Mashatu - Mala Mala Prep Questions
Jun 26th, 2010, 09:46 AM
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Mashatu - Mala Mala Prep Questions
I was going to add on to my other topic about driving vs. flying, but I decided I had enough questions to start a new thread!
I'm getting ready for my trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and had a few questions for anyone (Kaye?) who has been to Mashatu, Mala Mala, or Victoria Falls (Iiala Lodge).
1) Does Mashatu (tent camp) have somewhere in the room with an electric outlet to charge camera batteries? I don't have the right adapter plug, but I read in another thread that Mala Mala does have one international outlet in the room - just wonder if Mashatu tents did too? I really don't want to buy and carry that stuff if I don't have to.
2) Same question for Iiala Lodge - wasn't sure if they had an international outlet (I think I might have the right plug for this). I wish all these places would just use the same plugs! ;-)
3) Re camp costs at Mala Mala and Mashatu, are the sundownder drinks included or do you also have to pay extra for those? If there is an extra cost, around how much is it? Also, anyone who has been there recently who can give me an idea of laundry costs at Mashatu? Just trying to get an idea on extra costs not included.
4) Also, for anyone who has been to Mashatu tent camp recently, are any of the extra activities included? (ex. walking tour). Someone mentioned once that one or two were included in the past but that it is no longer advertised on the web site.
5) Pete's Pond - is it open? I was unable to see it online, but I think it is just my slow computer that was having problems. I know they were working on getting it up and running again, but wasn't sure if that happened yet.
6) Do Mashatu and Mala Mala provide towels for the plunge pool or swimming pool? I think I'm going to be there during one of the hottest months and might want to take advantage of this - especially at Mashatu with no air conditioning.
7) Charter flight from Mashatu to Mala Mala - has anyone ever done this? The person I'm going with is extremely afraid of small planes, but has agreed that she would rather do this than a road transfer. It's too late to cancel anyway, but I was just wondering how big the plane is and how long the flight is and anything else you can tell me about what to expect.
8) Iiala Lodge - I hear their prices for dinner are quite expensive. I've heard the food is more reasonable at the Kingdom Hotel across the street. Can anyone who recently stayed or ate at Kingdom give me an idea of costs.
9) Any Victoria Falls tips? I know I should carry US dollars in small increments, but didn't know if anyone had any other tips on travel to this area or what we can expect? We are getting our visas upon landing - I don't see anywhere about needing any forms already filled out or needing any photos so I'm assuming we just show up. Is that true?
Yes, costs all of a sudden are more important for me - I recently had to take a lower paying job in order to get out of an abusive office situation...of course just in time for all the final payments for this trip! It will all be worth it, but I'm worrying just a little more now about the costs of things during the trip.
If you have any insights to any of the above questions, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks!
Carrie
I'm getting ready for my trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and had a few questions for anyone (Kaye?) who has been to Mashatu, Mala Mala, or Victoria Falls (Iiala Lodge).
1) Does Mashatu (tent camp) have somewhere in the room with an electric outlet to charge camera batteries? I don't have the right adapter plug, but I read in another thread that Mala Mala does have one international outlet in the room - just wonder if Mashatu tents did too? I really don't want to buy and carry that stuff if I don't have to.
2) Same question for Iiala Lodge - wasn't sure if they had an international outlet (I think I might have the right plug for this). I wish all these places would just use the same plugs! ;-)
3) Re camp costs at Mala Mala and Mashatu, are the sundownder drinks included or do you also have to pay extra for those? If there is an extra cost, around how much is it? Also, anyone who has been there recently who can give me an idea of laundry costs at Mashatu? Just trying to get an idea on extra costs not included.
4) Also, for anyone who has been to Mashatu tent camp recently, are any of the extra activities included? (ex. walking tour). Someone mentioned once that one or two were included in the past but that it is no longer advertised on the web site.
5) Pete's Pond - is it open? I was unable to see it online, but I think it is just my slow computer that was having problems. I know they were working on getting it up and running again, but wasn't sure if that happened yet.
6) Do Mashatu and Mala Mala provide towels for the plunge pool or swimming pool? I think I'm going to be there during one of the hottest months and might want to take advantage of this - especially at Mashatu with no air conditioning.
7) Charter flight from Mashatu to Mala Mala - has anyone ever done this? The person I'm going with is extremely afraid of small planes, but has agreed that she would rather do this than a road transfer. It's too late to cancel anyway, but I was just wondering how big the plane is and how long the flight is and anything else you can tell me about what to expect.
8) Iiala Lodge - I hear their prices for dinner are quite expensive. I've heard the food is more reasonable at the Kingdom Hotel across the street. Can anyone who recently stayed or ate at Kingdom give me an idea of costs.
9) Any Victoria Falls tips? I know I should carry US dollars in small increments, but didn't know if anyone had any other tips on travel to this area or what we can expect? We are getting our visas upon landing - I don't see anywhere about needing any forms already filled out or needing any photos so I'm assuming we just show up. Is that true?
Yes, costs all of a sudden are more important for me - I recently had to take a lower paying job in order to get out of an abusive office situation...of course just in time for all the final payments for this trip! It will all be worth it, but I'm worrying just a little more now about the costs of things during the trip.
If you have any insights to any of the above questions, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks!
Carrie
Jun 26th, 2010, 12:27 PM
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We did a charter from Mashatu to Mala Mala. It was a small 6 seater plane and there were 4 of us and 2 pilots. We stopped in Polokwane for customs. Hopefully, your friend will be able to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery she will be able to see from the plane, but yes a very small plane for us!!
We were at main camp at Mashatu so can't comment of the electricity situation at tented camp, but can say there are plugs at Mala Mala. Don't remember one being "international" but wouldn't trust it if it was. Wouldn't risk blowing out my battery charger that far from home!! I always have my converter/adaptor and use it no matter what. Mala Mala and Mashatu both had adaptors you could use - so maybe just take a converter???
We were at main camp at Mashatu so can't comment of the electricity situation at tented camp, but can say there are plugs at Mala Mala. Don't remember one being "international" but wouldn't trust it if it was. Wouldn't risk blowing out my battery charger that far from home!! I always have my converter/adaptor and use it no matter what. Mala Mala and Mashatu both had adaptors you could use - so maybe just take a converter???
Jun 26th, 2010, 06:28 PM
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CarrieT,
I was at Mashatu Tented Camp in 2008 and plan to return in 2011 for a 5 night stay that will incorporate some of the activities you mention, as well as a trip to Pete's Pond.
Yes to charging the battery in the tent, although I have my own converter plug.
Sun downer drinks were not included, and I paid about $15 US for 4 sundowners and laundry during a 4 night stay.
The extra activities such as the Ivory and Predator Drives have to be booked separately and take the place of one of the scheduled game drives.
I think it is possible to visit Pete's Pond if you let Mashatu know in advance. I didn't go.
Towels were available at the pool.
Have a wonderful safari,
Pol
I was at Mashatu Tented Camp in 2008 and plan to return in 2011 for a 5 night stay that will incorporate some of the activities you mention, as well as a trip to Pete's Pond.
Yes to charging the battery in the tent, although I have my own converter plug.
Sun downer drinks were not included, and I paid about $15 US for 4 sundowners and laundry during a 4 night stay.
The extra activities such as the Ivory and Predator Drives have to be booked separately and take the place of one of the scheduled game drives.
I think it is possible to visit Pete's Pond if you let Mashatu know in advance. I didn't go.
Towels were available at the pool.
Have a wonderful safari,
Pol
Jun 26th, 2010, 07:55 PM
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Our Mashatu charter was a teeny plane. Held 2 pax, 2 pilots. I don't think anyone is comfortable with small planes. It does stop in Polokwane for customs and then get on a normal plane to Joburg.
The sundowners were cheap - it was less than $50 for at least 12 drinks. We do our own laundry so I don't know about that. Tips for the staff were much more than our incidentals.
Some people have the extra activities included, others do not. You will have to call your agent or contact Mashatu. We did a walking safari and loved it. We chose not to do the other activities as we were lucky enough to have a private vehicle (by chance).
There are outlets at tented camp.
The visa into Zim is easy. Have exact change and be patient.
We loved Mashatu. Hope you love it too. It is pretty rustic so be prepared.
Sorry to hear about your employment situation. I can relate.
Tented camp has a pool with chaises and towels.
The sundowners were cheap - it was less than $50 for at least 12 drinks. We do our own laundry so I don't know about that. Tips for the staff were much more than our incidentals.
Some people have the extra activities included, others do not. You will have to call your agent or contact Mashatu. We did a walking safari and loved it. We chose not to do the other activities as we were lucky enough to have a private vehicle (by chance).
There are outlets at tented camp.
The visa into Zim is easy. Have exact change and be patient.
We loved Mashatu. Hope you love it too. It is pretty rustic so be prepared.
Sorry to hear about your employment situation. I can relate.
Tented camp has a pool with chaises and towels.
Jun 26th, 2010, 08:38 PM
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Thank you everyone. Good news that they have plugs. My charger is dual voltage so no need for a converter.
Also good news about the towels..I won't have room to pack anything like that.
I can't wait to visit Mashatu and will plan on at least doing the walk. I probably won't be able to afford the drives if none are included, but that's ok - incentive to return!
And the sundowners and laundry charges seem reasonable so I think I'll be ok.
And I love rustic...the person coming with me is probably going to freak out but she'll survive I'm sure.
Thanks again!
Also good news about the towels..I won't have room to pack anything like that.
I can't wait to visit Mashatu and will plan on at least doing the walk. I probably won't be able to afford the drives if none are included, but that's ok - incentive to return!
And the sundowners and laundry charges seem reasonable so I think I'll be ok.
And I love rustic...the person coming with me is probably going to freak out but she'll survive I'm sure.
Thanks again!
Jun 26th, 2010, 09:03 PM
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P.S. Found a South Africa plug adapter on ebay for $5 (including shipping) so I grabbed it. I believe Botswana and Zimbabwe both take the square Great Britain plugs and I do have one of those. If it's any different, it sounds like the places where you stay are prepared with plugs.
Jun 27th, 2010, 03:54 AM
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My friend I did the charter between Mala Mala and Mashatu and she is terrified of flying and has to take valium. She actually enjoyed it albeit the stop at Polokwane to clear customs meant an extra landing and take off.
Jun 27th, 2010, 07:08 AM
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Lynneb - thank you for the valium thought...I might suggest that to my friend. Was your plane bigger than the 2 seater mentioned above? About how long did it take from Mashatu to Polokwane?
Let's put it this way - I went on safari once with her before and were on a plane with about 12 seats plus the pilot and co-pilot and she had some issues (but I think she has issues no matter what we do - not just related to the airplanes - too bad I can't afford a single supplement! ;-)
Let's put it this way - I went on safari once with her before and were on a plane with about 12 seats plus the pilot and co-pilot and she had some issues (but I think she has issues no matter what we do - not just related to the airplanes - too bad I can't afford a single supplement! ;-)
Jun 27th, 2010, 02:25 PM
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Carrie - as long as she doesn't snore consider yourself lucky to have a travel buddy 
Hope you'll be writing about your Mashatu experience when you return. Can't remember exactly but I think you're there a bit before we are (in mid-October).
Hope you'll be writing about your Mashatu experience when you return. Can't remember exactly but I think you're there a bit before we are (in mid-October).
Jun 28th, 2010, 10:41 AM
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It was quite small. I think it would normally take 4. However, we felt very spoilt and we had a lot of space and a really great pilot. Tell him that she's scared. My friend's worst moment was the at the airstrip at mala mala when the very small plane landed... Although I'd shown her photos the reality was a bit of a shock but she didn't make a fuss at all.
I think it was about 45 mins, then a stop, then 1hr?
Drug your friend.
I think it was about 45 mins, then a stop, then 1hr?
Drug your friend.
Jun 28th, 2010, 08:11 PM
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If the flight is really a problem, you can get a road transfer to JNB. If we knew how long it took, we'd have done that both for the cost savings and to see more of the country. It only saved us a couple of hours to fly. You have to stay over at the airport anyway.
Jun 29th, 2010, 10:53 AM
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We drove back from Mashatu to JNB. I think it was around 5hrs and it's about 5/6 hrs from JNB to Mala Mala depending on stops.
I'm not sure what the drive from Mala Mala to Mashatu directly is but you'll definitely miss at least one game drive and I think there's an issue around getting to a certain gate by a certain time. I know we considered it at one point but I seem to remember it might have meant a stop somewhere for one night and we didn't have the time.
I'm not sure what the drive from Mala Mala to Mashatu directly is but you'll definitely miss at least one game drive and I think there's an issue around getting to a certain gate by a certain time. I know we considered it at one point but I seem to remember it might have meant a stop somewhere for one night and we didn't have the time.
Jun 29th, 2010, 04:43 PM
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Lynn- is there a direct flight from Polokwane to Mala Mala? That would be more convenient and no missed game drives. I was only referring to Mashatu to JNB. I have always(just twice) flown from Joburg to the Kruger neighborhood (in much bigger planes than Mashatu to Polokwane) but will probably try the drive next time if time permits. From what I've read here, if you leave early you can make the afternoon game drive.
Jun 29th, 2010, 07:23 PM
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IF getting into MalaMala means arrive say 5pm you have then missed the afternoon game drive, so what you have left is an expensive, $1,200, dinner and bed. If so, I would instead spend the night before MalaMala in a B&B nearby. Go over to MM next morning, have lunch, do afternoon game drive, etc. Details.
regards - tom
regards - tom
Jun 30th, 2010, 02:11 PM
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There was a "scheduled charter" that ran between the camps I think 2 days a week. Sunday and one other day as I recall. Email Mala Mala and they will give you all the details (email is on the website). Otherwise you have to do your own charter between the two camps. You stop in Polokwane for customs, but then continue in the same plane. It takes about 2 hours as I recall, but not certain. Seems like it was about 35 minutes between Mashatu and Polokwane and about 1 hour between Polokwane and Mala Mala and about 30 minutes for customs.
Jul 3rd, 2010, 03:16 PM
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Yes, this is the scheduled charter I think. It only goes on Sundays now from what I understand so I planned the trip around that Sunday flight. In retrospect - and for next time - I think I'd do the road transfer and stay overnight at Pafuri as some have recommended.
Leslie, I think we are going to just miss you, right? We arrive at Mashatu on 10/12 and leave on 10/17. Plus, you're staying at their other property, right? Yes, I'll certainly be writing and I hope you will too!
Leslie, I think we are going to just miss you, right? We arrive at Mashatu on 10/12 and leave on 10/17. Plus, you're staying at their other property, right? Yes, I'll certainly be writing and I hope you will too!
Jul 4th, 2010, 09:10 AM
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Yes, just missing crossing paths - we get to Mashatu on the 18th. We're staying in main camp not tented so I guess we wouldn't have seen each other anyway - I believe the camps are totally apart, right?
Anyway, can't wait to hear about your trip when you return & I'll be writing too. October will be here before we know it. Sounds like you're starting to get organized for the trip. I'll be putting that off a bit longer!
Anyway, can't wait to hear about your trip when you return & I'll be writing too. October will be here before we know it. Sounds like you're starting to get organized for the trip. I'll be putting that off a bit longer!
Oct 31st, 2010, 07:24 PM
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Leslie - I hope you had a wonderful trip! Just wanted to let you know that I have a new screen name on here (CJRYAN instead of CARRIET) because I was having some trouble with the old account profile and gave up and just created a new one. I wanted to let you know because I didn't want to lose touch with you - I can't wait to hear how your trip was and how Mashatu was for you! Did you get to see the cheetah babies??? And did you manage one carry-on for all your things?
