Tanzania & Zanzibar Combo ★★★★★

“On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it” – Jules Renard

Every day, VeryChic spares no effort in the quest to hunt down all of the little pieces of heaven that make our world so beautiful. This fantastic African adventure is a chance to experience not one but two of the finest corners of paradise yet to be found across the globe. What’s more, with airport transfers, transfers between hotels, food and activities all included, you can really relax and simply appreciate your surroundings, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of. Between the wild, sun-scorched plains of the Selous reserve and the celestial beauty of the breath-taking Zanzibar coastline, this luxurious side of Tanzania is sure to absolutely blow you away…

Stage one: Tanzanian safari

Tanzania is one of many African countries which can lay claim to be the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, home to some of the oldest discovered evidence of human life. While our ancestors may have originated somewhere around here, they went on to colonise the world, leaving this part of Africa to be taken over by animals. These days, that is why people come to this remote part of the continent, for the exotic and abundant wildlife, and The Retreat in the Selous Game Reserve certainly does not disappoint. The location was meticulously selected by the Swiss founder, who searched long and hard for a suitably remote and scenic setting. She opted for a riverside spot deep inside this reserve - which is twice as large as her homeland - where she could maintain her respect for threatened wilderness and wildlife, fragile communities and local traditions, creating a truly authentic African experience for her guests.

Every day, you are able to choose two activities to make the most of your time in the bush. Game drives, escorted hikes, boat excursions… the range of ways to view the local scenery and fauna is excellent. Just as well, because there is so much to see! Aside from boasting Tanzania’s largest elephant population, the reserve is also home to a huge number of lions, wild dogs, leopards, buffalo, hippopotamuses, exotic birds and much more, all against the magnificent backdrop of the golden African plains. Your four days here will be everything you would expect from a safari and more. Your experience will be greatly enhanced by the encyclopaedic knowledge of the guides who accompany you, experts on the local area, culture and wildlife, and the perfect ‘Rafiki’s for your own Lion King adventure.

This is also much more than a typical safari holiday because of where you get to spend your time when not out animal-spotting. Also included in your choice of activities are things such as spa treatments to help you rest and unwind between long hikes and excursions. Equally relaxing is a dip in the swimming pool, whose contours fit in naturally with the surrounding nature, such that you could almost imagine a hippo taking a cooling dip in its inviting waters. Further to this, there is a plunge pool on the private decks of every suite, from where guests also enjoy stunning views over the river and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Aside from the huge deck, each suite also comes with 160m2 of sheer luxury – beautiful, private and secluded wooden structures whose canvas walls can be rolled up to help guests feel truly immersed in nature. The décor is stylish and African-chic, while the facilities are simply mind-blowing when you consider that the suites describe themselves as ‘tents’. Meals can also be enjoyed right there in your suite, as well as in the restaurant, beside the pool or in the bush, with the combination of outstanding cuisine, special scenery and absolute tranquillity providing a magical, romantic end to any day.

Stage two: Zanzibar coastal paradise

After the excitement and busy wildlife-viewing schedule of the safari, relaxation is the order of the day for the second half of the week at the Essque Zalu Zanzibar. The scorched yellows and greens of the savannah are replaced by the deep blue of the sky, the crystalline turquoise of the Indian Ocean and the pale golden sand. Remarkable as they are, the photos do not even begin to do justice to the gorgeous colours and the extraordinary, ethereal beauty of the whole scene. This is nothing short of paradise, a perfect way to spend the rest of a perfect week.

The jaw-dropping nature even goes beyond the idyllic beaches. The hotel is set amid luxuriant foliage, with the palm roofs of the individual suites blending in smoothly with the lush green leaves. It is also set just beside a mighty coral reef, providing spectacularly clear shallows and fascinating marine life. A huge wooden jetty extends out over these waters, allowing you to relax and enjoy a meal with the soothing sounds of the gentle waves just below. If, inexplicably, that does not tickle your fancy, then there are even two other restaurants providing a superb range of cuisine.

Compared to the ‘tents’ in the savannah, the suites here have all the same chic and elegant design, are equally comfortable and even offer some extra mod-cons. VeryChic treats you to a bungalow with an ocean view, perfect for rising early and watching an enchanting sunrise, a feast for the eyes that you could never tire of. Between the comfort of your spacious suite, the eating and drinking on offer, the art gallery, spa and enormous, outstandingly-designed swimming pool, it would be tempting to spend the second half of your holiday-of-a-lifetime never leaving the hotel and beach. However, if you do then the delights of Zanzibar await, the mesmerising ancient meeting point of Africa, India and Arabia. Believe me, it is not a bad choice to have to make…