Which camp do you think has best game viewing in Botswana?
Feb 3rd, 2008, 11:27 AM
#22
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Lisa, I've been to most camps mentioned, with the exception of Mombo. We absolutely loved King's Pool. The accomodations were extraordinary and the game was prolific. There are elephant and hippo trails throughout the camp, so we had quite a few four-legged visitors. The elevated walkways give you a safe vantage point. We visited in May, so I'm not sure how King's Pool fares in December.
Feb 3rd, 2008, 09:07 PM
#24
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This year with the heavy rains, i'm not sure May will be productive with regards to elephant viewing in the Linyanti. Then again, animals are unpredictable and that's why gameviewing is in the luck of the draw!!!
Feb 4th, 2008, 12:12 AM
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Hi there
I see that they have not given you to many choices.
In my opinion and just incase you cannot afford Mombo (which most people cannot) have you looked at Sandibe which is a very cute lodge, I had great game viweing at Savute Elephant as well as Zibilinaja and that is gorgeous now that it has been redone, and then also good for game viewing was Duba Plains.
I see that they have not given you to many choices.
In my opinion and just incase you cannot afford Mombo (which most people cannot) have you looked at Sandibe which is a very cute lodge, I had great game viweing at Savute Elephant as well as Zibilinaja and that is gorgeous now that it has been redone, and then also good for game viewing was Duba Plains.
Feb 4th, 2008, 01:51 AM
#26
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Doggle, Lisa is going on Safari in December. For personal experience of the linynati and Savuti, at this time of year. Both working and holidaying, I would not recommend the area.
PB, indeed i have been to Mapula, even before there was a lodge there. Thye impact of the buffalo fence should not be underestimated.
Hari, Not to sure on the CCafrica savuti camp. Though it is not similar to the serengeti migration. Many of the animals also move well beyond Savuti to the mababe depression and the Nxai pan area
PB, indeed i have been to Mapula, even before there was a lodge there. Thye impact of the buffalo fence should not be underestimated.
Hari, Not to sure on the CCafrica savuti camp. Though it is not similar to the serengeti migration. Many of the animals also move well beyond Savuti to the mababe depression and the Nxai pan area
Feb 4th, 2008, 04:24 AM
#27
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Rick...I spent 2 1/2 days at Mashatu followed by 2 1/2 days at Mala Mala...the whole experience was better at Mashatu from the ranger/guide to the animals we saw. Next will be the Okavango Delta but we will spend 2-3 days at Mashatu as well.
The elephants at Mashatu were amazing...please check out my pictures.
www.scottsusanafrica2007.shutterfly.com
The elephants at Mashatu were amazing...please check out my pictures.
www.scottsusanafrica2007.shutterfly.com
Feb 4th, 2008, 10:14 AM
#29
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It is very interesting to read everyone's opinions.
In January 2007 we had excellent game viewing at Lagoon and Lebala -- I don't know if we were just lucky or what -- but based on our experiences there and looking at a map, I would have thought Selinda and Savuti could similarly be good in December, no? At Lagoon we got to see wild dogs hunting, and at Lebala we had great sightings of lion and cheetah.
Have been looking at Duba Plains and Little Vumbura -- things are so in flux right now at Duba that it is hard to know what to think, so maybe Little V is a good alternative.
Chitabe Lediba also looks very appealing.
Keep those ideas coming, thanks!
In January 2007 we had excellent game viewing at Lagoon and Lebala -- I don't know if we were just lucky or what -- but based on our experiences there and looking at a map, I would have thought Selinda and Savuti could similarly be good in December, no? At Lagoon we got to see wild dogs hunting, and at Lebala we had great sightings of lion and cheetah.
Have been looking at Duba Plains and Little Vumbura -- things are so in flux right now at Duba that it is hard to know what to think, so maybe Little V is a good alternative.
Chitabe Lediba also looks very appealing.
Keep those ideas coming, thanks!
Feb 4th, 2008, 11:18 AM
#30
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Lisa,
I think that until you visit during the dry season, that good game viewing is relative. I know that you saw the dogs, lions, and cheetah etc, though taht is more luck. The dogs move massive distances at this time of year.
The cheetah may or may not be in the area. The same for the Lions that move into the Selinda and mopane.
There is less other general game and elephants, which means if the predators are on holiday, sightings will be poor. As they follow prey into mopane to the seasonal pools
I have been to all the places mentioned. Selinda is probably the worst place in the wet season. This is because it has less vegatation variation than the Kwando. It is predominately open flood plain with mopane. Where as Lebala has mixed woodland as well............
I think that until you visit during the dry season, that good game viewing is relative. I know that you saw the dogs, lions, and cheetah etc, though taht is more luck. The dogs move massive distances at this time of year.
The cheetah may or may not be in the area. The same for the Lions that move into the Selinda and mopane.
There is less other general game and elephants, which means if the predators are on holiday, sightings will be poor. As they follow prey into mopane to the seasonal pools
I have been to all the places mentioned. Selinda is probably the worst place in the wet season. This is because it has less vegatation variation than the Kwando. It is predominately open flood plain with mopane. Where as Lebala has mixed woodland as well............
Feb 4th, 2008, 11:43 AM
#31
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Mombo is great as said previously----we've had two outstanding stays at Kings Pool in JUL/AUG...at certain times of year perhaps the wildlife moves elsewhere but during our summer (their winter) we have seen some of our best wildlife there (wild dog den and pups) leopards fighting over a kill...incredible elephants especially at the bunker at the waterhole...
Feb 4th, 2008, 02:04 PM
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john,
Couldn't agree more, from May-October, I would not hestitate in telling people to go to the selinda. At that time of year, if you miis the predators, the large herds are still drawn to the permanant water sources.
I think that one problem is that people who only experience one of the seasons lack the comparative side of safari. Whilst you may see all those animals on your first ever safari in January, until you go in the dry season, you do not realise how ghood viewing and the concentrations get..........
I would say though, that people who normally go in the dry season, are willing to work hard for their game, enjoy birding, want to see Africa Green.................then go around March.
NB Nxai Pan and the Kalahari are at their best at this time of year.
Couldn't agree more, from May-October, I would not hestitate in telling people to go to the selinda. At that time of year, if you miis the predators, the large herds are still drawn to the permanant water sources.
I think that one problem is that people who only experience one of the seasons lack the comparative side of safari. Whilst you may see all those animals on your first ever safari in January, until you go in the dry season, you do not realise how ghood viewing and the concentrations get..........
I would say though, that people who normally go in the dry season, are willing to work hard for their game, enjoy birding, want to see Africa Green.................then go around March.
NB Nxai Pan and the Kalahari are at their best at this time of year.
Feb 4th, 2008, 05:36 PM
#36
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Doogle,
I'm sure the new Zibalianja is fantastic!!! But, i hope you are aware that they are still being re-done???? and since their clients will be spending their time in the copper baths ..... maybe you will check them out and tell us what gameviewing is being seen????
I'm sure the new Zibalianja is fantastic!!! But, i hope you are aware that they are still being re-done???? and since their clients will be spending their time in the copper baths ..... maybe you will check them out and tell us what gameviewing is being seen????
Feb 4th, 2008, 10:35 PM
#37
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Hi Hari
I am well aware that Zib is still being redone, it will be open for business on the 5th of April. From being a really 2* camp with very little but charm to offer to what it is looking like now and the room that is finished, it will be beautiful in December and I am sure that Lisa will have a good visit.
I am well aware that Zib is still being redone, it will be open for business on the 5th of April. From being a really 2* camp with very little but charm to offer to what it is looking like now and the room that is finished, it will be beautiful in December and I am sure that Lisa will have a good visit.
Feb 5th, 2008, 12:44 AM
#38
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Shumba,
Thanks for your input on Selinda.
We went to Lagoon and Kwara this december and had in our opinion great game-viewing. It is a good point you give that this is relative, and that probably it would be so much better in dry season. I have a hard time imagening this, it must be amazing ;-)
But what I wanted to ask is your thoughts about it being better to go in March than december. This is a interesting way of seeing it. I thought the other way that december should be the best as it is closest to the dry season, still not so much vegetation, young ones beeing born etc...
Always interesting to hear different views!
thanks,
Tom
Thanks for your input on Selinda.
We went to Lagoon and Kwara this december and had in our opinion great game-viewing. It is a good point you give that this is relative, and that probably it would be so much better in dry season. I have a hard time imagening this, it must be amazing ;-)
But what I wanted to ask is your thoughts about it being better to go in March than december. This is a interesting way of seeing it. I thought the other way that december should be the best as it is closest to the dry season, still not so much vegetation, young ones beeing born etc...
Always interesting to hear different views!
thanks,
Tom
Feb 5th, 2008, 02:16 AM
#39
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doogle, are you having a laugh........................I know that you are in the industry from your previous posts. It is with agents like yourself that frustrate me.
For starters, why the obssession with 5* lodges. Zib had an amazing rustic charm. It was simple and the mess tent was reminiscent of colonial africa. It was a far more authentic experience that any six paw i have ever been to.
All you seem to mention is how amazing the lodge is. What about the game viewing at that time of year?And you wonder why camp managers detest the way camps are sold. It appears that you are someone who has never been to the selinda in December..........well, I would suggest you do before sending guests at that time of year.
Ultimately, people go on safari to view game. Not to sit in expensive lodges. Zib does not deliver at this time of year....................reagardless of what lodge is there.
Elephant:
"You know, as they have just finished building this expensive lodge, so I won't dissappear into the Mopane for 5 months this year"
Wild Dogs
"Good call Mr Elephant, I think I will live around Zib for the season instead of roaming my massive home range"
Kwando is a company that offers incredibly competitive rates for the green season, which is a good balance at the lower level of game viewing....................though I would not pay Zib prices.
Jan/Feb - $300-400 not $900
As for their luxury fleet of vehicles......An old pile of junk on wheels if you ask me.
For starters, why the obssession with 5* lodges. Zib had an amazing rustic charm. It was simple and the mess tent was reminiscent of colonial africa. It was a far more authentic experience that any six paw i have ever been to.
All you seem to mention is how amazing the lodge is. What about the game viewing at that time of year?And you wonder why camp managers detest the way camps are sold. It appears that you are someone who has never been to the selinda in December..........well, I would suggest you do before sending guests at that time of year.
Ultimately, people go on safari to view game. Not to sit in expensive lodges. Zib does not deliver at this time of year....................reagardless of what lodge is there.
Elephant:
"You know, as they have just finished building this expensive lodge, so I won't dissappear into the Mopane for 5 months this year"
Wild Dogs
"Good call Mr Elephant, I think I will live around Zib for the season instead of roaming my massive home range"
Kwando is a company that offers incredibly competitive rates for the green season, which is a good balance at the lower level of game viewing....................though I would not pay Zib prices.
Jan/Feb - $300-400 not $900
As for their luxury fleet of vehicles......An old pile of junk on wheels if you ask me.
Feb 5th, 2008, 02:30 AM
#40
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Tom,
Each season has it benefits, though you just have to be a little more carful when choosing camps in the green season. I prefer the green season asthetically, though not game viewing wise. It does mean you appreciate qualitly sightings though
As for December Vs March, its a gamble
December:
This year there were very early rains. It meant that herds dispersed by early October. Though some game does stay resident, just not in the same densities. You will see more young and the predators may remain to take advantage of the fact. Good game viewing if the rains ar elate. Also, vegatation is less grown, affording better sightings, than later season longer grass.
March
Grass is higher, though animals may be moving back as pans dry up (late march) In December, they move off as they know more is come, whereas in March/April, they begin to move back to dry season ranges depending on the rain.
In terms of weather, you are more likley to have overcast days in December than in March. When you get those beautiful puffy clouds etc. It is also less humid.
Overall, it depends on the rainfall for a year. This year, such high levels of rain could mean June is more like ealy May, with animals remaining in the Mopane until later. LAst year, there was poor rain, but a good Okavango Flood. Elephants were back feeding on the floodplains by late March.
The linyanti is a gamble, the Okvango less so, though in years of a big flood, it has been known in MArch/April to have very restricted game drive area.
Each season has it benefits, though you just have to be a little more carful when choosing camps in the green season. I prefer the green season asthetically, though not game viewing wise. It does mean you appreciate qualitly sightings though
As for December Vs March, its a gamble
December:
This year there were very early rains. It meant that herds dispersed by early October. Though some game does stay resident, just not in the same densities. You will see more young and the predators may remain to take advantage of the fact. Good game viewing if the rains ar elate. Also, vegatation is less grown, affording better sightings, than later season longer grass.
March
Grass is higher, though animals may be moving back as pans dry up (late march) In December, they move off as they know more is come, whereas in March/April, they begin to move back to dry season ranges depending on the rain.
In terms of weather, you are more likley to have overcast days in December than in March. When you get those beautiful puffy clouds etc. It is also less humid.
Overall, it depends on the rainfall for a year. This year, such high levels of rain could mean June is more like ealy May, with animals remaining in the Mopane until later. LAst year, there was poor rain, but a good Okavango Flood. Elephants were back feeding on the floodplains by late March.
The linyanti is a gamble, the Okvango less so, though in years of a big flood, it has been known in MArch/April to have very restricted game drive area.
