September 6, 2007

Africa & Mideast | South Africa, Botswana

Racing Cars and Lion Around

By Nicole Cotroneo

Roar through South Africa with your top down.

view map

If you find the roar of an engine as titillating as a feral lion’s, then South Africa calls. Tuningi Safari Lodge has teamed up with Cape Town-based Fantastic Racing to create one high-adrenaline, four-night package that takes you from the track to the bush in rock star style — starting with its $3,300 price tag. Zipped into your custom-branded racing suit, you’ll spend two days manhandling an open-wheeled, V6 Reynard 98 around Kyalami, a former F1 grand prix course in Johannesburg. After a podium ceremony — where you can try out your best Michael Schumacher victory leap — you’ll jet north to the Madikwe Game Reserve, which spans 185,000 acres to the Botswana border. Expert driver though you are, safari rangers will take the wheel from here as you go on daily 4×4 excursions to seek out the coveted Big Five. When you’re not on the hunt, you’ll luxuriate at Tuningi in one of six “colonial African chic” villas with en-suite bathroom, outdoor rock shower, fireplace and wrap-around porch. Just remember at this point in the trip, if you happen to hear a roar, it’s advisable not to run toward the origin of the sound or try to take it for a spin.