Where to stay in Sabi Sands for 3 nights, late August, under $500 pppn?
Oct 25th, 2009, 04:33 AM
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Where to stay in Sabi Sands for 3 nights, late August, under $500 pppn?
DH and I are planning our fourth trip to South Africa in August of 2010. We have already booked our flights and 8 nights in Kruger and would like to finish our trip with three nights at one of the private camps in Sabi Sands. Our top priority by far is great game-viewing and photographic opportunities. We appreciate guides who go the extra mile and would much rather have long game drives than make it back in time for the next meal. We previously stayed 3 nights at Chitwa Chitwa (the part that is now Arathusa) and that was great, especially for leopards, but we would like to try somewhere different this time. We tend to enjoy smaller places that feel close to nature or even a bit rustic -- we loved the Kwando camps in Botswana -- but there don't seem to be many places like that in Sabi Sands. We also enjoy game walks and for that reason have been looking at Notten's, although it does not get mentioned much on this board and I am not 100% sold yet. We would like to keep the price under $500 per person per night if possible although could push that slightly for something really special. We have seen the big five many times over and I would happily trade a glimpse of a honey badger or pangolin or aardwolf for another buffalo sighting any day. We also tend to prefer smaller, quieter places and I confess that some of these places with 18 rooms and over-the-top colonial decor do not appeal at all. Elephant Plains is under consideration based on value for money, but I would like any other suggestions from experienced safari-goers here. Thanks in advance.
Oct 25th, 2009, 06:35 AM
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Did you see this report?
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ugust-2009.cfm
Though I loved my Mala Mala stay and appreciated the no single supplement deal I got, if I could return to Sabi Sands, I would be checking into Ele Plains and Arathusa for the value.
What I've learned about EP is that the open vehicles can have up to about 10 people in them. Not good for serious photographers. Mala Mala has 6 max and often less. I spent 4 days with one couple, so we were 3.
I think EP houses quite a few people.
Rare sightings like pangolin, aardwolf, etc. are just dumb luck regardless of where you stay. But if you'd really like to see these:
Pangolin--Kafue in Zambia is one of the better places to see these, but I did not. But they are rare anyplace.
Aardwolf--Duba Plains has quite a few. I saw 2 or 3 in 4 nights with great pictures.
Ardvark--I heard of a spot in Linyanti that apparently has lots of these. Don't recall other details.
Honey badger--Zambia's S. Luangwa and especially the Lower Zambezi is about the best place for these, especially on night drives.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ugust-2009.cfm
Though I loved my Mala Mala stay and appreciated the no single supplement deal I got, if I could return to Sabi Sands, I would be checking into Ele Plains and Arathusa for the value.
What I've learned about EP is that the open vehicles can have up to about 10 people in them. Not good for serious photographers. Mala Mala has 6 max and often less. I spent 4 days with one couple, so we were 3.
I think EP houses quite a few people.
Rare sightings like pangolin, aardwolf, etc. are just dumb luck regardless of where you stay. But if you'd really like to see these:
Pangolin--Kafue in Zambia is one of the better places to see these, but I did not. But they are rare anyplace.
Aardwolf--Duba Plains has quite a few. I saw 2 or 3 in 4 nights with great pictures.
Ardvark--I heard of a spot in Linyanti that apparently has lots of these. Don't recall other details.
Honey badger--Zambia's S. Luangwa and especially the Lower Zambezi is about the best place for these, especially on night drives.
Oct 25th, 2009, 06:59 AM
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Here are excerpts of some past conversation on EP.
• numbat83 on Jan 21, 09 at 10:58 AM
"Elephant Plains was fully booked (which they almost always are -- one needs to book early to secure a reservation there) and our vehicle usually had 8 people. They have 3 vehicles, and others had fewer people on some drives, it just depends on the configuration of guests, of course. In our vehicle, one person sat in front with the driver, and then there were two people in each of the first two rows (where one could easily fit 3) and then usually 3 people in the back row, which was higher. I loved the sightlines from the higher backseat when I sat there. People changed around so that everyone got to try different seats. It never felt crowded. We traveled with wonderful, considerate people, and it was never a problem to get great photos -- the sightlines were excellent from all the seats. There were many "regulars" at EP and the drives were wonderful"
Me asking a question about an EP report:
"I've been waiting for an Elephant Plains report. Appears to have excellent game viewing. And you asked the question I wanted to know. Why is it less expensive? You also provided the answer. Not excessively fancy and more people per vehicle. Can you tell me how the 10 fit in? Was it a bigger jeep? I'm thinking 1 guest in front and 3 rows of 3 and a driver.
If you can recall, how long were your drives?"
Mad (screen name) replies to my question:
"It's a pretty big Landrover with four rows of seats- driver and 1 passenger and then 3 rows of 3. It's very spacious and comfortable. The drives are from 5:30- 8:30 a.m., a bush walk from 9:30- 10:15 a.m. and then another game drive from 4:00-7:00 p.m.. Your afternoon is essentially free, as it's too hot to be out. We used this time to nap and relax by the pool- it was wonderful!
If we were to go back again, I think we'd come at a different time of year to see the whales at Hermanus and to try for a shark dive again- I wouldn't hesitate to return to Elephant Plains ."
Mad went in April.
• numbat83 on Jan 21, 09 at 10:58 AM
"Elephant Plains was fully booked (which they almost always are -- one needs to book early to secure a reservation there) and our vehicle usually had 8 people. They have 3 vehicles, and others had fewer people on some drives, it just depends on the configuration of guests, of course. In our vehicle, one person sat in front with the driver, and then there were two people in each of the first two rows (where one could easily fit 3) and then usually 3 people in the back row, which was higher. I loved the sightlines from the higher backseat when I sat there. People changed around so that everyone got to try different seats. It never felt crowded. We traveled with wonderful, considerate people, and it was never a problem to get great photos -- the sightlines were excellent from all the seats. There were many "regulars" at EP and the drives were wonderful"
Me asking a question about an EP report:
"I've been waiting for an Elephant Plains report. Appears to have excellent game viewing. And you asked the question I wanted to know. Why is it less expensive? You also provided the answer. Not excessively fancy and more people per vehicle. Can you tell me how the 10 fit in? Was it a bigger jeep? I'm thinking 1 guest in front and 3 rows of 3 and a driver.
If you can recall, how long were your drives?"
Mad (screen name) replies to my question:
"It's a pretty big Landrover with four rows of seats- driver and 1 passenger and then 3 rows of 3. It's very spacious and comfortable. The drives are from 5:30- 8:30 a.m., a bush walk from 9:30- 10:15 a.m. and then another game drive from 4:00-7:00 p.m.. Your afternoon is essentially free, as it's too hot to be out. We used this time to nap and relax by the pool- it was wonderful!
If we were to go back again, I think we'd come at a different time of year to see the whales at Hermanus and to try for a shark dive again- I wouldn't hesitate to return to Elephant Plains ."
Mad went in April.
Oct 25th, 2009, 08:16 AM
#4
We've stayed at three SSGR lodges that I guess I would describe as "affordable" - Nkorho, Chitwa Chitwa, and Elephant Plains, always in mid-August - early September, most recently EP the second week of last month.
These things are subjective, of course, but I would say that of the three the accommodations were the most comfortable and attractive at Elephant Plains, then Chitwa Chitwa, then Nkorho. Food would follow the same order.
In terms of the immediate lodge surroundings, it's hard to beat Chitwa Chitwa with its pond immediately in front of the accommodation. Nkorho's pond (made famous on the Africam website) is smaller and more distant; in the case of EP there is often game visible in the river basin in front of the lodge and on the hillside opposite; however in winter the river is likely to be dry thus you're not as likely to see game right from the lodge as with the other two, especially Chitwa Chitwa.
Regarding game viewing and crowded vehicles, I don't think there's much difference that I can recall. Certainly I don't remember any occasions when there were too many people in the vehicles to impede photo-taking; in all cases the driver/rangers were very considerate of photo angles, light direction etc., to the extent they were able to do so given the immediate location or whether we were in first or second position relative to the sleeping lions or mating leopards (Nkorho.) And, I mean, it's the Sabi Sand reserve... what's not to like in terms of game sighting?
We would go back to Chitwa Chitwa or EP in a shot; not so much to Nkorho where the accommodation and vibe was, frankly, a little too "old fashioned" for our liking, if you get my meaning.
As for Aardwolves or Honey Badgers, luck is luck. Saw Cheetahs during the Nkorho stay, Civets at EP and Genets at Chitwa Chitwa. But that's how it goes - nothing yet tops the spitting cobra coiled around the flower pot by our rondavel's door at another lodge up in the Balule reserve. Thankfully.
These things are subjective, of course, but I would say that of the three the accommodations were the most comfortable and attractive at Elephant Plains, then Chitwa Chitwa, then Nkorho. Food would follow the same order.
In terms of the immediate lodge surroundings, it's hard to beat Chitwa Chitwa with its pond immediately in front of the accommodation. Nkorho's pond (made famous on the Africam website) is smaller and more distant; in the case of EP there is often game visible in the river basin in front of the lodge and on the hillside opposite; however in winter the river is likely to be dry thus you're not as likely to see game right from the lodge as with the other two, especially Chitwa Chitwa.
Regarding game viewing and crowded vehicles, I don't think there's much difference that I can recall. Certainly I don't remember any occasions when there were too many people in the vehicles to impede photo-taking; in all cases the driver/rangers were very considerate of photo angles, light direction etc., to the extent they were able to do so given the immediate location or whether we were in first or second position relative to the sleeping lions or mating leopards (Nkorho.) And, I mean, it's the Sabi Sand reserve... what's not to like in terms of game sighting?
We would go back to Chitwa Chitwa or EP in a shot; not so much to Nkorho where the accommodation and vibe was, frankly, a little too "old fashioned" for our liking, if you get my meaning.
As for Aardwolves or Honey Badgers, luck is luck. Saw Cheetahs during the Nkorho stay, Civets at EP and Genets at Chitwa Chitwa. But that's how it goes - nothing yet tops the spitting cobra coiled around the flower pot by our rondavel's door at another lodge up in the Balule reserve. Thankfully.
Oct 25th, 2009, 09:06 AM
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Thanks -- good food for thought. I had written off Mala Mala main camp because it seems quite large and because of the cost, but I did not realize they only put 6 guests in their vehicle -- that would seem to be quite a big plus. Food for thought.
Oct 25th, 2009, 09:34 AM
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You might also consider Kirkman's, booked through andBeyond. Kirkman's used to be part of Mala Mala and shares some traversing rights with them. I'd say you would have about the same number of people in your vehicle as MM, although we only had our 4 in the vehicle when we were there in 2006.
Oct 25th, 2009, 11:06 AM
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"not so much to Nkorho where the accommodation and vibe was, frankly, a little too "old fashioned" for our liking, if you get my meaning."
Actually,I don't get your meaning
could you explain what you mean by that? We will be at Nkorho (and also Elephant Plains) in just a few weeks. I am a bit concerned about the number of folks in the vehicles at Ele Plains, but now am really curious as to what you mean by "old fashioned" for Nkorho.
Actually,I don't get your meaning
could you explain what you mean by that? We will be at Nkorho (and also Elephant Plains) in just a few weeks. I am a bit concerned about the number of folks in the vehicles at Ele Plains, but now am really curious as to what you mean by "old fashioned" for Nkorho.
Oct 25th, 2009, 11:39 AM
#8
What I meant was, elephant foot umbrella stands/ashtrays and the like in the lounge, one of the staff reminiscing rather fondly with the guests about the days before majority rule, stuff like that. Really don't want to say more; I don't want to blow up anecdotes into sermons.
Oct 25th, 2009, 01:54 PM
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Shaytay - andBeyond abolished it's former "window seat guarantee" and so whether you end up with a packed car sitting 3 people in a row or a less crowded car is luck of the draw nowadays.
In Sabi Sand there is also Djuma. There the leopards are more on the ground than in a tree - compared to lodges we have visited in SS and Timbavati. Great photo opportunities. But here is also no "window seat guarantee" and Vuyatela might be round 500US$pppd.
What about Timbavati? We stayed at King's and it was very nice. Good value for money! They have a honey badger which visites "regularly" the rubbish bin close to the kitchen. We witnessed that animal for at least half and hour one evening!
Excellent leopard sightings - but mostly in trees.
It seems within the last couple years many of the formerly considered high-end lodges tend to not give a "window seat guarantee" anymore which is rather sad/bad.
Happy planning!
SV
In Sabi Sand there is also Djuma. There the leopards are more on the ground than in a tree - compared to lodges we have visited in SS and Timbavati. Great photo opportunities. But here is also no "window seat guarantee" and Vuyatela might be round 500US$pppd.
What about Timbavati? We stayed at King's and it was very nice. Good value for money! They have a honey badger which visites "regularly" the rubbish bin close to the kitchen. We witnessed that animal for at least half and hour one evening!
Excellent leopard sightings - but mostly in trees.
It seems within the last couple years many of the formerly considered high-end lodges tend to not give a "window seat guarantee" anymore which is rather sad/bad.
Happy planning!
SV
Oct 25th, 2009, 02:20 PM
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Guess I'd also chime in here and suggest Kings Camp in the Timbavati. http://kingscamp.com/ Easy to get to out of Kruger (where are you staying in Kruger??). Drive out of Kruger to Hoedspruit. From Hoedspruit it is an easy 40 min drive back into Kings Camp. See my recent trip report for more details.
Kings Camp 2010 rate in Sep is right on your edge, 3,700 Rand per night. (Hope the $$$ strengthens!!!). But do the KC "special" which is stay for 5 nights but pay for only 4. Now that's the ticket!!!
"honey badger or pangolin or aardwolf", well I've seen only the honey badger 2-3 times in over 80 night drives. Never the other two. Other small cats more often, maybe every second drive. Good luck
regards - tom
Kings Camp 2010 rate in Sep is right on your edge, 3,700 Rand per night. (Hope the $$$ strengthens!!!). But do the KC "special" which is stay for 5 nights but pay for only 4. Now that's the ticket!!!
"honey badger or pangolin or aardwolf", well I've seen only the honey badger 2-3 times in over 80 night drives. Never the other two. Other small cats more often, maybe every second drive. Good luck
regards - tom
Oct 25th, 2009, 03:36 PM
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"I had written off Mala Mala main camp because it seems quite large and because of the cost,"
I can understand going elsewhere to maintain your budget, but I found the ambiance of Mala Mala Main Camp to be very nice, not big hotel-like, and not something to run from. The individual rondavels were situated so you could view the river and the animals that came to drink. The deck where lunch was served had the same views. Near the entrance gate were monkeys and antelope. It was not a small camp in the midst of the delta, but neither was it a Super 8 Motel.
I was pleasantly surprised during my stay. I figured I'd tolerate the lodging for the excellent wildlife, but actually found it to be well designed for nature lovers. There were no man made water sources either. Don't know if some of the waterholes mentioned at other places were manmade or not.
<b>Since Chitwa Chitwa was mentioned, do Arathusa and Chitwa Chitwa share traversing rights, expanding the habitat of both properties?</b>
Before choosing Mala Mala again, I'd like to know the tracker situation and if they are currently used or if there is only a ranger in the vehicle.
I can understand going elsewhere to maintain your budget, but I found the ambiance of Mala Mala Main Camp to be very nice, not big hotel-like, and not something to run from. The individual rondavels were situated so you could view the river and the animals that came to drink. The deck where lunch was served had the same views. Near the entrance gate were monkeys and antelope. It was not a small camp in the midst of the delta, but neither was it a Super 8 Motel.
I was pleasantly surprised during my stay. I figured I'd tolerate the lodging for the excellent wildlife, but actually found it to be well designed for nature lovers. There were no man made water sources either. Don't know if some of the waterholes mentioned at other places were manmade or not.
<b>Since Chitwa Chitwa was mentioned, do Arathusa and Chitwa Chitwa share traversing rights, expanding the habitat of both properties?</b>
Before choosing Mala Mala again, I'd like to know the tracker situation and if they are currently used or if there is only a ranger in the vehicle.
Oct 25th, 2009, 04:47 PM
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SV, I wasn't alluding to any "window seat" guarantee at Kirkman's. I meant that Kirkman's might also have 6 in a vehicle, 2 rows with 3 across. It may just be "the luck of the draw" as to whether you'd have 4 or 6 in a vehicle (or if you had a larger vehicle that had more than two rows of seats.)
I have a friend that goes to Djuma almost every year. She really likes the people and the place. It's on the northern border of MM.
I have a friend that goes to Djuma almost every year. She really likes the people and the place. It's on the northern border of MM.
Oct 25th, 2009, 07:51 PM
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I'll suggest my favorite website again: http://www.sabisand.co.za/
There is a map that shows shared traversing rights so you know what to expect and you can access all the lodges so you can compare rates.
Currently watching this: www.djuma.com/blog/index.php?special=Webcam
Watching a leopard!!
There is a map that shows shared traversing rights so you know what to expect and you can access all the lodges so you can compare rates.
Currently watching this: www.djuma.com/blog/index.php?special=Webcam
Watching a leopard!!
Oct 26th, 2009, 07:41 AM
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Atravelynn
As per September 09 there were no trackers on duty. I doubt they will employ trackers in the near future - MM is doing "okay" without trackers. So they might change their guiding policy altogether to a one-guide-only concept ;-)
SV
As per September 09 there were no trackers on duty. I doubt they will employ trackers in the near future - MM is doing "okay" without trackers. So they might change their guiding policy altogether to a one-guide-only concept ;-)
SV
Oct 26th, 2009, 10:36 AM
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For what it is worth, we were at Kirkmans in April. The camp was nearly full, only one cottage was free, I think. We had four on our game drives..a man in the front seat, his wife and myself in the second seat and my husband in the back seat. The vehicles going out while we were there had either four or five in each. I didn't see any three people to a row. I would have rebelled because with all of the camera stuff the second seat would have been a tight fit and made picture taking very hard.
Maybe we were just lucky....
Maybe we were just lucky....
Oct 26th, 2009, 11:35 AM
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FWIW, Since 2008 I have been keeping notes of the number of guests in the vehicle on each game drive. In my Sep 2009 Fodors report of Kirkmans I was - 5 nights in camp, 10 total game drives. Counts, including myself - 2 drives had 1 guest (me alone), 4 drives had 5 guests, 3 drives had 6 guests, and 1 drive had 7 guests.
regards - tom
regards - tom
Oct 26th, 2009, 03:13 PM
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"Atravelynn
As per September 09 there were no trackers on duty. I doubt they will employ trackers in the near future - MM is doing "okay" without trackers. So they might change their guiding policy altogether to a one-guide-only concept
SV"
I thought there were still no trackers, but did not want to make a false statement that never leaves cyberspace.
Don't the other Sabi Sands accommodations employ trackers? To me that tips the balance away from Mala Mala whereas when I was deciding which Sabi Sand reserve to go to, Mala Mala won out easily once I got the SS lifted.
As per September 09 there were no trackers on duty. I doubt they will employ trackers in the near future - MM is doing "okay" without trackers. So they might change their guiding policy altogether to a one-guide-only concept
SV"
I thought there were still no trackers, but did not want to make a false statement that never leaves cyberspace.
Don't the other Sabi Sands accommodations employ trackers? To me that tips the balance away from Mala Mala whereas when I was deciding which Sabi Sand reserve to go to, Mala Mala won out easily once I got the SS lifted.
