distances. We usually set out early one day with a continental breakfast if we want an expedition to the far south.

Of course the terrain will never be as diverse as Phinda.

I tend to sit at the back of the vehicle these days, and communicate with the tracker rather than the ranger.

Thanks for the photos and report, and at least the waistline shouldn't have been damaged to much if you skipped dinner.

Matt

On naming - the reality is that a lot of the rangers are not that accurate or confident of which Laopard or Lion they are seeing, it's funny to see them corrected by the tracker. Better still is when 2 vehicles worth of ranger and tracker can't agree.

fantastic pics, thanks

Napamatt, When we were checking out of Rattray's the girl noticed we were from CA. She mentioned they have a guest from Napa Valley in CA that visits several times a year. I asked if his name was Matt? She asked do you know him? I said only from a travel forum but his incredible trip reports were a big part of the reason we chose Rattray's as part of our trip. She beamed a smile and seemed very pleased. Maybe you can get a referral fee! Thanks.

I will post a brief report on Azura Beach in Mozambique on another thread. A great place to relax and unwind after the hectic pace of game viewing!

Thats nice, the welcome we get now at all MM camps is why we go back, not only the managers but many rangers, most of the trackers and the rest of the staff know us and welcome us back like family - priceless.

Just thinking was it Melissa? She is Wesley's girlfriend and we always enjoy her company.