Unwind, post-safari, at one of our favourite luxury African beach resorts. Once you’ve sampled the Serengeti, stalked some big game and generally safaried yourself out, it’s time to kick back on the nearest stretch of golden sand and contemplate your wildlife adventures at one of our favourite post-safari African beach resorts…
Chole Mjini Lodge, Chole Island, Tanzania
If you’re after a tropical retreat, then Chole Mjini’s thatched tree-houses – elevated between jungle and beach – are the perfect place to play Tarzan and Jane. High up in the ancient Baobab trees that line the shores of Chole island – which is just off the larger Mafia island and south of the Tanzanian capital, Dar Es Salaam – the rooms here are reached via sandy walkways, wooden platforms and ladders, and contain giant King size beds where you are lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea and awoken (hopefully not too early) by birdsong. There’s no electricity or mobile phone reception here, so it’s a real back-to-Eden experience. All the tree-houses are sea-facing and some even feature a separate elevated room with 360-degree views out over the water. The resort is dedicated to responsible tourism, so there’s a feel-good factor here that goes deeper than diving with whales and snorkelling with turtles – but you can totally do that too.
Book a 7-night stay and pay for just 5 when booking Chole Mjini with Beach Tomato.
Londo Lodge, Quirimbas, Mozambique
The cluster of thatched-roof villas that perch up on the cliff’s edge, overlooking Pemba Bay, effortlessly mix decadent luxury with eclectic interiors and elements of traditional design to create the perfect place to unwind after your African adventure. Moroccan artwork adorns the walls and local Maconde woodcraft sits alongside Victorian mirrors and doze-inducing Belgian bed-linen. Not only does Mozambique offer some of the most pristine beaches in Africa, but it also has vast game reserves teeming with wildlife, national parks, and turquoise waters – perfect for exploring via a sunset sailing trip on a traditional dhow. Make time for a couple of hours at the cliff-side spa where, after one of their Papaya-Ginger scrubs or Pre-sun Coconut treatments, you will feel fully rejuvenated and ready for some serious sand time.
Book Londo Lodge for your honeymoon with Beach Tomato and one of you lucky lovebirds will only pay 25% of the Honeymoon Ocean View villa rate (min four-night stay) as well as the following added extras: Welcome back & neck massage, flowers & bottle of wine on arrival, romantic secluded candlelit dinner on a private beach, sunset cruise by traditional dhow boat.
Fear not, if you’re not quite at the “I Do" stage you’ll still receive snorkelling, dhow cruises, kayaking, bush walks and turtle beach trips.
Pumulani, Lake Malawi
Legendary explorer David Livingstone described Lake Malawi as ‘the lake of stars’ and, at Pumulani, you can star gaze in style from the terrace of your private villa. In the local Chichewa language, the lodge’s name translates to ‘rest well’ and you are encouraged to do just that, with days spent stretched out on the soft lakeside sand or swimming in the infinity pool that overlooks the glistening waters below. At dusk, enjoy dinner al fresco – served up with incredible views out over the lake and game-sized proportions of romance. The villas are nestled into the undergrowth just seconds from the beach and all feature distinctive grass roofs, designed to deflect the heat of the African sun. Sample the fresh waters of the lake by canoe, kayak or water-ski… or simply cool off with a refreshing dip between tanning sessions.
Recently awarded Malawi’s Leading Hotel 2011 at the World Travel Awards, aka the travel Oscars, book Pumulani with Beach Tomato and you’ll receive a 10% discount when staying for seven nights or more.
Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island, Zanzibar
This is as about as far away from it all as you can get. Funda Lagoon resort is only accessible by boat from Zanzibar and sits on the southwest side of Pemba Island on an immaculate stretch of bright white sand. The small cluster of luxury tented rooms are all Robin Crusoe-meets-Arabian Nights, with beds draped in gossamer mosquito nets and scattered with colourful cushions. Chill out up at the hillside pool, surrounded by tropical forests, or simply step out from your secluded room straight onto the sand and go for a swim in the impossibly clear sea. After a day topping up your tan, walk out over the water on wooden platforms for a pre-dinner cocktail at the Jetty Bar – there are few places on earth with quite so much character.
Book Fundu Lagoon with Beach Tomato and you can stay for 4 nights for the price of 3 (valid for travel until 22nd Dec 2011 and 1st March – 15th April 2012).
Alternatively stay 7 nights and pay for 5 (valid until 14th April 2012 (excluding 14th Dec – 10th Jan).
And if you fancy honeymooning at Fundu Lagoon you’ll receive a 20% discount for the bride, plus his & hers massages, and bottle of sparkling wine on arrival (Hillside and Beach Front Rooms). Book a suite and you’ll also receive an unforgettable private dinner down on the beach.
Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Set on the unspoiled Maputaland coast in South Africa, Thonga Beach’s luxury thatched suites sit up on wooden stilts within a World Heritage site and look out onto endless azure seas. With a promise to preserve the natural vegetation, the rooms here are positioned within a sensitive milkwood forest and coastal dune soils and look over untamed sandy beaches, beautiful swimming bays and colourful coral reefs offering some incredible off-shore dive sites. Better still, If you can spare a second away from your sun-lounger, carry on the ‘safari’ experience with a turtle tracking trip along the coast. Want even more private time? The lodge can arrange for you to dine by candle light on the shore of the Indian Ocean for a dizzyingly romantic dinner.
Book Thonga Beach Lodge with us and you can stay for 3 nights with an extra night for free (valid May & June 2012).
Alternatively take a dip and book our Scuba Diving Special which includes 3 nights in a Forest View Room with 2 scuba dives and all meals at an exclusive rate starting from £445 per person.
Between November and February make the most of our Turtle Tracking Special which includes a 3-night stay & turtle drive from £434 per person.
Written by Katie Manning
