Romantic Kenya & Tanzania

Nairobi may be one of Africa’s liveliest cities but your accommodation here is surely among its most tranquil: The House of Waine is a historic boutique hotel set in lush, manicured grounds in the exclusive enclave of Karen, a neighbourhood favoured by diplomats and ambassadors. It is the perfect place to catch your breath after landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and before setting off for your safari adventure.

Dive into the sparkling swimming pool to help shake off any jet-lag and, if your schedule permits, drop in on two of Nairobi’s most memorable places: the Rothschild’s giraffe sanctuary and the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Of course, no-one will begrudge you time in your very cosy, air-conditioned suite either!

From the city to the bush: today you catch a short flight to Kenya’s magnificent heartland – the Masai Mara. Your home for the next two nights is Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, which has vast vistas of the Sabaringo River and undulating Mara plains. If you are travelling mid-year, you may even find yourself in the thick of the wildebeest migration, as Kichwa Tembo lies directly in their traditional and ancient route.

Your days start at dawn with game drives in search of the Big 5 and end with delicious dinners after night drives to find the Mara’s elusive nocturnal creatures. On your third day, climb about transport of a different sort as you take the early morning skies in a hot-air balloon. This is one of the most exciting ways to see both the animals and landscape: you float low enough to spot elephants greeting each other for the day below and high enough to gain a true appreciation for just have vast the Masai Mara really is.

Between being out in the bush, relax at Kichwa Tembo’s sun-splashed swimming pool, which is said to have the best views in the Mara.

EditFrom Kenya to East Africa’s other heavyweight: glorious Tanzania. Waving goodbye to the friendly staff at Kichwa Tembo, you are driven to the airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. After touch, you will be taken to one of the most incredible places on Earth – the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is all that is left of an extinct volcano and its walls form a natural barrier that animals cannot easily cross. In addition, the volcano’s minerals fertilize the crater’s floor, making for very good grazing. The result is plentiful plains game and, where there are plains game, there are bound to be predators! A recent census counted about 28 000 animals in the crater and it is not considered unusual to see all of the Big 5 in a single game drive

Your abobe is The Manor at Ngorongoro, whose architecture is a nod to the hsitoric Cape Dutch style most often found in South Africa. Set on a fragrant coffee estate, you will be surrounded by vibrant birdlife and may even be able to hear elephants at night. During the day, there is plenty to keep you busy: horse riding, mountain biking, game drives to the crater and hours in the spa are all on the cards.

On your last day at The Manor, enjoy the special treat of a bush lunch in the crater floor where you will be in the midst one of Africa’s most beautiful natural settings…

From the southern Serengeti of The Manor to the north: a short flight takes you to Kogatende where you are escorted to Lemala Kuria Hills camp. This is an eco-conscious tented camp with spectacular added touches like a wine cellar, spa and an amazing ‘star beds’ that allow you to sleep under the twinkle of the Milky Way.

Your enormous tent at Lemala also comes with its own special treats: an outdoor shower for au naturel bathing and a private plunge pool on your deck – you will never have to miss a moment of sunshine! And speaking of enormous, the bed is ‘emperor-sized’ (super king-sized)

Your private honeymoon extends to having your own vehicle for game drives, which means you will never have to share with other guests and can spend as long as you like at each sighting. On clear days you will be able to see all the way to Kenyan border and over the golden Lamai grasslands.

After a week in East Africa it is time to head home and start married life together. You will be driven back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your connection but, before you put your seat back and your shutter down, be sure to look out the window for one last look at Africa…