What sets it apart
This luxury Tanzanian and Ugandan safari stood out for us for the unparalleled access it gave us not just to the places we wanted to see, but to the charismatic wildlife species and behaviours that were highest up on our safari bucket lists. Describing our experience as having front row seats doesn’t quite do it justice; rather, it’s as though we were immersed in the events – from daily routine to life-and-death drama – taking place all around us.
Often, we had the same perspective as the animals themselves, and although it’s impossible to fully appreciate the feelings of a mountain gorilla contentedly munching wild celery as his offspring gambol around him, or of a wildebeest in the front row of a river crossing, we came close thanks to the superb positioning of the luxury lodges we stayed in … and the efforts of the guides who took us on our game drives, walking safaris and gorilla treks.
From our first luxury lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – which felt as though the trees had only reluctantly parted to allow it to be built – to the notion of a camp in constant motion like Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp – which actually relocates as the herds do – we could sense the immense efforts that had been made to perfectly place us (and our cameras) front and centre. We returned home with great wildlife images, and with memories of skillful guides and warm, genuine African hospitality.
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OPPOSITE: Ngorongoro Crater is otherworldly.
ABOVE ROTATING:
You can drive among the wildebeest in the Serengeti. Gorilla Forest Camp has thatched tented suites. The game-viewing in Ngorongoro Crater is unbelievable. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a magical place.