10 Days Wildside Escapes

Surrounded by 12 acres of private land, within 140 acres of indigenous forest, the iconic Giraffe Manor is famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe that casually wander around the spectacular grounds. Stay in the original manor house offering six rooms: Betty, Daisy, Jock, Lynn, Marlon and the Karen Blixen Suite or the Garden Manor also offering six rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite. Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary and the giraffe experience offered to guests is the same regardless of which area of the house they are staying in. Your family can expect beautifully furnished, elegant rooms that include romantic four-poster beds and well-appointed ensuite bathrooms.

At Giraffe Manor, breakfasts are a fun-filled affair. Not only can you tuck into a mouth-watering menu, you are likely to be interrupted by one of the friendly giraffes poking its head through the window in search of a treat – such fun for the whole family. Lunch on light meals and kick-start an evening with refreshing cocktails served around a crackling fire, followed by superb gourmet dinners in the inviting dining room.

Those in need of pampering can soothe weary limbs with a massage, whilst the energetically-inclined can enjoy invigorating workouts at the gym. Wonderful family activities at Giraffe Manor include excursions to the nearby Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Karen Blixen Museum or relaxing walks in the forest on the estate.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Kenya's Laikipia region. There are magnificent views of Mount Kenya and the wildlife is never far from camp thanks to a popular salt lick on the opposite bank of the river. In addition to offering a classic Big 5 safari, Ol Pejeta private conservancy is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, as well as about 40 rescued chimpanzees. Warm and knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the diverse habitats of the Aberdares foothills, and offer the opportunity to experience the camp's profound conservation ethos and pioneering projects.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is an eco-friendly tented camp that has just seven down-to-earth tents. Accommodating a limited number of guests ensures that you enjoy a truly authentic African experience that is perfect for intimate family vacations and romantic safaris. The camp offers a variety of activities such as game drives, night drives, lion tracking, guided nature walks and community visits.

The Cliff is a stunning tented camp surrounded by nature and offers 10 beautifully appointed tented suites. A fusion of the elegance of Europe and the wild of Africa, each suite features a king size bed, a viewing deck to gaze at sensational 180 degree views of Lake Nakuru, a private lounge, and free standing bath tub and shower.

Enjoy sublime cuisine from the exceptional restaurant. Spend your days indulging in a fine selection of spirits and wines, and savour delicious aromatic coffee prepared by the onsite barista. Balance body, mind and spirit with morning yoga and stretching sessions and enjoy relaxing spa treatments or, for the actively inclined, make use of the gym pavilion. When you are not gazing at the panoramic views from your tent, enjoy the wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park. Explore the park on early morning or late afternoon game drives in Land Cruisers and spot lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. This is also a sensational destination to view colourful birdlife, including pink flamingos wading in the shallow soda lake.

Set amongst the forest at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp. Here, amidst the reserve’s astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, guests can have an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Guests can almost exclusively explore this area on a game drive or on foot, enjoying access to pristine outdoor dining locations.

Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine Luxury Tents each and a Luxury Family Tent; each with its own private butler and housekeeper reflects the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas.

Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delectable cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners offer an unforgettable African experience. Adventures at Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments in our massage sala.

Commanding a striking oceanfront position on Zanzibar – which is known as ‘Unguja' in Swahili – and sited spectacularly within an enormous, lushly-landscaped private estate, Meliá Zanzibar fuses moonlit tropical nights with the full spectrum of resort facilities and amenities. With a private beach club and jetty that stretches into the turquoise Indian Ocean, the hotel whispers romance for couples and fun for multi-generational groups.

Guests are spoilt for choice: the Meliá Kids' Club will keep the little ones safe, stimulated and entertained while spa junkies can sample the saunas, steam rooms, Thai massages, lap pool and fitness centre at the Anantara Spa. Love water sports? The resort offers everything from aqua gym in the pool and sea kayaking to reef-snorkelling and scuba diving. Those who prefer something with a more leisurely pace can try their hand at traditional Makuti handcrafts or just wander tranquilly on the beach, spotting exotic sea shells.

With four bars, five restaurants, the exclusive Gabi Beach Club and one of the few floodlit tennis courts on the Spice Island, Melià Zanzibar truly lives up to the adage: ‘Something for everyone'.