ALadyNCal

This LOOKS like a really good package. I would definitely consider it, but as luck would have it, the offer starts June 1st and that is a week after I can use it Thought someone might be interested tho.

http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...000&save=1

jasher

Hello,

It's definitely a good deal, as rack rate at that time of year is $777 per person per night which would make it $3108 for the two nights at Ngala Tented Camp alone. So for less than the cost of thos two nights you would get the walking safari as well.

Cheers,
Julian

ALadyNCal

While I console myself that I can't have the above offer -- is this one worth considering? It's at Jackalberry Lodge.

http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...847&save=1

Otherwise, I will keep researching the main camps and plan on choosing from offers on mtbeds.

Thanks

jasher

Hello,

It's not a bad deal, but the Timbavati Reserve, where Ngala is located, is a better game viewing area -- Thornybush is rather small for the number of lodges it has. The Sabi Sands, further south, is better still.

If you're able to pay something along the lines of what the Ngala package cost, you should be able to find something in either Sabi Sands or Timbavati without waiting for Mtbeds. Personally, I haven't been too impressed by what I've seen on Mtbeds for non-South Africans (the deals for South Africans are great), but I've heard that exceptional properties do pop up from time to time.

Cheers,
Julian

jasher

Hello,

Just visited MTbeds and saw that they are charging a single supplement for Londoz -- for shame! This is pure profiteering, as CCA doesn't charge single supplements.

Naturally, this deal is for SA residents only.

Cheers,
Julian

ALadyNCal

Julian -- Found another Luxury Link package ;-) It's at Madikwe Safari Lodge and since it's valid after May 1st -- could possibly work for me.

http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...933&save=1

Then I did a search for threads on Madikwe Safari Lodge. I came across one where you discussed your prior visit there --

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34674785

My conclusion is that you wouldn't highly recommend it. Has your impression improved any since you wrote that feedback?

Thanks

jasher

Hello,

Madikwe Safari Lodge is a wonderful lodge -- very comfortable with great service and as always, excellent food.

However, based on my experience, the game viewing at Madikwe is simply not yet at the same level as that in the Timbavati, where Ngala is located, and doesn't come close to the Sabi Sands or Phinda.

I think that the project to reclaim farmland for wildlife is a wonderful idea, and that Madikwe has huge amounts of potential. Ten years ago Phinda was derelict farmland, and you'd never know that from visiting it today. That being said -- it's going to be awhile.

If you want to see big game, or to have a sense of actually being in the bush, you're better off somewhere else. I'd wait for a Phinda package or another Ngala (or, if you're really lucky, Londoz) package to come up which suits your dates. It seems as if CCA has made more of an investment in Luxury Link recently (previously their packages were few and far between) so you may get lucky.

Alternatively, you can see whether you can find a comparable deal through an agent who's willing to work with your budget.

Cheers,
Julian

ALadyNCal

Thanks for the help (as always)

I am planning to book thru sanparks.org, but keeping an eye open for a 'great deal' on some of the more expensive places. Maybe mtbeds or luxury link will come thru for me!

jasher

Good luck!

Cheers,
Julian

ALadyNCal

They have relisted this NGALA package --
http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...461&save=1

This package is priced at $2285 for five nights lodging for two people. The typical rates online I have found for Ngala is $750/pppn.

If I could get my dates to work for this package -- would there be any reason not to? It seems I have mostly read positive reviews.

Thanks for any advice

jasher

Hello,

Ngala is a great camp. The walking safari will bring you close to the bush, whilst the nights at the tented camp will provide great game-viewing. Go for it!

Cheers,
Julian