ENCHANTING EAST AFRICA

1. Giraffe Manor

Kenya, Nairobi

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel set in 12 acres of private land within an indigenous forest in Nairobi. Enveloped in history like the foliage creeping over its brickwork, the stately manor is reminiscent of 1930s grandeur, with lush gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards. The elegant bedrooms, each with its own distinct personality, feature large four poster beds, antique furnishing, striking art decor and spacious bathrooms. The highlight at Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild giraffe, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Breakfast is served in the sun room with the enormous windows flung open to welcome giraffes to join you. Dinner is a cozy affair in the wood paneled dining room or at your own table on the terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available and complimentary chauffeured vehicles for sightseeing.

2. Sala's Camp

Kenya, Masai Mara

Sala’s Camp is a tented camp that combines tradition with comfort and understated luxury. Situated in the southern corner of Kenya’s mighty Maasai Mara Game Reserve close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekerok Rivers, it is an idyllic area that attracts teeming wildlife. The camp interiors are elegant and comfortable.  All rooms have olive-wood beds and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, running water and flushing toilets.  You will find white toweling robes, a torch and other thoughtful touches. The electricity is solar-powered and there is a standby generator for refrigeration and charging devices.  Outside, you can relax in your hammock and watch the sun go down over the Mara.  Return to camp for sundowners by the campfire before dinner with fellow guests on a long dining table beneath the stars.  The home cooked cuisine, fun evening sundowners, and candle-lit dinners served under the stars combined make your stay a unique and personal experience.

3. Roving Bushtops

Tanzania, Serengeti National Park

Roving Bushtops is a semi-permanent camp situated in the heart of the Central Serengeti. Although, designed as a mobile safari camp, Roving Bushtops mirrors the exceptional standards of its sister properties, with absolutely no compromise on indulgence. Each of the tents is packed into an extraordinary mobile unit called the Rover, a “box on wheels”, and towed to its location, where a team of six convert the Rover into a fully-functioning luxury tent. Accommodation boasts 1033 square feet of wooden decking, a sunken hot tub with sun loungers, king size bed, shower and flushing toilet, bath, vanity basin, hairdryers and mini-fridge. Other amenities include a writing desk, secure safe for your valuables and permanent 220v AC power and complimentary Wi-Fi.  Due to the remote location, both wireless and mobile phone connections can be slow and intermittent. The central mess tent provides a haven of sumptuous cuisine, set against the compelling beauty of the Serengeti. Alternatively, guests can choose to dine in the privacy of their own tent or under the stars!  With a campfire glowing outside, watch the sun sink over the vast Serengeti plains. Roving Bushtops is not fenced off, and has direct access to wildlife and the Bush.

4. Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

Tanzania, Zanzibar

Kilindi Zanzibar is a luxury, boutique retreat set in a picturesque tropical garden with a secluded beachfront. The eastern-inspired domed pavilion suites are private sanctuaries with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Each villa opens out onto a personal plunge pool flanked by sunbeds on a private verandah. Adjoined by a walk way, the luxurious bathroom boasts a refreshing rainfall shower. All the villas are served by a dedicated butler. Designed to evoke the “back-to- nature” feel, with wide windows and an open-faced design to capture the ocean breezes, Kilindi captures intimate 'barefoot' appeal. Explore the hidden secrets of the island or relax in the infinity pool watching the dhows head out to sea. The delightful spa offers an extensive array of treatments to satisfy you from head to toe.