Tanzania

Spectacular Tanzania

The annual movement of wildebeest across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world. Originating on Tanzania’s short grass plains of the south eastern Serengeti, the dwindling of the available grass is the impetus for this primal trek. Tanzania has unparalleled wildlife and abundant natural resources, and is probably the most biodiverse nation on mainland Africa. With spectacular landscapes, Tanzania encompasses the continent’s highest point—Mt. Kilimanjaro—and its deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania provides habitat for concentrations of large herbivores, various carnivores, rare birds and amphibians, and unique wild orchids.

Lake Manyara

A shallow alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley which is a scenic gem, offering breathtaking views , tree climbing lions, elephants and incredible bird life.

Tarangire

Tarangire is a popular stop en route to Ngorogoro and the Serengeti. Activities at Tarangire include twice daily game drives, Maasai village tours, nature walks and night safaris. The Tarangire ecosystem is most famous for its enormous elephant herds and tree-climbing lions.

The Serengeti

The world’s largest National Park and is famous for the largest migration of mammals on earth. Serengeti is renowned for its abundance of leopard and lion.

Ngorogoro

Ngorogoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago whose cone collapsed, leaving a crater. Its spectacular setting and abundance of wildlife make it the 8th wonder of the natural world.

Greystoke Mahale - Western Tanzania

There are few places left on earth that might rightfully be called Eden, and the Mahale Mountains, in western Tanzania, is one of them. On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, below a huge tropical forest, lies the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale Camp. This is one of the finest camps in Africa. There are no roads in the park and you access the lodges by dhow along Lake Tanganika. Greystoke Camp is one of the last outposts of true pristine African Wilderness!

The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. Mahale is home to the ‘M’ Clan of chimpanzees which are a habitualised clan of wild Chimpanzees which are protected in this incredible national park. Within hiking distance is one such group of sixty. A trek through the rainforest takes you to Mahale’s chimpanzees, as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. There are few natural environments more seductive than Mahale National Park, and there is no place on earth better to watch wild chimpanzees. It is beautiful and unspoilt. Tropical mountains rise from pale sand beaches of Lake Tanganyika to 7500 feet. It’s not all about chimps though – Mahale’s forests, beaches and the lake are an outstanding attraction in their own right. Lake Tanganyika contains around 350 species of fish and it’s estimated that there’re probably around 500 different cichlid species mostly endemic and mostly yet to be classified. With safe and bilharzia-free crystal clear waters, this is a snorkelling paradise. Kayaking and dhow fishing are regular afternoon pursuits. Mahale has around 237 birds, of which a good dozen set most twitching eyes alight. The park also has 8 other primates and is a good spot for forest species including warthog, wild pig, antelope and leopard (the latter rarely seen but regularly heard around Greystoke).

ZANZIBAR- The Spice Island

Zanzibar is a collection of islands off the coast of Tanzania. The Zanzibar archipelago is set in the Indian Ocean and is made up of the larger islands of Pemba and Unguja (also called Zanzibar Island).

Zanzibar is also known as the ‘Spice Island’ due to the delicious variety of spices grown there. The island’s capital of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, boasts a labyrinth of winding alleys, bustling marketplaces, beautifully carved wooden doors, breathtaking mosques and grand Arab residences. Stone Town is claimed to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar is Mnemba Island – an idyllic private island featuring luxurious accommodation, breathtaking scenery and rich marine diversity.

MNEMBA ISLAND off ZANZIBAR

Located 4.5 kilometres off the North eastern tip of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is an award winning, tiny dream island that will leave you feeling like it is almost entirely and exclusively yours. Its sandy shores, regarded as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, are surrounded by a rich and colourful reef brimming with fish, little and large – dolphins, barracuda and tuna are often seen along with a stunning range of reef dwelling fish. At the island’s centre is a cool pine forest and one of the world’s finest beach hotels. This stunning natural island setting is home to Mnemba, a multi award winning beach lodge. Designed to provide the perfect balance of wild beauty and comfort, Mnemba has won numerous awards from the world’s most romantic beach destination to best hotel on the planet.

Ten simple yet very high quality beach ‘bandas’ epitomise the term ‘barefoot luxury’ and provide the perfect place to escape the African sun in the heat of the day or to have a private dinner in the evening. Private butler service means that your every need is catered for. Dining is always candlelit outdoors whenever weather permits with the cool waters lapping nearby. The seafood and fresh fish dinners here are legendary – all the more delicious with feet in sand and a glass of chilled wine in hand. Soul of Africa SafarisA haven for no more than 20 guests at a time, as well as a team of warm hospitable staff that inhabit this island, Mnemba is a private island with this very sole purpose – to make you feel as if you have fallen off the edge of the world and landed in your very own paradise. Here luxury is defined by the paradise you wish to create. Whether your perfect island getaway is blissful solitude soaking up the sun or curling up beneath a thatch umbrella reading one of the lodge’s library books, diving with dolphins, snorkelling around the Mnemba reef, massages in your very own beach day bed, sleeping in until the fresh ocean air lures you out onto the impossibly luxurious coral beach sands or sailing in a dhow sipping delicious cocktails, Mnemba has a little inspiration in every corner to tempt you to create your very own Robinson Crusoe paradise island story. Totally secluded, intimate and private, guests are able to indulge their castaway island fantasies on this dreamy holiday island. Explore the barefoot paradise that is Mnemba Island, Zanzibar.

The island is part of a coral atoll formation once thought to be the remnant of a larger volcanic island and serves as home to some extraordinary marine life. Discover vibrant ecosystems and explore the coral gardens and reef drop-offs where an incredible variety of reef fish swim. Schools of dolphins frequently play in these warm waters and the gentle sea turtles may even decide to join you as you discover the depths of the Indian Ocean. For those wanting to take it easy, snorkelling around the island offers our guests a memorable experience, with boats and snorkelling guides available to take guests to more remote reefs. The lodge runs a professional dive school and traditional wooden dhows from which to explore the warm clear waters and coral reefs. Both snorkelling and scuba diving equipment are provided at no extra cost. More than 430 species of reef fish have been recorded on the Mnemba Reef, a mere two minute swim from the beach. The island’s natural attractions are added to by other activities on the island: diving and snorkelling expeditions, watersports, sunset cruises and fishing trips are all included. Guests return to the island to enjoy feasts of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood all fabulously prepared and presented by some of Africa’s finest chefs.
The island is also a nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Green turtle nesting season is year-round with a seasonal peak in February and March and something truly wonderful to witness. The ocean depths around Mnemba are a fisherman’s paradise, with game fish species such as barracuda, tuna, mackerel, kingfish, sailfish and marlin frequently encountered. Fly-fishing enthusiasts can fish directly off the island’s beaches, while deep sea fishing can be arranged at an extra cost. Mnemba follows a policy of catch and release. From those wanting a little more exercise, kayaking and windsurfing off Mnemba’s white coral beaches are both available for guests. Spice Island tours on Zanzibar can be organised from the Island, and massage treatments are available at an additional cost.