Most luxurious African safari accommodations?
Nov 25, 2017, 10:40 pm
#166
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 839
Thank you. We've actually been to Boulders, but it was quite a while ago. Absolutely loved it but would like to try something a bit different in style but equally (if not more) luxurious. Ebony suits our taste perfectly though I wonder if we should try a new area outside Sabi Sands. When I last spoke with a safari company, they recommended Royal Malewane as the most over the top lodge followed by Sasakwa. I admit I like the look of Royal Malewane the most, but it does lose points for the fence (though as I posted previously, parts of it appear to be coming down). Tanzania is a bit more hassle for us versus South Africa because of the longer transit and potential tsetse flies, but the game viewing (in season) and scenery look spectacular. However, I'm concerned about the game viewing there if the trip doesn't align with the Great Migration.
singita Grumeti the migration tends to be June - early July depending on the year. yes we had tetse flies when there and were there late June - end of migration. We loved it but if you want a more guaranteed big 5 during various times of year, then Royal Malewane is it. But the Grumeti reserve is just a different experience with big plains and vistas as far as the eye can see. And you will see game, just not as much. It is a matter of what you prefer and if you want a really different experience. The tetse flies were in certain areas. Not everywhere. And the guides will try to avoid. Just depends on where you go and what you want to see. Both locations are amazing! Timing is key IMO for all of Africa. We like to hit the migration in the east which locations vary depending on time of year - e.g. Grumeti June- early July vs past the Crater Jan-Feb. we like Southern Africa June-Sept due to less humidity, no bugs, low grass and little bush which gives great game viewing but many people like year round - dec- march better weather in capetowm, warmer, etc. RM we went in July. Loved it and will return.
Nov 25, 2017, 10:51 pm
#167
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 839
Thanks!
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
The timing to do the crater and that drive into the Serengeti for the migration is different than Singita Grumeti. Grumeti you want to do June-July and the crater and that drive into the Serengeti Jan-Feb. so two different trips! And you are right, the crater is not the highlight. But interesting and some if only going to Tanzania once might add it to Grumeti. If you plan to go back again I would recommend different trips depending on time of year.
Nov 26, 2017, 9:10 am
#169
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Our neighbor just joined a group of her friends with a stay there at Jamala Madikwe and posted all sorts of details and photos/videos on Facebook. Suffice to say they had a fabulous time and the place really does look quite impressive. Her wildlife viewing was also extraordinary, as she has posted videos and photos of lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, etc.
Nov 26, 2017, 11:44 pm
#170
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 839
Nov 27, 2017, 12:04 am
#171
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 152
Thanks!
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
Its packed, you can only use 2 different fixed spots for Toilet breaks and Food/Drink break. There will be a LOT of cars around. Typically a Lion sighting will involve 20 cars sitting next to each other (All cars are closed cars).
Its just not nice - the lodge itself is very nice but the game viewing really is bad in terms of quality/amount of cars etc.
For me Boulders is the best package, then sasakwa (hate those tse tse flies).
Dec 11, 2017, 4:59 am
#172
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
great updates and details!
rwanda >
bisate (wilderness safaris) - 6
singita - 8 + 4BR villa
O&O gorilla nest - ?
curious re locations, and if singita handles any differently
(obviously different situation from regular safari properties)
changing subject >
adding to my previous post >
concession in public park/reserve
312km2 - 13 - 7 duba + 6
also similar new less luxury wilderness safaris in botswana
rwanda >
bisate (wilderness safaris) - 6
singita - 8 + 4BR villa
O&O gorilla nest - ?
curious re locations, and if singita handles any differently
(obviously different situation from regular safari properties)
changing subject >
adding to my previous post >
concession in public park/reserve
312km2 - 13 - 7 duba + 6
also similar new less luxury wilderness safaris in botswana
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 25, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Jun 24, 2018, 9:30 pm
#173
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta Gold, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, UA Gold (status match)
Posts: 777
Thanks!
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
How would you (and anyone else) compare the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with Singita Sasakwa/Faru Faru and Singita Boulders/Ebony/Sweni/Lebombo? Both in terms of property, food/beverage, air con (haha), and wildlife viewing?
I’m currently of the opinion that while seeing the crater wildlife would be nice, the crater’s public park conditions, including the traffic and long drives in and out of the crater, not going off road, etc, make it not quite worth the trouble for us. For us, seeing the different (particularly carnivorous) wildlife and staying in the nicest luxury accommodations with the best food/beverage are what’s most critical (along with hopefully and luckily seeing the Great Migration.) If I’m off base, please do let me know....but it seems to me that it may be more worthwhile for us to just stay longer at Grumeti between Sasakwa, Faru Faru, and perhaps a tented camp (though without air con makes that a 1-2 night terrifying option for me) and just skip the crater altogether. I get the idea that people stay at the crater because they’ve been told they absolutely must but that it isn’t quite as unique or spectacular as most offer.
sabora tented camp has a a/c basically just above the bed. It’s a portable unit and we were comfortable and of course it’s cooler at night. We did lose power a few times at sasakwa-very common with the grids there. We always love our singita stays. No complaints! We were lucky and hit the start of migration and it was truly special. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jul 25, 2018, 2:41 am
#175
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 148
Jul 26, 2018, 1:54 am
#176
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
I'm very excited to have booked my first ever safari, for late February next year!
After much deliberation we decided to go with a lodge in Sabi Sands.
I really like the idea of being away from the crowds and not being limited to designated paths.
We used Rhino Arica to book the trip, as per forum recommendations and they have been excellent.
The property we have chosen is actually owned by Rhino Africa and looks excellent:
After much deliberation we decided to go with a lodge in Sabi Sands.
I really like the idea of being away from the crowds and not being limited to designated paths.
We used Rhino Arica to book the trip, as per forum recommendations and they have been excellent.
The property we have chosen is actually owned by Rhino Africa and looks excellent:
Silvan Safari: Luxury African Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand
I would be interested to hear if anybody has stayed here before, as reviews are rather hard to come by, given how new the lodge is.
Aug 4, 2018, 7:32 pm
#178
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Everywhere
Programs: UA GS 3MM, NH PLT
Posts: 767
The Duba Plains concession area is a bit "younger", with less variety of flora and fauna. It used to be the place to see Lions vs. Buffaloes, but it's not as much of the case now.
Neither Zarafa nor Duba Plains (or Mombo, for that matter) offer Mokoro trips on the delta, so if you want to experience that, you might want to check out Vumbura Plains, which is a "mixed" activity (vehicle & water) camp.
Accommodations wise, Duba Plains was completely rebuilt last year, so it's now quite comparable to Zarafa.
We're going back to Mombo, Zarafa and Duba Plains this September; I'll fill you in on our experience as soon as we get back (but PM me as a reminder, just in case.)
Aug 4, 2018, 10:25 pm
#179
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 305
Thank you, KI-NRT!
Will definitely PM you once you return (or else - will wait for your review...it was a pleasure to read about your stay at Ngare and Mara Plains, especially since we just returned from these two camps a week and a half ago...I pretty much agree with your assessment...the funny thing - small world! - we even stayed in tent # 7 in Mara Plains and loved its location!)
I will probably book my Botswana camps in the next few weeks...I was leaning towards Zarafa anyway (and water activities are not important to us)...we only have 12 nights to split between 3 camps (don't want to stay less than 4 nights at each - there is something to be said about packing/unpacking/settling in/losing time on transfers)...
and I guess we could do Mombo + Zarafa + Duba Plains like you chose to, but I really want to stay in either Sandibe or Chitabe (I have been to that concession before, and the game viewing there had been epic...so I am willing to forgo more luxurious accommodations for the sake of game viewing there)...and since Mombo is a "must" for my significant other, it leaves me with Zarafa vs Duba Plains...so it most likely will be Zarafa for us (unless there is availability issue for next October)...thank you so much!...safe and happy travels, and looking forward to your reviews!
Will definitely PM you once you return (or else - will wait for your review...it was a pleasure to read about your stay at Ngare and Mara Plains, especially since we just returned from these two camps a week and a half ago...I pretty much agree with your assessment...the funny thing - small world! - we even stayed in tent # 7 in Mara Plains and loved its location!)
I will probably book my Botswana camps in the next few weeks...I was leaning towards Zarafa anyway (and water activities are not important to us)...we only have 12 nights to split between 3 camps (don't want to stay less than 4 nights at each - there is something to be said about packing/unpacking/settling in/losing time on transfers)...
and I guess we could do Mombo + Zarafa + Duba Plains like you chose to, but I really want to stay in either Sandibe or Chitabe (I have been to that concession before, and the game viewing there had been epic...so I am willing to forgo more luxurious accommodations for the sake of game viewing there)...and since Mombo is a "must" for my significant other, it leaves me with Zarafa vs Duba Plains...so it most likely will be Zarafa for us (unless there is availability issue for next October)...thank you so much!...safe and happy travels, and looking forward to your reviews!
Aug 4, 2018, 10:54 pm
#180
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Everywhere
Programs: UA GS 3MM, NH PLT
Posts: 767
Thank you, KI-NRT!
I guess we could do Mombo + Zarafa + Duba Plains like you chose to, but I really want to stay in either Sandibe or Chitabe (I have been to that concession before, and the game viewing there had been epic...so I am willing to forgo more luxurious accommodations for the sake of game viewing there)...and since Mombo is a "must" for my significant other, it leaves me with Zarafa vs Duba Plains...so it most likely will be Zarafa for us (unless there is availability issue for next October)...thank you so much!...safe and happy travels, and looking forward to your reviews!
I guess we could do Mombo + Zarafa + Duba Plains like you chose to, but I really want to stay in either Sandibe or Chitabe (I have been to that concession before, and the game viewing there had been epic...so I am willing to forgo more luxurious accommodations for the sake of game viewing there)...and since Mombo is a "must" for my significant other, it leaves me with Zarafa vs Duba Plains...so it most likely will be Zarafa for us (unless there is availability issue for next October)...thank you so much!...safe and happy travels, and looking forward to your reviews!