8 Days Tanzania Odyssey

Gran Melia is certainly the best of the big hotels in the region around Arusha, and while we generally prefer to recommend places without conference suites, we love the fantastic facilities and beautiful views of Mount Meru! This is 5-star opulence, with spas and pools, foyers, and lots of straight lines – so it does slightly feel like you could be anywhere in the world. Most people stay in Arusha for just a night or two to acclimatise after a long flight, before heading into the wild for their main safari action. If you’ve had a particularly long journey to Tanzania and feel like you need the comforts of some international pampering, this property certainly delivers that with aplomb. But we would always first recommend smaller, more boutique-style luxury at one of the many lovely, old coffee plantation lodges. Gran Melia may be just what some people are looking for, and it’s a great hotel – it could be the perfect choice if you’ve just done a tough Kili climb! But if you’re looking for an authentic African experience, we’d suggest more intimate lodges with a little more charm.

Tanzania’s towering Mto wa Mbu escarpment provides a remarkable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind visit. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge welcomes you with a peaceful location amidst the rich wildlife and unsurpassed tranquility of Lake Manyara National Park. The lake is home to over 300 migratory birds including flamingoes, long-crested eagles and grey-headed kingfisher; our lodge is designed to mimic this extraordinary birdlife, with an architectural motif featuring swooping avian curves and vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depicting the intricacy of bird migratory patterns.

Here, at our Lake Manyara lodge, you’ll find everything you need to relax, rejuvenate and discover the singular beauty of the region. Housed in circular two-storey “rondavels”, our accommodation pays homage to tradition, while also offering contemporary perks. Flamingo Restaurant, our central dining room, serves delicious cuisine and includes a veranda with picturesque views; we would be pleased to arrange a meal in the bush for you as well. Take part in an enchanting game drive or outdoor excursion, tour one of the neighbouring villages or simply lounge by the lodge’s “vanishing horizon” pool. Those hosting their wedding or group event with us can benefit from our modern facilities and gorgeous location, not to mention the careful attention of our planning staff. And with a range of family-friendly activities, our lodge is a delightful destination for visitors of all ages. The holiday of a lifetime awaits you at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an award-winning gem of a hotel in one of the most beautiful settings in Tanzania. Seamlessly blended high into an acacia-lined ridge, our African-style lodge and infinity pool offer panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, endless grasslands, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape in a relentless search for fresh grazing grounds.

Here, you will savour the ancient stillness and serenity of one of the most magnificent destinations on earth. Discover the warmth and cosiness of stone-built, traditionally thatched “rondavel” lodging. Dine under an indigo blanket of stars and enjoy unforgettable adventures and experiences ranging from private safaris and day trips to the prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater to Swahili lessons, guided nature walks and massage treatments.

One of Africa’s most renowned and instantly recognisable safari lodges, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater Lodge occupies a stunning location looking down from the rim to the crater floor. Traditionally styled and wonderfully run, this is a truly wonderful option offering the ultimate Ngorongoro experience. The lodge is split into three intimate camps, with two boasting 12 suites and the other hosting 6 suites; this means that the entire lodge can host a maximum of 60 guests. The camps are all run independently of one another, with their own lounges, dining rooms and kitchens, preventing the camp from feeling too busy. The suites are lovely and spacious with traditional African décor, stunning views and en-suite bathrooms. In the main areas of each camp there is a large open plan lounge, bar and dining area where guests can congregate between activities and enjoy the camp’s superb menu. The lodge offers full day game drives to the crater floor. Additionally, nature walks on the grounds can be enjoyed on the afternoon of arrival and morning of departure when there are no game drives.

All of Tarangire Sopa Lodge’s 75 spacious, brightly designed rooms feature a sitting area, a couple of queen-sized beds, a mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, and sliding glass doors leading to a private veranda from which to relax and gaze at the animals who wander freely in the lodge’s environs.

The exceptionally large public area, marble-floored, airy and inviting, contains a gift shop, a billiard table, and plush sitting area. And upstairs: a wooden-roofed dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forever fascinating bush. The lodge’s large swimming pool (with a cozy island in the middle, reachable by a sweet little bridge) is surrounded by thatched-roof gazebos for outdoor dining and relaxing.