A Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Beach Honeymoon

Overview

Each of the six garden cottages has their own private veranda and is beautifully decorated with a nod to a bygone era with the choice of antique furniture. They have large and extremely comfortable beds and a lounge area with a fireplace to take the chill off the cooler African nights.

The family cottage has two bedrooms and a private garden which is a superb way to spend some time relaxing in absolute luxury during your stopover before or after your safari. Two cosy en-suite rooms in the Old Farmhouse provide a comfortable retreat from which you can explore the grounds of this genuine coffee farm.

After roughly an hour’s drive through Arusha, you will arrive at the farm and have the chance to either relax and spend time in the well kept grounds, or venture into the city to see some of the museums and markets on offer. The service at Legendary Lodge is excellent, without doubt one of the premier hotels in the area.

Overview

Ideally situated on the outskirts of Arusha, this lodge is a brilliant spot to stay either before, or after your safari in Tanzania. Hidden on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee farms, with wonderful views of the Tanzanian countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Arusha. The cottages offer you a homely space to either relax after a long international flight, or to flick through your photos before you head home again. In the main lodge you can enjoy the warmth of open log fires while sipping a well-earned gin and tonic or spend time in the gardens breathing in the smells of the coffee bushes around you.

The farm itself can be explored on a two hour guided walk which gives a superb insight into the methods of coffee farming and ends with an excellent brew of the local beans. You have the chance to venture into Arusha if the need takes you, but otherwise you can just make the most of the large grounds. If the midday heat gets a bit much, they also have a refreshing outdoor pool with shaded sun loungers among the manicured gardens and patios.

Overview

Located in Nyasiori, a game-rich region in the western corridor of the Serengeti, this tented camp combines comfort with that crucial sense of real adventure. There are five en-suite double tents and one family tent with two en-suite rooms connected by a shared living area. The interiors have been designed with careful chosen natural linens and textiles to create a relaxing retreat that blends perfectly into the surroundings. Natural linens and textiles

Rustic and authentic, embark on expertly led daily game drives within one of the most consistent wildlife areas of the Serengeti. Here, rolling savannahs appear endless with acacia trees punctuating the landscapes. Mila’s privileged position in the western corridor means wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the year.

Visiting this stunning area gives you direct access to hot air balloon safaris. Silently soar about prides of lions or herds of buffalo for a privileged glimpse into their world.

Overview

Deep in the Serengeti National Park is where you’ll find Wilderness Usawa Camp, a mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration. The location of the camp shifts as the migration progresses, with a preference for sites that offer easy access to key highlights, like river crossings, but that are also set apart from the more crowded spaces offering you a sense of privacy. Attention is also paid to the game-viewing experience in general when selecting camp locations from month to month.

Wilderness Usawa Camp accommodates 12 guests in six spacious en-suite tents. These are solar-powered and completely mobile so no fixtures are left behind, meaning only a light footprint is left on the Earth. During your stay you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a locally sourced and grown gourmet menu, which supports the surrounding communities, small businesses, farms and suppliers in Tanzania due to how the camp reduces food waste through its creative preparation methods.

As the seasonal migration moves throughout the year across the expanse of the park, the camps will be in rotation around the key locations closest to the herds. Though reasonably predictable, herd movements are dictated by rain and tend to migrate from the south in a north-westerly direction before making their way up north around September. From there, the journey begins back to the south. Locations include Kusini, Moru West Area, Ngarenanyuki/Gol Kopje area, Kilimafetha area, Grumeti, Bologonja and Lamai. The wildlife you’ll be able to spot include Thomson’s gazeles, Wildebeests and lions.

Activities to take part in during your adventure with Wilderness Usawa Camp consist of early morning game drives, during which you can watch as the sun’s rays seep across the Serengeti’s savannah,  along with guided walks across the plains. You can also settle back against a blanket under the night sky and watch as the stars shimmer above this African haven.

Overview

Strategically scattered for more privacy amongst the boulders and grassy slopes of the Wogakurya Hills, this delightful collection of ten contemporary en-suite tents are a modern, intimate and charming welcome to the northern Serengeti.

Amongst this wild yet gentle landscape your 70-square metre glass-fronted luxury tent, complete with private plunge pool, large contemporary en-suite bathroom (indoor & outdoor showers, tub, twin basins), and king size bed (or twin) are entwined with the authentic canvas exterior, local art, recycled timber and solar power for a pleasing contrast of comfort, conscientiousness and adventure (like all modern safaris should be).

Going one step further, the lodge even has the Melengali Spa and a separate swimming pool amongst the customary bar, dining area, lounge and viewing decks. The food at Kuria Hills is as remarkable as its style and attentive services, in particular when it comes to its freshly baked delicacies distributed at breakfast and high tea.

If you are here for the Great Migration (June-November), then you are well placed for being close to the thrilling Mara River (30 minutes drive), or if you’re here in the quieter season outside of this this, enjoy more privacy and seclusion alongside first class game viewing.

Overview

Set among the unique landscape of the private Mwiba Wildlife Reserve (just outside the Serengeti’s southern borders) which is home to over thirty freshwater springs, Legendary Mwiba Lodge provides traditional yet luxury accommodation along with wildlife rich activities.

All of the rooms are tastefully designed, combining rustic safari style and modern furnishings of flush toilets, showers and hot and cold running water. The comfortable and spacious accommodation also boasts private verandas where guests can relax and take in the wonderfully scenic views.

Experience all that Mwiba has to offer as you swim in the numerous springs, visit the local village, dine in the bush and even spend a night on a tree platform or fly camping. This exclusive lodge offers safari walks plus daily and nightly game drives during which you can witness amazing elephants, giraffes and leopards.

After a day of animal sightings and spring swimming, unwind at the lodge’s swimming pool and enjoy a hearty meal. What’s more, the staff here at Legendary Mwiba Lodge provide complete personal attention.

Overview

Positioned in the Michamvi Peninsula, the southeast corner of Zanzibar, Xanadu Villas offer an intimate retreat for those looking to luxuriate in style. The powder white sand of Bwejuu beach is also just moments from the property.

In total, there are seven individual villas surrounding a makuti-thatched central pool, complete with lush tropical gardens and palm trees. Uuniquely, each villa comes with its own private butler, reachable by radio who can assist with your every need. The domed villas also include a private plunge pool and decor that nods to Zanzibar’s Arab history and influence on this spice island. Expect copper trays and lamps, African art, comfy sofas and spacious circular rooms with high ceilings. Each villa is set just metres away from the beach and the warm currents of the Indian Ocean.

The property itself features a swimming pool and bar at its heart, which is lit up by lantern at night. It’s here you can cosy up on a two-person hammock and watch the stars. The on-site restaurant offers exceptional cuisine, specialising in seafood and local delicacies. The area around Michamvi Peninsula is well known for its windsurfing conditions  and watersports. So guests can experience kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling with ease. However, for anyone looking to wind down, the on-site spa offers pampering treatments using locally sourced products.

Overview

Set on one of the world’s best kitesurfing beaches, White Sand is an unspoilt and laidback slice of Zanzibar bliss. Eleven private and spacious villas are spread across four acres, promising complete beachside intimacy. Each villa boasts lots of lavish touches, from private pools and terraces to an outdoor bath and shower, to idyllic sea and tropical garden views.

Spend your days here lounging on the beautiful Paje beach and enjoying the top-class spa. Or, for those who fancy a little more action, try you hand at diving, swimming with dolphins and kitesurfing through the shallow, turquoise waters. Then, feast on scrumptious seafood at the fine dining restaurant and head up to the rooftop bar for awesome sunset views.

What’s more, White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa supports its environment and local community with investment in renewable energy and community projects.

Overview

Situated in the north of Zanzibar at Kendwa with direct access to a private beach, Zuri Zanzibar is a brand new luxurious seaside property. One of the things setting it apart from other resorts is the fact that its pristine beach isn’t tidal, so guests can swim all day in the stunning azure sea.

There are 55 stand-alone bungalows, suites and villas designed to blend seamlessly with the spectacularly landscaped spice gardens, offering plenty of private areas to fully relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Zuri, on the whole, focuses on sustainability, individuality and authenticity.

Three restaurants and four bars mean dining and socialising is varied. You can even spice things up with a beach barbecue, or opt for a more intimate dinner on the shore. And if you’re inspired by the delicious food served at Zuri, there are cooking classes available so you can recreate the experience once you get home. Guests can also make use of the wellness area, gym and yoga centre, or pamper themselves with relaxing treatments at the spa.

Zuri is perfectly placed for exploring Kendwa and Nungwi, and there are a variety of other restaurants within walking distance along the beach.

Overview

Mnemba, a small island 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, is heaven incarnate. Which makes Mnemba Lodge this nirvana’s only resident hotel and a true desert island escape. The lodge is actively involved in various conservation efforts in the region, including monitoring and protecting the small population of very rare Ader’s duikers found here, and carefully taking care of the coastline and ocean.

Ten luxury Zanzabari banda houses are hidden into the island’s Casuarina pine forest whose cooing wild doves and adorable Suni deer make it a very romantic Swiss Robinson world. Each of the bandas are designed to let as much of the outside in with an open plan set out, walls made of coconut matting rolled up to reveal Indian Ocean views, big beds and sofas dressed in plumped-up white linens, handmade furniture, a dressing room, private verandas and an en-suite bathroom. What’s more, apart from the deer and doves the only other people you share the island with are the other guests and staff.

The lodge has enchanted a string of impressive guests from royalty to Silicone Valley tycoons, and it isn’t hard to see why. Dinner is always served on the beach (weather permitting) and both the food and staff are magnificent. Also if you’re afraid you’ll get bored on Mnemba, there’s always the lodge’s good list of activities to sway you: choose from learning how to dive with the lodge’s instructors, to watching turtles nest, fly fishing or kayaking.