Bush, Culture & Beach in Tanzania

Everyone knows that three is a magic number. Three primary colours, a literary triplet, the three musketeers, and three wishes... all great things come in threes. Just like this VeryChic combination trip into the adventures of Tanzania which comes in three stages.

Stage 1: Trip to the savannah

The Selous Game retreat is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in the whole of Africa, and the retreat is nestled in a north corner of this vast wilderness, a secret hiding place. The river Ruaha leads the retreat’s guests to twelve divine suites. We arrived a little groggy and tired from our journey but that soon changed when we were greeted at the Sumbazi airstrip by our driver and a ranger with a refreshing breakfast. It was then just a half an hour drive, nearing the reserve we followed the river Ruaha like a secret yellow-brick road that would lead us to lions and tigers and bears...well not quite. But it would lead us to elephants, lions, black rhinos, wild dogs, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and more than 400 different species of birds in a vast land of 55,000km². Just the reserve itself is over half the size of the UK!

The Fort, the retreat’s main house design is influenced by the trading route from more than a hundred years ago but it is based around an old military observation point from the First World War. The eco-friendly lodge is decorated with earthy and vibrant colours from the whole spectrum, oriental arches and handmade artisan crafts.  The vast infinity pool and upstairs Star Bar provide breathtaking panoramic views of the thousands of kilometres of untamed savannah. I was looking forward to having lunch at the Fort’s restaurant later, with another perfect view of the outdoors. Our tented suite also decreased the separation between living quarters and the great outdoors. Curtains hung idealistically around the bed and through the entrance, and the surprisingly high thatched roof was a charm. The suite was all open-plan; the bath in its own corner with a brilliant view point to gaze at wildlife from the tub.

After three days of this of mingling with the fascinating savannah wildlife, Massais and friendly staff it was hard to leave, but the next adventure was waiting...

Stage 2: History and culture in Zanzibar

Our next hotel, the Jafferji House & Spa****, is situated in historical Stonetown. Its design is again influenced by the ancient trade route, when Zanzibar was famous as a spice island and was filled with merchants and sultans passing by.

Our Creature Comfort suite was an Aladdin’s cave of trinkets, carpets, intricate lamps, a lavish Moroccan style bath and an elaborate four poster bed. This newly reformed house came with five-star amenities, a mixture of traditional and modern for our complete comfort. During our stay we chose to have a scrumptious lunch in the Mistress of Spices Lounge to experience the full Swahili flavour in Zanzibarian style, though the Lemon Grass restaurant also tickled our taste-buds. We savoured every mouthful of tasty traditional dishes, till the end. I much enjoyed visiting the historic Old Fort, House of Wonders and especially the hard-hitting, but worth experiencing, Old Slave Market. However, the highlight had to be the Dhow-tour at sunset. Cruising on this traditional triangular-sailed trading boat whilst the sun dipped below the horizon and reflected its warm oranges in the mirroring river was a glimpse into paradise. An atmospheric moment that will forever remain lovingly in my memory.

Our stay was short but incredibly sweet and bursting with spicy character. Nevertheless now, it was post-adventure pampering time...

Stage 3: Indian Ocean bliss on Indigo Beach

After four days of get-go from the off-start it was time to relax. We hadn’t had the chance to enjoy the spas at the Selous Game Reserve nor the Jafferji, as we wanted to make the most of our locations and the activities there. Not to worry however, the relaxation was about to begin on the soft sands of Indigo Beach, in this simple yet heavenly hotel.

We were happily greeted by the hotel staff and led to our sea-facing villa. It was an expansive 75m² when you included our 15m² private garden. It faced the blue waters and white sands of a tranquil beach, just outside our front door. The suite provided everything for a calm and relaxing stay; a large four poster bed, large Swahili Barraza living area and external, rustically decorated, bathroom. Conveniently there even was a small water basin to soak our feet in when walking from beach to villa, to clean away the sand. Every detail had been carefully considered.

The location, accommodation and food were heavenly. Our stay at Indigo Beach was a paradise ending to a dreamy story.