8 Days Tanzania Escapades

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.

Escarpment Luxury Lodge is situated just outside Lake Manyara National Park within a narrow corridor formed by the looming cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shores of the beautiful lake. The lodge offers a spreading deck surrounding the main lodge, ensuring breath-taking views of the lake and the gorge upon which the lodge is perched. Watch pelicans sweep the skies as you enjoy sundowners and see the sun slip down into the hills while listening to the sounds of Africa.

Located on the edge of Lake Manyara, Escarpment Luxury Lodge offers glorious views of the lake and Lake Manyara National Park and is the perfect destination to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility and spectacular surroundings of this remarkable area. During your stay you can experience excellent game viewing during day and night game drives as well as guided walking safaris and even cycling excursions. You can also choose to head out and experience a cultural visit to a nearby village though you will be well entertained by Maasai dancers and singers during your evening meal.

Built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house and featuring a light and airy atmosphere, Singita Sasakwa Luxury Lodge offers panoramic views, a sense of immense freedom, and stillness. Striking the perfect balance between casual luxury and sophisticated elegance, Sasakwa Grumeti features a grand entrance, wraparound verandas, silver candelabras and coveted antiques, as well as bespoke décor elements such as local artefacts and tribal cushions.

Offering expansive en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, fireplaces, living rooms and French doors opening onto welcoming verandas, the elegant cottages feature polished parquet floors, vintage collectables and comfortable furnishings – and provide guests with complete privacy, as well as unfiltered space and time to connect with the breathtaking surrounds.

Situated on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Nepture Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a short drive away from the famous crater – a world wonder for game viewing – as well as the rewarding Lake Manyara National Park. Relax and enjoy the tranquil ambience of the lodge, which is set in a dramatic landscape known for its coffee plantations and volcanic peaks.

Enjoy private cottage accommodation and socialise at the pool after all-day game-viewing activities in the crater, which is home to the Big 5. Lake Manyara National Park, which is also within easy driving distance, is another fascinating wildlife reserve to visit: keep a look out for elephants, hippos and tree-climbing lions that the park is famous for. And if you want some cultural insights, go on an excursion to the archeaological treasure trove of Olduvai Gorge or to a local Maasai village.

If you are looking for an authentic safari experience under traditional canvas showcasing spacious views and enriching culture, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is the perfect choice. Set within a 25,000-hectare concession area, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is located 3.5 km from the main entrance of the Tarangire National Park, overlooking a branch of the Tarangire River itself.

Number of Rooms: 20 Safari Tents (7 Doubles, 5 Twins, 2 Triples, 5 Family Tents, 1 Honeymoon Safari Tent). Children: All ages welcome. Stay Includes: Accommodation, three daily meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch or packed lunch), three complimentary beverages per meal while dining on site (includes water, soft drinks and beers), Tourism Development Levy, and VAT. Game drives and airport transfers can be added to your package at an additional cost.