Arusha Coffee Lodge

Arusha: 1 Night

Lying on the rolling foothills of Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here, on the outskirts of the town and hidden amongst one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect overnight haven either before or after your African safari.

Reminiscent of traditional plantation houses, 30 wooden chalets are nestled amongst the surrounding gardens and coffee trees. The theme of coffee permeates throughout Arusha Coffee Lodge, reflected in the colours and textures throughout, and the friendly and personable staff help create an ambiance that draws appreciation from all those who visit and stay.

Within the main Plantation House there is an a la carte restaurant, an intimate bar and a cosy lounge, all of which have inviting open log fires that give the cool night air a comforting warmth and throw out a welcoming glow.

There is also a swimming pool and a garden terrace where lunch is served.

The 12 Plantation Suites are spacious and modern with homely touches, and are set among the coffee trees. With a soothing 'rainfall' shower, a large bathtub, attractive decor reflecting the coffee theme, and a private sun terrace with a log fire burner, these suites offer a relaxing environment and encourage you to unwind.

The 18 Plantation Rooms also have a welcoming open log fire, an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath, and a verandah overlooking the surrounding green coffee garden.

Sanctuary Swala

Tarangire National Park: 2 Nights

Sanctuary Swala is located in an exceptionally secluded and private area of Tarangire National Park, offering visitors a luxurious and very exclusive safari experience.

Tarangire is famed for its large concentrations of elephant and spectacular baobabs of every shape and colour. The river is the Park's lifeline and attracts much of the game to its banks. The Park is also home to large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and kudu with their immense spiral horns. The shy oryx can also be found here, and the expert driver-guides can get visitors close to the herds without disturbing them. Other wildlife include giraffe, lion and cheetah, and if you are lucky, you may find one of the many leopards that rest by day in the shady trees.

Picnic lunches can be arranged so you can enjoy a full day drive in the Park, or you can choose to return to the camp for a delicious lunch served on the deck overlooking the well-frequented water hole which regularly attracts lions, antelope and elephants.  Night drive safaris can also be arranged.

Twelve tents surround the main dining area, deck and library which are lifted on stilts around an enormous and ancient baobab tree. There is also a small infinity swimming pool.

Each of the luxurious canvas tents are shaded by tall acacia trees and all have views of the water hole. The tents are exquisitely furnished with traditional materials, and feature a spacious open plan arrangement with comfortable king or twin beds, campaign chairs and plush sofas, as well as an en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower. Each tent also has its own personal attendant who will attend to your every need.

Gibb's Farm

Ngorongoro Crater: 2 Nights

Gibb's Farm is situated on a working coffee plantation located on the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ideally located, the farm lies half way between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. A couple of nights stay here imparts a sense of tranquility and well-being, and is a wonderful way to rejuvenate the senses while on safari in Tanzania.

Gibb's Farm offers a variety of activities, so whether you wish to relax and recharge, explore the diverse natural surroundings or learn more about the local culture and traditions, you have many experiences to choose from.

The main farmhouse features a charming living room, 2 dining rooms, outside verandahs, a gazebo and gift boutique. The bright, airy dining rooms are a delightful way to begin and end each day. The rustic style of the farmhouse has been replicated throughout, with exposed trusses, wooden ceilings, iron work and old stone fireplaces. Soaring glass windows frame the coffee fields and majestic distant views.

Throughout the day, the culinary team dishes up delectable cuisine. In the morning, fresh-roasted organic Arabica coffee and a bountiful breakfast offers a wonderful assortment of dishes to sustain you. Midday, a farmhouse buffet offers an array of hearty soups, breads, quiches and desserts. After the sun sets, enjoy expertly prepared, farm-to-table organic cuisine as you dine by candlelight.

17 guest cottages are richly appointed with eucalyptus floors, hand-crafted furniture, 2 queensize beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. Each cottage is beautifully decorated to depict a theme, with artwork commissioned through the farm's artist-in-residence programme.

Families can choose to stay in one of the two Farm Houses, which both have 2 bedrooms.

The farm's organic vegetable and terraced flower gardens provide a wonderful sanctuary for afternoon tea or a quiet walk.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

The Serengeti: 2 Nights

Set high on a tree-clad ridge, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge offer panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, endless grasslands, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape in a relentless search for fresh grazing grounds.

Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, guests staying here can enjoy a variety of activities, including spectacular game drives, or a gentle nature trail in the company of an experienced naturalist. Balloon safaris over the Serengeti plains, followed by a champagne breakfast at the landing site in the bush can also be arranged (at an additional cost).

An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks whilst watching the sun go down dates back to the time of the great safaris of the 1920s. Timed to commence as the sun starts its descent, which on the Equator is usually around 18:00, the Serengeti sundowner begins with a gentle drive to a scenic spot. Chairs, lamps, a campfire and a bush bar with cocktail snacks will already have been set up. This activity is an additional cost.

The lodge has been designed to blend completely into the landscape. A series of traditional domed rondavels are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. Looking out over the plains, each room has its own private balcony, private entrance, spacious bedroom, natural stone bathroom, and intricately carved furniture.

The Serengeti Suite is set slightly apart from the rest of the rooms, and has a sitting room as well as the en-suite bedroom.

The main lodge facilities include a traditionally carved domed dining room, a scenic bar with a timbered outside terrace, a central barbeque area and water gardens, and a gift shop. There is also an infinity pool which looks out over the endless plains.

Breezes Beach Club & Spa

Zanzibar: 7 Nights

Located on the south-east coast of the island of Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club & Spa is the perfect getaway retreat. With its pristine white sandy beach, rustling palm trees, exquisite attention to detail and genuine hospitality, this exotic resort captures the very essence of Zanzibari style.

The cuisine features the freshest catch, the most exotic spices and the lush natural fruites from the island, all prepared and served in the most stunning venues. For a more romantic setting, guests can choose to dine at The Tides, a private beachfront dining only for two people overlooking the Indian Ocean with impeccable personalised service.

Windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, and snorkelling trips can be arranged, as well as professionally organised diving activities including PADI Open Water Courses. For the more active, head to the Fitness Centre for a workout, or indulge in a game of tennis on the floodlit tennis court.

If all that sounds too energetic, simply relax around the pool and enjoy a cocktail from the Pool Bar, or make an appointment at the Frangipani Spa,where you can enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies, all aimed at relieving the negative impacts of a modern lifestyle such as stress or exhaustion.

The resort has 74 rooms and suites in total.

The Deluxe Rooms are located on the ground floor of bungalows, and each has its own terrace. They are tastefully decorated in ivory tones with cotton throws, teak wood finishes and Zanzibar carvings.

The Standard Rooms are located further away from the sea, and have with a terrace and garden view.  A sofa bed in each room doubles up as a third bed, making these ideal for families.

The Suites are located on the upper floor of bungalows, and have a walk in dressing room, a large bathroom, and a large balcony with sunbeds and a covered outdoor lounge area.