Clarity for everyone on the "off road" business. There are more and more restrictions about off road driving as it is destroying the bush.

In Botswana - in Chobe National Park for instance you cannot put your wheels one inch off the road no matter WHAT the situation. I really found that frustrating.

In Madikwe Hills Game reserve, no more than 1000 feet off road for a "exceptional" sighting. It is my understanding it does not have to be a big five. In fact I know we did many off road trips for Cheetah.

In the private Game Reserve of Sabi Sands they are also supposed to limit off road activity. It will be more flexible than in a public reserve.

I have found that this varies with the drivers, both in Madikwe and Sabi Sands, some push the envelope and others follow the rules totally.

Although it was hot at Mateya it would have been even hotter at Singita. THis is NOT a good time to go. Rainy and humid and mosquito season. I chose Madikwe Hills for the world cruise safari over a lodge in Sabi Sands as it is higher and therefore cooler and also non malaria area. No malaria pills required for a short two day safari.

The animal sightings in Sabi Sands are the best PERIOD.

Madikwe offers good sightings but the key here is that it offers some variance from Sabi Sands. It is a different topography. For instance Cheetah almost guaranteed and possible Wild Dog. It also offers great value for the quality of the lodge.

Having experiences in two different areas is really a good thing to do.