Singita Boulders or Wilderness Safaris Mombo?
Nov 27, 2009 | 12:08 pm
#17
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Mombo is not roughing it -- And Mombo is really magical. Singita is excellent game viewing, but it's a hotel -- it lacks the magic.
Nov 28, 2009 | 9:23 am
#19
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Interesting idea! Mrs. BLG and I have been wanting to go to one of the parks in India -- combining that with either the Maldives (my own preference) or the Seychelles would be a wonderful trip. I'm not sure that's what the OP is looking for (the game viewing would not be nearly as dramatic in total, but you don't see Tigers in Africa) but it appeals to me. Thanks.
Nov 28, 2009 | 5:08 pm
#20
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re india >
excerpts from Ericka's trip report
taj and &beyond (cc africa) also have various camps now. oberoi has 1, competing with aman.
i personally dont really see a comparison between african beach resorts and accommodations/islands of north island and fregate island, or value of maldives.
(FS seychelles seems mixed here, and maia's published rates seem high)
excerpts from Ericka's trip report
Our flawless Aman-i-Khas experience actually began at the Imperial Hotel, where our batman (butler) was waiting to escort us to the New Delhi station for the 5 hr. train journey...He rode on the train with us, providing drinks and snacks
The batman remained our main point of contact throughout our stay at the resort, arranging activities, serving meals, etc...only 10 tents...Everyone knew us, not just our name, but “knew” us. What we liked, what we didn’t like, where we’re from, what we were doing that day…and there was a closeness and familiarity with the batmen and management that exceeded the other 8 or 9 Amans we have visited before. Service was proactive and they were always one step ahead of us.
The Aman-i-Khas GM, Mr. G. was “poached” from Singita Tanzania and believes in setting up unique experiences for all the guests. He hired the best chefs from Delhi and the food shows it, especially the coriander and garlic naan. These were the best of our trip and we were able to watch them being cooked in a tandoor oven. The food was prepared for a European/American palette, which is, low on spice. But if you do like Mr. Ericka did and order it prepared “the way the chef’s mother would make it”, you won’t be disappointed. As with Amanbagh, many of the spices and vegetables came from the resort’s own garden
We went on 7 different game drives and saw 5 different tigers. 3 game drives had tigers and 4 did not. For this, we credit our excellent Aman-contracted guide who had great tracking skill and loads of insider information. Our jeeps were thoughtfully loaded with blankets (mornings were cold, even in March), water, chai, snacks, etc. and when we returned from the dusty evening game drives, our bathtub was filled with hot water and surrounded by candles.
we were warned by fellow travelers that if we had been to Africa, we could never enjoy an Indian game park. This, for us, turned out to be completely false. If you have read The Jungle Book or seen the movie, then you know what Ranthambhore Park is all about; it was reportedly Kipling’s inspiration. The park is simply not given enough credit. It is strikingly beautiful, dotted with ancient fort remnants, temples and other “ruins”, as well as stunning topography of cliffs and lakes. We found it more beautiful than the game parks we experienced in Botswana and South Africa (except the Okavango Delta)...a guide as good as ours was able to overcome these factors by jockeying for position, and anticipating the tigers’ movements and getting out in front them.
treated to a romantic torch-lit bush dinner under the stars and Mr. G. even arranged a private maharaja dinner for us by the stepwell (pool) which featured easily 50 candles and local Rajasthani music performers. We toured the 1000 year old Ranthambhore Fort and enjoyed a private brunch served in the ruined “honeymoon suite” where the maharaja would entertain his wive(s) and invite friends and family to use it for trysts. This spot overlooks the prettiest parts of Ranthambhore Park and guests often spot tigers from here.
The batman remained our main point of contact throughout our stay at the resort, arranging activities, serving meals, etc...only 10 tents...Everyone knew us, not just our name, but “knew” us. What we liked, what we didn’t like, where we’re from, what we were doing that day…and there was a closeness and familiarity with the batmen and management that exceeded the other 8 or 9 Amans we have visited before. Service was proactive and they were always one step ahead of us.
The Aman-i-Khas GM, Mr. G. was “poached” from Singita Tanzania and believes in setting up unique experiences for all the guests. He hired the best chefs from Delhi and the food shows it, especially the coriander and garlic naan. These were the best of our trip and we were able to watch them being cooked in a tandoor oven. The food was prepared for a European/American palette, which is, low on spice. But if you do like Mr. Ericka did and order it prepared “the way the chef’s mother would make it”, you won’t be disappointed. As with Amanbagh, many of the spices and vegetables came from the resort’s own garden
We went on 7 different game drives and saw 5 different tigers. 3 game drives had tigers and 4 did not. For this, we credit our excellent Aman-contracted guide who had great tracking skill and loads of insider information. Our jeeps were thoughtfully loaded with blankets (mornings were cold, even in March), water, chai, snacks, etc. and when we returned from the dusty evening game drives, our bathtub was filled with hot water and surrounded by candles.
we were warned by fellow travelers that if we had been to Africa, we could never enjoy an Indian game park. This, for us, turned out to be completely false. If you have read The Jungle Book or seen the movie, then you know what Ranthambhore Park is all about; it was reportedly Kipling’s inspiration. The park is simply not given enough credit. It is strikingly beautiful, dotted with ancient fort remnants, temples and other “ruins”, as well as stunning topography of cliffs and lakes. We found it more beautiful than the game parks we experienced in Botswana and South Africa (except the Okavango Delta)...a guide as good as ours was able to overcome these factors by jockeying for position, and anticipating the tigers’ movements and getting out in front them.
treated to a romantic torch-lit bush dinner under the stars and Mr. G. even arranged a private maharaja dinner for us by the stepwell (pool) which featured easily 50 candles and local Rajasthani music performers. We toured the 1000 year old Ranthambhore Fort and enjoyed a private brunch served in the ruined “honeymoon suite” where the maharaja would entertain his wive(s) and invite friends and family to use it for trysts. This spot overlooks the prettiest parts of Ranthambhore Park and guests often spot tigers from here.
i personally dont really see a comparison between african beach resorts and accommodations/islands of north island and fregate island, or value of maldives.
(FS seychelles seems mixed here, and maia's published rates seem high)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 28, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Nov 28, 2009 | 10:18 pm
#21
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re india >
excerpts from Ericka's trip report
taj and &beyond (cc africa) also have various camps now. oberoi has 1, competing with aman.
i personally dont really see a comparison between african beach resorts and accommodations/islands of north island and fregate island, or value of maldives.
(FS seychelles seems mixed here, and maia's published rates seem high)
excerpts from Ericka's trip report
taj and &beyond (cc africa) also have various camps now. oberoi has 1, competing with aman.
i personally dont really see a comparison between african beach resorts and accommodations/islands of north island and fregate island, or value of maldives.
(FS seychelles seems mixed here, and maia's published rates seem high)
I would note for the OP that in Erika's post when she says that the park in India was more beautiful than anything in Botswana except the Okavango Delta, Mombo is right in the heart of the delta and very beautiful. This is all a bit of apples and oranges, but interesting nonetheless.
Nov 29, 2009 | 2:06 am
#22
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I agree with Ericka that Okavango plays in an exceptional league.
At Ranthambore however, we were unlucky. Spending two nights at the Oberoi Vanyavilas we didn't see any tigers. It was terribly cold in January. The best animal we saw was some kind of lynx.
Vuittonsofstyle, are there luxury lodges in Madhya Pradesh? For example in Bandvargah Park? I thought they were all in the Rajasthan area.
To the OP: for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would not limit the Okavango Delta to Mombo, but take a 4x4 with chauffeur instead, and drive the sand road north, staying at Savute Elephant Camp, Chobe Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel, then flying out of Vic Falls.
What I am trying to say: there is many alternatives to the Seychelles, but probably none for the Okavango Delta.
At Ranthambore however, we were unlucky. Spending two nights at the Oberoi Vanyavilas we didn't see any tigers. It was terribly cold in January. The best animal we saw was some kind of lynx.
Vuittonsofstyle, are there luxury lodges in Madhya Pradesh? For example in Bandvargah Park? I thought they were all in the Rajasthan area.
To the OP: for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would not limit the Okavango Delta to Mombo, but take a 4x4 with chauffeur instead, and drive the sand road north, staying at Savute Elephant Camp, Chobe Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel, then flying out of Vic Falls.
What I am trying to say: there is many alternatives to the Seychelles, but probably none for the Okavango Delta.
Nov 29, 2009 | 5:34 am
#23
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Originally Posted by [B
TrophyCollector[/B];12893681]
Vuittonsofstyle, are there luxury lodges in Madhya Pradesh? For example in Bandvargah Park? I thought they were all in the Rajasthan area.
Vuittonsofstyle, are there luxury lodges in Madhya Pradesh? For example in Bandvargah Park? I thought they were all in the Rajasthan area.
There is indeed a lodge at Bandhavgarh National Park - Mahua Kothi - with, as you no doubt know, the highest densities of tigers. Also leopard (these in all 4 parks). Mahua Kothi has 12 jungle suites, pool, shop, air-con and is also a member of Relais & Chateaux.
See www.tajsafaris.com
Nov 29, 2009 | 5:41 am
#24
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By the way, do I think 4 nights at Aman-i-Khas and a week at one of the splashy Maldivian private islands would be a great honeymoon? Absolutely!
Nov 29, 2009 | 10:02 am
#25
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+1 Very well said. There are MANY great beach resorts around the world. Don't let the tail wag the dog.
Nov 29, 2009 | 1:48 pm
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Nov 30, 2009 | 6:52 am
#27
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Agree about the new branding for CC Africa. Allegedly, Abercrombie & Kent are suing &Beyond for their use of the ampersand! Silly people.
Nov 30, 2009 | 8:48 am
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Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 30, 2009 at 11:03 am
Dec 2, 2009 | 11:30 am
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Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 2, 2009 at 11:43 am