At the opulent and whimsical &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where the food is nostalgic, decadent and served in generous abundance, the “tam-tam” dessert trolley is stealing hearts (and waistlines). Tamu is the Swahili word for “sweet” and this tantalising trolley is literally overflowing with the most sinful, irresistible after-dinner treats.
Down at the lodge’s Tree Camp, where the setting is too small and intimate for a trolley, guests are now being spoiled with a hand-carved “tam-tam” wooden box filled with a tempting selection of mouth-watering delights.
Dullah, the lodge’s professional carver, was commissioned to hand carve the small and intricately elegant boxes (Dullah has been hard at work … have a look at the custom easels he made in the previous chapter). Crafted with the classic music box in mind, each tam-tam box features an ornate pattern that is painted with a delicate layer of gold leaf. Once the box is opened, mirrors on the top and bottom light up the box and showcase its treasures.
Each night holds a different surprise, from rose-scented Turkish delights and sultana-rum truffles, to homemade nougat, espresso shortbread and Amarula white chocolate truffles. All of them pleading to be devoured.
Think of it as Willy Wonka’s modern day chocolate factory. There’s no need to resist; you’re on holiday after all!
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