EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

Call Frontiers 1-800-245-1950 • +44 (0) 1285 741340 in the UK • www.frontiersej.com
■ Abercrombie & Kent has completed renovating two properties
they acquired in Zambia last year. Sussi & Chuma Lodge,
located on the Upper Zambezi near Victoria Falls and named
for Livingstone’s two trusted bearers, has been beautifully
refurbished. This is a raised camp with 12 equal cottages, a spa
treatment room, and attractive bi-level public area. Sister property
Puku Camp, located in South Luangwa National Park, was
rebuilt completely. This intimate property, just 7 tents, is perfect
for a private party and provides a true safari experience.
We stayed in Tent #5 (“Lion”), sublimely decorated in Jorie
Kent’s signature style in shades of moss green. Puku also
serves some of the best food in Zambia. Nearby Chichele
Presidential Lodge, a throwback to Africa‘s colonial days, will
close in 2009 for total renovation. It promises to be spectacular!
Once completed, A&K will have an outstanding circuit in
Zambia — at about half the price of neighboring Botswana!
■ Looking for unabashed luxury in the bush We’ve found it for
sure at the Singita Grumeti Reserves in northwestern Tanzania,
bordering Serengeti National Park in a 340,000-acre concession
and comprising of three exclusive safari lodges: Sasakwa
Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp and Faru Faru Lodge. If the truly
over-the-top accommodations aren’t enough (think Ralph
Lauren Polo flagship store and then pinch yourself, this is the
REAL DEAL!), because it is an exclusive reserve, it is available
only to lodge
guests. That means
this huge tract of
land is for 60
guests maximum
so you will hardly
ever encounter
another vehicle,
drive off the roads
if you need or want to, get out of the vehicle for a sundowner
— surely this is the ultimate in luxury. We relished every
minute of our two-night stay (not enough) at Sasakwa Lodge
set on a high promontory with awe-inspiring views over the
Serengeti plains. This is the pinnacle of civilization with Stuart
crystal, Wedgwood china and the biggest display of Patrick
Mavros silver I’ve ever seen. We also had one of the top guide
experiences in multiple trips to Africa — Alfred’s enthusiasm
was contagious indeed. In between game drives, there were
plenty of distractions, from enjoying our private pool, a muchneeded
manicure after two weeks on safari, massages, a fully
equipped gym and, for those who must, complete WiFi.
Mollie Fitzgerald
16