first-time entry-level visit to a game reserve
 

What is a good first-time entry-level visit to a game reserve for two travelers arriving in JNB sometime around September 08? Although we have been to a few small private game sites in Namibia, we are definitely inexperienced as far as game viewing is concerned, so nothing very sophisticated or extraordinary is required. Our only step so far has been to subscribe to the MTbeds newsletter.

We had a fabulous experience with Savanna Private Game Reserve (www.savannalodge.com). It is located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve (borders on Kruger National Park) and the amount of game is amazing -- we typically saw the Big Five within an hour or two on most game drives. The lodgings are comfortable, food good, and guides excellent.

The only problem is that Savanna's prices have gone up quite a bit with high season rates at around R4000 per person per day.

Siyabona Africa has a good web site (http://www.sabisands.co.za/) with a range of lodges in Sabi Sands that range from less than R2000 to more than R6000.

Cheers,
T.

Has anyone had any experience with MTbeds? At around the beginning or middle of September is there likely to be last-minute availability in top game-viewing resorts, or are the resorts usually full this time of year? All help is appreciated!