Now we have this new FORUM - ROAR 2 so we dont drive the non ROAR 2 people crazy.
Well let me throw a "kink" in the wheel.
It appears that more people want Leopard Hills than want Singita. This time people are more price sensitive.
I heard from Singita today, they will NOT confirm 2007 pricing as Seasons in Africa will. They are saying that they will not be able to work on a bush breakfast with Leopard Hills on their property. They threw that back to Leopard Hills to sponsor. I dont think Singita is too keen on the idea.They have the facility, it would be possible to use their area on a day the other camp EBONY was not using it. I honestly felt that this would not fly in the first place. The Sabi Sands areas the camps have "private" land and this is a very strong issue. My instinct is that the joint bush breakfast is going to be a problem and wont be taking place. (no problem at Madiwke they will work it out we will have a joint breakfast there)
Since we are going to be at separate camps anyway, and there will be no way to do a mutual get together, and more people wanted the lower price than wanted Singita, I had another thought.
I started to think about Kings Camp, the third Seasons in Africa property. This is in the Timbavati region, top end of Kruger.
My only concern was it was not all inclusive. I emailed last night and they came back this morning (love their fast reponse) that in 2007 the property will be all inclusive of local wines and sprits, only difference no complimentary laundry. I also received the 2007 rates for Seasons in Africa. Yipee these were not out anywhere.
Kings Camp is a nice camp and I have always thought it was priced way too low, an incredible value. I use it all the time.
I think this will work it is a link to a map of where the lodges are located.
http://196.41.3.213/admin/uploads/57/documents/Seasons%20in%20Africa%20Map.pdf Also hate to muddy the waters further but in 2007 they offer stay for 6 nights and pay for 5 nights or stay for 8 nights and pay for 6 nights.---- Marc may be all over that he wants as many game drives as he can get.
However, you must have the 7th and 8th free nights at one of the lodges where you spend the first six nights. So you cannot do Madikwe (3) Leopard Hills (3) and then go to Kings Camp for the last two. You would have to extend the Leopard Hills or Kings Camp stay by two nights to get the special. I am sure they would honor that for us for 2008 as well. The free two nights would have to be at the last camp, either Leopard Hills or Kings Camp and would be priced at the lowest rate camp at which you stayed.
REMEMBER you are ALL getting one night free anyway, staying for SIX nights and paying for FIVE. So this would be staying for EIGHT nights and paying for SIX nights. It would still cost more for that extra paid Sixth night.
The rooms are great, the game is great, this is the best leopard country I have experienced, and where Ken got all his great leopard shots. Each room is a "villa" and the rooms are really wonderful, no problem with the rooms.
www.bkafrica.com Then go to properties, click on Timbavati, then click on Kings Camp for my review and pictures. Link to the Kings Camp website is on the bottom of that page.
It just has a different feel than Leopard Hills or Singita. It is on "flat" land with regular walkways between the rooms rather than built on a river or with wooden raised decks. There is a watering hole right in front of the property and a great bar "hide" up high where you can sit in the afternoon and watch the watering hole with BIG plush chairs. Nice spot.
This would offer those that are more price sensitive an even greater value than Leopard Hills. It is also combinable with Madikwe Hills for the one night free special. I do think those that go there will be pleased. In a sense you always get what you pay for in the end. So you must realise that if you make this choice. They dont have "plunge" pools. This property is one I would go to in an instant myself, and you know what a princess I am. Leopard Hills IS nicer. I know someone is going to email and say "explain". You cant define it that closely, it is just the whole package, it feels more "in the bush" at Leopard Hills. The game viewing should be fairly equal. Land prettier at Leopard Hills, just like Singita, but great chance for the elusive Leopard at Kings Camp.
I looked at the rates, I cant price the whole safari but just looking at rack rates we can see the differences in the pricing for the game park part of the safari.
Per person per night pricing for 2007 rates. Plus one night free - of course this free night will always be at the least expensive camp in your program. I figured it out with the one night free included and the overall savings PER PERSON will be about $1300 using Kings Camp instead of Leopard Hills. That adds up to $2600 a couple.
Leopard Hills:$950 Madikwe Hills:$650 Kings Camp:$416
2006 Singita $1190 - will go up in 2007
Flights wont be an issue. After Madikwe, One plane to Leopard Hills and one plane to Kings Camp
As to the Madikwe Hills versus Matyea. Matyea is more per night and no one night free, but also worth more. I am sure some will be willing to pay for Mateya. That wont be a problem.
This is something to think about. COMMENTS PLEASE.
If you prefer Kings Camp please either post here or email me and let me know. In fact it may be wise to post a poll, lets see how the days goes.
I think we have the dates in stone, now it just this last decision, Singita or Kings Camp as the second property
