Virtuoso Insights - August/September 2008 - (Page 54) africa Peering over the Ngorongoro Crater. saFari drives and sundOwner cOcktaiLs . . . ancient rOck art and awe-insPirinG architecture . . . rhinO tracks and reLais & châteaux cOMFOrts . . . cc africa - Ngorongoro crater lodge (tanzania) Imagine peering over the Ngorongoro Crater, a 102-square-mile terrarium with one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. Now, imagine watching the action over afternoon tea on your private verandah — delivered by your personal butler, no less. One of the most ingeniously designed safari lodges in Africa, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises 18 sumptuous, Maasai-inspired suites in three distinctive camps, each spectacularly perched over the caldera yet virtually invisible from below. Guided safaris lead you down the crater’s massive slopes as well as to the Olduvai Gorge — the “Cradle of Humankind” — the Great Rift Valley, and other stunning sites. Then again, you might have a romantic picnic on the crater floor or visit a nearby Maasai village, where the lodge has built new classrooms, provided skills training, and invested in other community projects. Your stay includes all meals; daily game drives; interpretive walks; and more. Virtuoso guests also enjoy a romantic sundowner overlooking Lake Eyasi; a special skincare safari bag; and early check-in and late checkout, if available. For up-to-the-minute pricing, contact your Virtuoso travel advisor. bushmans Kloof wilderness reserve and retreat (south africa) It must have been the ancients who led Bill McAdam to what was a vast expanse of desolate veld just below the Cedar Mountains. There, more than 130 sites of Bushman rock-art — dating back some 10,000 years — slept undisturbed, waiting for McAdam to safeguard them with his spectacular wilderness retreat. Called “one of the world’s largest open-air art galleries,” Candlelight dining in the Cedar Mountain foothills. these astonishing sites can only be viewed by Bushmans Kloof guests, researchers, and archaeologists; the on-site Heritage Centre showcases an impressive collection of Bushman artifacts. Today, the once-overgrazed reserve land blooms anew and is home to myriad species, including 150 rare birds and one of the largest private herds of threatened Cape Mountain zebra. Oh, and did we mention that the stylish lodge is a member of the Relais & Châteaux? Packages include four meals daily; evening nature drive with sundowner drinks and snacks; a guided rock-art excursion; laundry and valet services; and use of lodge facilities. Virtuoso guests also enjoy a room upgrade upon arrival, if available; romantic picnic for two in a private location within the reserve, once per stay; early check-in, if available; and two complimentary caps upon departure. From ZAR2,025 (approx. US$254) per person, per night. more Wild style on page 56 P 54 Virtuoso insights Photo ©bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat
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