Elite Traveler January-February 2019

SINGITA EBONY LODGE SAND RIVER, SOUTHAFRICA

In 2018, Singita celebrated its 25th anniversary and, since opening in 1993, the camp has won many awards — not only for super-stylish safari decor, but also for its inspiring conservation programs. Ebony Lodge is our favorite camp and is perfect for a family safari vacation. Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and surrounded by ebony trees, the lodge has 12 gorgeous suites with private pools and open fireplaces. Each suite also has its own deck suspended above the riverbank that overlooks the bushveld — don’t be surprised if you spot animals drinking from the river. Top suite Ebony Family Suite from $5,525 per night Go wild Sabi Sands is the best place to spot the elusive leopard. Go on a night-game drive, when the big cats are most active. Just don’t make eye contact! Contact Shahieda Swanepoel, reservations manager, enquiries@singita.com, +27 216 833 424, singita.com

NORTH ISLAND SEYCHELLES

When you arrive at North Island, it’s easy to see why the Seychelles have been called the Garden of Eden throughout history. Tropical forests tumble down granite peaks, lush foliage backs powdery white-sand shores and you’re surrounded by the vivid turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The pristine environment of this island is the result of the decades-long conservation project, Noah’s Ark. The resort now shares its small patch of land with Aldabra giant tortoises, nesting turtles and countless endemic birds. Great efforts are made to ensure optimum sustainability, and natural materials feature throughout. While staying in one of the 11 villas tucked into East Beach’s tropical vegetation, let staff pamper you with starlit beach dinners, a ‘barefoot ritual’ in the oceanfront spa and a mesmerizing sunset cruise. Top suite Villa North Island from $13,935 per night Peaking Join a guide on a short hike up the granite peak. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with the island’s best outlook. Contact Jonathan Lithgow, general manager, reservations@north-island.com, north-island.com

FREGATE ISLANDPRIVATE SEYCHELLES

Fregate is the easternmost of the Seychelles Inner Islands, but is just 15 minutes fromMahé by helicopter. Conservation is at the heart of this resort, and it’s the verdant forest and untouched shores that really set it apart; endemic plants flourish here, Aldabra giant tortoises roam between trees and turtles nest on the island’s shores. The resort’s huge villas and Banyan Hill Estate — all with stunning infinity pools — sit high up on granite boulders backing seven deserted beaches. Explore the resort’s meandering paths in your personal buggy, hike through the forest with Fregate’s resident ecologist or launch a boat from the harbor of the resort’s Yacht Club. Top suite Three-villa Banyan Hill Estate from $16,500 per night Around the island Take out one of Fregate’s four sports boats for an island-hopping adventure from Praslin to neighboring La Digue. Contact Sylvia Protzmann, reservations manager, s.protzmann@fregatetravel.com, +49 692 4754 9425, fregate.com

OL JOGI OL JOGI WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY, KENYA

LITTLEMOMBO OKAVANGODELTA, BOTSWANA

Family-owned for over 40 years, Ol Jogi sits within a 60,000-acre private conservancy and is available only for exclusive use. Your Kenyan adventure begins with a scenic, 45-minute private flight from Nairobi before touching down in the beautiful bush. Ol Jogi is at the base of a rock outcrop and is extremely secluded, except from the wildlife — there are many rare species to spot, as well as the big game favorites. There are seven residences — each one individually and luxuriously embellished with exceptional views — waterfalls and sculpted gardens, open-air dining,

In the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta in the Moremi Game Reserve, Little Mombo is an intimate lodge with only three guest tents. While you may not see many other humans, you’re guaranteed to see a great deal of wildlife from one of the private verandas: elephants, big cats, buffalo, zebras and so many more. The tents are typical safari-luxe with thatched roofs, natural materials and brass fixtures. We adore Little Mombo’s tireless conservation efforts; it has a rhino reintroduction program and a lion genetics service, and it runs educational workshops for children in the nearby villages. Top suite Little Mombo rooms from $1,990 per night Bush brunch After a thrilling game drive in a 4x4, have brunch right out in the bush. The freshly prepared cuisine will be custom-made to your liking and paired with superb South African wine. Contact Matt McCreedy, general manager, enquiry@ wilderness.co.za, +1 866 4691, mombo.co.uk

swimming pools, spa and steam room. Exclusive use from $210,000 per week

New friends Track endangered rhinos on foot and visit Ol Jogi’s vet center, where rescued animals are rehabilitated. Or, fly by helicopter to Mount Kenya for a day of fishing.

Contact Brooke Berlin, sales and marketing, reservations@oljogi.org, +254 622 031 650, oljogihome.com