Written By: Edward Lyimo, Owner of Pristine Trails
The last few months have seen most of the world’s population sheltering (quarantined) at home. While I’ve been relishing this time with my family, I’ve also been dreaming of days relaxing at some of the most unique and special properties Tanzania has to offer, in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. I’ve compiled the short list below of some of these places. Let’s daydream together and think about future days when traveling can resume again!
Lake Natron Camp | Lake Natron
This unique camp is set in the visually dramatic landscape of Lake Natron, home to Maasai, plenty of wildlife and one million flamingoes. Lake Natron sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, home to hominid foot prints, Mt. Oldoinyo Lengai and the largest breeding ground for lesser flamingo.
The camp is arguably Tanzania’s most ecologically sensitive camp, designed to be 100% removable with a three-month return to natural state. It boasts ten spacious guest tents cleverly disguised under camouflaged netting. The tents have a porch, bedroom furnished with a king-sized bed and Egyptian linens and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco-toilet. Private paths lead from each tent to the natural swimming pool, a spring-fed stream.
From the dining area, you can enjoy a 360° view – look north to the lake where thousands of flamingoes come to breed, or south where Mt. Oldonyo Lengai dominates the landscape. To the west, watch the sun set over the Masonic mountain above the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Relax in the Bedouin style furniture watching the world go by during the day, gazing at the star-filled skies by night.
The Golf Safari House | Arusha outskirts
A boutique 10-bedroom hotel, this spot is found on the Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate, home to Tanzania’s number one championship golf course, nestled in a wildlife crescent away from the bustle of tourists and Arusha town.
Whether you are into sports, relaxation or conservation, there is an experience just waiting for you to explore. Ask the manager to transfer you to the Polo Club or Golf Club for a sundowner and to take in the breathtaking views of Mounts Kilimanjaro and Meru. Alternatively, head out on a horseback ride through the estate or play a round of 18 holes before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
Nyumbani Collection | Central Serengeti
An intimate, luxury, mobile tented camp located in a beautiful corner of one of the most magnificent wildlife areas, the Serengeti. Accommodation under canvas at this camp is simply charming. With only 8 luxury tents, it evokes the thrill of old-world explorers with simple modern luxuries. The camp is built around a kopje, rock outcrops which dot the Serengeti plains (think Pride Rock from Disney’s classic The Lion King).
Each spacious tent offers its own indoor sitting area where you are invited to lounge between game drives throughout the day and gaze at the starry sky at night. Elegant furnishings have been chosen from custom Indian rugs, crisp linens, cozy duvets and bathrobes and include eco-friendly reclaimed wood crafted by local artisans and carpenters. Also enjoy running water (no bucket showers here!), some of the best quality food in the Serengeti, and the sound of lions roaring in the distance.
Gibbs Farm | Karatu
This charming lodge is located on the southern boundary of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It was one of the first guest houses in northern Tanzania, established in the 1900s as a coffee plantation by a German Duke. Founders James and Margaret Gibbs bought it after World War II and established the farm in the 70s.
Each of the farm’s one-bedroom cottages imparts a sense of wellbeing and tranquility within a warm rustic inn environment. Famed for their outdoor showers, each cottage has recently been refurbished with some modern charm.
The organic farm to table experience inspires the senses and ignites the soul. Fresh fruit and herbs are picked from the organic garden, dairy sourced from the farm’s own cows. Start the day with organic Arabica coffee roasted right on the farm with a hearty farm breakfast. Lunch is a smorgasbord of organic dishes. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner while sharing stories of the day. Choose to embark on any number of activities the farm has to offer, or unwind with a choice of revitalizing wellness treatments that refresh the body and mind, such as the Olkaria clay paint. A stop at Gibbs Farm is a perfect respite between days out in the bush.
Singita Serengeti House | West Serengeti
This private African home is nestled on Saskwa Hill amidst 350,000 acres of private wilderness and exquisite stillness. It is designed exclusively for families and private groups looking for tranquility, offering guests sophisticated safari living in a home of your own. This protected area is home to an abundant wildlife population such as giraffe, eland, hartebeest and ever-present predators. Located on a wedge of land along the perennial Grumeti River, Singita offers some of the best game viewing on earth, the river serving as a setting for the annual wildebeest crossing and the crocodiles that wait for them on its wooded banks.
Mawimbi Villa | Pangani
This luxury hideaway is set against the backdrop of magical Ushongo Bay. The remote nature of this location means a chance to relax on one of the world’s best secret beaches. The bay and surrounding reefs are untainted by mass tourism, remaining in pristine condition. Maziwe Marine Reserve boasts some of the world’s best-preserved coral and a range of underwater critters can be spotted.
Mawimbi is deliberately laid back to ensure ultimate relaxation, delivering some of the best cuisine in Tanzania. This awesome villa has been brought to life by local artisans whose wares deliver the wow effect; linens, crockery and furniture are sourced from local organizations directly employing underserved communities like the disabled (Neema Crafts) and rural women (WomenCraft).
