Mahali Mzuri
What's so special
The latest addition to Richard Branson's ultra-exclusive holiday accommodation portfolio more than earns its place up there with Necker Island, his private Caribbean idyll. Mahali Mzuri is where to come if you want to safari in comfort surrounded by the best of everything, including the views. The whole camp is set on a ridge above a wide valley, so guests can enjoy sweeping views of the plains and all the wildlife. Best of all, the Olare Motorogi conservancy, where the camp is situated, is peaceful and quiet, so you can enjoy the viewswithout having to jostle with dozens of other tourists.
How they rate it?
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The lodge consists of a series of permanent tents stretched along the hillside. "All the traditional elements of a luxury safari camp are present and correct: colourful fabrics hang from the wall; beds are clad in exquisite white linen," says Ben Ross in The Independent. "It isn't opulent these are still tents, after all but as you listen to the shrieks of hyenas while gazing across the valley from your roll-top bath, you'll realise that you're being thoroughly spoilt." The whole place is geared towards ensuring you get a good view. There's a "central viewing deck with a hearth for a fire" and dinner is eaten "at a gracious glass table suspended over a grand tree stump in the dining tent, or under the awning, or even out in the bush". In the barthere's a telescope so you can take advantage of the clear nights to stargaze.
The cost
Mahali Mzuri opens in August. Prices start from £2,599 per person, including twice-daily game drives, all-inclusive accommodation and flights and transfers. See www.vhiphotels.co.uk, or call 0844-573 2451.
Any tips?
For the best chance of seeing elusive animals, hone your senses. "Watch out for silhouettes, moving vegetation and shapes that don't fit the landscape," says Matthew Firestone in Lonely Planet. "Use your peripheral vision, and watch where other creatures are looking. Listen for alarm calls, snorting breath, splashing water and changes in the activity of other creatures." And take binoculars that elusive lion won't saunter too close.
Topi House
What's so special
Between June and August Africa plays host to a great migration. Frequently billed as the eighth wonder of the world, this is when wildebeest and zebra and their predators move en masse from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Maasai Mara. It's a wonder to behold and as a result a stampede of snapping humans follows it. Where can you watch this incredible spectacle, while avoiding the crowds? Topi House, situated in one of the few communal conservancies in Kenya, is secluded and offers great views of the plains.
How they rate it?
Topi House is located on the border of the Olare Orok conservancy, says Graham Boynton in The Daily Telegraph. It "looks across a seemingly endless plain filled with zebra, wildebeest and all the other ungulates with barely another vehicle to be seen". The three generously sized bedrooms are linked by a verandah, making it "ideal for a large family". More importantly, Topi has one of the best wildlife guides available: Boynton was guided by a famous Maasai man of the bush, Jackson Looseyia, a presenter on BBC's Big Cat Diary show.
The cost
Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn.com, tel. 0208 682 5070) has seven nights at Topi House from £3,955 per adult and £2,578 per child, based on a family sharing with two children under 12. Includes return flights and all transfers.
Any tips?
"Get away from the Big Five' mentality," says Jackson don't have a tick-listof big-name animals you must see'. It shouldn't need to be said, but Africa has a lot more to offer than lions and elephants take in the bigger picture and you'll have a much better time. As Jackson puts it: "Go and see the birds. Go and smell the flowers."
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