Tag Archives: Luxury camps in Tanzania

Singita Faru Faru. Serengeti, Tanzania

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My heart is pounding, my eyes are peeled and the lens of my camera is shaking as the guide looks back at me with a smile, while the lioness pants to cool off after a kill.
Apparently I am lucky to witness this, but am I really? I am pancaked to the back of my seat and just happy I am not that baby warthog.

We had just landed at Singita’s private landing strip 10 minutes before. We were greeted by Adas (our guide for what will be the most exotic week of my life), got in our private Land Rover Puma and started driving to our first stop, Faru Faru Lodge.

Not even 5 minutes into the drive we saw a wildebeest, elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs and giraffes. It was quite the introduction to the African wildlife I should say.

Grumeti, the private conservation of Singita in the Serengeti, spans some 450,000 acres of untouched wilderness. It is world famous for its annual wildebeest migration, and the best part? Only Singita vehicles have access to it, so say goodbye to crowded safaris and say hello to your own personal spectacle.
Faru Faru Lodge is tucked away on the banks of the Grumeti River. It is barefoot luxury at its best, with the style and ambiance of Zanzibar island with patches of sand, umbrellas, sunbeds and swimming pools.

The lodge is conveniently located on a hill with a waterhole in front where elephants, zebras, lions, water bucks, zebras and giraffes drink and play out of. Needless to say, the view is spectacular.
The lodge has 6 identical tents scattered around the hill. The rooms have a whimsical mix of contemporary organic style with the traditional feel of an African camp. The room has a glass wall overlooking the waterhole that opens up with the press of a button, and allows you to become part of the wildlife.

The amenities are creative and chic. My favorite one was a sketch book with watercolors and colored pencils located on a desk overlooking the Serengeti. I am not creative, but I have to say I had the best time sketching zebras and elephants standing right outside my glass wall.

My daily routine was biscuits and coffee, early game drive, a hearty breakfast, pool time, a glass of rose, lunch in the tree house, nap, afternoon drive, long bath, outdoor shower, wine by the fire, a feast for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

No, I never want to leave.

Mnemba Island. Tanzania

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Beyond lodges all over the world are known for their 5-star quality and their 5-star management however, Mnemba Island Lodge gets 6 stars. With only 10 guest cottages, you know that anyone who is blessed enough to be able to stay there is going to be just like you, seeking luxury, privacy, and just a hint of adventure. This is a place where no other toys or gimmicks are needed, just the sapphire ocean, sugarcoated sand, and your significant other. If your dream is to play Robinson Crusoe in the most pampered way then Mnemba Island Lodge is the place for you.

Set on a private island off the northeast tip of Zanzibar, &Beyond Mnemba is an unpretentious paradise in it’s own league. The 10 palm-frond guest bandas are each situated directly on the beach for private (you may have one or two antelope come to visit) sunset views. The sea breeze keeps the bandas cool throughout the day and night, while the rooms are filled with soft, natural fabrics and traditional woodcarvings. Enjoy sunset and ocean views on your private barazas (swhili word for meeting place). That night, enjoy your own light show in the African moonlight while dinner is brought to you on the beach. The staff is uber-friendly and loves to join you at your meals for a drink or some fun conversation. This is something that is true throughout all of the &Beyond lodges, the staff is one-of-a-kind. They are the magic ingredients at Mnemba and their commitment to helping guests’ create long-lasting memories is so genuine.

A day in Mnemba goes a little something like this: at a pre-arranged time, morning tea and breakfast will be delivered right to your banda. One of the best aspects of the lodge is their quality of food. Guests rave about how fresh and delicious everything is for a small island off-coast. Breakfast is then followed by a leisurely walk on the beach or some casual snorkeling. After a brief lunch siesta it’s time to start diving! A short boat ride takes you out to the coral reefs, where you can explore the colorful marine life. If you happen to spot a pod of dolphins, jump right in and swim with these sociable sea creatures. When you get back from your dive, wash off the salt in your private glass beaded shower. Get excited for the succulent seafood dinner that awaits you when you are ready. My favorite thing about this lodge is its ability to make you feel relaxed but stimulated at the same time. If I could have another honeymoon this is where I would go!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.