Turaco 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.

"Great opportunities to get close to wildlife...An unforgettable trip!"

Steve HfromCumbria

Arrived 20 Feb 2024, 7 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.

"A fantastic tented camp"

P&HfromLondon

Arrived 18 Sep 2022, 4 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

Tucked in a maze of quintessentially narrow Stone Town streets, Zanzibar Coffee House is a delightfully unpretentious haven. Once the lavish home of one of Zanzibar’s richest merchants, Zanzibar Coffee House has lost no charm. Wonderfully low-key and atmospheric, it’s one of the friendliest spots in Stone Town and excellent value.

The bijoux hotel sits above Stone Town’s finest coffee shop and the enticing aroma of roasting beans permeates the entire hotel and sends welcoming wafts outside. All the coffee comes from the owner's fair-trade estates in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, and the prize-winning baristas roast, grind and concoct creamy cappuccinos and blissful iced coffees every day.

This wonderful café buzzes with an eclectic mix of locals, tourists and expats making it a lovely place to relax between sightseeing. Upstairs, eight, well-proportioned guest rooms are modestly furnished and decorated in traditional Swahili style: polished concrete floors, four-poster beds and antique lamps. There are few modern hotel facilities: no phones, no television (there is Wi-fi) and no pool. However, all of these are within easy reach if you need them.

"Without a doubt the most beautiful room we have ever stayed in. A perfect base"

Mr & Mrs DfromHampshire

Arrived 13 Sep 2019, 1 night

The lack of commercial touches lend a laid-back air: this is a place to immerse yourself in the city. And for that, the rooftop terrace offers simply fantastic views. See our full report on Zanzibar Coffee House

Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel was formerly known as Matemwe Beach Village. The property was extensively renovated and is under new management since re-opening in 2019.

"Wonderful in all respects."

FRfromAustralia

Arrived 19 Jun 2023, 4 nights

We are excited to see that this property has been completely renovated and is under new management. The new, energetic managers have been working hard to showcase the vastly improved property. Zanzibar Pearl offers a welcoming beachside lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach and friendly service make it superb value - a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price. See our full report on Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel