Red Colobus Monkey Safari: Day-by-day

Small, stylish and owner-run, Ikuka Safari Camp sits in a prime position high on the escarpment in Ruaha National Park. From this superb vantage point, every part of the lodge looks out over the plains below, just 20 minutes from the park’s best game-viewing areas.

The hand of an experienced architect is clear from the outset. Neutral colours, from soft cream curtains to toning bed linen, combine with natural materials to instil a sense of both calm and sophistication.

Plenty of thought has gone into the setting of the seven open-sided rooms, which face either the sunrise or the sunset. Low quartz stone walls and large balconies make the most of the views, while high thatched roofs attract even the lightest of breezes.

The natural theme continues through to the two-storey lounge, built among boulders and complete with spotting scope trained on the plains. Leather chairs and low tables with a range of wildlife books invite relaxation; a large table encourages sociable dining over excellent meals.

Spend your days exploring the game-rich area around the Mwagusi River in an open 4x4 game-drive vehicle, or consider a guided walk and seek out the minutiae of the park’s flora and fauna.

"The room was spectacular... Ikuka has an incredible view southwards across Ruaha"

Mr & Mrs WWfromLondon

Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 4 nights

Then return to the gorgeous infinity pool, just waiting to round off your day with a cooling dip-with-a-view. See our full report on Ikuka Safari Camp

Strikingly grand and theatrical, Emerson Spice delivers a colourful twist on traditional Swahili design in the very heart of Stone Town. Created by the late Emerson Skeens, Stone Town luminary and boutique hotel pioneer, Emerson Spice is testament to his vision, flamboyance and love of the city’s heritage. It’s both exotic and historic, oozing individuality and charm.

The building has been restored with tremendous thought and care and is uniquely decorated. The eleven atmospheric bedrooms feature immense ceilings, vibrant murals, intricately carved doors and a sense of drama compounded by their dedication to notable leading ladies: Aida to Desdemona.

The rooms are grand and well-equipped, and the attention to detail continues throughout the building: a cool courtyard with a tinkling blue fountain, a palm-filled walled garden to laze in a hammock, and acclaim for culinary creativity. The fine Swahili degustation menu at the rooftop Spice Tea House and the enchanting Secret Garden - a crumbling ancient marketplace transformed into a courtyard restaurant – both excel at producing delicious, seasonal Spice Island cuisine.

"Front desk staff are welcoming and eager to help"

Mr & Mrs GfromColorado

Arrived 11 Oct 2023, 2 nights

The staff are unfailingly cheerful here, with broad smiles and plenty of sightseeing tips for exploring from this super, central spot. See our full report on Emerson Spice

Zuri Zanzibar is a luxurious, beach resort situated on Zanzibar's pretty north-west coast. This area of the island has a more steeply shelving coastline than Zanzibar's east coast, allowing you to swim in the sea throughout the day, and the west coast of Zanzibar also enjoys beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

"Lovely hotel with individual villas "

Mr R.fromCambridge

Arrived 8 Oct 2022, 7 nights

We were really excited to see a high-quality resort hotel in this area of the island. With a stylish, contemporary design and relaxed beach vibe this is a good choice if you're looking for a larger hotel with plenty of on-site facilities and opportunities to swim at most stages of the tide. See our full report on Zuri Zanzibar