Photo by David Cogswell
Nothing can prepare you for Africa. First-time safari adventurers are in for the most extraordinary experience: The vastness of endless landscapes and light, the heat at midday and, of course, the animals. Actually getting to see these big animals in their natural environments is spine-tingling. The rigors of early safaris are a distant memory. It is now possible to combine camping with high luxury and I have listed some of the best options.
Jack's Camp, Kalahari Desert, Botswana.
Jacks Camp to my mind is genuine safari. Its remote location, period tents, furniture and antique rugs evoke the glamour of a 1920s journey. Before you are the stark Makagadigadi Salt pans stretching as far as the eye can see, broken only by islands of palm trees. I actually loved the fact there was no electricity. Sitting by lamp light on still nights realized every Out of Africa fantasy I have ever had. The superb standard of service and accommodation make you feel instantly at ease.
Highlights for me were the visits for the meerkat colonies nearby (so much cuter in the flesh), and a quad bike ride over the salt pans.
Sabora Tented Camp, private reserve, Great Serengeti, Tanzania.
The luxe factor at Sabora is high, evident in the Michelin-style cuisine and silver service and the Swarovski binoculars available for game spotting. On my very first evening I saw zebra and buffalo grazing right in front of my balcony. The most breath-stopping moment for me was the sight of 20 elephants splashing and swimming in a waterhole. The guides are driven to find you big game and do not disappoint: cheetah, lions, giraffe were all ticked off my must-see list.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
Well into the three-hour drive through the park, I was beginning to have second thoughts about a tree house holiday. So what a surprise to find such superb accommodation and gracious service in the heart of this dense jungle.
The 10 tree houses blend right in, and when I say treehouse I mean delightful accommodation where cosy meets luxury. You even get your own butler. From the monkeys eyeing up your breakfast to the elephants sauntering by your house, there is no shortage of animal life. Highlight for me after a days trekking was dinner by firelight in a Maasai style enclosure.
Sasawaka Lodge, Singita Private Game Reserve, Tanzania.
Every once in a while you need to seriously treat yourself. I did just that with three nights at Sasawaka Lodge. Here we were able to dust off our equestrian skills and take out the excellent horses for a day trip along with our own personal guide. At the opulent end of comfortable, the villas come with a heated infinity pool and marble-floored bathroom. Highlight was a post dinner game of billiards in the stunning manor house.
Cottar's Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya.
East Africa delivers the optimal safari experience and Cottar's is the real deal. The Cottar family has a century long connection with the region. This heritage and depth of experience makes a stay at the camp something quite special. The guides are some of the most knowledgeable I have met, with a love of this land and its animals that is infectious. There are ten tents and two mess tents which provide spacious and gracious accommodation.
Everything is as it would have been years ago including a pick up from the airstrip in a vintage Rolls (all 4WD under the hood). Highlight: my camp bath set up outside with views over the Serengeti at sunset.
A Safari adventure is life changing and Africa can get under your skin so you could find yourself coming back to experience nature at its most exceptional where the hospitality and facilities are second to none.
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