Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, straddling the border of Kenya and Tanzania, is Africa's highest mountain, and for many people it is a lifetime ambition to ascend to its dramatic summit. There are several routes to the summit. We recommend the popular Marangu route. You can combine the ascent with a Tanzania or Kenya safari, or a stay at an Indian Ocean beach resort.

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The ascent and descent from your base at the comfortable Springland Hotel in Moshi takes in all 6 days, with 5 nights spent in very basic huts on the mountain. After about 4 to 5 hours’ walk, your first night is spent at the Mandara Hut at 2,700 metres.A little more walking (about 7 hours) next day through forest and around the base of the Maundi Crater into moorland habitat. Spend 2 nights at the Horombo Hut (3,720m). This extra day at Horombo Hut is for acclimatisation; you can take a round trip hike of about 4 - 5 hours towards the Mawenzi hut to stretch your legs on this day. Mist and vegetation disappear as you pass the last water and near the lunar landscape between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut is reached in 6 - 7 hours walking (4,700m). A midnight departure takes you on the final ascent through scree and snow to the top of Kibo. By daybreak, you should reach Gillman’s point on the Crater rim. Time,weather and stamina permitting, you should continue for about 45 minutes of easier hiking to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After a rapid descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, you descend to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay (3,720m). Next morning comes the long walk down to the Park Headquarters at Marangu Gate,where you are awarded an official Climbing Certificate by Tanzanian Guides. Continue to the Springland Hotel for a well-earned hot bath and overnight stay.

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The flood plains and forests of Katavi National Park have long been one of Africa’s hidden treasures. Occupying the remote boundaries of Tanzania’s western fringes it regularly receives less than 100 visitors a year, yet can boast some of the greatest concentrations of buffalo and hippo in the country. The end of the long dry season presents an unrivalled insight into the lives and rituals of hippos, which gather in large numbers around the diminishing rivers.

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Remote and beautiful, Mahale is located along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Accessible only by boat or plane, it is sandwiched between the clear waters of the lake and the distant mountains, presenting a rich landscape of lush forested hills that are home to the Primate Protection Programme, offering one of the best opportunities for some spectacular encounters with chimpanzees, Mahale is a unique experience.

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Decorated throughout in traditional style, this award winning resort is located on the pristine beaches of the east coast, amidst a verdant landscape of lush gardens. Its 70 rooms offer a variety of accommodation, each room exquisitely decorated in shades of ivory, with teak wood finishes and hand carved furnishings. Fine dining and indulgent relaxation are afforded by a superb selection of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.

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Located on an exclusive island, just off the north east coast of Zanzibar, this stunning lodge is surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Renowned as one of the most romantic destinations on earth, this luxurious property offers 10 sumptuous and secluded beachside bandas, with en suite facilities, spacious verandas and traditional handmade furnishings that afford opulent exclusivity and spectacular ocean views amidst a beautiful tropical beach forest landscape.

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Built into the rim of the dormant volcano, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built with native stone, covered in ivy and plants. Most of the 75 air-conditioned guestrooms have a private terrace with uninterrupted views of the crater floor, and ensuite facilities. Rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Masai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs. The split-level dining and bar area features a two-tier wall of windows looking down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below, a traditional circular fireside meeting area, and a recurrent motif of massive 'prehistoric' cave paintings, stone-studded walls, Masai spears and blazing wall lamps. The menu choices include traditional Masai fare, long-time safari favourites and internationally themed menus alike.

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Remote in the extreme, accessible only by air and a boat transfer along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this camp is a spectacular and exclusive retreat in the very heart of some of Africa’s most pristine landscapes. The camp offers 10 tented bandas, built on wooden platforms and featuring en suite showers, solar power and large balconies that overlook the lake and beach. A uniquely constructed dining area affords great views of the distant mountains.

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Located on an expanse of beautiful beach wilderness on the northern tip of Zanzibar, and protected by a coral reef, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is an ideal setting for relaxation. The hotel offers water sport activities including an on-site dive centre.All 32 rooms are tastefully furnished, with hand-crafted four-poster beds and indigenous décor, and all have ensuite facilities and balconies. Mosquito nets over all beds ensure a peaceful night's sleep, with the sound of the ocean rounding off a relaxing day in paradise. Pool, table tennis, darts, board games (including Bau, a Zanzibarian favourite) and a TV room are available to hotel guests. Mountain bikes can be hired to explore the hotel's environs, or you may just want to take long strolls along the unspoilt beach.

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Set within 30 acres of landscaped gardens, this oceanfront hotel is situated on Zanzibar’s north east coast, offering magnificent views across the Indian Ocean. Using only native materials the hotel offers 117 rooms, villas and suites, all with their own private terrace or balcony, large bathrooms and expansive living areas. Two excellent restaurants, a range of spa treatments and a complete fitness centre ensure the ultimate in indulgent luxury.

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Stone Town’s idyllic waterfront offers the perfect location for this spectacular hotel, affording a unique balance of tranquil opulence and exotic atmosphere amidst Zanzibar’s historic capital. Decorated throughout in traditional Swahili designs, each of its rooms are superbly appointed, with elegant touches, modern facilities that ensures the very best in comfort and luxury, all set against a backdrop of lapping waves and lateen-sailed dhows.

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