If you want to play cowboy (or girl) in high style, head to Rainbow Ranch, Big Sky, Montana

Or in our case, my girlfriend and I decided to go looking for a couple of macho cowboys, which we combined with a wonderful R&R getaway at Rainbow Ranch Lodge – where a wilderness stay offers every conceivable luxury, down to a nightly delivery of homemade cookies.

The 21-room lodge is bustling during ski season and summer, but it’s also special to be there ‘tween times, when many come for the peace and quiet. If you’re feeling more ambitious, the concierge will be happy to arrange an outdoor adventure such as fly-fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, hunting, white river rafting, etc.

Sleep: Our rooms featured mega-sized, woody bathrooms with a 6-foot soaking tub and a rainforest shower stocked with Molton Brown amenities, a comfy king bed dressed in luxurious Anichini linens and radiant floor heating.

Eat: The RR Restaurant’s fine-dining menu showcases Montana ranch-to-table cuisine (Mesquite grilled Bison, Rocky Mountain Elk, Montana Wagyu Beef, farm-raised game, fresh fish) and an extensive wine list that has repeatedly earned Wine Spectator’s Award of excellence.

Relax: We were happy to experience the rugged West from the vantage point of our inviting window seat next to a crackling wood-burning river rock fireplace. We never tired of sipping a glass of wine (or if we did we’d just switch over to a hand-crafted cocktail) while appreciating the “A River Runs Through It” view of the Gallatin River winding through the forested mountains, which was the magnificent view from our room. We couldn’t have been more comfy-cozy, nestled into our plush oversized robes, feeling like melted butter after our massages at the lodge’s Outpost Retreat contemplating whether we had enough energy left to get ourselves over to the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the sunset from there.  We love the cowboy life!

Do: We thoroughly enjoyed our easy-peasy hike to the gorgeous Ousel Falls, which the cheerful girl at the front desk steered us to. It was a good thing we did our hike before Joan (the wussiest half of our duo) finally read the instructions next to the big canisters of bear spray at the front desk with many tips such as “Do not use the bear spray for anything other than charging bears, moose or mountain lions.”  After she calmed down a bit, I promised her that we would just take a short stroll right behind the property to work off a bit of the Mesquite Grilled Bison Hanger Steak, House-Made Elk and Pork Sausage I had wolfed down at dinner.  Unfortunately, we immediately ran into a couple of happy hunters who had just bagged a bear. Needless to say, from then on all further explorations consisted of scouting out the best brewpubs.

A luxury par 3 in Scotland

Whether an independent country or part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has plenty to offer the luxury traveller. It has breathtaking scenery, rugged coastlines, a proud culture, centuries of heritage and this year is the Year of the Homecoming – a year long programme of events and activities that shows off all that Scotland has to offer.

But Scotland is synonymous with golf. Scotland is the home of golf and has some of the best and most famous courses in the world and actually has more courses per population that anywhere else in the world. There’s Muirfield, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Turnberry, St Andrews and of course, Gleneagles where the 2014 Ryder Cup will take place on the PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Gleneagles

The Ryder Cup has become one of the truly not-to-be missed sporting occasions. Only a few will be lucky enough to get a ticket, even fewer, will enjoy a hospitality package whilst the very lucky few will get a private suite to have the ultimate spectator’s view. If you can’t get to the event, Gleneagles offers a limited opportunity to stay and play on the Ryder Cup course.

It’s well worth going to Gleneagles any time though as it’s been voted the ‘Best Golf Resort in the World’ for the third consecutive year. The prestigious five star resort set in a scenic location in the heart of Scotland has a French chateau feel about it with elegant individually styled rooms and luxurious suites. The breakfast is legendary and you can dine in Scotland’s only 2 Michelin star restaurant. There are also 3 magnificent golf courses to keep you busy.

St Andrews

Perhaps the best known of them all and where every golf devotee must attend once in their life as this is known as the Home of Golf. The famous links courses including the oldest and most iconic, the Old Course, are located in a stunning coastal setting on the East of Scotland.

The Swilcan Restaurant in the Links Clubhouse offers excellent panoramic views over the Old Course, while the Castle Course Clubhouse is also worth visiting to have a drink and take in the views over St Andrews Bay.

Here you’ll also find the five star Old Course Hotel. A beautiful mix of old and new, the hotel has many luxurious facilities including a spa and rooftop hot tub and has fine dining experiences and cosy bars serving Scotland’s finest malt whiskies.

A wee dram

Why not combine two of Scotland’s greatest exports – golf and whiskey. Scotland has five distinct whiskey producing regions and superb golf courses in abundance in each. For example, the glorious area of Speyside not only has over half of all Scottish distilleries including Glenfiddich, Glen Moray and The Balvenie, but also the excellent Dufftown and Elgin golf courses, as well as the classic links at Moray in Lossiemouth.

If you have the time, it’s worth making the effort to go to the island of Islay, off Scotland’s West Coast. Not only does its distilleries produce famous whiskies including Bowmore, Laphroaig and Ardbeg, but it has spectacular scenery, not more so than at Machrie Golf Links with views of the sand dunes and Laggan Bay.

Bruno Pires is Global Director at 360Experience

Tempt your tastebuds at these October wine and food festivals in Paris and London

With October approaching and the days becoming shorter, food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy both the culinary delights and the festival atmosphere that are offered at two distinctive annual events – the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival in Paris, and the London Restaurant Festival. Read on to learn more…

Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, 8th – 12th October 2014

For a unique Parisian festival experience, the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, which takes place each year on the second weekend of October, is definitely worth a visit. The Clos Montmartre, just 16,000 square feet, and perched high on the hill of Montmartre, is one of the few vineyards left in Paris, and the festival is both a celebration of the wine tradition of the area, and the arrival of the new vintage. The harvest of Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes produces only about 1500 bottles of wine, which are for sale at the festival, with the profits going directly to local charities.

Wandering from stall to stall, there is also wine tasting from other French suppliers available, as well as delicious regional food products for visitors to enjoy. Each year, a ‘godmother’ and ‘godfather’ of the festival are chosen from among France’s A-list celebrities, with this year’s choices being the actress Sandrine Bonnaire, and the singer, Jacques Higélin. There are art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, street music, dancing and parades over the five days, with this year’s highlights including a poetry and music evening on the Wednesday, a gourmet walk during the day on Friday, and a ball on the Friday evening, as well as a Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon and a firework display around the Sacré Coeur on Saturday night.

London Restaurant Festival, 8th – 27th October 2014

From celebrating the wine harvest in Paris, to celebrating food in London, the London Restaurant Festival is a huge foodie affair, incorporating over 800 different London restaurants. The idea behind it is to raise the profile of the restaurants involved, as well as a general celebration of London’s amazingly diverse range of restaurants.

There are three elements to the festival. Festival Menus consists of specially created menus by the participating restaurants, and available to visitors throughout the festival. They are a great way for the restaurants to showcase their skills and for customers to discover and enjoy new restaurants. The second element comprises the Events , which are both numerous and original. They include the Champagne Laurent Perrier Gourmet Odyssey which takes diners to three top restaurants to sample a different course at each. Or you can take the Tapas Tour of London’s top tapas bars, or the Cicchetti Trails, where you can visit six of the best Italian restaurants for cicchetti in one day, with your unique LRF Cicchetti Trail passport. The third element is the Side Orders, the festival’s ‘fringe’ element, where individual restaurants can create activities with direct appeal to their own market, for example cookery demonstrations and tastings.

A particularly appealing event is the collaboration with BAFTA, where British portrait and fashion photographer, Rankin, will devise the menu for a dinner inspired by the Italian film, Cinema Paradiso. The evening will involve viewing the film, then enjoying a three-course dinner hosted by Rankin.

Susie Marquis is Owner of The City Apartment Book Ltd.

5 places to ‘pop the question’ in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is America’s wine capital and one of California’s top luxury travel destinations. It is also a splendid place to ‘pop the question’ to the love of your life. There are so many things to think about when you’re asking a person to marry you. Everything has to be right, especially the setting. But your (soon-to-be) spouse cannot help but say ‘yes’ when, on your next trip to wine country, you pull out the ring, drop perhaps to your knees and make your proposal at any of these Napa Valley hot spots:

Love Lock Bridge

In addition to the engagement ring, you may wish to bring a padlock to this bridge that leads to the Napa Wine Train, one of Napa’s top tourist attractions. Similar to other “love lock” bridges around the world, hundreds of couples have fastened a lock onto the fencing here, symbolically joining their love together forever. This makes it a nifty place to give her your pitch, present the ring and then put a lock on the fence for you both. Afterwards you can enjoy a romantic train ride into the heart of wine country.

Napa River Walk

The center of Napa Valley is the Napa River. The best place to see the river and get close to it is River Walk in downtown Napa. There, ideally perhaps on a warm evening with everything lit up, you can stroll along the riverfront with its shops, restaurants and sculptures. At the end of the promenade past Morimoto’s and the Napa Mill is a spot overlooking the river as it winds its way towards the bay. Snuggle up against the railing and follow your heart’s lead.

Domaine Carneros

It is hard to go wrong with Champagne when you’re making a move that will change your life—and hers—forever. A bit of the bubbly will put her in the right spirits and add some steel to your backbone. One of the best places to drink champagne (or sparkling wine) in Napa Valley is Domaine Carneros, the Carneros area winery founded by the Taittinger family of French Champagne fame. Ask for a table on the patio overlooking the vineyards. Order two glasses of, let’s say, Le Reve Blanc de Blanc. The setting, the drinks, the person you love—everything is right. The rest is up to you.

Yountville firefighter’s statue

Once a sleepy little farming town, Yountville has become a not-so-sleepy dining paradise with a galaxy of top tier restaurants such as Bistro Jeanty, Bottega, Bouchon, The French Laundry, Redd and more. So go to one of these eateries (assuming you can get a reservation) and have a nice, romantic dinner with your beloved. But don’t ‘pop the question’ just yet; she may have an inkling that something is up because of all the trouble and expense you’ve gone to this evening.

Instead, take a stroll after dinner on Washington Street to Van De Leur Park, a tiny sliver of green that’s an easy walk from most any restaurant in town. The park has sculptures and pretty flowers and in the center is a fountain that pays tribute to Yountville’s fire fighters. Now, at this spot in the quiet of the evening, surprise her.

Bar at Andaz Napa

The Andaz Napa is a stylish boutique hotel that is part of the nightlife revival going on in downtown Napa. It is close to the riverfront scene (which throbs with music and people on a happening Friday or Saturday night) and is a good jumping off point for exploring the wineries up valley on Highway 29. The hipster-ish cocktail bar in its front lobby is also a swell spot to ‘pop the question’. After she says yes, you two go out and maybe hear some live music in town as a future married couple.

Then again, there is another option. After she says yes, the two of you catch the elevator upstairs to your room. The hotel’s spacious marble walk-in showers easily fit two people. Imagine you’re in the middle of a tropical downpour and well, you can take it from there. Of course, if she says “No” to your proposal, the Andaz bar is still the right place to be. You’ll need a good stiff drink if that happens. Order one, and better make it a double.

A 2015 guide to Ibiza

Summer is coming and Ibiza is gearing up for a new season. Anticipation is in the air, but where are the places to go and be seen? Sweaty, busy residences where people stands on your Choos are out the window and Ibiza, a place to party 24 hours, is showing a new light. Now, the destination is popular for pop up fitness weeks, raw food restaurants, holistic weekends and chic villas for the in-crowd to hold their own party. Invite some cool friends and maybe even a celebrity DJ!

Get your flights booked and head out to the white sands, turquoise waters and hidden beauty of Ibiza. The superclub crowd has been over shadowed by the party goers from St Tropez, the super yacht owner’s on the harbour showing how the cash is splashed on the Riviera.

Find my inspired Ibizan guide for 2015 here:

Cirque du Soleil & The Adria brothers present HEART

Rumour has it that HEART is the no. 1 experience in Ibiza for 2015! After 10 years of collaborating and letting others share the concept, Albert and Ferran Adrià and Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil, present HEART!

HEART Ibiza will offer three different experiences within Ibiza Gran Hotel, a fusion of art, gastronomy and music. Mix together the hip street food markets, the coolest vibes, DJ’s and art and you have HEART. An eclectic vibe vibrating chic undertones and bringing the new ‘cool’ to Ibiza.

Get fit with Olivia Cooney

Find her in London training the elite, Olivia is the one who sculpts, let’s face it, those beautiful figures we all want to have. But forget London, you can now nip over to Ibiza for one of her pop up fitness retreats. Olivia combines fitness, fashion, culture and beautiful accommodation in San Antonio, but there are limited places so don’t hang around. I love that itineraries are designed to include lunches and dinners in Ibiza’s favourite restaurants. Finally, a retreat which allows us to eat delicious food whilst looking good! Not to mention the partnership with top fashion houses which allow you to browse the autumn / winter collection before it hits the stores.

Rent a private Ibizan Islet – Tagomago Island

Lay low in the luxury of your own private island, only 900 meters from Ibiza.  This getaway is for a select clientele who prefer privacy and luxury over being seen in every beach club along Ibiza’s white sands. Should you wish to pop over to HEART to browse the new art collection and take a drink with the Adria brothers (because they are bound to be within the realms of your social circle) then you can whistle your helicopter and depart from the private heliport.

Tagomago Island offers trendy and sophisticated accommodation to sleep 10 people, with interiors designed by Danilo Silvestrin and a 145sqm swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, beach grill (for your private chef) and panoramic sea views of Ibiza!

Gat a healthy takeout at Picadeli

We are not all fortunate to have a private chef rolling sushi in our outdoor kitchen. The next best thing? A takeout from Picadeli. Pick up a wholesome supper, raw juice or super salad and sit on the beach watching the waves roll in and out and the sun sparkle in its reflection.  Take your street food to the beach for a picnic and revel in the goodness. Follow Picadeli on Facebook and ask for their latest recipes. Ibiza is not all late nights and fuzzy heads, jump on the new health kick trend of the island!!

Get decoded with 38 degrees North

Pushing the boundaries yet again, Ibiza is heading the health trend. Visit 38 degrees North and get your DNA decoded so that your diet and fitness regime can be tailored to your DNA profile. 38 degrees North offers retreats to reconnect with our bodies whilst working with a team of professional mind and body experts.

Host your own party on Jems

Jems is a 44 metre yacht which sleeps 10 guests with 8 crew members who will look after all your needs. Prices start from a very modest €160,000 per week. For this you do get to relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi whilst watching the latest blockbuster movie projected on a large screen. If this isn’t enough, hop on your jet ski and ride the waves and coves of Ibiza, host a BBQ or even an after party for your favourite resident DJ. How about a pop up restaurant on your private deck?

The possibilities are endless with the wide array of tenders and toys to make your cruise the most memorable. If you don’t want to hide away on Tagomago Island, then this would be my top accommodation recommendation… you can even practise your skiing technique for when back on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 with the adult slalom ski or training skis on board!

Celine Renaud is Head of Sales for Leo Trippi.

Top 10 African adventures

Those seeking adrenaline inducing fun on their next holiday should turn their eyes to Africa, a continent renowned for the marvels and mysteries it still hides. From some of the most memorable wildlife encounters, to adrenalin fuelled activities at Victoria Falls, the below activities are ones every thrillseeker should try.

Walk with the cheetahs in Namibia

Though Okonjima Lodge in Namibia has varied action-packed packages available, there is no feeling comparable to the one you’ll experience as tawny eyes meet yours across the plain on a cheetah trekking adventure. The on-site cheetahs are part of a rehabilitation programme which you can view before they’re released into the surrounding wilderness. Leopard viewing and cub viewing in season is also offered, though they are quite people-shy and sightings of them cannot be guaranteed. The luxurious African lodge offers camp sites, thatched rooms and villas that were created with privacy in mind and are relatively spacious. You can hear the wildlife calls at dusk, after a decadent dinner at the restaurant.

Experience the towering sand dunes of Namibia

The impressive towering sand dunes are one of the highlights of any Namibian holiday, and Soussusvlei Desert Lodge has far more than their fair share of stark desert beauty. Picnics amid the desert dunes are perfect for those who prefer a sedate stay, though quad biking, hikes, and bike excursions are one way to experience the surreal landscape at an action-packed pace. The Soussusvlei Desert Lodge is quite secluded which is ideal for star gazers and those seeking romance; at night you can enjoy lantern-lit dinners on the veranda or amongs the dunes, and during the day you can take a dip in the spring-fed swimming pool.

Enjoy a bush breakfast in the Masai Mara

A stay at the Mara Serena Lodge will allow you to experience dawn as it gently ignites the skies above with a soft pink and golden glow, and wildlife begins to stir on the savanna, take a leisurely drive to the ancient baobab trees and tuck into your 3-course bush breakfast which includes a sparkling glass of champagne. You can enjoy the same dining delights alongside the hippo pool. The lodge is well known for its unique rooms, which have private balconies, uninterrupted views of the surroundings and ample space.

Take a balloon flight over the wildlife-filled Serengeti

You cannot imagine the safari delights that await you during a balloon flight over the Serengeti, until you’re actually soaring far above the ground in a hot air balloon. Serengeti Serena Lodge is one of the ultimate places to go on a captivating balloon excursion, and is an ideal way to view the annual great migration of wildebeest. After your flight, you can enjoy a champagne breakfast on the ground as your review the photographs taken. The lodge offers luxurious African rondavel-styled rooms that are equipped with all the expected conveniences such as en-suite bathrooms, balconies, mosquito-netting, and a sitting room.

Reach the dizzy heights of Table Mountain

When you come to South Africa’s Mother City, it would be wrong not to pay homage to its defining feature; the majestic Table Mountain which is one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Though there are hiking trails up to the mountains summit, the 360° rotating cable car is the best way to see the city of Cape Town spread below you like a shiny tablecloth, and at the top, you can enjoy a breakfast, brunch, and even summer sunset cocktail.

Enjoy a boat safari in Botswana

If fish eagle calls and delta beauty is what you’re after, a trip into the Okavango on a traditional dug out Mokoro canoe will be a dream come true! Take one out in the early morning and steer your way around the delta before gazing around this fascinating region that is slowly awakening. Or allow a guide to take you down the river, as you’re flanked by national parks on both river banks.

Take in the magnificent Victoria Falls from above

The incredible Victoria Falls has been commented on by visitors since the 18th century, and what better way to view it’s thundering majesty than from above? Take a helicopter flight with Flight of the Angels after you’ve settled into your suite at the Royal Livingston Hotel. The company flies with an open door, so passengers can make the most of the awe-inspiring views, and wildlife sightings are also possible. After the flight, return to the Royal Livingstone Hotel and head to the sun deck to enjoy lunch with a view of the Zambezi river.

Go stargazing in Zambia

The Luangwa River is considered to be the life force of the valley, with hippos and antelope, elephants, bush buck and lions visiting it in the dry winter months. For a wildlife experience combined with luxurious camping and star gazing, Luwi Bush Camp, set along the riverbed of south Luangwa, is ideal. Not only do they have abundant wildlife sightings in winter, but star gazing is unrivaled here, due to the lack of surrounding ambient light. The rustic charm of the camp sites is tempered with various luxury amenities.

Walk with the animals in Zambia

If a hands-on safari is something you crave, the walking safari offered by Nkwali Camp is unparalleled, and have been voted as one of the best safari experience available in Africa. Not only will your guide answer any questions you may have, but they will also keep you entertained on your foot-powered safari as you escorted by a National Park Scout. Many guests often comment that they felt as though a wildlife documentary was coming to life before their eyes. Nkwali Camp offers accommodation with thatched roofs, panoramic views, wood accents, and may give you a monkey experience.

Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

After you’ve had your bags taken from you and you’ve been ushered into the welcoming warmth of Gorilla Mountain Lodge and make yourself at home. The following day enjoy one of their fabulous gorilla trekking adventures into the Parc National des Volcans. The thrill of setting off into the untamed wild cannot be tempered with the logical knowledge that what you’re doing is fairly safe, and you’re almost guaranteed a sighting as the park is home to half of the worlds mountain gorilla population.

Ash Sofat is Chief Executive at Somak Holidays.

Tanzania’s top 5 Great Rift Valley safari camps

The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Africa is a magical thing – populated by huge escarpments, vast lakes and beautiful vistas it is usually a hit list on anyone’s itinerary when planning to visit East Africa. Tanzania has a wonderful portion of the Great Rift Valley which is absolutely breathtaking, including Lake Manyara which is famous for it’s huge herds of elephant, buffalo and magical bird life. Here you can either base yourself from Lake Manyara, looking up at the dwarfing escarpment or from up on high, looking down at Lake Manyara and the wilderness that surrounds it – both are sensational. Here are top five Great Rift Valley Views:

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Although not strictly in the Rift Valley this luxury lodge is the perfect stop on your way to or from Lake Manyara. It is set in the world’s only caldera that is still intact (610 metres deep). Protected within the Crater rim is endangered black rhino, large tusked elephants, black-maned lions and flamingoes – all of which wander freely in this natural animal sanctuary. While cheetah move in and out of the Crater, leopards are often spotted in the Lerai Forest nearby. Ngorongoro Crater lodge has spectacular views of the Crater with it’s fresh springs and huge soda lake. As you look over the wilderness guests will be able to see the Maasai herdsmen graze their cattle. This is one of the highest resident game densities in Africa and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is regarded a one of the most stunning and sophisticated destinations to stay.

Maramboi

Located with views of Lake Manyara and the Escarpment beyond this lodge is exceptional value for money. The lodge provides picturesque views across the Manyara National Park, Rift Valley, Ngorongoro highlands and on clear days guests can see Ol Donyo Lengai (an active volcano and a sacred mountain to the Maasai). Maramboi offers the unique opportunity to explore the Tarangire and Manyara ecosystem. The impressive landscape of Tanzania rich in wildlife will mesmerise guests.

Manyara Ranch

Situated between the wildlife corridor of Tarangire and Manyara National Parks, Manyara Ranch provides a fantastic mix of fantastic wilderness and different culture for travellers in Tanzania. The camp has lovely views of the Rift Valley Escarpment and Lake Manyara and as it owns the land it sits on, offers unparalleled freedom to explore on foot, on horses or by vehicle.

Pakulala Safari Camp

The unique Pakulala Safari Camp in Northeast Tanzania is placed at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, providing dome of the most spectacular views. The camp is overlooking wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest and rhinos as well as running rivers and deep forests. With over 100 species of birds in the area and much to learn about the traditional and culture of the Maasai tribe, Pakulala is not a place to be missed, it also works beautifully with Manyara extensions.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is exceptionally luxurious and offers guests a real chance to get off the beaten track and into Lake Manyara National Park itself. It is set in thick forest with the Great Rift Valley Escarpment climbing up behind it.

Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of The Luxury Safari Company.

5 reasons to choose Southern Tanzania

Southern Tanzania is so often overlooked in favour of the more famous Northern Circuit. This is such a shame – the game viewing in Southern Tanzania is far more rewarding and you can see some incredible sights here, and it’s more than likely you’ll be on your own. Southern Tanzania is one of the best safari options for those that truly want to get off the beaten track and experience things that no one else has. Here are our top five reasons to visit Southern Tanzania over Northern Tanzania (in no particular order!):

The lodges and camps

Thanks to the sheer remoteness of Southern Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park the luxury safari lodges and camps which reside here are often in some of the most dramatic and breathtaking locations one can possibly imagine. One thing is for sure, they are always extremely remote. Most are located near rivers or lakes which brings game either into or around camp. The feeling of being out in the wilderness really is complete here and you will feel as if you are at the ends of the earth.

The close proximity to other places

Now this point may seem extraordinary when teamed with point one but the Selous and Ruaha are logistically incredibly easy to get to, both are just a short flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar which also means your Southern Tanzania itinerary is always completely seamless, with no long waits at airports or expensive internal flights – this in turn leaves you a little more to spend on your luxury lodges and camps, and means often you can leave the UK the night before, and be in the middle of no where by brunch the next morning.

The wildlife

There is abundant wildlife in both the Selous and Ruaha and those who go down there expecting not to see anything will be pleasantly surprised. The game viewing is exceptionally rewarding as often you will have to really look for the game by tracking or by using the noises of the bush to locate predators and big game. As a result the guiding in Southern Tanzania is also better.

The options

Unlike Northern Tanzania (much of which is National Park) you are allowed an certain freedom in Southern Tanzania which means you can walk, take boat safaris and night drives and simply just explore the bush anyway you like. Most of the properties also offer fly camping which is by far the best way to get out into the bush and really experience Africa at its’ best, with the stars above you and the African noises around you. Freedom is what Africa is all about and in Southern Tanzania you have it in spades.

The lack of people

All of the luxury safari lodges and camps are spread far and wide across Ruaha and the Selous, meaning that you very rarely see another soul – your game viewing is completely exclusive and this is what makes a safari experience here so special – the icing on the cake.

Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of The Luxury Safari Company.