My husband and I are finally getting serious about an African Safari. Is Singita still the most lux? Does anyone have any more specific info about accomdations? We are looking at the Ebony lodge. Would that be the right choice if we are fond of colonial/traditional furnishings that are either fairly new or at least well-kept?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Now, if only there was an Aman in South Africa........

We were in SA,Botswana and Zambia last August and heard a lot about Londolozi being extemely luxurious. If you go to Botswana, try Moombo or Jao camps(www.wilderness-safaris.com).

No Amans planned for SA, but I have heard recurring rumors about an Aman project in the Seychelles.

Anyway, if you want the most luxurious safari possible, I don't think that you want any of these places, but rather a custom tented camp safari. Amongst the best is Ker & Downey in London.

[This message has been edited by Makanmata (edited Mar 22, 2004).]

Well, we've been to a few of these places, so I think I can comment.

As for all of the high-end lodges on the periphery of Kruger, I've stayed at Londolozi. It was quite nice and here's what you're paying for in comparison to the lower-end lodges:

o Guides who truly know what they're talking about. At lesser lodges, the guide's vocabulary may be limited to the name of the animal. At some lodges, the entire conversation consisted of "lilac-breasted roller." At the high-end lodges, the guide will be able to tell you much more about the animal and also will be quite good at conversation during the times you're not game viewing.

o You'll be able to see all of the "big 5". It's almost like going to McDonald's. Tell the guide what you want to see and they'll find it for you (with the possible exception of Cheetah). At lesser lodges, this *might* not be possible. I presume this is because the high-end places have trackers not with you who are using radios to notify your guide & tracker where the prey is located.

o The Land Rover will be in good repair and it won't be loaded. Most of the vehicles can seat 10 passengers, but we never had more than 6 (two to a rwo).

o The lodges themselves are over-the-top. During our stay, we returned one night to have rose petals spread over the bed. We also enjoyed lunch on our private porch overlooking the preserve (not to mention the private plunge pool and outdoor shower).

o Food at all of the lodges is quite good, but at the high-end places, it's truly an experience.

However, the downside of all of the places at Kruger is that it's almost urban. You have GSM phone service on the game drives, and you can drive your own car to the lodge.

In contrast, Wilderness Safaris manage some amazing camps in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Zambia and truly Jao and Mombo are among their best camps. And being in the Okavango, you're truly in the middle of nowhere and have to fly in and out. To me, much more impressive than anything I saw at Kruger and even less expensive.

We flew ourselves around Southern Africa in 2001 and are in the process of writing a trip report -- It will eventually be located here.

BTW, IMO an excellent (though not safari) Colonial experience is at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Unfortunately unrest in Zimbabwe makes this not so desirable a destination today.

Having been at both Singita and Londolozi, I would definitely recommend either one but a great, crowdless safari experience. Have not seen the new camp lodge at Singita, but either Ebony or Boulders, where we stayed, are great with small groups.

We were at Londolozi in December and I was a bit disappointed in the accomodations. However, we also visited Chief's Camp in Botswana and loved it.

My husband and I were in South Africa in October. We stayed at Londolozi and Singita Ebony and their newest property Lebombo. All were wonderful, however, Singita was definately a step above. I believe Ebony is just what you are looking for if you want more of the traditional colonial feel. Each unit is quite nice, though all a bit different. The funrnishings are just what you would think of when thinking of colonial Africa. They also have a fireplace for colder nights , or just a bit of atmosphere. There is also an outdooor shower, and a plunge pool where you may enjoy a glass of wine while watching elephants, baboons, zebras, and a variety of other animals. The food is fabulous, the staff is superb, the animal viewing awesome. I'd go back in a second!

I agree with those who have recommended several camps in Botswana. I have just returned from Mombo Camp and Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta. They were both extremely luxurious (especially Mombo) and the wildlife viewing experience is far more wild and authentic than you get at the lodges in South Africa where there's far less challenge or adventure in the game drives.