A journey through Tanzania, Africa’s visual masterpiece, is one of the best trips one can make in a lifetime. It’s a country of astonishing natural splendour, incredible wildlife spotting, powder white beaches, charming ancient towns, and archaeological UNESCO world heritage sites.One of the most dramatic stages for a classic African safari is Tanzania’s Great Migration, where mighty herds of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the Serengeti plains while chasing the rains in a race for life as they are purchased by a large number of predators.But the country offers much more than a Big Five safari experience. Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, rises 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level from its surrounding lush, grassy plains. Its snow-capped peak is a sight to behold and towers over the land. Climbing Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easy and standing on the roof of Africa is a life-changing experience.Most visitors to Tanzania will end their unforgettable safari and mountain adventure with a serene and relaxing holiday on the sugar white, palm-fringed sands of Zanzibar, the intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic Spice Island.Tanzania also harbours some of the world’s finest and most luxurious hotels & lodges, matching the country’s breathtaking scenery.
If you have ever harbored the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond Mnemba Island is just the place for you. This romantic, private hideaway is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, that accommodates a maximum of 20 guests at a time. Guest relax and unwind in the exclusivity of their own stretch of beachfront, where ten beachside bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s delight). From snorkeling, swimming, ands kayaking to massages in the beach, &Beyond Mnemba Island has something for everyone.
Sasakwa Lodge, with its infinity views over the Serengeti, has become the diamond in Singita's tiara, gazing out over what appear to be shinier, more abundant animals and plains than can be found anywhere else in the ecosystem. Singita isn't one lodge, but a collection of camps all within one vast private reserve contiguous with the Serengeti. This means you get the migration. Sasakwa Lodge has possibly the best viewing point in East Africa: up on a plateau, with the plains reaching out for miles.For some, Sasakwa's opulence—the crystal, leather, and grand bathtubs—may be a step too luxe; this is where you stay if you're the sort never to order a house wine. You could stay here and see the Big Five without ever getting up from your armchair. Great for (money no object) mixed-gen family groups.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge is set in Grumeti in northern Tanzania, which is part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem. Built on a gently sloping hill, this riverine lodge, positioned on the renowned migratory route traversed annually by more than 2 million wildebeests, is a place where you can quite literally expect the unexpected. Informal, unconventional and surprising at every turn, Singita Faru Faru Lodge has 7 one-bedroom suites, one family suite as well as one two-bedroom suite with private pool and is a mix of contemporary, organic style and the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp. With such close proximity to the river and plains, guests have the unique opportunity to experience a very close connection with the wilderness.
With ever-changing views as mists swirl and clouds scurry over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location of &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is truly breathtaking. Divided into three camps, 30 stilted suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive safari experience. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas, with private butlers who provide warm, personal service. Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at the lodge since nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau – brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls – and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window of the lodge. In this place of dramatic contrasts, Versailles meets Maasai and anything is possible.
The Retreat Selous is a unique all-suite tented lodge, found in the remote far north of the UNESCO protected Selous Game Reserve on the banks of the wide Great Ruaha River. The spaciously set tented suites have been constructed to correspond with the surrounding habitat, whilst guaranteeing privacy and romance. Bespoke furnishings, African antiques, natural materials, and precious stones are carefully blended to create a unique sense of comfort and natural luxury. The atmospheric main house, ‘The Fort’, is based on an ancient military observation point from the First World War and draws upon the influences of the great East African market. The fort has a large infinity pool and its surrounding provide a much favored vantage point from which guests have a 360 degree view of the untouched surrounding wilderness.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp is situated in an untouched wilderness area of Grumeti Reserves, spanning over 350,000 acres in northern Tanzania. The intimate 1920s-style explorer’s camp is permeated by a sense of nostalgic adventure. Steeped in character, Singita Sabora Tented Camp surprises guests with an opulence that is delightfully out-of-place with the rugged terrain of the surrounding savannah plains. Here, guests are immersed in the palpable pulse of the wild Serengeti, with the added thrill of knowing there isn’t much separating the comfort inside from the elements and wildlife outside. The 9 en-suite tents are lavishly furnished with a treasure trove of antiques, Zanzibari chests, and Persian rugs, and lead directly onto the plains where day beds are scattered to provide spots for afternoon naps and incredible game-viewing.
The Selous is Africa’s oldest and biggest game reserve, and one of its last great wilderness areas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has long been renowned for having more wild dog, elephant, lion, hippo and buffalo than any other game reserve in the World. Azura Selous tented lodge has a pristine location on the banks of the Great Ruaha river, ensuring game viewing from your bed, deck, and even your outdoor shower. The resort’s 12 spacious designer ‘tented villas’ come with private plunge pools, butler-hosts to look after your every need and fabulous dining in varied locations. The highly trained guides will make your safari at Azura truly special, personalizing a safari itinerary for you that includes extensive game viewing drives in open sided Landrovers, both on and off road, walking adventures, boating, fishing and star-gazing.
Most people think that the famous tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara have developed their climbing habit to get away from annoying insects. However, they might just be jealous of the magnificent treehouse suites at &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Cradled in the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest, the lodge blends into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings. Designed to exert minimal impact on the environment, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers an exclusive interpretive safari in a remote, game-rich wilderness. Overlooking a forest boma, or outdoor dining area, lined with traditional dugout canoes, guest areas are characterized by soaring spaces that house local artworks and tactile fabrics. An interactive kitchen allows guests to observe the preparation of delicious dishes while enjoying spectacular forest views.
The perfect escape for those looking for a truly magical experience and to get up close and intimate with nature. The design of the property reflects both contemporary African architectural style and its surrounding landscape, with the centerpiece of the lodge being a two-story great house that includes a choice of both indoor and outdoor dining options. Both restaurants as well as the free-form infinity pool all overlook the active watering hole, providing fascinating views of the congregating animals, from elephants and their young to herds of buffalo and troops of baboons. All 77 guest rooms, including 12 suites with plunge pools and 5 free-standing villas with private swimming pools, feature elevated open-air sundecks, which provide views over the Serengeti and a truly intimate wildlife experience to its guests.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the quintessential destination from which to experience the rich culture, heritage and historical significance of Zanzibar’s main city, Stone Town, a designated UNESCO heritage site. Sitting majestically on the beachfront in the heart of Stone Town, the hotel provides the ultimate haven amongst the city’s labyrinth of winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings. The hotel is housed in two buildings, one of them Mambo Msiige, a typical Zanzibari mansion steeped in history, grace and mystique with a story dating back to the 17th century. From the spacious guest rooms and authentic cuisine to spectacular views from the oceanfront infinity pool, the hotel offers both discerning business travelers and luxury holiday makers rare, intimate and unforgettable experiences.
Situated on the only concession that borders on both Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenia’s Masai Mara National Parks, &Beyond Klein’s Camp offers some of the best panoramic views of these two iconic destinations, which also play host to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on earth. In this untamed and rugged landscape, you can enjoy exceptional game viewing, thrilling night game drives, Maasai culture and old-fashioned safari luxury. This private and remote camp offers guests the spirit of wild Africa – wooded hillsides, rolling grasslands and forested river banks, all teeming with the rich wildlife, of this natural sanctuary lie sprawled at your feet. The stone interiors of the guest areas open up to breathtaking panoramas, with open fireplaces to keep the chill away. All ten cottages, including 1 family suite, feature uninterrupted views.
Cottages surrounded by one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations for an ideal pre- or post-safari stopover. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, 30 cottages are surrounded by one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations for an ideal pre- or post-safari stopover near the town of Arusha. The aroma of freshly ground beans wafts over the rooms and suites' wood-beamed interiors. Don't miss the coffee-making experience—beans are cooked in a skillet to release their oils, and then ground using a massive mortar and pestle—to have fresh Tanzanian coffee with the local villagers and learn more about the area firsthand. A private swimming pool, garden terrace, and indoor-outdoor restaurant serving up meals and picnic lunches (or 24-hour room service if you prefer) make it a cozy stay with impeccable service.
This 12-bungalow tented camp has some of the most expansive views in the southern Serengeti, nestled as it is into the slope of a granite out-cropping that overlooks a stretch of open savanna that wildebeests and zebras stream through every summer. The setup is temporary by design—the camp can pack up in just three days to follow the herds—but you’d never guess it: Campaign-style wood and leather furniture fills the tents, the bathrooms have copper taps, and there’s a thatched-roof, open-air lounge with upholstered chaises and crystal barware. While Pioneer sits lightly on the land—it relies on solar power and local products as it pursues a zero footprint—the safari experience is high-impact. In addition to the migratory populations, big cats, antelope, and elephants abound. Managers Tom River and Alison Mees and their team of 26 ensure that guests get a full immersion, which includes participating in the camp’s conservation and community projects through anti-poaching programs and animal-tracking excursions. –Andrew Sessa.
Asilia Africa, an East Africa-focused safari company, has 23 safari camps spread out in Tanzania and Kenya. Oliver's Camp, located in Tanzania's Tarangire National Park, was one of their first, dating back to 1992. It's been a go-to on the East Africa safari circuit ever since, with 10 beautifully appointed tents and prime access to wildlife spotting. The tents all include en-suite bathrooms, as well as running water and multiple showers, so you won't be roughing it here. Oliver's Camp is known for its walking safaris—a rare chance to get out of the vehicle with a guide. Most days at Oliver's Camp include morning drives, afternoon tea, sundowners, and an evening drive, as well as plenty of down time and stargazing at night. And it's a great option for families, as children five and above are welcome. The camp offers a genuine safari adventure destination in southern Tarangire National Park, close to the park’s best game viewing area, the Silale Swamp.
Not since the last sultan’s palace has there been anything so stylish on this fabled east African isle. The designers have created a landscape of whitewashed domes and arches that seem to mushroom up organically from the forested folds of Zanzibar’s north shore. Kilindi is generous with space: Fifteen pavilions are set on 52 lush acres with 1,640 feet of beachfront. Each hideaway is a maze of split levels and staircases latticed by a waterfall and two plunge pools. The breezy rooms are cooled by the trade winds (instead of air-conditioning), and the decor is uncluttered: handwoven baskets, a few seashells, and the odd cotton kikoy throw. By night, the scene softens with storm lanterns lit by hotel staff, who also patrol the premises. The hitch is the beach, which is used primarily by local fishermen and thus can be pungent. Better to laze by the T-shaped infinity pool and watch the dhows sail out while sipping top-notch cocktails from a bar that’s easily one of the best on the Swahili coast. The kitchen serves up yellowfin sashimi, octopus masala, and just about anything you fancy: When I found a plump mango that had fallen off a tree, the chef chopped it into my crab salad.
Asilia Africa, an East Africa-focused safari company, has 23 safari camps spread out in Tanzania and Kenya. Oliver's Camp, located in Tanzania's Tarangire National Park, was one of their first, dating back to 1992. It's been a go-to on the East Africa safari circuit ever since, with 10 beautifully appointed tents and prime access to wildlife spotting. The tents all include en-suite bathrooms, as well as running water and multiple showers, so you won't be roughing it here. Oliver's Camp is known for its walking safaris—a rare chance to get out of the vehicle with a guide. Most days at Oliver's Camp include morning drives, afternoon tea, sundowners, and an evening drive, as well as plenty of down time and stargazing at night. And it's a great option for families, as children five and above are welcome. The camp offers a genuine safari adventure destination in southern Tarangire National Park, close to the park’s best game viewing area, the Silale Swamp.
Asilia Africa’s award-winning boutique camp, The Highlands, is an architectural marvel perched on the edge of Olmoti Crater’s forest, a unique offering and a rich, exclusive Ngorongoro experience. Despite its private location, the camp is only an hour away from the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see lion, elephant, rhino and more in a unique game drive location.Since the camp is located at the highest elevation in the region on the slopes of the Olmoti Crater, the position offers sensational and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes with mountainous forests, grassy plains, and swampy marshlands. On game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, you can spot wildlife like buffalo, zebra, hartebeest, bushbuck, leopard, lion, elephant, and hyena. Additionally, Empakaai Crater is known for the thousands of flamingos that gather along the shores of its soda lake.
The camp is directly in the path of the Great Migration, offering breathtaking landscapes and captivating year-round wildlife viewing. The ladies running the camp are passionate about tourism and showcase exceptional hospitality. They are role models within their communities and constantly break societal norms. The team at Dunia Camp pays the highest attention to detail and is skilled at anticipating your every need. You can immerse yourself in the perfect blend of wildlife whilst watching for majestic big cats and the elusive black rhino in the Moru Kopjes.All 8 tents at Dunia feature an en suite bathroom with a fully plumbed hot shower, Wi-Fi, and a private veranda. The serene surroundings of the valley provide a perfect location to enjoy meals while keeping a watchful eye open for passing wildlife. Families with children as young as five are warmly welcomed at Dunia Camp, where we offer a generously sized family tent.