Active experiences

The bustling town of Arusha sits in the shadow of Mount Meru, an active volcano and the second highest peak in Tanzania. Take a trip into the Arusha National Park and hike Mount Meru’s slopes, where you will encounter a variety of interesting wildlife species—a startlingly diverse environment with amazing views of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy hiking along the crest of the crater rim, with distant, views of Kilimanjaro from the summit, and the ability to see a lot of wildlife on the lower slopes in the form of a walking safari. This is also a chance to escape the tourist crowds.

Walking is the ideal way to experience the raw beauty of Tuli. Being on foot provides game viewing opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise have on a game drive through this rugged landscape. It is also a much more intimate experience, as you enjoy learning about some of the smaller creatures of the bush, and appreciate the art of tracking animals that you might not even know existed. You can reach many areas that vehicles can't go. Tuli is famous for its large elephant populations, and one of the greatest experiences is to encounter one of these great beasts on foot with an experienced guide (safely, from a distance). Walking offers a holistic experience—a peaceful opportunity for reflection.

The Spitzkoppe is best seen at dawn or dusk when the light paints the granite in soft colours of pink and crimson. Photograph the main peak, which is 1784m high and some 700 million years old, and enjoy a nature walk or climb among the intriguing rocks and arches.

Visit Mafia Island between October and March to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest known fish species, as they slowly migrate north. Take a boat out from the island to the deeper water and then jump in with snorkel and fins and float beside these gentle giants as they open their mouths and feed on plankton, completely relaxed by your presence. The water is clear and warm in this part of the Indian Ocean, and you can spend hours enjoying the company of these great animals. Head back to the island and end your day with cocktails and a tropical sunset, a life-changing experience that will stay with you forever.

Spend time with a celebrated local artist from the village of Ambalangoda, and witness how the local masks are being carved and painted. If you want you can learn the art of how to do the carving and painting as well.

Being on horseback allows you to get close to animals like the endangered roan and sable antelope or the usually skittish Hartmann’s mountain zebra without disturbing them. Beginners and advanced riders alike can ride across the grassy plains and red dunes, drink in the beauty of the Kalahari landscape and enjoy its stillness.

Just 700m shorter than its more famous sister, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya is a sight to behold. You emerge from the bordering forests onto stretches of grassy mountain plains broken with deep valleys and lush mountain streams. As you climb higher into the land of giant lobelia’s the temperature drops and Mt Kenya’s three peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana tower above you. Those who summit Lenana for sunrise are rewarded with spectacular views, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Kilimanjaro. Technical alpine climbers take on Batian and Nelion, which some of the world’s best climbers have declared to be amongst the most challenging and rewarding technical ascents in the world.

One of India's largest and longest lakes is the Vembanad lake which is also called the Punnamada. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. A narrow reef separates it from the sea and lies on the right side of the Arabian sea. Enjoy Backwater related experiences ranging from an evening canoe ride to yoga near the beach in the mornings.

Feel like a cowboy from the region, horse riding a nature reserve near Hacienda Bambusa. There amidst beautiful landscapes, an experienced rider will guide you through a wide forest reforested with native tree species, a pineapple crop and some streams, along the way you will also find cattle and impressive buffaloes. This experience will ensure very funny moments during calm landscapes and narrow paths surrounded by lush trees. Al fresco rustic lunch at the end of the activity. Round trip transfer to Hacienda Bambusa included (around 25min each way)

One can often miss the details of the bush—a leopard track in the sand; a rare bird call; or a unique flower—when bumbling in a vehicle. Guided walks are a fantastic way to explore the Waterberg area, with its soaring massif and rolling plains. These can be in the form of a gentle stroll to identify insects and birds - or spot a porcupine quill, track animals through the bush, or learn the medicinal properties of various trees and plants. If you're in the area, your expert guide may take you to see the gallery of San rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Return to camp for a hearty brunch!