Tanzania and Zanzibar- The Ultmate Bush and Beach Experience

Tanzania is perhaps the most beautiful country in Africa with vast rolling plains and the forested highlands of Ngorongoro. The best time to go is during the annual mass migration where more than two million wildebeest and zebra embark on an epic journey in search of the greenest grasses and the freshest waters. After this truly magical spectacle we recommend going on to Zanzibar where the swathes of white sands and pristine turquoise waters are a paradise for all age groups.

The combination of a luxury safari in Tanzania, followed by the picture perfect beaches of Zanzibar is a superb combination.

Tanzania is blessed with an incredible concentration of wildlife and a diverse ecosystem. The Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire are all excellent wildlife sanctuaries based in the north.

There are an abundance of luxury safari lodges in Tanzania, but here are a few of my favourites.

Starting in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania, Chem Chem Lodge is the perfect place for a ‘slow safari’. Located in a private, 400ha reserve, overlooking the vast Lake Manyara close to Tarangire National Park the lodge is beautiful and impeccably designed overlooking a waterhole – It is the perfect place to watch the wildlife and feel close to nature. 

There are eight secluded rooms in beautiful classical and contemporary design, with luxurious fabrics and black and white wildlife photographs adoring the walls. Each tent is located on its own offering the ultimate privacy for guests, with outdoor seating areas allowing you to immerse yourself into the surroundings. Another great thing about Chem Chem is the passion for protecting wildlife and the ties with the local community. They have built a school nearby to educate the locals.

If you are in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the places that has to be ticked off the list. A natural wonder, the crater itself looks almost moonlike in the morning mist. As you make your way down the volcano, the sheer volume of wildlife is overwhelming and you are practically guaranteed to see the big five as soon as you arrive. The only negative is that there will be quite a few vehicles around each animal but if you focus on the wildlife, it really is a great experience.

Moving on to the vast Serengeti, Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge is perfect for those who are looking for luxury and comfort. Especially for first time safari goers, the Four Seasons has extravagant rooms overlooking the waterhole where elephant, buffalo and many other wildlife come to drink. The state of the art rooms boast two TV’s, including a channel to watch the wildlife through an infrared camera set up which is perfect for those who don’t want to venture from their suite. For those that do set out on game drives, the game viewing is excellent as are the guides.

Finally on to Grumeti Reserve, south of the Serengeti and just a short flight or drive away. Owned by Paul Tudor Jones, this past hunting ground has been transformed by Singita. With five properties spread across 350, 000 acres, Singita offers the ultimate safari experience, including Singita Faru Faru which has a river of African wildlife flowing around it year after year. The lush surrounding grassland is full of migrating buffalo, stalking predators and brightly coloured birds, so you do not even need to leave the camp to commune with the masses of wildlife. You can even take a closer look through your Swarovski telescope provided in the tent.

Singita Sabora in comparison offers the perfect romantic safari experience, with rolling savannah plains of pristine wilderness and tented accommodation. Each beautiful tent is based on 1920’s style with perfect opulence. The wildlife wander through as they please, with zebras snoozing on the outdoor tennis court and buffalo brushing up against your dining table, this is the ideal place for the wildlife fanatics. Located in the middle of the migration route, the guides are excellent and the game is exceptional and as it is a private reserve so you can drive where you please.

Zanzibar is the largest of the Spice Islands and one of the better known. Despite the fact that more hotels have started to increase over the last few years, it is still unspoilt.

Pristine, turquoise waters lap onto pure white sands on palm fringed beaches and there are a multitude of activities from paddle boarding in the mangroves, scuba diving amongst the kaleidoscope of marine life or sailing in the warm Indian Ocean breezes.

Favourite hotels include the ultimate exclusive retreat and private island of Mnemba, set off the north of the island. With only 10 lodges the island offers the ultimate barefoot luxury retreat.

The Arabian style retreat of Baraza Resort & Spa is set on the East of the island, which is by far the most remote and beautiful. Located on the stunning Bwejuu Beach it is an Arabian style retreat inspired by the vibrant culture of Zanzibar. The best villas are the Ocean front villas overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters. Each villa is beautifully decorated and spacious with white Arabic- inspired doorways and opulent textiles.

Immediately next-door is The Palms. With only six villas it offers a really personal and intimate experience of Zanzibar in an oasis of pure white beaches and glorious sea. Each room has its own private pool overlooking the Indian Ocean along with stunning hand carved furniture, luxurious textiles and a bar. Each room also gets its own thatched beach hut for the ultimate beachfront privacy.

Take a walk to the reef at low tide with a local fisherman and look for octopus and brightly coloured fish.

The Residence offers beautiful suites with huge private pools either overlooking the beach or with a garden view. The best rooms are at the front overlooking the beach with fantastic vistas of the sunset.

The Serena Inn in Stone Town is the perfect colonial retreat. Explore small cobbled streets and mix with the locals at the market before taking your flight back home.

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