Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day

Nestled under rustling palms on the lakeshore, the traditional, simple Lake Manze Camp is where wildlife comes to you. Shaded by doum and barossa palms framing views of tranquil Lake Manze, the camp is dissected by wildlife trails. Giraffe amble past 12 simple tents, watched from private, shaded verandas. Elephant browse cheek by jowl with visitors dining in the main thatched building. Genet cats join guests for a sociable dinner under the stars.

Billed as an adventure camp with an eco-conscious outlook, Lake Manze offers just the safari essentials. The ambience is relaxed, warm and welcoming. Paraffin lamps replace electricity to enhance the balmy night. The tents, with rustic but colourful décor, are uncluttered and comfortable. En-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are open air. Meals are simple but tasty, with vegetarian lunches a nod towards balancing the environmental cost of livestock farming.

Experiences concentrate on wildlife encounters and the environment. Safari drives led by a personable guide and a driver take in open plains, lakeside and woodland settings, and are usually limited to four guests. A boat safari is a must, the quiet, solar-powered craft gliding gently by wildlife without startling it.

"A beautiful lodge on the edge of the lake. "

Mrs C.fromBristol

Arrived 8 Feb 2023, 4 nights

No frills means a sandy floor in the main area, candlelit rooms and instant coffee, yet the convivial atmosphere and wilderness setting make a visit to Lake Manze a romantic and magical experience. See our full report on Lake Manze Adventure Camp

Out in the wilds, focused on the wildlife: this is the ethos at Mdonya Old River Camp. With none of the frills of many contemporary camps, it’s a refreshing approach that puts the heart back into a safari.

For starters, the setting – in the heart of Ruaha National Park – gives Mdonya the sheer luxury of space. Simple but airy walk-in tents are sheltered beneath acacia trees, helping to keep them cool without the aid of fans or air con. Candles take the place of electric lights – albeit with a torch on hand should the matches fail to materialise in the dark!

Yet even here there is space for creature comforts, from large comfy beds and hot water aplenty for the en-suite showers, to deckchairs on the veranda to take in the sights and sounds of the bush.

Open-sided tents host the lounge and dining areas, their décor enhanced by natural artefacts: bits of gnarled wood here; a softly furled feather there. Colourful fabrics adorn sofas and chairs whose comfort takes precedence over style.

While animals do find their way into camp, most are spotted on game drives in open-topped 4WDs, with a driver and guide checking for wildlife all the way.

"I had the most brilliant time"

Ms J.fromPetersfield

Arrived 18 Jun 2022, 3 nights

In the evening, a campfire invites pre-dinner conversation to mull over the day’s sightings, before dinner around long wooden tables, usually laid out under the stars by the light of storm lanterns. See our full report on Mdonya Old River Camp