Into the Wild – Explore the world’s 5 most extravagant wildlife resorts
Sangeeta Sadarangani
May 23, 2022
Sometimes we just need to tap out of the hustle and bustle of contemporary life and find solace.The wild provides a place where our day is not dictated by the ringing of our phones, but instead the rising and setting of the sun. Here we can seek bird song symphonies, night skies where no constellation goes unnoticed, and vast sunsets interrupted by only trees. These incredible wildlife resorts guarantee luxury, comfort and serenity against the backdrop of the dynamic, vast and ever-changing wilderness.
Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp - Okavango Delta, Botswana On a remote island within the 60,000 hectares of Jao reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta,is Jao Camp. Renovated in 2019, Jao Camp is made of natural and recycled materials of steel,wood and glass which make for a spacious and light sanctuary in the middle of the African bush.The main camp features a spa, library, museum and gallery. Being elevated into the tree canopy,the main camp also offers spectacular views of the vista and makes for great land and water based game viewing. Game viewing opportunities however, are in abundance at Jao. Expert guides take guests on both land and water safaris, the most unique to the Okavango being the Mokoro excursions where you can explore the delta in a glass bottomed dug out canoe.Accommodation is of course luxurious, with all villas and suites having their own private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas and ensuite bathrooms with both indoor an outdoor showers.
vAman-I-Khas - Rajasthan, India
Aman-I-Khas is located on the fringe of Ranthambore National Park - one of the best places in the
world to see the elusive Bengal tiger in it’s natural habitat. Embark on daily safaris led by expert
guides, in search of this mysterious creature. You can even organize a bespoke picnic to be
prepared for you when you need to refuel. In between safaris, find solace in the camp which is
surrounded by rugged beauty. Stay in one of ten Mughal-inspired tents, privacy, elegance and
comfort all in one, serviced by your own personal butler. During the day, these luxurious tents
swim in natural light - relax on your own private deck area or lounge by the camps pool. At night,
the tents become a cozy haven in which you can retreat to after an evening of story telling and
stargazing round the firepit. Aman-I-Khas’ relationship with nature is unparalleled with their everchanging menu being curated around what produce is available in their onsite organic kitchen
garden. Enjoy elevated traditional Indian cuisine, cooked by Chef’s who are equipped with recipes
passed down from generation to generation. Wellness is also a focal point of the Aman-I-Khas
experience with bespoke therapeutic activities available including; outdoor yoga sessions,
aromatic baths, Poornvandana massage and traditional Ayurveda to help you find balance and
healing.
Singita Kwitondo Lodge - Rwanda
Over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population resides in Rwanda’s Volcanoes
National Park. Located right next door, Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides its guests with direct
access to encountering these magnificent animals in person through guided gorilla trekking
experiences. Singita Kwitondo Lodge invites guests to contemplate and savor these once-in-a lifetime experiences; each of the luxurious eight suites provides a sanctuary of warmth, stillness
and solitude to reflect and unwind. They all have their own private heated plunge pool, wellness
treatment area, indoor an outdoor fireplaces and panoramic timber framed windows which
showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding habitat. Conservation and sustainability are just
as important to SIngita Kwitonda Lodge as providing guests with a luxurious stay. There is a room
on-site dedicated to educating guests about the conservation of the gorillas. The lodge also
follows a farm-to-table approach with fresh produce being grown in the on-site garden for the
chefs to use.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge - The Amazon, Brazil
Experience luxury, adventure and comfort in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest at Anavilhanas
Jungle Lodge. They take a personalized approach, tailoring guests a bespoke programme based
on the length of your stay and your personal preferences. Immerse yourself in all that the Amazon
has to offer with; a canoe trip on Rio Negro to visit a local caboclo community, watch the sunrise
on one of the islands, go fishing for Piranhas, go on guided hikes in the Madadá caves and the
Dryland forest, experience the Amazon in its most traditional way on a tour into the Archipelago
on board of a regional boat, paddle through creeks and the flooded forest on a canoe, and go in
search of nocturnal creatures on a Anavilhanas Archipelago Nocturnal Sightseeing tour. Choose
between a Cottage, Bungalow or Panoramic room - all ensure the upmost of comfort and privacy,
finding a balance between feeling like you are immersed in the forest whilst still being connected
via amenities such as air conditioning and a TV.
Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is described as being “where Maasai meets Versailles” - this elegant
baroque chateaux is romantic and opulent, yet is still deeply connected to its surroundings on the
edge of Ngorongoro’s ancient caldera. This almost mythic crater is nearly three million years old
and is home to one of the most beautiful wildlife havens in the world; Africa’s incredible creatures
can roam freely. Service at Ngorongoro Lodge is truly personal. Each suite is equipped with their
own dining area and private butler to warmly cater to your very need. The highlights of this lodge
however have to be the unique experiences it provides for its guests. Seek the big five on a safari
game drive, interact with the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes, step back in time at Olduvai Gorge, dine
in one of the most unique settings in Africa with a banquet on the Crater floor, and interact with
the Kopelion conservation team, you can even indulge in wine tasting at the on-site wine shop.
The once in a lifetime memories created in places like these change us. They change our
perspective on the world we live in, the way we interact and appreciate the nature in our own
cities, how we interact with one another, what we seek from our days etc… The wild is raw,
unfiltered, and pure. Go into the wild not to escape reality, but to be reconnected with it
Sangeeta Sadarangani
Founder & CEO
Crossing The Travel Company
Hospitality & Travel Committee
London Chapter
She is the leading face behind advising, curating, and executing luxury holiday experiences and enhancing hotel stays for clients across the world. She has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Conde Nast Traveller, Washington Post, Meetings Today, and other leading magazines.
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