Katambuga House

Arusha, Tanzania

Katambuga House is an intimate and quiet lodge with six rooms located on the outskirts of Arusha town. A clean, modern style is complemented with cheerful staff, delicious food and peaceful gardens. All rooms have covered verandas with chairs overlooking the grounds. Stepping stones lead you to the pool and outdoor seating area with views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second tallest mountain. Surrounded by coffee estates, Katambuga House is opposite Arusha airport and west of town, making it a convenient base for those heading off on safari by plane or by vehicle.

Kuro Tarangire

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Kuro Tarangire occupies an idyllic spot in the very heart of Tarangire National Park, near the Silale and Gursi swamps, which are a magnet for wildlife throughout the year.

There are just six tents, situated in the shade of acacia trees, and overlooking the plains and volcanoes in the distance. Each tent is airy and light, with double or twin beds, comfy bedding, solar lighting, a veranda, and en suite bathrooms with flush eco-toilets and bucket showers. The main mess area is open-sided to take in the views, and is made of canvas and grass thatch, comprising a cosy lounge area and dining room. Guests can enjoy game drives and night drives, as well as walking safaris, sundowners and bush picnics.

The Highlands

Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Tanzania

The Highlands perches high above the surrounding landscape at 2,710 metres (nearly 9,000 feet), an altitude that would take your breath away in the Alps or Rockies, and opens up an area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area that has hitherto been inaccessible. Its position an hour inside the park from the main gate on the slopes of the volcano Olmoti allows you to be down on the crater floor as the sun rises, beating any crowds. Not only does it give you privileged access to the Ngorongoro Crater itself, the area around the camp is well worth exploring because the nearest neighbouring place to stay is 40 minutes away so you can enjoy walks to Maasai villages and volcanic hiking in a landscape undisturbed by others.

The innovative tents are like giant pods, with huge windows in the style of fly eyes to take in the views. At this altitude nights are chilly so each tent has a wood burning stove and cosy throws and fabrics to keep you nice and warm. The main lounge's seating area is based around another huge woodburner which sets the mood right for relaxing and enjoying a drink or two before dinner.

Serengeti Safari Camp

Serengeti National Park , Tanzania

Staying at the Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp has the huge advantage of being in the best possible location for game viewing all year round. The camp moves around the Serengeti to be in the optimum position for the wildebeest migration according to the time of year.

Set up in a private campsite in a remote area of the Serengeti, the camp caters for a maximum of 12 guests at a time, ensuring a personal atmosphere. The large walk-in tents are dotted around the bush, whilst the main dining tent is delightful, with a large dining table inside, and walls that can be opened up to the surrounding bush.

There is also a lovely fire pit under a spreading acacia tree, the perfect place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink, whilst swapping tales of your day's game viewing. The tents are comfortably furnished and the en suite bathrooms have chemical toilets, washbasins and bucket showers (plenty of hot water is provided).