&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Open on three sides, the raised, spacious lounge has several comfortable sitting areas and a light, airy feel to it. It seamlessly combines contemporary design with classic natural features such as the thatched roof with a banana leaf underside. The downstairs dining room (which incorporates a small open-air kitchen) and deck is adorned with simple, elegant furnishings and makes extensive use of raw and polished wood. The deck provides lots of space for private dining, as does the large, sandy boma area with a fireplace at its centre. The swimming pool is surrounded by gorgeous, lush forest and plenty of reclining sunloungers.

Ten private wooden "tree-house" chalets are set in the mahogany forest on elevated decks. The warm earthy colours and French doors exude comfort and elegance. The en-suite bathroom, separated by a long curtain, has a double basin, Victorian bath, an outside shower and lots of space. In addition to the very comfortable double bed, there is a private lounge and long wooden veranda, all with views of the surrounding forest that makes you feel a part of it.

Lake Manyara is a relatively small national park and is open to the public but Tree Lodge is right down in the south-west, far from the entrance gate and the majority of tourists. Hence, the game drives are fairly exclusive and chances of seeing some spectacular and unusual wildlife is good. Other activities are available at additional cost and include night drives, a visit to a Maasai village where you can share in a traditional meal or buy some beautiful beaded jewellery, or a bike ride through magnificent scenery to the nearby Mayoka village and back along the lake filled with prodigious flocks of flamingos.