Ben
Travel Expert
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Ben
Africa Specialist and CEO
Published on
29 Oct 2019
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
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Inspiration
We've put together some of our favourite top five properties, itineraries, wildlife hotspots, safari honeymoon destinations, activity holidays, you name it...it's here.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your safari and beach honeymoon, the best places to scuba dive, a family safari, where to see wild tigers, a hot air balloon safari or an ‘off the beaten track’ cultural experience – our ever popular top five series should give you something to think about.
Do have a look through them and contact us if you would like to know more about any of the accommodation, trips and experiences featured.
AFRICA INSPIRATION
Top 5 Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Africa
- Geodesic Domes at The Highlands – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Treehouses at Pezulu Treehouse – Hoedspruit, South Africa
- Luxury Landrover Suites on the Bush Rover – Serengeti, Tanzania
- Treetents at El Karama – Laikipia, Kenya.
- Shipwreck rooms at Shipwreck Lodge – Skeleton coast, Namibia
Expert View from Tanzania Specialist Alistair:
For sheer vision it's hard to beat the Bush Rover – luxury tented suites in the Serengeti with a Landrover underneath it all.
Top 5 Wedding Locations
- Garonga Safari Camp, Kruger, South Africa
- Breezes Beach Club and Baraza Hotel and Resort, Zanzibar
- Mauritius Hotels, Indian Ocean
- Governors Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya
- Mont Rochelle, Winelands, South Africa
Top 5 Luxury Honeymoon Lodges
- Saruni Samburu, Kenya
- Fanjove Island, Tanzania Coast
- Garonga Safari Camp, Kruger, South Africa
- Roho Ya Selous, Southern Tanzania
- Skybeds at Tuludi Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Expert View from Kenya Specialist Ben:
For the ultimate luxury honeymoon in Kenya, head to Saruni Samburu for exclusive game drives, dining under the stars, and perhaps the most incredible views in Africa.
Looking for the ultimate romantic holiday? Get in touch to discuss your bespoke honeymoon package in Africa
Top 5 'Off the Beaten Track' Lodges PART I
- Samatian Island, Great Rift Valley, Kenya
- Mahale and Katavi, Southern Tanzania
- Mumbo Island, Lake Malawi
- Serra Cafema Camp, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
- Liuwa Plain Camp, Zambia
Expert View from Malawi Specialist Ben:
I loved snorkelling and swinging in my hammock at Mumbo Island - it was the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience!
Want to castaway at one of these secret retreats? Contact us on 0203 111 1315 to create your bespoke luxury holiday.
Top 5 'Off the Beaten Track' Lodges PART II
- Bale Mountain Lodge – southern Ethiopia
- Saruni Rhino – Sera Conservancy, Kenya
- Shipwreck Lodge – Skeleton Coast, Namibia
- Fanjove Island – Indian Ocean, Tanzania.
- Pafuri Camp – Northern Kruger, South Africa
Expert View from Ethiopia Specialist Ben:
If you want to get away from it all without compromising on hospitality, then I suggest Bale Mountain Lodge. It's my favourite place to stay in Ethiopia.
Call Us on 0203 111 1315 to chat about planning your dream off the beaten track holiday.
Top 5 Family Beach Holidays
- St Geran and The Residence, Mauritius
- Bahia Mar, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- Pumulani, Lake Malawi
- Manda Bay, Lamu, Kenya
- Robberg Beach Lodge - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Expert View from Mauritius Specialist Alistair:
Take a boat trip, snorkel in the crystal clear waters and have picnics on sandy beaches. The best family days out ever are here in Mauritius!
For a chat about your very own family beach holiday, give us a call on 0203 111 1315 and let's see what we can come up with together.
Top 5 Family Safaris
- Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- El Karama, Laikipia, Kenya
- Nkwali Camp – South Luangwa, Zambia
- Saruni Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya
- Manyara Green Camp, Northern Tanzania
Expert View from Kenya Specialist Ben:
My kids love it when we stay at El Karama, especially camping out in the bush, learning how to track and splashing about in the pool.
Can you picture yourselves at these family safari lodges? Then get in touch on 0203 111 1315 and we'll make it happen.
Top 5 Scuba Diving Spots
- Tsarabanjina Island, Nosy Be, Madagascar
- Quilalea Island – Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Bom Bom – Sao Tome & Principe Islands
- Thonga Beach Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Constance Moofoshi – the Maldives
Expert View from Mozambique Specialist:
The reefs surrounding Quilalea Island are some of the best in the world, and you can even dive straight from the beach!
Fancy diving into one of these underwater paradises? Contact us on 01768 603 715 to discuss your personalised scuba diving holiday.
Top 5 Rooms with a View
- Elsa's Kopje, Meru, Kenya
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
- Grootberg Lodge – Damaraland, Namibia
- Saruni Samburu, Samburu National Park, Kenya
- Virunga Lodge, Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
Expert View from Rwanda Specialist Alistair:
The best days always start with a dramatic view, and they don't come better than at Virunga Lodge, in the heart of Volcanoes National Park. It's my favourite place to stay in Rwanda.
Want to wake up to views like these? Call Us on 01768 603 715 to chat about the best places to stay on safari in Kenya, Rwanda and beyond.
Top 5 Horseback Holidays
- Borana Lodge, Kenya
- The Ants Collection, Waterberg, South Africa
- Okavango Horse Safaris, Botswana
- Sosian Lodge - Laikipia, Kenya
- Ol Donyo Lodge, Kilimanjaro region, Kenya
Expert View from South Africa Specialist Alistair:
Horse riding safaris are one of the best ways to get up close to the wildlife...you almost feel at one with the herds of zebra and wildebeest.
Call us on 0203 111 1315 to gallop off into your own tailor-made safari sunset.
Top 5 Private Houses
- Chongwe River House, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
- Elsa's Kopje Private House, Meru, Kenya
- Kaya Mawa Houses – Lake Malawi
- Luangwa Safari House – South Luangwa, Zambia
- Kiba Point, Selous, Tanzania
Expert View from Zambia Specialist Ruth:
I love this place, with its buckets of privacy, and the resident elephants that wander around the grounds.
Like the idea of a staying in a home away from home on your safari holiday? Enquire here about how to book.
Top 5 Private Houses in Laikipia, Kenya
- Sosian Lodge, Sosian Conservancy
- Sirikoi, Lewa Conservancy
- Lengishu, Borana Conservancy
- Ol Malo House
- Laragai, Lewa Conservancy
Expert View from Kenya Specialist Ben:
I love staying at private houses in Laikipia with my family, it's such an exclusive and personal experience, and the safaris are out of this world.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made safari holiday.
Top 5 Private Houses in South Africa
- Ellerman Villa – Cape Town, South Africa
- Tintswalo Manor House – Kruger, South Africa
- Morokuru Ocean House – Garden Route Coast, South Africa
- Little Garonga – Kruger, South Africa
- Hog Hollow Villa – Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Expert View from South Africa Specialist Alistair:
One of my 'go-to' places to stay in the Kruger is Little Garonga, with its platform decks, swimming pool and total privacy.
To book one of these private houses in South Africa call us on 0203 111 1315.
Top 5 Eco-lodges
- Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- El Karama Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya
- Nuarro Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Nkwichi Lodge, Lake Malawi, Malawi
- Busanga Plains Camp, Kafue, Zambia
Expert View from Zanzibar Specialist Alistair:
The best sort of travel is responsible travel, which is why I love visiting places like Chumbe Island that offer a true eco-tourism experience.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 to see which eco-lodge holiday will be best for you.
Top 5 Sleep-outs in the Bush
- Kibo Island Sleepout at Jack's Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
- Fly camping from Beho Beho, and Sand River, Selous, Tanzania
- Sleepout platform at Garonga Safari Camp, Kruger, South Africa
- The original 'Star Bed' experience at Loisaba, Laikipia, Kenya
- Rooftop starbeds at Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia
Expert View from South Africa Specialist Alistair:
When I'm on safari I always try and include a night out under the stars, it's the ultimate bush experience. Garonga is one of my top picks with views of the river from the bed, and an amazing bush bath!
Want to sleep out under the stars? Get in touch with us on 0203 111 1315 and let's chat about planning your safari holiday.
Top 5 Walking & Active Safaris
- Wayo Serengeti Walking Safaris, Tanzania
- Robin Pope Mobile Walking Safari, South Luangwa, Zambia
- Rhino Walking Safaris, Kruger, South Africa
- Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland, Namibia
- Mana Canoe & Walking Trail, Lower Zambezi, Zimbabwe
Expert View from Tanzania Specialist Ruth:
I'm just back from an incredible safari with WAYO in northern Tanzania...we went on canoe safaris, swam in rock pools and even did a bit of mountain biking at Lake Manyara. If you want an active adventurous safari, then this is it!
Contact us on 0203 111 1315 to discuss your own tailor made active safari.
Top 5 Island Escapes
- Quilalea Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Fanjove Island, Southern Tanzania
- Denis Island, Seychelles
- Rubondo Island, Lake Victoria
- Manta Resort and Fundu Lagoon, Pemba, Zanzibar
Expert View from Mozambique Specialist Ben:
My absolute favourite island escape has to be Azura Quilalea in Mozambique...it's everything you've ever dreamed of when it comes to private island paradise.
Contact us on 0203 111 1315 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Stylish Stays
- Zuri Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
- Saruni Samburu, northern Kenya
- Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia
- Chitwa Chitwa, Kruger, South Africa
Expert View from Tanzania Specialist Ben:
I was completely blown away by the style of Zuri Zanzibar...it's super sleek and luxurious but without detracting from the beautiful natural surroundings. Heaven!
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Private Plunge Pools
- Azura Benguerra, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- The Highlands, Ngorongoro, Tanzania
- Selous Riverside, Selous, Tanzania
- Msambweni Villas, Kenya Coast, Kenya
- Ulusaba, Sabie Sands, Kruger, South Africa
Expert View from Mozambique Specialist Ben:
There's simply nothing quite so divine as relaxing in your very own private plunge pool, gazing out over the turquoise ocean or watching a family of elephants trundle by.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Treehouse Stays
- Tsala Treetops, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania
- Pezulu Tree House, Hoedspruit, South Africa
- Masoala Forest Lodge, Madagascar
- Delta Camp, Okavango, Botswana
Expert View from Tanzania Specialist Ruth:
There's nothing quite like sleeping in the trees, especially if you're surrounded by the incredible nature of Lake Manyara National Park, which is why Manyara Tree Lodge is my go-to when travelling in this part of Tanzania.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
INDIA & SRI LANKA INSPIRATION
Top 5 Wildlife Encounters
- Tiger Safaris in the Jungles of India
- One-Horned Rhino spotting in Kaziranga, North Eastern India
- Search for leopards in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
- Scuba diving and snorkelling in the remote Andaman Islands
- Attend the elephant gathering at Mineriya, Sri Lanka
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
My absolute favourite place to see wild tigers in India is Bandhavgarh National Park, it's the best place in the world to see them!
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Indian Palaces & Forts to Sleep in
- Alila Fort, near Jaipur
- Samode Palace, in Rajasthan
- Chanoud Garh, between Jodhpur and Udaipur
- Ramathra Fort, in Rural Rajathan
- Ahilya Fort Hotel, Maheshwar, Central India
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
When I want to sleep like a Maharaja on my India travels I'm spoiled for choice, but colourful Chanoud Garh in heart of Rajasthan is always a favourite.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Sri Lanka Heritage Hotels
- Fort Bazaar, Galle
- Kandy House, Kandy
- Taylors Hill, Kandy
- Fox Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka
- Fort Printers, Galle
Expert View from Sri Lanka Specialist Alistair:
For a real slice of history I recommend spending a few nights at Fox Jaffna, now a boutique this place has a really colourful past!
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 India Wilderness Camps
- Chamba Camp - Diskit, Ladakh
- Chhatra Sagar, Rural Rajasthan
- Shergarh, Kanha National Park
- Kaav, Nagarhole National Park
- Chamba Camp - Thiksey, Ladakh
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
Chamba Camp is my go-to wilderness retreat when I want a refreshing dose of spectacular mountain views without giving up on comfort.
Contact us on 01768 603 715 for holiday ideas, or if you want to include these places in your luxury tailor-made holiday.
Top 5 Indian Adventures
- Kerala is more than just house boats
- Off the beaten track in Rural Rajasthan
- Exploring the Himalayas on Toy Trains
- Venturing into the land of the Tiger
- Journeying to remote North East India
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
North East India is somewhere that has me returning time and time again...it's a hidden kingdom full of rewarding encounters, including the incredible tree root bridges that this area is famous for.
Want to see tree root bridges for yourself? Call Amanda on 01768 603 715 for a chat about your holiday.
Top 5 Indian Family Holidays
- The ultimate family India Adventure
- Easy cycling in Rajasthan
- Sleep on a house boat in Kerala
- Search for tigers in the jungle
- Sandcastles and snorkelling in the Andaman Islands
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
Kids love wildlife, and the thrill of seeing a tiger in the wild is something they'll remember forever.
Give Amanda a ring on 01768 603 715 to plan your India family holiday today.
Top 5 India Honeymoon Hotels
- Ahilya by the Sea, Goa
- Sher Bagh, Ranthambore
- Palace, Jaipur
- Samode Palace, Rajasthan
- Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands
Expert View from India Specialist Amanda:
Nowhere does luxury and opulence quite as well as India...for ultimate beach indulgence my choice is Ahilya by the Sea in Goa.
To discuss your India honeymoon, get in touch with Ali on 01768 603 715.
