Trip details

This mid-sized, short-stay lodge is set on the banks of the Usa River, just east of Arusha town. On a clear day, travellers staying at this large property can see distant Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from the inn and its lovely, colour-filled gardens. Accommodation is in cottages of varying sizes, their interiors furnished simply but stylishly. There's plenty to do at Rivertrees and lots to explore in the area, although you have to book early so as not to miss out.

For those inclined toward adventure, with Arusha National Park, Mt Meru and Lake Duluti all within easy reach, there is plenty to do, while the birdlife at the lodge can proffer an afternoon of peaceful pottering for those more inclined toward relaxation.

Leaving behind the herds of inquisitive travellers during the Great Migration is no small feat - and that’s where Namiri Plains comes into its own. Open year round, this sophisticated hideaway sits in a secluded section of the eastern Serengeti with not another camp or tourist in sight. And now, five years after the original camp was opened, it’s been given a stylish overhaul – think seamlessly-moulded calcrete rooms, a natural and perfectly soothing colour palette, and fabulous alfresco bathtubs. Truly the perfect spot from which to watch the Great Migration and the infamous big cats of the region without compromising on privacy and authenticity.

Namiri Plains is positioned along the Ngare Nanyuki River in the eastern Serengeti. The vast grassland plains are mostly open, aside from the occasional acacia tree. The hard calcrete layer beneath the topsoil prevents many trees or shrubs from growing here.

The short grass of this area makes it popular with cheetahs, who can more easily chase down their prey. It is particularly gratifying to see cheetahs here, as this part of the Serengeti was closed for around 20 years to allow the population to recover. It’s now a haven for these big cats, as well as lions and a few leopards.

The migration heads toward Namiri between October and May. During this period, you may see the plains covered in wildebeest, gathered here to feast on the lush grass.

With two rather lovely camps in Ruaha under their belts, the clever chaps at Asilia Africa have expanded to the Nyerere National Park ('The Selous'). Combining Nyerere and Ruaha make an excellent combination in Tanzania’s slightly more off-the-beaten track southern circuit, and this spangly camp is as good as ever. It’s in a waterside spot in one of the best game-viewing areas in the reserve and you can expect funky, stretch-canvas tents, all with views out to pods of harrumphing hippos, a good array of water- and land-based activities and a healthy dose of that genuine Asilia charm. Sounds good to us!

The best time for game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, when animals are at their most active. Depending on the season, your day may start slightly earlier or later.

Take a Morning Drive and get close to large herbivores and predators in a 7 seater.The afternoon is time to rest. Read a book, take a dip in the pool or have a siesta. Refuel with afternoon tea before heading out on to the lake, where you can sip a G&T onboard our boat. Round off the perfect day with drinks around the campfire and a leisurely dinner.

One of the things that separates Nyerere from other major Tanzanian parks is its boating safaris. From a safe distance, float past crocodiles on the sandbanks and hippos in the shallows, watching elephants come down to drink and birds nesting on the islands.

Combine a boat safari with a spot of fishing. The rivers hold a good population of tiger fish and various types of catfish.

The bigger sister of Kwihala Camp just down the road, Jabali is one of Ruaha's most sophisticated offerings. Taking inspiration from the heart-stoppingly beautiful Ruaha landscape of baobabs, palms and rippling kopjes, architect Nick Plewman and designer Caline Williams have waved goodbye to everything you ever imagined a safari camp should be. The result is a stylish haven of sultry, earthy colours, open spaces and smooth lines (and not one single piece of canvas). There's nowhere quite like Jabali Ridge – form an orderly queue!

Ruaha’s dramatic terrain is famous for predators and home to good numbers of lion, leopard and wild dog. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are common and there are plenty of antelope around too. The best way to see them all is on a game drive, and 4x4 safaris depart in the early morning and afternoon. You’ll cover vast swathes of land to find the best sightings – and there are few other vehicles to disturb you. In some places, night drives can be done and offer a thrilling chance to spot nocturnal predators and night-time escapades.

Ruaha is one of the best destinations in Tanzania for a walking safari. Guides here are exceptionally well-trained and will lead you on gentle strolls to sniff out smaller flora and fauna, and longer, big-game expeditions. Walking safaris take place in the cooler morning temperatures, although afternoon walks may be possible. And if you’ve got any time left, hot air balloon safaris can be found at a select few lodges – just be prepared for the early morning wake-up!