EAST AFRICA
The Great Migration has received a great deal of press lately (with a seven-part in-depth series running on Natonal Geographic), as massive herds of wildebeest and zebra trek across the crocodile-infested Grumeti River in Tanzania in search of food and space. Singita Faru Faru is located right in the thick of the action, allowing guests to watch the migration unfurl right before their eyes. The Singita group, famous for many of their award winning lodges, know how to host guests on a safari.
Aside from the impeccable service born of a lodge with only 6 suites, the property offers tantalizing views of a nearby waterhole and the famous Grumeti River from all of suites and viewing decks. Stylish, contemporary, and ecologically sound, Singita Faru Faru offers a small private “beach” along with activities like croquet, archery, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning. Of course safari game drives into the middle of the migration are a spectacular adventure.
Spotting scopes and an abundance of game at the water hole brings African wildlife to within a fingertip’s reach, made even more special by the fact that Singita has exclusive rights to this amazing tract of land in the Grumeti concession.
The remote region attracts game year round, and between June and November acts as a staging ground for the Great Migration as thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara. Guests can embark on game drives or walking safaris, adding a sense of exhilaration and freedom the bush experience. The camp itself is composed of 15 luxury tents split into 2 wings, each with its own bar and lounge area and a shared infinity pool. The tents are set on raised wooden platforms with expansive verandas opening out onto magnificent vistas and luxury African chic decorating the interior. Visitors seeking exclusive luxury in a remote part of the Serengeti will find the combination of location, luxury, and wildlife an inspiring fusion of an African safari experience.
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, overlooking the savannah plains and offering panoramic views into and across the crater, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s location simply cannot be beat. The wildlife rich volcanic caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one the world’s truly unique destinations and excellent game viewing is practically guaranteed.
Expert rangers offer personalized game drives or walking safaris through the lush forests and grassy crater floor; in the world’s largest caldera and only-self-caontained safari destination, guests are virtually guaranteed thrilling Big 5 encounters. The architecture of the lodge is just as impressive as the crater itself, with the Maasai mud-and-stick homestead inspired lodgings offering a harmonious blend of African art, colonial opulence, and luxury accommodation in one of the world’s most spectacular natural settings. The lodge’s 30 luxury suites are divided into 3 camps, each with a personal butler. Besides game drives in the crater, guests are treated to picnic lunches on the savannah, elegant candle lit dinners, and traditional Maasai dancing in the nearby Maasai villages.
SOUTH AFRICA
Londolozi was founded on family values and respect for the environment. Steeped in history and a passion for quality yet exuding youthful energy and innovation, Londolozi, owned and managed by the Varty family, is one of the best loved and most respected private game reserves in Africa.
Pioneer Camp captures the essence of Londolozi beautifully. Built in 1926 on one of the best sites on the Sand River in the predator rich Sabi Sands reserve, Pioneer camp has many wild African bush tales to tell. During the day, a game drive allows guests to experience the Big 5 (and perhaps even catch a glimpse the elusive leopard, a feat the area is known well for). Or visitors can choose to experience the wild on foot with walking safaris. A visit to the local Shangaan village is a must, allowing guests to get an authentic in-depth look at Africa.
Newly renovated, today it remains small and adaptable with just 3 exclusive suites and a central open living area with dramatic views - perfect for exclusive use, multi-generational families, or honeymoon couples. Londolozi Pioneer Camp truly is a pioneer in terms of luxury, comfort, cuisine and bush experiences and is ideal for the discerning safari traveler.
Accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, Royal Malewane ensures that you can bask in total colonial splendor. Suites feature palatial rooms, and exquisite features include fireplaces, canopied king-size beds, extravagant bathrooms, window-side Victorian baths, both indoor and outdoor showers, and magnificent spa and gym facilities. Guests staying in the coveted Royal and Malewane Suites are treated to private rim-flow pools, viewing decks and gazebos, private butlers and chefs (whose fabulous cuisine has been awarded a “Chaine de Rotissiers” badge), private game drives, and up to four complimentary massages per suite per day.
Thanks to the unique size of the lodge, guests can book the entire camp for exclusive use, especially useful for large family get-togethers. Super attention to detail throughout the camps allows guests to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the abundance of the bushveld. Royal Malewane is the pinnacle of refinement and opulence and offers an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalized service, and some of the best game viewing in Africa.
NAMIBIA
Photo by H&L
With just three suites in the camp each equipped with a private pool, and accommodating a maximum of nine guests per night, Little Ongava is truly the epitome of a unique safari location. In the great tradition of colonial opulence, the bedrooms form the centre of the exquisite thatched-roof suites. Wooden walkways winding around boulders lead to main area of the lodge, where a massive viewing deck provides the perfect spot for sundowners, especially with the nearby waterhole in full view.
Photo byH&L
Activities at the Little Ongava include spot-lit night drives, morning drives in nearby Etosha National Park, afternoon drives in the Ongava Private Reserve, and guided safari walks to get up close and personal with the abundance of fauna and flora. Many guests are initially surprised that such an arid area supports the wildlife that Etosha can, but brilliant sightings of the resident black and white rhinos as well as the ever-present cheetah quickly enlighten and delight visitors. Probably the most rewarding big game safari destination in Namibia, Little Ongava truly is a diamond in the Etosha rough, loaded with superior game-viewing opportunities and ultra-luxurious lodgings.
PART 2>>>>>
