Gran Melia Arusha

Arusha: 1 Night

Arusha is a small town in northern Tanzania, and is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Most visitors will pass through here on their way to or from their safari destination.

Depending on the time your arriving flight lands, a stay in one of the many lodges and hotels in/around Arusha is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night or it is recommmended so that you can relax and rest after your longhaul flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.

If you have time to explore, the streets jostle with safari vehicles, market traders, Masai warriors in traditional dress, and excited tourists. Curio markets offer the opportunity to buy good quality crafts and gifts at reasonable prices. The nearby Arusha National Park is just a 40 minute drive away, and offers the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats and spot wildlife if you want to add to your Tanzania safari adventure. The imposing Mount Mero towers over the town, adding to the appeal of a stay here.

The Gran Melia Arusha is set out on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee and tea plantations, with a natural river running through the property and several springs, and offering spectacular views of Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania, in the distance.

Pamper yourself in the beautiful spa or relax in the heated outdoor pool where you will feel totally rejuvenated and ready for your once in a lifetime safari experience. If you are looking for a bit of seclusion, then have a wonder through the herb and vegetable garden hidden between the plantations. If you have some energy to burn off, there is a 24 hour gym and a 1.5 km running track.

All the rooms and suites have been designed to capture the diversity and energy of local Tanzanian tribes and the rich colours of the coffee plantations.

The world-renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor is at the helm of the hotel's Yellow Chilli restaurant, which offers the authentic taste of a different kind of Indian cuisine. The other 2 restaurants ensure there is a dish to suit every taste.

Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge

Tarangire National Park: 1 Night

Ole Serai Luxury Camp Kuro is located deep with the Tarangire National Park and is strategically located atop an elevated Kopje Hill, overlooking the Tarangire River and the Silale valley leading to the Silale swamp in the west, which is known for its large wildlife populations all year round.

The Park is famous for being home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, and also for its abundance of baobab trees dotted throughout the landscape.

From the exceptional views in every room and the unforgettable crystal night skies –it’s all about the here and now, absorbing each memorable moment against a backdrop many only ever dream about. Amidst an atmosphere that is relaxed an unpretentious, the attention to detail is fantastic.

This uniquely designed Lodge consists of 25 luxury tents perched along the Baobab tree line. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, along with an extra spacious private veranda and viewing deck with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Park.

The main pavilion is built within the Kopje rocks, and consists of several comfortable lounges, viewing decks, a fireplace, swimming pool, and an open dining area at the Masai boma where you can enjoy dining under a large canvas of brightly lit stars on a clear night surrounded by sounds of the wild.

Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater: 2 Nights

The 5* Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge is a colonial lodge set on 40 acres of pristine lush green gardens which alone attracts over 130 species of birds. The lodge is elevated on a hill with 360 degree views that extend seemingly for miles into the distance. 

The lodge is accessed over a pond and your first impression is of the grand central hallway with wooden trusses looking out over the rim flow infinity pool and further onto Mount Oldeani, which is part of the caldera of the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, which itself is only 12 km away.

Over 30,000 animals live within the Ngorongoro Crater, making this the most densely packed concentration of wildlife in Africa. On a game drive into the crater, watch out for wildebeest, elephant, lion, zebra and hyena - just some of the animals that can be found here. The crater is also home to black rhino - a rare sighting in Tanzania. Around the lake you may also find flocks of pelican, ibis and flamingos.

The spectacular stone main house includes a main lounge, dining room, boutique shop, media (TV) room, outside fireplace pit, billiards room, internet cafe and a childrens' activity room. The Ole Sere Spa offers a great chance to rejuvenate and re-energise after a bumpy and dusty safari adventure. There is also a Movie Theater with recliners and a big screen.

For the more energetic, the fitness center has a well-equipped gym, or outdoor fitness workouts can be arranged with the staff - varying from a jog round the 1 km stone pathways to cycling.

Your stay at the lodge includes a hearty breakfast, a picnic lunch for your day out on safari, and then a sumptuous dinner served in the evening.

All 50 suites and the Livingstone Suite have infinite views of the surrounding area. All rooms are tastefully decorated with all the amenities one would expect in a 5* establishment, including inside and outside showers, bath tub, air conditioning, a fireplace, Wi-Fi, minibar, and a private deck terrace.

Ole Serai Luxury Camp Moru Kopjes

The Serengeti: 2 Nights

Ole Serai Luxury Camp Moru Kopjes is ideally located within Central Seronera area of the famous Serengeti National Park around the vicinity of the famous Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi.

The camp is perched between the Rongai Hills and Nyaroboro Hills, a few metres away from the banks of the Mbalageti/Seronera River and a hippo pool. The area boasts an abundant variety of resident wildlife (including all the Big 5), and at the right time of the year, the annual wildebeest migration can be witnessed as the camp lies on one of the main migratory corridors.

The camp offers a daily walking safari, which starts from the boma. Lasting between one and 2 hours, you will learn all about the various plants and animals that you com across. The walk is led by a professional guide along the river towards the plain areas. The walks normally depart at 07:00 or 16:00.

Each luxury en-suite tent has a private viewing deck with uninterrupted panoramic views. There are 20 tents in total, including one Family Tent. The en-suite bathrooms have flushing toilets and pressurised running showers with 24 hour power supply.

The main guest areas consist of a well-stocked bar and a spacious dining tent. The evenings can be enjoyed sitting around the fireplace while exchanging stories about your day's adventures with other guests. On some nights, dinner is served in the Maasai Boma, where the background music is nature's unique sounds, mostly dominated by the lions roaring in the distance.

The Swahili phrase, Hakuna Matata (meaning No Trouble)  was made famous by the Lion King Disney movie, and guests can expand on this one phrase an learn more Swahili words with the resident teachers who will give you a one on one lesson every evening at the fireplace.

Lake Manyara Kilima Moja Lodge

Lake Manyara: 1 Night

The Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its excellent bird-watching opportunities in general, as more than 400 different bird species have been recorded. Other wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, Masai giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthogs, large troops of baboons, and the legendary but rarely seen tree-climbing lions - yes, they really do climb trees!  

During the wet seasons (November/December and March to May), the lake itself can cover up to 60% of the Park's total area. The lake's high alkaline waters attract a variety of migratory waterbirds, including huge flocks of pink flamingos as well as pelicans, storks and cormorants. During the dry seasons, however, the lake can dry up considerably.

The Lake Manyara Boardwalk trail meanders 300m through to the lake, and gives visitors a unique view and wonderful photo opportunites along the route. Educational signage at key points further enhances the experience!  For the braver tourist, check out Tanzania's only Treetop Walkway too, giving you a birds-eye view of the area.

Nested on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley with stunning views lies Lake Manyara Kilima Moja Lodge. The lodge is set on pristine lush green gardens with over 130 species of bird. It is the ideal place in which to base your Northern safari experience. Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani, Lake Eyasi, and the Ngorongoro Highlands are all just a short drive from the lodge.

Each of the 50 suites has its own spacious private veranda and viewing deck, with en-suite bathrooms that have slipper baths with views over the highlands, inside and outside showers and double basins. The 2 bedroom Villas also have panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The main house has a main guest lounge, a dining room, spa, boutique, media (TV) room, rim flow pool, billiards room, an internet cafe and a children's activity room. Dining is table d'hotel with international traditional cuisine and fusion. There is outside and inside seating overlooking the escarpment.

Sitting around the ouside fireplace watching the sun setting over the Great Rift Valley and listening to the humming of the birds the background is a fitting way to end a day.

Melia Zanzibar

Zanzibar: 5 Nights

Situated on the north-east coast of Zanzibar, the all-inclusive Melia Zanzibar resort is situated on a 40 acre estate with a beautiful beach of pearlescent white sand lapped by warm ocean waters, 300 meters long, situated at the very end of the property to procure the perfect combination with nature.

One of the other landmarks of Melia Zanzibar is the beautiful jetty that transports you out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of your walk you will discover the Jetty Bar & Restaurant - ready to welcome you for pre and after dinner drinks and snacks.  Alternatively, the Pool Bar is located alongside the main infinity pool and offers an extensive menu of cocktails, international wine and beers and other beverages.  The Spices Restaurant is modelled after the traditional spice market found in Stone Town, offering a relaxed dining experience that features an international mixture of cuisines with a distinct Arabian and African influence in buffet style.

Accommodation at Melia Zanzibar has been designed to offer the highest standards of luxury ensuring that your stay is both personalised and memorable.

There are 5 accommodation options ranging from private villas complete with their own beautiful gardens and breath-taking infinity pools, to romantic pavilions overlooking the Indian Ocean. Equipped with large comfortable bathrooms, outdoor rainforest showers and private terrace or balcony, mostly with side views of the magnificent Indian Ocean.

All rooms and suites are decorated in comtemporary style and have been designed to maintain complete privacy.

There is also a luxury spa sanctuary, inviting you to take time out to indulge in an Out Of Africa journey full of 1920s decadence and refinement. By stepping into this intimate world you can discover true relaxation and indulgent pleasures.