Start off with a vast and fascinating landscape that takes the phrase ‘wide open spaces’ to another level; scatter in a generous helping of the Big Five; add a private guide and driver; and sift out all those other people who might disturb your viewing (or worse, block your view). This is safari as it should be done – the Black Tomato way. Sound like your cup of tea? Then give the Serengeti and Ngorongoro a rest and head with us to Selous National Park. Never heard of it? Exactly. Top your game viewing off with a few beachy days in our favourite corner of Zanzibar and you’re on to a real escapist winner.
Africa’s biggest game reserve is one of our best-kept insider secrets for a top-class safari. Selous is a massive 50,000 square km reserve where you can see all the Big Five, not to mention the incredibly rare wild dog. Explore the wilderness with your own private guide who’ll share impressive naturalistic knowledge and many wonderful bush stories; their passion is so infectious you’ll be recounting the stories to friends for years to come. And the best bit? We guarantee you’ll see more game than humans – exactly how safaris should be.
You’ll spend your nights at the enchanting Sand Rivers. This small intimate lodge sits on the banks of the Rufiji River and blends beautifully with the stunning surrounds. A contemporary and luxury feel runs throughout the lodge; sit in the infinity pool and look out to the river where idle hippos bathe quietly in the sun. Just don’t dive in to join them – hippos can get awfully territorial.
It might be tough, but we recommend tearing yourself away from this idyllic spot after a few days. Why? Well, we’ve got another remote paradise up our sleeves: a little lodge perched on a coral rock surrounded by powdery white sand. Matemwe is located in the northeast of Zanzibar; it’s the type of beach retreat where you are more likely to run into a local fisherman off-loading his catch than a pasty traveller. Spend your time exploring the incredible waters filled with corals and multicoloured fish, or take a day trip to Stone Town or a nearby island.
Untouched plains and vibrant corals are the winning combination on this trip. You’ll start with a truly tailored safari in untouched wilderness and finish by soaking up the treasures of Zanzibar. Rest assured that the bustling underwater world off this paradisiacal island will have you flying home on cloud nine.
