Archives: Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp is a seasonal, semi-permanent tented camp designed to follow the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti ecosystem, moving twice a year to place guests right in the heart of the action. From December to April, it sits in the Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti, on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, perfectly positioned for the dramatic calving season, when up to 8,000 wildebeest are born each day, and predators gather in force around Lake Ndutu and Masek. From late May to November, it relocates to the Kogatende region of the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River and its famous, heart-stopping crossings, where wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-filled waters between Tanzania and Kenya. Formerly known as Chaka Camp, this authentic, down-to-earth camp is warmly praised for its comfort, spotless tents, high-quality linens, and genuinely welcoming all-Tanzanian team, who greet and farewell guests in song. Running off-grid on solar power, recycling its waste and offsetting fuel with tree-planting, and furnished with handwoven fabrics and pieces crafted by Arusha artisans, it delivers an intimate, adventurous, and excellent-value migration experience in the middle of the wilderness.

Land of Nature Camp is an intimate, eco-friendly tented camp set discreetly among the rolling grasslands of the Central Serengeti, minutes from the legendary Seronera Valley, where predator densities are among the highest anywhere on the continent. This prime location means the safari begins the moment you step out of your tent, with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and great herds of plains game roaming year-round, and front-row access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. The gentle murmur of the Mto Banagi River provides the soundtrack to camp life, drawing birds and wildlife to its banks, while the surrounding Serengeti ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches unbroken in every direction. Crafted from an elegant blend of canvas and wood and running entirely on solar power, the camp pairs the rustic charm of safari living with contemporary comfort: spacious tents with indoor and outdoor showers, a raised main deck housing the dining room and lounge, and warm, much-praised staff who greet and farewell guests in song. Consistently earning glowing reviews and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, it delivers a genuinely personal, immersive, and unhurried Serengeti experience.

Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is a charming, intimate tented lodge perched atop a hill in the authentic rural landscape of Rhotia, near Karatu, right on the boundary of the Ngorongoro forest and just 30 minutes from the Ngorongoro Crater. Built in traditional African style from local hardwood, it commands breathtaking panoramic views over the valley, the terraced fields of local farmers, the Ngorongoro rim and, in the distance, Lake Manyara, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets from every private veranda. What truly sets it apart is its heart: the lodge is one half of the “Rhotia Valley Project”, and a major portion of every stay (20% of the nightly rate) goes directly to the Children’s Home on the opposite hill, which supports dozens of local orphaned children, along with the village school, hence its motto, “Two hills, one goal.” Run by a Dutch doctor couple, it grows its own organic vegetables and herbs, bakes fresh bread daily and even churns its own butter from the milk of its cows. At 1,700m altitude it’s mosquito-free but can get cold, so guests are warmed with fireplaces and hot-water bottles tucked into the beds at dinner, a much-loved touch that makes this a genuinely special, purposeful place to stay.

Manyara’s Secret is an intimate, exclusive boutique lodge perched on the edge of the “floodplain” of Lake Manyara, with breathtaking views over the shimmering lake, the distant pink of its flamingos, and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment beyond. Founded by Dutch owners who fell in love with this beautiful piece of land, the lodge blends unassuming luxury with a genuine eye for the environment and the surrounding Maasai community, whose villages now benefit from clean water thanks to the lodge’s own pipeline project. Small in scale and rich in personal attention, it welcomes guests with a glass of sparkling wine and the care of a personal host, in a setting where zebras, monkeys and dik-dik wander past, and the weather stays warm, breezy and wonderful year-round. With a magnificent infinity pool overlooking the lake, an open-kitchen restaurant serving creative à la carte cuisine, and villas that each have their own plunge pool and outdoor shower, it makes a sublime place to relax between safaris, just 15 minutes from Lake Manyara National Park and around 50 minutes from Tarangire.

Olerai Lodge is a charming boutique retreat set on the outskirts of Arusha, tucked among a lush coffee plantation, acacia groves and manicured tropical gardens, with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru rising beyond. Once a private home, it has become one of the most beloved small lodges around Arusha, an intimate, elegant and peaceful base to begin or end a Tanzanian safari, well away from the noise of the city yet just a 10 to 15-minute drive from Arusha Airport and about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Rooms are decorated with a distinctive Afro-fusion twist, blending African and European style, and open onto verandas overlooking the gardens or pool, where vervet monkeys and dik-dik wander freely and birdsong fills the air. With a farm-to-plate kitchen serving delicious home-grown cuisine, a swimming pool with romantic swing beds and poolside dining, a spa offering massages, and a lobby fireplace for evening gin and tonics under the stars, Olerai delivers genuine warmth, tranquillity and comfort. It’s a repeat winner of Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best award and a true hidden gem.

Lemala Wildwaters is one of Uganda’s most iconic luxury lodges, offering a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and world-class hospitality. Located on a private island in the middle of the mighty River Nile near Jinja, the lodge provides an unforgettable escape surrounded by roaring rapids, lush tropical forest, and abundant birdlife. Accessible only by boat, the journey to the lodge is part of the experience, creating a sense of exclusivity and seclusion from the moment guests arrive.

The lodge features ten beautifully designed luxury suites, each carefully positioned to maximize privacy and spectacular views of the Nile. Constructed on elevated wooden platforms and connected by raised walkways, the suites blend naturally into the surrounding forest while providing modern comforts. Each suite includes a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, a private viewing deck, and an outdoor freestanding bathtub where guests can relax while listening to the sound of the rushing river. Large windows allow natural light to fill the rooms and provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

Lemala Wildwaters is renowned for delivering exceptional service and personalized hospitality. With a small number of guests accommodated at any one time, the staff are able to provide attentive service tailored to individual preferences. The lodge operates on a full-board basis, with guests enjoying freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and gourmet dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients alongside international cuisine. Meals can be served in the elegant dining area overlooking the river, creating a memorable dining experience enhanced by the natural surroundings.

For adventure enthusiasts, the lodge serves as an ideal base for exploring the famous Nile River. Visitors can participate in thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, jet boating, river cruises, fishing, horseback riding, quad biking, and guided nature walks. Birdwatchers will appreciate the rich variety of species found around the island, while those seeking relaxation can unwind beside the infinity swimming pool or indulge in spa treatments. The peaceful atmosphere also makes the lodge a perfect destination for reading, photography, yoga, or simply enjoying the sounds and scenery of nature.

The surrounding area is rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance. Guests have the opportunity to visit nearby communities, explore Jinja’s vibrant tourism attractions, or learn about the historical importance of the River Nile, one of the world’s longest rivers. The combination of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences makes every stay diverse and memorable.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an eco-friendly safari camp located in the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda. Nestled along the Ntungwe River and surrounded by pristine wilderness, the camp offers guests an authentic safari experience in one of Uganda’s most renowned wildlife areas, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. The camp features comfortable tented accommodation that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy close encounters with wildlife while maintaining a low environmental footprint. Its tranquil setting, personalized service, and proximity to game drives, birdwatching opportunities, and conservation areas make Ishasha Wilderness Camp an ideal destination for travelers seeking an immersive and sustainable African safari experience.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is Rwanda’s only five-star hotel outside of Kigali a tropically inspired lakeside resort set on a private stretch of palm-lined shore on the edge of Gisenyi, with the Virunga volcanoes rising dramatically above the horizon and the shimmering expanse of Lake Kivu stretching away to the DRC border just two kilometres to the west. Part of the Serena Hotels Group and consistently recognised as one of Rwanda’s finest leisure properties, the hotel has been the address of choice for travellers combining Volcanoes National Park with a Lake Kivu retreat since its opening.

Sixty-six rooms and suites are arranged across three storeys in two wings one facing the gardens, one overlooking the pool and lake and all decorated in a warm Pan-African palette of local woodwork, Rwandan fabrics, and large windows that draw in the lake light throughout the day. The hotel’s centrepiece is a spectacular swimming pool set directly above the lake, flanked by sun loungers and garden terraces that capture the best of the western Rwanda sunshine. A dedicated children’s pool, private sandy beach exclusively for guests, and a full watersports centre offering catamarans, kayaks, and boat trips complete a leisure offering that rivals any lakeside resort in East Africa.

Dining at theLake Kivu Serena Hotel is anchored by Kiyaga Restaurant a lakefront venue serving fresh fish, international cuisine, and Rwandan specialities across breakfast, lunch, and dinner and Ziwani Café, a more casual beach café positioned below the pool for sundowners and light bites. The on-site Elemis spa, tennis courts, health club, and business centre make Lake Kivu Serena equally well suited for those combining relaxation with work, and the hotel’s modern conference centre with ballroom, meeting rooms, and private boardroom makes it one of western Rwanda’s premier event venues. At 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park and two kilometres from the Goma border crossing, the hotel’s position also makes it a natural base for gorilla trekking and cross-border day trips into the DRC.

Tarangire Treetops Lodge is a unique and luxurious safari lodge located just outside Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania, famous for its elevated “treehouse” style accommodation built around massive ancient baobab and marula trees. The lodge features spacious, open-sided suites raised on wooden platforms, offering sweeping views over the surrounding wilderness and allowing guests to feel immersed in nature while still enjoying modern comfort. Each suite includes a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom, private balcony, and warm, earthy décor that blends naturally with the environment. The central area is equally striking, with an open-air dining and lounge space overlooking a busy waterhole that often attracts elephants and other wildlife. Known for its peaceful setting and intimate atmosphere, Tarangire Treetops provides excellent game viewing experiences, especially of large elephant herds that the Tarangire ecosystem is famous for, along with guided game drives, night safaris, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is one of Africa’s most iconic and luxurious safari lodges, perched dramatically on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania. Often described as “Maasai meets Versailles,” the lodge is famous for its striking design that blends traditional Maasai-inspired architecture on the outside with lavish, baroque-style interiors featuring chandeliers, antiques, rich fabrics, and elegant furnishings.

The lodge is divided into three separate camps North, South, and Tree Camp together offering around 30 luxury suites, each elevated and designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the crater floor below. Every suite includes a fireplace, spacious living areas, en-suite bathrooms, and personal butler service, creating a highly exclusive and indulgent experience.

Its location is one of its greatest highlights, sitting at over 2,300 meters on the crater rim with sweeping views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, and vast herds of herbivores. Guests enjoy unforgettable game drives directly into the crater floor, where one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa can be seen year-round.