East Africa’s Wildlife: Wildebeest & Whale Sharks

Unwind at Manzili House, a tranquil retreat, nestled in Nairobi's serene suburb of Karen. Inspired by the Swahili architecture of Lamu, this intimate haven exudes charm and sophistication. Each meticulously designed room features a private veranda and en-suite bathroom, for complete comfort and privacy. Relax by the lush courtyard pool or head up to the shaded roof terrace for picturesque sundowners. With a cosy lounge overlooking the courtyard and a fully equipped kitchen, Manzili House offers exclusivity and serenity for families or groups of up to eight guests. Enjoy a delightful breakfast each morning to start your day right. Explore nearby attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park, then return to Manzili House to unwind in your own private haven. Insider's Tip: Don't miss the chance to explore the unique blend of culture and nature in Karen, from historical landmarks to wildlife encounters.

Located in the heart of the Mara Triangle, one of the most wildlife-rich and visually arresting areas of the greater Masai Mara National Reserve, Wilderness Mara offers guests unrivalled access to both sides of the Mara River. This unique position provides access to a rich diversity of habitats while ensuring fewer crowds and deeper, more meaningful wildlife encounters. Here, 12 elegantly appointed tented suites are set along the edge of a seasonal marsh, designed to immerse you in the surrounds. Each canvas suite features an indoor and outdoor shower, and an elevated private deck to maximise the views filled with wildlife and birds. A family unit is also available for those travelling with children. There is also a full suite of amenities, from a serene spa and well-equipped gym, to an in-camp photographic studio designed to help relive and retell the day’s wildest moments. INSIDER'S TIP: Wilderness Mara is the only camp that allows guests across to both sides of the Mara River, opening up more space, more wildlife, and fewer crowds.

Imagine endless horizons, skies stretching over the grassland as far as the eye can see … Every species in the Serengeti lives in perfect harmony with the one beside it. It is this balance, ‘usawa’ in Kiswahili, that ensures this phenomenal ecosystem functions in perfect symbiosis. In northern Tanzania, Africa’s greatest spectacle unfolds. Two million wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and other migratory animals graze, breed, and birth on the Serengeti’s plains; following the rains, moving as one. Prides of lion split the herds, taking down wildebeest and zebra. Cheetah chase down and tyre out gazelles while crocodiles prey on the brave; those who dare to cross the rivers first. This scale of wildlife, of predator-prey interaction is found nowhere else on Earth. Far from the crowds, Wilderness Usawa Serengeti's mobile camps are strategically located, moving to areas where the herds are as they follow the rain. With a number of sites available, positioned as close as is feasible to the action, in luxurious safari tents that leave no impact on the plains. Insider's Tip: Pack your walking shoes. All Wilderness Usawa Serengeti sites are positioned within designated walking zones, allowing walking safaris to begin right from camp.

Fanjove is its own world. The smallest island in the Songo Songo Archipelago, it sits off the southern Tanzanian coast beneath the gaze of a 19th-century German-built lighthouse. The beach is a curve of white sand, lapped by water so clear it’s hard to judge the depth. Villas here are built from local materials throughout: teak flooring from Tanzanian plantations, walls in coral stone, makuti roofs, and doors carved by Zanzibar craftsmen. The Beach Villas sit at the water's edge with direct sand access, while the Coral Villas perch above the reef, perfectly angled for the sunset. Family Villas accommodate parents and children in separate rooms, and the singular Villa N°16 occupies its own category entirely, tucked between coral rocks with a private beach that appears and disappears with the tide. The water is the main event here. Dive or snorkel 11km of intact reef, join a marine safari in search of spinner and bottlenose dolphins, or time a visit between October and March for the chance to swim with whale sharks off nearby Mafia Island. Back on the island, a traditional dhow sets sail at dusk, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani are a short boat ride away for those who want a peek into the history of the Swahili coast. Insider's Tip: Breakfast and lunch are served on the terrace of the lighthouse itself, where the setting adds a sublime layer of flavour to your meals.