CSC-Tanzania - TANZANIA UNDER CANVAS - 9nts

Arumeru River Lodge is situated on a former coffee plantation surrounded by lush, magnificent gardens, only 30 minutes away from the airport and the city of Arusha. The lodge features an inviting lounge, large terraces with a wonderful view of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The 31 chalets, junior suites and family rooms offer a touch of African elegance and are located in individual bungalows spread across the large tropical estate. Guests can visit Arusha National Park or explore the nearby rain-forest on one of the exciting half day excursions or relax at the large solar heated swimming pool watching the Dikdik antelope in the garden. Delicious african and international dishes are served in the Migration Restaurant and the open fire place in the cosy lounge invites guests to step in for a drink.

Located on the Minjingo Concession, a Wildlife Management Area sandwiched between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, Maramboi Tented Camp is a relatively large, permanent tented lodge that offers an elegant, yet economical choice for those on a driving itinerary.

The main communal areas of Maramboi Tented Camp comprise a series of thatched structures connected by wooden decking, offering attractive views of the surrounding grassy floodplains of Lake Manyara. The landscape around the camp is flat and open, characterised by numerous tall palm trees. On a clear day you can see Ol Doinyo Lengai (a 350,000-year-old active volcano) in the far distance.

Past a small reception and office, you come to Maramboi’s lounge area. The camp’s communal areas have recently undergone a soft refurbishment and we loved the laid-back, contemporary décor, and the choice of colour. In the lounge you’ll find several soft seats, overlooking the savannah, a perfect place to enjoy a drink before dinner. There is a complimentary tea and coffee station to the side of the lounge, which guests are encouraged to make use of during their stay.

To the right of the lounge is the dining room with individual tables and space for a buffet to be laid out. It is simple in design but perfectly adequate. Weather permitting, you can also choose to eat on the outside decking. Opposite the dining room is a small shop selling a range of locally made curios and Tanzanite.

The 46 tented rooms at Maramboi are canvas-chalet-style, raised up on wooden platforms, with tall thatched roofs. They are spacious and very similar in style to Maramboi’s sister camp Kubu Kubu in the Central Serengeti. The tents are fairly simply furnished, but comfortable, in keeping with the rest of the camp.

The large iron beds are draped in mosquito nets. Beside each bed is an electric storm lantern and a UK-style plug point for charging batteries. There are a couple of comfy chairs, a free-standing fan, a small writing desk and a water dispenser.

To the side of the tent you’ll find a fully plumbed in en-suite bathroom. The shower and toilet are behind separate doors for privacy.

Rooming configurations here are flexible, which makes this a good camp for larger families or groups of friends travelling together. There are several triple rooms, and five interconnected family tents. The standard tents can be arranged as doubles or twins.

There is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Maramboi, and the camp has a light, breezy feel. Despite our visit taking place on a very hot day, the communal areas and the tented rooms remained nice and cool.

Maramboi is one of the few camps in the area to have a swimming pool - which looked very inviting when we were there. The pool overlooks the surrounding plains, so you can watch wildlife while taking a dip. There is a pool bar serving light snacks and drinks and plenty of shaded seating. We thought this area was particularly well suited to families travelling with children, though you do need to note there is no lifeguard on duty so you will need to supervise little ones at all times.

From Maramboi you usually head out on activities with your own private vehicle and guide. Both Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park are easily reached. However, as the camp is on a concession outside the national parks, you can also arrange walking safaris from camp.
 

With 46 tents, this is a large property, and it lacks the intimacy and personal service you’d find at smaller camps. However, Maramboi Tented Camp offers a good balance of style and economy for guests on a driving itinerary who are happy to stay just outside the national park. And the camp is well suited to families and larger groups.

Lake Masek Tented Lodge is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, overlooking Lake Masek. The unique location is witness to the wildebeest migration which takes place from December to April each year. There is resident Big 5 game all year round in the area. The camp is Eco friendly, all the electric power is supplied by solar panels and water is collected during the rainy season. All the products used are biodegradable in order to ensure that the environment is kept pristine.

Guest accommodations feature 30 luxury tents with en suite facilities and either king sized beds, twins or triple beds. Each tent is built on a raised wooden platform with a veranda from which guests can observe the wildlife visiting Lake Masek.

The bedroom area is ample and tastefully furnished. The bathroom area with twin washbasins, a standalone bath and an outside shower is separated from the bedroom area by way of a screen. Guests can enjoy a relaxing bath or take a shower under the stars.

North Serengeti National Park

Situated in the north of Serengeti, in the Mara Triangle. With fantastic beautiful views to the African Savannah. Ideally located to view the migration from June to November.

The camps enable guest to experience an authentic African safari and at the same time offering the perfect balance between comfort, intimacy and splendid isolation. The camp is ecofriendly running on solar lighting. The camp consists of 10 spacious fully furnished tents with en suite facilities, including a separate en suite WC and bucket shower.

The camp completes its facilities with a mess tent where meals are served and a lounge tent.
Mara Under Canvas – Open from June to November in northern Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is situated beneath the majestic Oldeani Volcano, and boasts easy access to both the untamed wilderness of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as the simple pleasure of a ramble through 500 acres of farmland.

Ngorongoro Farm House was inaugurated on February 20th 2003, and is offering 52 room cottages, 49 standard rooms and 3 suite rooms, all with ample space inside, built on the style of an old colonial farm and rustically decorated with local materials and full of details of good taste, with the purpose of offering our clients an imaginary journey to the life of the days gone.