Hatari Lodge

An eye for upbeat designs gives a funky vibe to the dining room, lounge, library and the appropriately named John Wayne bar, and the retro pop art works beautifully with the handmade furniture and vivid African colours. Breakfast and lunch are served on the veranda, with views across the plains to distant Kili (if it's clear). Head down to the viewing platform in front of the lodge, or buy a few mementos at the on-site curio shop.

Nine elegant suites and three huge self-contained villas continue the retro theme. There's nothing hackneyed about the decor though, in case you were wondering... The beds are large and very comfortable, the en-suite bathrooms have huge walk-in showers (two have romantic bathtubs too), and all but one have an open fireplace. The family-friendly villas have two en-suite bedrooms, a private dining and living space with an open fireplace, and viewing decks both front and back facing Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

Arusha National Park is a hidden gem off the safari circuit that deserves a visit for its striking landscape alone. Expect to see a reasonable variety of wildlife during game drives, and enjoy the superb hiking terrain – look out for black and white colobus monkeys in the lush forests that are alive with birds and butterflies. Canoe trips on the tranquil lakes are a must, as is a trip to the Momella Lakes to see flocks of flamingos.