We finally decided!
 

We finally decided on our trip for next summer. Our TA had the patience of a saint because we kept going back and forth and back and forth on our decision. As much as we wanted Mala Mala it's just out of our price range.
So we're doing Mashatu for 5 nites, Gomo Gomo for 3, Djuma for 2 and Idube for 3. I haven't been able to find out a lot about Idube but it's in Sabi Sands, it's small, it's relatively inexpensive and it has a hide. That sounds good enough for me!
Wow... I am soooo relieved that we finally made a decision. Now all that's left is the anticipation!

Sounds like a great trip!!! Enjoy!!!

Hari

http://www.idube.com/

I might be able to help with Idube. I stayed there many years ago (1995) on my second safari so this info may be way out of date but here goes...

The bungalows were very pleasant. I'll never forget looking out one of our windows and seeing a beautiful nyala passing by. I got some great photos of him...

The common areas were good and the food was fine. I enjoyed laying out by the pool and watching warthogs grazing on the pool's grassy area.

Idube is in Sabi Sands so we would see vehicles from more expensive lodges every day.

My friend and I had a great guide and tracker. Being fairly new, I remember being thrilled when our guide discovered a chameleon. I couldn't believe he could see something that small on a night drive!

Idube is where I saw my first leopard. In the 3 days I was there, I saw the Big Five (didn't see the Big Five on my first safari in Kenya) as well as many other species as well as my favorite - the cheetah.

I still remember being surprised that I saw a single wildebeest (several times) instead of mass herds one sees in the Masai Mara.

Hope these comments help.

Deb

Good for you Lillipets! Yes, I agree 100% it is such a relief to have a trip "on the books"! When will you be at Mashatu?

One2Travel-thanks for the details. I know there's a hide there too. Was it there in '95?
CarlaM-we'll be at Mashatu July 27-7/31. I know you'll be there much earlier in the month so we will have crossed paths.

Looks like a fantastic trip. I'm sure you have been reading " Trip Report - Mashatu, Pafuri, Ngala Walking Safaris - long" for Mashatu info.

I met a travel agent couple on their 22nd Africa trip and they recommended Elephant Plains and Gomo Gomo in the Sabi Sands as less expensive Sabi Sands options with great game.

Have you put this on the countdown until you leave post?

Lillipets,

Don't remember the hide (it could have been there). Please ask when you go.

I have just returned from my 4th visit to Idube and have had, as usual, a great time. Leopard sighting on an almost daily basis - up trees, with cubs, with kill; lions - Sand River females with cubs, Mapogo males; elephant, rhino, large buffalo herds, many birds and the resident Idube animals - a Nyala herd that live on the lawn along with a warthog family. The chalets all have individual decks where you can sit and watch the bush. The hide is situated near the breakfast/lunch deck - accessed by a samll suspension bridge - and overlooks Shadulu Dam, so opportunites to watch animals at the waterhole whilst dining. Food good, rangers and trackers extremely knowledgeable, atmosphere always relaxed and very friendly. Have booked again for next year

Hi Lillipets,
Could you give us an idea of the cost of your trip? We would like to go the summer of 09 and need the cheaper options too. And also the TA with patience! Thanks

pearlee,
Thanks for the info on Idube. I was a little concerned since I had never heard of it on this forum. I'm relieved to hear the good news.

Novak-the entire trip including one nite in Joburg is $5810. That does not include airfare to and from Africa from Chicago.It's still a stretch for me financially. I had selected Mashatu because it's so inexpensive (relatively speaking.)We did a 10 day mobile in Botswana with Game Trails last year and that was a little over $3000 but it was only 10 days. We really wanted 14 days actually on safari this time and I guess it all adds up!

Hi Lillipets,
Not much mention on the forum, but if it helps give you an idea of the place, it is family owned and run, rather than corpration owned, not very big (around 18 guests max), and has traversing rights across Exeter, Savanna, Ulusaba and Inyati reserves. During my stay there were 3 other lots of guests who were "repeaters"

Lillipets,

I think you will really like Mashatu, I have no first-hand knowledge of your other stops. Where are you flying into and out of Africa? And what are your travel arrangements from camp to camp?

Congratulations on your decisions Lilli! 8 more months and you're there! Time will fly!

Thanks Lillipets for your info. I find the costs in South Africa to be so much higher than East Africa. We had 15 days with our own vehicle in Kenya for $2800. I do worry about sharing vehicles and not enjoying the game drives as much. As well, we like to stop for everything, birds, chameleons, snakes etc. Appreciate all the info!

hguy47

I copied my itinerary for you.
Meet and greet on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
Make your way across the street to the Southern Sun OR Tambo Hotel.
1 nights at the Southern Sun OR Tambo Hotel – Standard room, inclusive of breakfast.
http://www.eyesonafrica.net/south-af...hannesburg.htm

July 27, 2008:
Make your way across the road to OR Tambo International Airport.
Scheduled flight to Polokwane Airport.
Transfer to Mashatu Tented Camp.
5 nights at Mashatu – Standard room, Inclusive of all meals and daily game activities.
http://www.eyesonafrica.net/african-...na/mashatu.htm

August 01, 2008:
Light aircraft transfer from Polokwane airport to Gomo Gomo.
3 nights at Gomo Gomo – Standard room, inclusive of all meals and daily game activities.
http://www.gomogomo.co.za/

August 04, 2008:
Light aircraft transfer from Gomo Gomo to Djuma Bush Lodge.
2 nights at Djuma Bush Lodge – Chalets, inclusive of all meals and daily game activities.
http://www.eyesonafrica.net/south-af...djuma-bush.htm

August 06, 2008:
Light aircraft transfer from Djuma Bush Lodge to Idube Game Reserve.
3 nights at Idube Game Reserve – Standard rooms, inclusive of all meals and daily game activities.
http://www.idube.com/

August 09, 2008:
Light aircraft transfer from Idube to OR Tambo International Airport.
Connect to your homeward flight (not included here)

Lilli-you can't make your way across the street to the Southern Sun ORTambo Hotel. It's actually across a freeway, not a street. You have to take the free shuttle (located just behind the Intercontinental Airport Sun) near the Domestic Terminal. Easy to find (signed) and an easy 5-10 minute from arrivals. It's a nice hotel, very comfortable, good food and free wine and snacks in the lobby.

p.S. I want to go to Mashatu!

Thanks matnikstym
Glad to know we don't actually have to dodge traffic to get to our hotel. And even happier to hear it's a nice place to spend the nite.

Masahtu rules...but we need to keep that quite...do not want everyone going. ; )