wavejourney

Just returned to North America after the most unbelievable trip in South Africa. It was such a fantastic time that I didn't want to leave and am now planning the next trip back there. The ultimate highlight was spending a couple of days at Madikwe Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge and its staff were top notch and could not be faulted for anything - they far exceeded our expectations and set the bar incredibly high for all that was to follow. No other facility was able to even come close. If we'd only known what a wonderful lodge and park it was we would of booked for at least four nights instead of the two that we stayed. Unfortunately, we had other reservations at other lodges in other parks and couldn't change our plans - everything else fell short after our stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. We're putting up photos at our website and will be putting some of our journal and recommendations on the web too. We'll also post some of our tips here as soon as we can. If anyone wants any help or suggestions, we love to help.
We had thought that a month would be plenty of time, but now wish we'd had twice as much time - we loved South Africa!
Cheers!
Viv
WAVE Journey.com
[email protected]

cary999

So I have a basis for comparison, what other safari camps were you at?
regards - tom

atravelynn

Wavejourney,

You will likely be another who returns to Africa. Glad you liked Madikwe. Looking forward to reading about your wildlife viewing there.

wavejourney

After Madikwe we went to Pilanesberg and spent time at both Ivory Tree Lodge and Tshukudu Bush Lodge, then went to Addo Elephant Park.

Tshukudu in Pilanesberg (the only accommodations inside the park) was the biggest disappointment in terms of value for money. It's rated a 5 star, and charges an arm and a leg, but it's maybe a 3 star in my book. The location can't be beat - peace and tranquility with a fantastic view, but beyond that everything else was a let down. Our guide was so bad that we only did one drive with him (should of been 4) and avoided doing others at all costs. The GM finally clued in and let us go with the other guide for our last drive - he'd been off property for the first 24 hrs of our stay and while the cat is away the mice did play...

We stayed at 5 star hotels, guest houses and B&B's on the entire trip and had other wonderful experiences, but the service and accommodations at Madikwe Safari Lodge were incredible - not to mention all the extra surprises we enjoyed during our stay with them.

Cheers!
Viv
WAVE Journey.com
[email protected]

cary999

Viv - did you book your trip using wavejourney? If so, not a very good recommendation for their services, is it.
regards - tom

cary999

Tshukudu in Pilanesberg, looks like rate is $350 pppn. You should have been treated better for that price.
For your next trip back, if seeing game and having great guides is you priority, stay at one of the camps in Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa. It borders Kruger and has several world class safari camps. You will be setting your bar much higher after visiting one of those camps, guaranteed.
regards - tom

wavejourney

Hi Cary999
Actually I booked my own trip and WAVE Journey is my own website. So, only myself and TripAdvisor (gave Tshukudu good ratings) to blame for Tshukudu... incredibly happy with all the other choices that I made though.
In all honesty the only place I went to that I wouldn't recommend would be Tshukudu and that's only because it is rated and priced beyond what it delivers and service is poor.
I have Sabi Sands on my list for the next visit to South Africa, and will definitely use CC Africa for safari's where possible. I met two couples at Madikwe Safari Lodge who had been on 15 and 18 safari's respectively, and were also very impressed with the high calibre of service, accommodation, guides, food, etc...
Cheers!
Viv
WAVE Journey (.com)
[email protected]

cary999

Ok. Not firmed up yet, but, I'm likely going to Madikwe Hills Lodge first of this May, 5 nights. Different lodge than yours but still am very interested in comparing it/area with Sabi Sands camps. If I go then, I'll also be going to Kings Camp and Leopard Hills near or in Sabi Sands.
regards - tom