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.

Kuro Tarangire

Tarangire National Park: 2 Nights

Providing all the necessary comforts without ever overdoing it, Kuro Camp (part of the Nomad collection) is a place at one with the wild. Full of heart and soul and tucked away in a grove of riverside bush, the camp combines the essence of an authentic safari with the textures and elements of Africa. In creating this camp, Nomad Tanzania have sought to keep their footprint as light as possible, ensuring the human presence here is in tune with, and not overbearing to this beautiful place.

The Tarangire National Park is second only to the Serengeti in its concentration of wildlife and is well known for big herds of buffalo, elephant that stand picturesquely beneath the spreading branches of baobabs and prides of lazy lion sprawled in the shade of acacia scrub. With over 550 species of birds here, the muted colours of Africa are frequently lit up by the bright reds and yellows of barbets, starlings and bee-eaters.

Game drives are a fantastic way to see Tarangire, giving you the freedom to explore in open vehicles both during the day, and under the night sky.

Furthermore, why not take the opportunity to go on a walking safari. Head off in the cool of the early morning and walk straight out of camp to discover evidence of the night's activities along the course of the Tarangire River, learning more about the animals that often go unseen from a game vehicle, or simply switching off from the outside world. It's the sort of rare freedom that we seldom enjoy in our busy lives.

Kuro Camp has 6 large en-suite safari tents that rest amongst the trees with views over the African bush. In addition, there is a family tent with 2 en-suite bedrooms and an adjoining lounge area.

The open-sided grass thatched lounge and dining room is the heart of the camp, and has been furnished with hides, canvas and plenty of colourful textiles.

Entamanu Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater: 2 Nights

Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the wild side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with soaring peaks of dormant volcanic hills and views of the crater on one side, and out over the Serengeti on the other. There’s nothing tame about this location - the high altitude sun has some real heat and the wind can be biting and sometimes noisy.

The beauty of Entamanu is that it is only a 30 minutes drive from the descent road into the crater itself. You will set off early in the morning with your guide and a packed breakfast and return to camp in time for lunch, or head out in the afternoon and enjoy sundowners on the rim on your way back to camp.

Guided walks are also on offer, going along the crater rim and in the surrounding highlands. Guests will head out with a guide and a member of the local Masai community and learn all about medicinal plants, Masai beliefs, as well as track any local wildlife that has wondered close to camp. Walks are all about soaking up the view at a slower pace and learning to appreciate the little things that can often go unseen.

The camp has 7 large en-suite tents, 2 of which are family units. Large verandas wrap around the front of the rooms and are the ideal place to sit and marvel at the incredible view. The style here is as unique as the location - everything carefully handcrafted locally to the highest standard. The tents are made cosy with heaters, warm textiles and sheepskin throws.

In addition, for those wanting to appreciate the magnitude and wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater entirely on your own terms and schedule, there is Entamanu Private. Consisting of 4 glass, wood and stretched-canvas rooms with a backdrop of ancient acacia trees (2 of which are family units), this private highland retreat provides an exclusive crater experience.

Lamai Serengeti Camp

The Serengeti: 2 Nights

Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River. For roughly a quarter of the year, between late July and October, this is where you'll find the migration.

This area of lush, rolling grassland and tree-lined watercourses is the hub around which the Serengeti migration circulates. During the dry season, the herds mass on both banks of the Mara River, frequently crossing - and braving the crocs - in response to local weather patterns that only they seem to understand.

But even a brief visit to Lamai Serengeti at any time of year will demostrate that it's not all about the migration.

Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, forcing all but the hardiest of species to leave, this area remains lush and green. The resident game at Lamai Serengeti is spectacular. Plains game in the form of zebra, topi, gazelles, impala, buffalo and giraffe all frequent the area throughout the year. Lion are rarely far away and leopard, ever present, but always elusive, stalk the rocky kopjes and river lines. It is a true Serengeti safari experience - but without the people.

There are 12 open-fronted rooms, split between 2 separate lodges. The Main Lodge consists of 8 rooms and the smaller Private Lodge, which is booked exclusively for just one group at a time, has just 4 rooms.

All the rooms have their own private and spacious verandas spread within the rocks and all have been sited with spectacular views. All rooms have 24 hour power and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold runing water (provided by a solar system).

Three of the rooms are suitable for families, as these have a master bedroom with adjoining twin rooms, making them perfect for guests travelling with children.

Each lodge has its own private bar and dining area plus a library/map room and its own natural rock swimming pool.

The Residence Zanzibar

Zanzibar: 5 Nights

Set in isolated splendour on the south-west coast of Zanzibar Island, The Residence Zanzibar lies on a mile-long powdery white sand beach, flanked by coconut palm trees and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Located just 55 minutes from the airport and the capital Stone Town, and within 32 hectares of pristine land once occupied by Shirazi princes, The Residence Zanzibar is truly a dream fit for a Sultan.

A stay here offers you a wide variety of activities. The hotel features a glass walled swimming pool overlooking the ocean, an air-conditioned fitness centre and flood-lit tennis court. Dependent upon the tides, complimentary non-motorised watersports are available. The village of Kizimkazi, famous for its dolphin safaris, is also just 20 minutes away.

A gastronomic journey can be enjoyed in the 2 restaurants or in the intimacy of your villa. The Dining Room offering international dishes with a hint of Zanzibar 'spice', and The Pavilion Restaurant showcases the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

The hotel's star attraction is The Spa, which features 6 pavilions and a rest area with a whirlpool nested amongst 2 hectares of surrounding tropical gardens. The Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape providing the perfect escape for rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.

The 66 villas are luxuriously appointed with contemporary, stylish furniture reminding guests of the island's African and Omani heritage.  A private butler is on hand to attend to your requests.

On the deck outside, overlooking your private swimming pool, wicker chairs and day beds are ideal to relax in and enjoy the views. Bicycles are provided with each villa to explore the gardens and local area.