8 Days Elewana Discovery

The aptly named Arusha Coffee Lodge lies hidden amongst the sprawling grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, set below the rugged peaks of Mt Meru. Guests can unwind in one of the lodge’s exclusive Plantation Suites, which each boast a romantic four-poster bed draped in Egyptian cotton linen, a split-level sitting area, ensuite bathroom, an open fireplace, a personal bar and a private veranda that looks out onto rows and rows of berry-laden coffee bushes.

Guests can enjoy scrumptious meals in the Coffee Lodge lounge or sip on their favourite drinks in the bar area. A boutique store, swimming pool and garden terrace add to guest delight. Other adventures include a tour of the Shanga social enterprise as well as visits to the Museum of Natural History, the Maasai market on Faya Road and the Tanzanite Experience. A game drive in Arusha National Park, accompanied by a delicious picnic lunch, makes for a wonderful outing.

Tarangire Treetops sits secluded in a private game reserve bordering Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe. It offers spectacular views of Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro and the beautiful Rift Valley wall. Distinctively furnished, blending natural materials and modern décor, the 20 treehouses provide magnificent views from expansive private balconies. Sumptuous suites each boast an ensuite bathroom (with a double shower), a private balcony, ceiling fans and ample mosquito netting.

The guest areas in the Main Lodge, which is built around a thousand-year-old baobab tree, include a superb restaurant, bar, an inviting swimming pool (which overlooks a nearby watering hole) and a boutique store for guests’ convenience. Adventures include morning and evening game drives, informative bush walks and visits to a nearby Maasai village. Romantic bush meals and sundowners can also be arranged.

Reminiscent of a country farm and boasting quaint Cape Dutch-style architecture, The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater lies within the Shangri-La estate, surrounded by lush gardens. Harking back in time to a grander age, the ten luxurious family friendly cottages blend East African hospitality with colonial European architecture and décor. Intimate and private, the cottages boast ensuite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and private decks that maximise the magnificent views.

Meals are sumptuous affairs to be savoured in the formal dining room, the dining conservatory or privately in the guest cottages. African-inspired fare is complemented by a selection of fine wine from the manor’s own cellar. Guests can relax and unwind in the sauna and steam room, try their hand in the snooker room or read one of the many books from the library whilst lounging in front of a cosy fireplace, a great place for the family to play board games. Fun family adventures include excursions to Lake Manyara and Olduvai Gorge, visits to a Masai Market, guided estate walks and leisurely bicycle trails along the Ngorongoro Crater.

The Serengeti Migration Camp is hidden amongst rocky outcrops in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is rich in game throughout the year and provides the stage for the world’s largest animal migration, when up to 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their way north into Kenya’s Masai Mara.

You can explore this spectacular area on game drives in specially designed 4×4 vehicles, and on bush walks conducted by armed, highly trained and knowledgeable guides. Between game viewing activities you can take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy a sundowner on the deck.

The split level lounge, cigar bar, restaurant, sundecks and swimming pool are perched among the outcrops and overlook the vast and rugged landscape. The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate an extra bed for a child and high chairs and cots are also available, making Serengeti Migration Camp well equipped for families with children.