Tailormade Tanzania

This lodge is superbly located adjacent to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, away from the tourist crowds but in a prime safari location, especially between January and March when over 1 million Blue Wildebeest come here to calve. Its comfortable en suite bedrooms are in individual stone cottages surrounded by shady acacia trees. The chief attraction of this lodge is its proximity to the seasonal Lake Ndutu which attracts a wealth of mammals and birds. If you are looking for pure luxury then this isn’t the place, but the wildlife experience here is second to none.

Open from December to March when the annual Blue Wildebeest migration fills the Ndutu Plains in the southern Serengeti, Ndutu Kati Kati Camp is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, and its 10 simple en suite tents, with bucket showers, offer a truly rustic safari experience. There are no fences around the camp, meaning that guests can totally immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding wilderness. The camp would suit anyone looking for an authentic safari experience in the southern Serengeti.

It pays to rise early and make it to the crater floor before other safari-goers. This is where Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge comes into its own; located only 10 minutes from the descent road, yet sitting right on the crater’s rim with dramatic views of the caldera. Rooms are sufficiently comfortable and all have private facilities. Both the pool and restaurant look out across the vast crater – perfect for an end-of-the-day sundowner as the sun slowly sets.

Set just back from the rim of the crater in an ancient acacia forest, the Lemala Ngorongoro camp, with just nine luxury safari tents, offers an intimate camp experience whilst still allowing quick access to the crater floor. The food is excellent and guests often gather around a campfire in the evening to discuss the day’s sightings. The en suite tents all have thick duvets and a gas heater to counter the chilly nights.

This informal but comfortable tented camp overlooks the Rufiji River in an excellent, gamerich location. Its eight spacious en suite safari tents are all discreetly spaced so that guests can enjoy privacy and seclusion with either a river or lagoon view. The main lodge, with its restaurant and bar, is elevated to also provide views out over the water and is the perfect spot to relax, drink in hand, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The camp is not fenced, so wildlife is free to come and go and armed guards are present to escort you to and from your tent in the evening.

There are a few more luxurious camps in Ruaha, many of which are excellent. However, for sheer authenticity and a truly exciting experience, the Mdonya Old River Camp is a real favourite. With only 12 spacious walk-in tents the camp has an intimate feel which is accentuated by the warmth and friendliness of hosts Mary and Marco. The purposeful lack of electricity only adds to the sense of a classic safari as do the nearby Lion prides which are often heard at night!

This lodge is set on the shores of a small lake with excellent views of Mount Meru and plenty of wooded slopes and coffee plantations to explore. The lodge interior echoes a bygone colonial era and the en suite rooms, too, have an elegant old-world feel with private marbled bathrooms and double French doors that lead out into the landscaped gardens. 

Located on an award-winning, idyllic beach on the tranquil eastern side of the island, The Palms is the essence of luxury and warm Swahili hospitality. Accommodation is provided in seven elegant private villas, each decorated in neutral tones with hints of both colonial and traditional styles, and complete with a large, furnished terrace with private plunge pool and far-flung views over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The fare served in the hotel’s restaurant represents a delectable fusion of Arabic, African, Indian, Persian and European flavours, all freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The Palms is a relaxed and intimate base from which to explore the magical island of Zanzibar, learn traditional Zanzibari activities such as the ‘bao game’, snorkel the vibrant and colourful coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, or simply indulge in total relaxation.

This exclusive boutique resort, set on the palm-fringed white sands of the Bwejuu-Paje Beach, echoes the era of the Sultans, with grand architecture, a fusion of modern and antique décor and elegant, hand-made furniture adorned with glowing brass lanterns. With only 30 private villas, including one Royal Sultan Villa – the ultimate in pure luxury – guests can truly immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the setting. Private plunge pools on each villa’s terrace provide a welcome opportunity to cool off, and the hotel’s selection of restaurants serve a selection of exquisite dishes prepared with the fresh, seasonal produce of the island, with flavours that epitomise both traditional Zanzibari and international cuisine. After spending a couple of nights here, it is certainly difficult to leave!

Tucked away on the northern tip of Pemba Island, the Manta Resort is the epitome of luxury. Far from the realms of mass tourism, guests will receive a warm welcome, outstanding service, and the chance to relax and explore this tropical paradise in the glittering Indian Ocean. There is a range of accommodation types to choose from, from chalets set within the lush gardens to the spectacular ‘Underwater Room’. Anchored within the resort’s Conservation Area, this is a private, floating suite, where you can watch the colourful inhabitants of a vibrant coral reef from your bed – truly a once in a lifetime experience!