lake Manyara

Eunoto Retreat Luxury Lodge

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The new luxurious Eunoto Retreat lies in a secluded spot on the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, not far from Lake Manyara National Park. It has exquisite views of Lake Miwaleni (home of the hippos) and the plains below. There are 25 spacious bungalows, beautifully designed and decorated in traditional African architecture. The Lodge has a swimming pool for relaxation, but also offers guided nature walks (350 bird species) with the Masai and visits to local villages. There are bicycles for those who prefer to cycle. Game drives to Lake Manyara are only minutes away from the lodge, while the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a mere 90 minutes driving distance away. Eunoto is beautifully positioned in the Great Rift Valley and really captures the African spirit.

Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

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Once the site of the British Governor's private hunting lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge perches on the rim of the ancient volcanic crater, one of the wonders of the natural world. Designed to be all but invisible from the crater itself, the lodge is perfect post-modern architecture, referring to past styles yet adapting them to its own purpose. Externally it is a wonderfully stylised Masai village sitting handsomely, yet unobtrusively, within the landscape. Within, a gloriously baroque decorative style forms an opulent and entirely delightful interior, featuring antiques, African art and English country house furnishings in perfect harmony.

There are three separate Camps - North, South and Tree Camp. The latter is smaller and more intimate in feel. All have their own drawing rooms, and dining rooms which, in the evenings, are transformed into sets from a fairytale. Wooden

panelling shines softly and fabulous silver screens, constructed like scaled-up armour flank the log fire. Bright white napery and glittering crystal entice, copper chafing dishes on the console table glow pinkly by the light of many candles. Overhead, gilded roundels reflect the lustre of the chandeliers.

The suites are absolutely superb. Romantic, intimate, even secretive, they have vast bowls of red roses, shimmering silks, polished woods and views over the crater that will make you swoon. They are tended by a personal butler, who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fire and even draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your return from safari and lavish picnic. You may even lie in your bath and gaze through the floor-to-ceiling window at the crater below, where some of the last black rhino are protected, black maned lions stalk the grasslands, and the greatest permanent concentration of game in Africa lies waiting for you. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is supremely glamorous, wonderfully stylish and makes a dreamily luxurious break in your safari tour.

• Game drives in 4x4 with expert guides
• Game walks
• Bird walks
• Craft and curio gallery
• Butler service
• Telephone service available at reception
• Three camps - North has 12 suites, South has 12 suites and Tree Camp has 6 suites. All have balconies, Crater views, and private bathrooms with bath and separate shower

Serengeti

Grumeti River Camp

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Africa's Grumeti River Camp is situated on a bywater of the Grumeti River, known for its huge crocodiles. These antediluvian reptiles, ancestors of the dinosaurs, lurk in the river waiting for the great migration, where thousand upon thousand of wildebeest and zebra, drawn by ancient behaviour patterns and fresh grazing, must cross in order to make the great trek from the Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara. The wildebeest wear long beards and an apprehensive expression, as well they might. The Grumeti River crocodiles are waiting for their annual meal and they are on the menu.

Hippos wallow in the waters that run the length of the camp, often raising their

heads under a bonnet of river lettuce and snorting their disapproval. Above the cream tents and their thatched roofs the chic black and white colobus monkeys flash through the canopy of riverine trees. The tents are a delight. Huge, monumental beds, of Tanzanian cypress, envelop the guest in luxury. The large shower in the private bathroom is open to the sky under its wrought iron dome offering all the pleasure of showering in the open air with none of the embarrassment!

In the dining area and the bar local materials have been used to create a playful and quirky, yet very African style. Intricate mosaic work decorates low walls and steps, bright cushions in burnt orange, yellows and greens upholster the sculptural shapes of the wrought iron furniture, while twisted tree-trunks support the beamed makuti roof. At night the lodge buildings and paths are magically lit by flaming torches and lamps. The staff will escort you to the boma, an open-air theatre for food. Here throne-style chairs made from twigs with cushions of royal-purple surround a large and beautifully decorated table to make an experience dramatic yet entirely appropriate.

At Grumeti River Camp you will feel privileged by your return to a more natural world. Game drives are fully interpretative, and explore the Serengeti savannahs and woodlands, which have the largest mass of free-ranging animals on earth, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and giraffe as well as some of the highest densities of cheetah in Africa, large prides of lion and solitary leopards. At other times you may slip into the grey-green pool from where you may gaze out over the river. Here stone, smooth decking and wooden loungers with greige covers tie this area to the surrounding landscape. You are part of Africa.

• Swimming pool
• Game drives
• Dining area and boma
• Library
• Bar
• Shop
• Satellite telephone available
• 10 double or twin bedded rooms with private bathroom and river view

klein's camp

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Hidden amongst the bush-clad Kuka Hills, Klein's Camp lies in the Serengeti, just south of the Masai Mara, along the ancient migratory route of wildebeest and elephant. Some ten thousand hectares of private land is set aside for the exclusive use of guests at this intimate camp in the north-eastern Serengeti. The land is owned by the local Masai, who are stakeholders in the camp.

With sweeping views into the Grumeti River Valley, the camp's eight cottages are built of local stone and thatch. The interiors are rustic, tempered with consideration for comfort and style. The leather bedspreads, simple stone walls, cosy armchairs, and downy beds reflect the spirit of both camp and landscape. Private bathrooms have double basins, natural cotton gowns and provide piping hot showers. The camp has a central sitting room and bar which shares the fabulous views. A vast

sofa has cushions and throws in raw silks, soft chenilles and zebra hide. A magnificent leather ottoman, beaded in the Masai style, serves as a coffee table and supports piles of wildlife books and a bao set for playing this very addictive African board game. In the dining area chefs ply their trade over glowing braziers as they prepare the aromatic Pan-African dishes in which they specialise. Outside a freeform pool, floored with local stone to blend with the landscape, has dark wood loungers and safari chairs.

Excursions into the Serengeti wilderness are led by expert guides, and it is on safari that you will experience one of Africa's most intact ecosystems. Guests have the freedom of all the Klein's land to enjoy, and can thus take both day and night game drives in the knowledge that there are no other humans for miles. Elephants are more common here in the woodlands than elsewhere in the Serengeti, and close encounters are frequent. Grant's gazelle, lion, leopard, wildebeest and eland may all be seen.

• Swimming pool
• Day and night game drives in 4x4
• Game walks
• Bush breakfasts and lunches
• Visits to local Masai villages
• Gift and curio shop
• 10 cottages all with terrace with magnificent view, private bathroom and robes

Tarangire

Kikoti Tented Camp

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Situated in a private sanctuary of 10,000 acres, just outside the borders of Tarangire National Park and right in the middle of the migration path that the wild animals take between June to November, Kikoti Camp is in a little paradise. The delightful camp, named after a nearby, mile long stretch of Kopjes, is built amongst the most dramatic of landscape of ancient boulders, which command views of epic proportions, and baobab, mopane and fig tree forest. To the north the Great Rift Valley Escarpment and Ngorongoro Highlands rise above Lake Manyara, to the east are the Simanjiro Plains, calving grounds to the wildebeest herds, to the northeast lie Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru and to the west the magnificent Tarangire National Park. Kikoti is at the heart of the Tarangire eco-system and is rich in wildlife and culture too, as the land on which it stands belongs to the Masai pastrolists who stand to benefit greatly from Kikoti's community-based partnership.
The roots of the camp stretch as far back as Ndutu Safari Lodge in the Serengeti.

The owner, Mt Chimanbhai Patel, was the pioneer of Tanzanian game lodges, having built and owned the Ndutu and Tarangire Safari Lodges in the 1960s. Mr. Parekh's pioneering spirits have been passed onto his son Pratik whose passion for the wild and hunting experiences have earned him a formidable reputation as a professional guide. Together with his charming wife Sonia, they run a superb operation that is driven by passion and professionalism.

The secluded Camp offers camping in great style reminiscent of the bygone safari era. Fully fitted tents are pretty, comfortable and spacious and discretely spread out amongst the stunning landscape where elephant, buffalo and other animals congregate regularly in the drier seasons. Large trees provide ample shade from the fierce heat of the day. Kikoti's food is some of the best in Tanzania. Freshly prepared by expert cooks using local ingredients and methods, the food is unpretentious, delicious and plentiful and served to client's individual timings, either in the dining tent or outdoors in the wilderness.

At Kikoti you will experience no crowds, no long drives - just pure drama in the wild and ethnic culture. The emphasis is on exploration on foot, vehicle or bicycle (will be introduced soon). You may seek out rock paintings, walk along the elephant paths to water holes, climb rocky outcrops for magnificent sunsets and sunrise, drive during the nighttime in search of nocturnal animals, visit the animal hides overlooking the waterholes and interact with the Masai friends. Kikoti really is special.

Facilities:

• Game walks and drives
• Animal hides overlooking waterholes
• Masai visits
• Sundowners on boulders
• Bicycle rides
• Rock Paintings nearby
• Outdoor picnics
• Excellent food

Daresalaam

Protea Hotel Amani Beach

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Situated on a glorious shoreline on the Tanzanian coast, south of Dar es Salaam, Amani Beach Club offers the opportunity for a holiday in paradise: luxurious yet relaxed, exotic but comfortable, here you can experience the beauty of nature whilst enjoying the comfort of first class accommodation, food and service.

There is a beach bar and restaurant next to the sports facilities, where scuba diving, water skiing and deep sea fishing can be arranged on request. The coral reef which lies offshore makes the bay a haven for safe swimming, wind surfing and snorkelling. Shoud you tire of strolling the endless white beach, walks within the 40 acres of indigenous woodlands, that lie beyond the sparkling swimming pool and tennis court, provide an ideal opportunity for ornithological enthusiasts to spot many rare and beautiful bird species. Other attractive destinations such as the

famous islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, or the largest game reserve in Africa, the Selous, are a short flight away from the site.

There are ten luxury double air-conditioned suites, each with a garden terrace facing the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The Swahili inspired buildings, including the lounge, dining and bar areas, are uniquely decorated with predominantly local and Pan African art pieces. A cool coastal and comfortable atmosphere prevails.

• Swimming pool
• Snorkelling
• Wind surfing
• Beach bar and restaurant
• Lounge, dining room and bar
• Tennis court
• Landing strip for light aircraft within walking distance
• 40 acres of woodland in which to walk
• 10 luxury double, air conditioned suites each with garden terrace facing ocean, en suite bathroom, television

Ras Kutani

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When travellers come to Ras Kutani they find that the pace of life slows right down. Guests come here to withdraw from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Set on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the sound of the waves is always with you.

You will stay in one of twelve bandas - thatched cottages - all of which have sea views. Little paths wind between the trees of the natural forest into which the resort has been built and lead you to your room. A large verandah has a comfy sofa and two hammocks in which to get down to some serious relaxation. A door leads to your large bedroom where there is a four-poster mosquito-netted bed. The floors are covered with palm matting made in the local village. Brightly coloured cloth, called Kanga, is used for curtains and bedcovers - a different pattern for each room gives the bandas their own individual character. Kitenge, a traditional fabric, in ochres, greens and browns with flashes of singing colour is also used. Jackie, who designs the decor, is concerned that the style should reflect local culture, be

appropriate to the place, and also provide work locally. There are many thoughtful touches: a folder in your room gives details of excursions, walks, plants and wildlife; a basket sits on the verandah ready packed with all you need to take to the beach (mats, towels, hats etc); and perhaps best of all there is a little flag which you may hoist on your verandah to call room service!

The beach is the raison d'κtre of Ras Kutani and life here revolves around it. There are bleached white sands, blue sea glittering in the sunshine, shady umbrellas, beach beds, staff to bring you refreshing drinks and a variety of watersports for those more active times. Kayaks and boogie boards are inclusive as is the snorkelling equipment, which is very popular for exploring the shipwreck just off the beach. Many guests like to take one of the planned walks which take you round the nearby lagoon, along deserted beaches, or to one of the local villages. There is no dress code and you may just throw on a sarong in order to wander in for the huge buffet lunch. Dinner is silver service, and the open sided restaurant ensures cool breezes and the sounds of the sea will accompany your elegant meal.

• Kayaks, boogie boards, windsurfing, laser sailing and snorkelling equipment inclusive
• All meals, laundry and airstrip transfers inclusive
• Boat trips to local reefs, for fishing or snorkelling available
• Game fishing available on seat in boat basis
• Scenic walks
• 12 bandas with private bathrooms
• 1 house with 2 bedrooms and central living room