Wayo Lake Manyara Green Camp

There's not much to the main area. The open riverbed in front of the kitchen and mess tent forms the centre of camp – it's where meals are served and drinks are enjoyed around a campfire. However, the lack of physical comforts and luxuries are more than offset by the excellent service. The three-course meals are homemade and hearty, and drinks always cold. Lounging on a picnic blanket while watching an elephant drinking at a river pool has its own rare luxury.

Eight bell-style tents are tucked into the forest and scattered along the edge of the riverbed. The tents are simple but well-equipped with comfortable beds and mattresses, crisp white linens, luggage racks, solar-powered lights and running water. Attached to the rear of each tent is a spacious bathroom with a hot-water shower, toilet and basin. A few canvas chairs and a table are placed in the shade, overlooking the riverbed where you can curl up with a book from the library.