Koala Sanctuary in Australia Cracks Global Top 10 Animal Encounters

Thailand’s Monkey Beach
Copyright: Shutterstock.com / Adcharin Chitthammachuk

Aussie icon rises among world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences

Wildlife Tourism Surges as Travellers Seek Connection with Nature

The world is falling in love with wild creatures all over again. As the trend of biophilia — the innate human desire to connect with nature — gains momentum, wildlife tourism is booming. Growing at an impressive rate of 5.2% annually, travellers are planning journeys not just for landscapes or luxury, but for the unforgettable chance to meet animals in their natural or protected habitats.

From flamingos in Tanzania to capybaras in Japan, the demand for intimate, ethical animal experiences is reshaping travel itineraries. But among these, one much-loved marsupial is stealing hearts — and searches — around the world.

Australia’s Koala Sanctuary Lands a Spot in the Global Top 10

In a new study commissioned by JR Pass ahead of World Nature Conservation Day (July 28), Australia's beloved koalas have found global fame. One of the country’s premier koala sanctuaries has cracked the list of the Top 10 Most Searched Animal Encounters Worldwide, putting Australia firmly on the map for nature lovers seeking soft fur and eucalyptus-scented cuddles.

The sanctuary’s appeal lies in its ability to blend conservation with accessibility. Visitors can observe and interact with koalas in a controlled, ethical environment that prioritises animal welfare and education. Many sanctuaries also double as rescue and rehabilitation centres, playing a vital role in safeguarding one of Australia’s most iconic but vulnerable species.

From Macaques to Flamingos: What the World is Searching For

So who else made the cut in this global roundup of must-see wildlife experiences?

Leading the charge with 68,000 monthly searches, Thailand’s Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don captures imaginations with long-tailed macaques roaming white sand shores. Its cinematic beauty (as featured in The Beach) and up-close monkey encounters have sparked more than 180,000 hashtags online.

Flamingos at Lake Natro 

Copyright: Shutterstock.com / Danita Delimon

Tanzania’s Lesser Flamingos at Lake Natron take second place, drawing 39,000 searches each month. The surreal scene of over a million pink birds crowding a toxic, alkaline lake during breeding season is unlike anything else on Earth — a pink tide of life in the harshest of environments.

In third, Portugal’s Azores Islands attract 26,000 monthly searches for their dolphin and whale watching experiences. With over 28 species frequenting these Atlantic waters, sightings are common, and tours are rooted in sustainable practices that support marine conservation.

America’s Swimming Ponies and Japan’s Bowing Deer

Nara Park’s bowing deer

Credit: Shutterstock.com / Brinlietravels

At number four, Assateague Island’s wild ponies in the USA continue to enchant. These hardy, feral horses roam beach dunes and swim across channels during the island’s famed annual pony swim, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and Instagram followers alike.

Rounding out the top five is Nara Park’s bowing deer in Japan. The Sika deer of Nara have adapted in delightful ways — bowing in exchange for crackers handed out by visitors. Revered as sacred messengers and protected as national treasures, these deer have become cultural icons in their own right.

Koalas: Cute, Cuddly and Critically Important

Australia’s koalas are not just tourism drawcards — they’re conservation ambassadors. Listed as endangered in parts of the country, koalas face challenges from habitat loss, bushfires and disease. Sanctuaries offer hope, not only by protecting existing populations, but by educating visitors on what’s needed to keep koalas thriving for generations to come.

Whether you're travelling solo or with family, visiting a koala sanctuary offers a chance to slow down and share a quiet moment with these gentle creatures. For many, that connection is the true reward of travel.

Ready to Meet the World’s Most Beloved Wildlife?

From snow monkeys to sacred deer, from ocean giants to native Aussie icons, the world is full of incredible animal experiences waiting to be discovered. Just remember to seek out ethical tours and support sanctuaries that put wildlife first.

The 10 most sought out majestic animal experiences in 2025

Rank	Animal	Location	Country	Instagram Hashtags	Global Monthly Search Volume
1	Long-tailed Macaques	Monkey beach	Thailand, Ko Phi Phi Don	182,000	68,000
2	Lesser Flamingos	Lake Natron	Tanzania	18,900	39,000
3	Dolphins and Whales	The Azores	Portugal	93,900	26,000
4	Feral Ponies	Assateague Island	United States, Virginia	123,000	26,000
5	Sika Deer	Nara Deer Park	Japan	78,000	25,000
6	Cats	Cat Island (Tashirojima)	Japan	70,300	21,200
7	Pigs	Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)	Bahamas	45,000	21,000
8	Koalas	Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary	Australia	65,400	21,000
9	Butterflies	Butterfly World	United States, Texas	6,012	20,800
10	Capybara	Capybara Onsen (Nagasaki Biopark)	Japan	12,100	7,000

Study Source: Commissioned by JR Pass

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Elewana Collection Revamps Two Safari Icons in Kenya

Renovations at Elewana Elsa's Kopje 

Refreshed design and elevated dining concepts bring new energy to the legendary Elsa’s Kopje and Elephant Pepper Camp

Elewana Collection, an operator of award-winning boutique lodges and safari camps across Kenya and Tanzania, has unveiled significant renovations and refreshed culinary concepts at two of its iconic Kenyan properties: Elsa’s Kopje Meru, and Elephant Pepper Camp in the Maasai Mara.

Elewana, part of international hospitality group Minor Hotels, is known for its commitment to conservation, community, and classic East African hospitality. The latest enhancements exemplify that ethos, elevating the guest experience while remaining deeply rooted in each property’s natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and distinctive character.

Elsa’s Kopje Meru: A Living Legacy, Reimagined

Perched dramatically above the savannah in Meru National Park, Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is a lodge steeped in history. Named after the orphaned lioness made famous by conservationists George and Joy Adamson in the 1996 film Born Free, the lodge is built into the rocky hillside above the Adamsons’ former camp. Since opening in 1999, Elsa’s Kopje has become an icon of responsible luxury and timeless safari charm.

The latest renovations pay tribute to this legacy while enhancing comfort and design throughout the lodge. All guest suites now feature upgraded furniture, Nero-finished bathroom floors, and reimagined lighting that accentuates the lodge’s organic architecture and expansive views. The expansive Private House has also been elevated with a luxurious new bath and redesigned outdoor shower.

Communal areas reflect the same attention to detail: the main and private pools have been refinished with terrazzo tiles, offering a refreshed setting for relaxation between game drives. A new in-house sundowner space provides the perfect stage for evening G&Ts overlooking Meru’s vast wilderness, with a new outdoor cinema screening the film, Born Free, set to be launched in the area within the month. The spa has been expanded, offering a more spacious retreat for wellness rituals.

“Careful attention has been paid to ensure the refreshed Elsa’s Kopje still holds the heart and soul of what makes it so special,” said Callum Oliver, Operations Manager Kenya at Elewana Collection. “Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the updates enhance the comfort and elegance of the lodge without losing the deep connection to the wilderness and history of Meru.”

The lodge’s updated culinary direction celebrates Kenya’s rich gastronomic traditions, blending comfort and authenticity. From slow-simmered local stews and grilled meats to elevated breakfasts featuring yoghurt parfaits, fresh pastries, and vibrant garden fare, each dish is a reflection of the land and its culture.

Elephant Pepper Camp: Bush Luxury Meets Fire-Cooked Flavour

Nestled in the Mara North Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp has long been a favourite for safari purists and those seeking a close-to-nature experience with minimal environmental impact.

The final phase of the camp’s multi-stage renovation is now complete, bringing a full upgrade to guest tents with new furnishings that retain the camp’s rustic elegance while adding modern comfort. The arrival area has been reimagined to enhance the sense of welcome, while the mess and bar tents now feature new furniture for an elevated communal atmosphere.

Crowning the transformation is the debut of ‘Elephant and Pepper’, a bold new culinary concept centred on the primal art of fire cooking. Drawing inspiration from African bushcraft and global smokehouse techniques, the open-flame experience showcases slow-smoked meats, ember-roasted vegetables, and fire-grilled seafood infused with rich local spices and cooked over aromatic acacia wood. Traditional braai equipment ensures authentic preparation, while smoke-infused cocktails and foraged ingredients create a sensory journey that connects guests with the land’s raw power and beauty.

“These renovations are more than just cosmetic upgrades – they’re about deepening the connection between guest and place,” said Kieren Day, Chief Operating Officer of Elewana Collection. “Elsa’s Kopje and Elephant Pepper Camp are two of our most beloved properties, each with a distinctive spirit. These enhancements honour their stories while enriching every aspect of the guest experience.”

TANZANIA'S TOURISM IS BOOMING

In 2023, tourist arrivals to Tanzania increased by 24.3% to a record-breaking 1,808,205, from 1,454,920 tourists in 2022, 922,692 in 2021, and 616,491 in 2020. This increase is consistent with the rise in the number of tourist arrivals.

Europe traditionally accounts for the largest share of arrivals, followed by Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. The increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 was attributed to the rebound of travel activity post-COVID. Additionally, it was driven by the continued efforts of the Tanzanian government to promote tourism attractions within and outside the country.

2023 WAS ONE MORE YEAR OF EXCELLENCE

We are delighted to advise you that again in 2023 we have been voted for by the World Travel & MICE Awards, during the Gala Dinner of ITB, as Africa’s best MICE Organiser, Tanzania’s Best MICE Organiser, and Tanzania’s Leading DMC. We thank very much all our Clients, Suppliers and Friends who supported our efforts for excellence and voted for us.

Congratulations also go to our Staff who with diligence contribute in our company’s legacy, been the best DMC-PCO in our Destination, by providing valuable consultancy and superior services to all our customers. A big thank you to all the Team in Tanzania and Kenya.

GREEN iNSPIRATIONS DMC-SHADES OF GREEN SAFARIS

Safari City Road, Golden Suite, Plot #3, Block “F”, 23 Mateves P.O. Box 12554,
23125 Arusha, TZ
Mr Gadi Mbuya CEO +255 27 2970825-7 http://www.greeninspirationsdmc.com

Entries open for the first Wagora MTB Ride - Raising funds for anti-poaching in the Serengeti

Wagora MTB Ride

Singita and its NGO partner, the Grumeti Fund, have partnered to introduce a new iconic adventure taking place in the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti reserve in Tanzania.

Twenty-four experienced riders from around the world will have the opportunity to take part in the first Wagora MTB Ride from 10-15 October 2024. This exclusive event is a life-changing opportunity for mountain bike enthusiasts to come together in the Serengeti to ride in support of the Grumeti Fund’s anti-poaching scouts.

This event traverses 150 kilometres (over three days) through the reserve in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Endless views and exciting animal sightings are part of the journey, while game scouts and a support vehicle accompany riders for their safety and comfort. The route consists of flat, dirt, gravel, or sand roads (non-tarred) with some single-track off-road trails and is best suited to seasoned riders.

The name of the race pays tribute to Kitaboka Wagora, an anti-poaching scout who was tragically shot and killed by a poacher while on patrol in 2008. His memory continues to inspire others to follow a path of bravery, courage and the commitment to protect and conserve Africa’s wild places for future generations.

This three-day event traverses 150 kilometres in the Grumeti Reserve along the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Breath-taking views and enthralling animal sightings are part of the journey in this landscape that is home to The Great Migration.

All funds raised will support the dedicated anti-poaching scouts and their dogs who work tirelessly to protect the wildlife here.

Radisson Hotel Group bolsters African presence with 7 additional hotels and over 1,200 new rooms including a landmark entry in Tanzania

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is delighted to announce the addition of seven new hotels, adding over 1,200 hotel rooms to its African portfolio and its debut in Tanzania within the first half of 2024. With those additions, the Group’s footprint in Africa has grown to nearly 100 hotels in operation and development, placing the Group well on track to reach its goal of 150 hotels within the next five years.

 
Tanzania has been identified as a key market in the Group’s proactive expansion strategy, making its debut in the country with two hotel signings. This addition enhances the Group’s diverse African portfolio, spanning across 30 countries, further establishing it as the hotel company with the largest market presence in Africa.

In Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group continues to hold a leading position with a portfolio of 13 hotels in operation and under development, including five new hotels signed in 2023. The new signing of the Radisson RED Hotel Abuja has further bolstered the Group’s presence in the city, bringing the total number of hotels under development in Abuja to four.

In Morocco, the Group has pursued the same efforts with a clear transformation plan, growing its presence from 1 hotel in 2020 to over 9 hotels in operation and 4 hotels in development today. Casablanca represents a strategic hub among multiple continents and the new signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Hotel Casablanca Finance City solidifies the Group’s ambitions to reach over 25 hotels by 2030 across the country.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The seven new hotels align with our expansion strategy, demonstrating significant growth in key African markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Ethiopia as well as our highly anticipated debut in Tanzania. These hotels also highlight our conversion strategy and our commitment to diversifying our portfolio by introducing new brands and cementing our presence in these important markets.”

The six hotel signings include:

1) Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Marking Radisson Hotel Group’s debut in Tanzania, this 138-room hotel, featuring 94 guestrooms and 44 three-bedroom apartments, is set to open in 2025 as part of a mixed-use development in Dar es Salaam's CBD. The hotel will occupy the top 14 floors of a 33-floor tower, one of the tallest buildings in the area, and is within walking distance of the ferry terminal to Zanzibar Island.

The hotel will offer a diverse array of dining facilities, including a lobby café, business class lounge, all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, outdoor pool, and pool restaurant. Additional amenities include retail stores, a ladies' salon, indoor parking, a gym, steam room and sauna, kids' playroom, and eight meeting rooms.

2) Radisson Hotel Mwanza (Tanzania)

Supporting a strong market entry, this 196-room hotel, currently under construction, will debut the Radisson brand in Tanzania in 2025. Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, is renowned for corporate meetings and events and is the ideal starting point for tours to the Serengeti National Park. As the only branded hotel in Mwanza, it will feature a lobby café and bar, all-day dining restaurant, sports bar, outdoor pool bar, executive lounge, and two specialty restaurants, Balaustine, a 'casual-fine dining' experience inspired by the Barbary coast and the Levant and Filini, offering a delectable dining experience of fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine.

The meetings and events space includes a triple-height ballroom, business center, boardrooms, and a conference room. The extensive wellness facilities will include a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and kids' playground.

3) Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Casablanca Finance City (Morocco)

Enhancing the Group's Moroccan portfolio, which currently includes 11 hotels in operation and under development, is the addition of new two dual-branded hotels and a serviced apartment. These new builds, including the first Radisson RED hotel in North Africa will feature a total of 381 rooms, are set to open in late 2027. They will be located in Casa Anfa, at the heart of Casablanca Finance City, the city's new financial hub, recognized as Africa's leading financial center, on par with London and La Défense in Paris.

Providing guests with an array of dining and wellness facilities for an ideal stay, the Radisson Blu will offer guests an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty rooftop restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Meanwhile, the Radisson RED hotel, will feature a restaurant and a pool bar. The Radisson Blu's wellness facilities will include a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool. The Radisson RED will also provide a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.

For meetings and events, in addition to the five meeting rooms at the Radisson Blu, there will be a 1,100-square-meter conference center comprising an auditorium, large ballroom and three meeting rooms, making the complex the future meeting destination.

4) Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Tunis (Tunisia)

This 305-room hotel, a conversion of an existing property, will soon debut the Radisson Blu brand in Tunis, complementing the Group’s footprint in Tunisia as its seventh hotel in the country and fourth in Tunis. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel will feature dining outlets such as a lobby bar, shisha bar, all-day dining restaurant, and three specialty restaurants.

The expansive convention center will include multiple meeting rooms, boardrooms, a VIP room, an executive lounge, a business center, and a 1,400 sqm ballroom, making it the largest conference center in the city.

5) Radisson RED Abuja (Nigeria)

The new-build 105-room hotel, set to open in 2028, will be Radisson Hotel Group’s 13th property in Nigeria and the second Radisson RED in the country, introducing the upper upscale brand to Abuja. Located in Wuse, Abuja’s main commercial and social district, the hotel will be surrounded by corporate offices, popular estates, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. The hotel will feature a bar and terrace, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar and grill. It will also offer 238 square meters of meeting space, including three meeting rooms and a pre-function area, as well as a fitness facility.

6) Park Inn by Radisson Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Scheduled to open in 2025, this 120-room hotel will be the Group’s third hotel in Ethiopia, all located in Addis Ababa and introduce the Park Inn by Radisson brand to the country. Dining options will include a breakfast hall, restaurant hall, coffee shop, and four soft drink bars. The meeting and events space will consist of a large and medium conference room and four meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy two gyms, a spa, business center, sport facilities, kids' entertainment area, retail space, and co-working space.

Since 2022, the Group has opened 14 hotels, including the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco and Tunis with Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle and Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center, solidifying its position as the largest hotel operator in Tunisia. The openings have diversified the Group’s portfolio with the first safari hotel in Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the first resort in Livingstone, Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, and the debut in Reunion Island with Radisson Hotel Saint Denis. This achievement has set a record for the Group in terms of realizing its pipeline into openings, translating into a commendable 15 percent annual net operating growth in its African portfolio.

“With a strong first half of the year, we plan to continue the momentum in the second half by focusing on expanding our presence in key markets such as Morocco and South Africa, where we’ve recently announced our ambition to reach 25 hotels by 2030, doubling the portfolio in both countries. We thank each of our partners for their valued trust in us and our brands,” concluded Rankoussi.

Minor Hotels Announces the Signing of Anantara Zanzibar Resort

• Anantara to continue its expansion in Africa, adding Tanzania to the pipeline

Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, announces the signing of a new Anantara resort to be developed in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Located on the northern coast of Zanzibar Island, the group will launch the 181-key Anantara Zanzibar Resort in 2027.

The new-build property will feature 37 luxury suites, one presidential villa, and 73 one- and two-bedroom sea view villas with private pool. The resort will also include 38 one-bedroom apartments, 19 two-bedroom apartments, eight three-bedroom penthouse apartments, and five penthouses.

All accommodation and public areas will be finished with contemporary décor and state-of-the-art comforts to provide signature Anantara luxury infused with the distinctive styles and materials of the region. Strategically designed with a range of calming water features – including private pools, lagoon access and lagoon views, Anantara Zanzibar Resort will offer an elegant beachside retreat for the leisure and extended stay markets.

Culinary excellence will be a keen focus with six restaurants and bars offering all-day destination dining, a speciality beach grill, a beach club bar and a gourmet delicatessen café alongside a themed tikki bar and an al fresco pool bar.

Other premium amenities at Anantara Zanzibar Resort will include an Anantara Spa, kids’ and teens’ clubs, gym and fitness facilities, a water sports club, a lagoon pool and a library. Meeting and event spaces will also be created alongside an executive lounge and a business centre.

The owning company, Dubai-based Infinity Group, have chosen Minor Hotels and the Anantara brand to manage this new property. Anantara Zanzibar is currently under development as part of Infinity Group’s Africa portfolio, along with other projects on the continent. The group brings over 20 years of expertise in property development, asset management, contracting and retail to a long-term value investment strategy in, and beyond, the hospitality sector.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented, “We are delighted to add Anantara Zanzibar Resort to our pipeline of luxury properties under development in Africa, along with the recently announced Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in Zambia. We look forward to these new properties joining our Anantara portfolio on the continent in Mozambique, Zambia and Tunisia. Working in collaboration with Infinity Group, we believe this is an excellent opportunity to grow our hospitality footprint in Zanzibar, which is long recognised as Tanzania's oceanside destination of choice.”

Samuel Saba, Chairman of Infinity Group, and CEO of Infinity Developments said, “Infinity Developments is proud to be working with Minor Hotels, and the Anantara Brand. The Anantara Zanzibar Resort will redefine the standard of luxury hospitality in Zanzibar. We are confident that the synergy between the Minor and Infinity teams will bring about a distinctive and enhanced experience for all who visit this spectacular island from 2027, and many years to come.”

Bushtops Safari Camps

Maasai Mara Safari Camp & Spa

Bushtops Safari Camps based in Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa, are owned and managed by Andy and Claudia, the third generation Stuart family, as three camps offering a ‘wild luxury experience under canvas’. 

Mara Bushtops 

Their first camp, Mara Bushtops, opened 17 years ago in a private concession on the fringe of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park.

It overlooks a natural salt lick which attracts diverse wildlife from miles around and provides sightings in front of the camp’s restaurant and spa. 

This camp is also on the pathway of the annual wildebeest migration. 

Serengeti Bushtops and Roving Bushtops 

Bushtops Safari Camps also have two camps in Tanzania. 

Serengeti Bushtops is located in the northern Serengeti and Roving Bushtops moves seasonally between the central and southern Serengeti, in sync with the famous wildebeest migration. 

Bushtops offers an array of game drives, guided bush walks, cultural encounters and hot air balloon safaris, providing guests with the opportunity to witness the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. 

* www.bushtopscamps.com 

* Claire Roadley and claire@umlingo.co.uk

Festive Wonder Under a Sky Full of Stars at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

This year, Four Seasons Safari Lodge invites guests to celebrate the holidays in the Serengeti with a comprehensive program of festive activities and events. From December 23, 2023 through to January 1, 2024, guests will be immersed in a wilderness wonderland of festive cheer and a captivating spirit of festive tradition with a Tanzanian twist.

Guests seeking the sun and milestone adventure are encouraged to embark on an enchanting journey to the heart of the Serengeti National Park at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Escape the northern hemisphere winter and ring in the festive period in Tanzania where the magic of the holidays come to life under the vast African skies with the mesmerizing savannah plains and abundant wildlife as the backdrop.

The best gift this year may not be physical items, but the creation of special moments, memorable meals and epic adventures to be shared with loved ones. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's natural wonders, The Serengeti National Park. Highlights at the Lodge are the new ethnoastronomy experience and the festive program of events that connect guests with nature through activities, experiences and culinary celebrations like no other.

Discover Wonder Under a Sky Full of Stars

The Maasai have a rich and complex understanding of the stars, planets, and celestial objects, which have been used for centuries to navigate, predict weather patterns, and plan agricultural and cultural activities.

Learn more about the Maasai culture and get lost in a magical dinner experience under the stars throughout the festive period.

Activities, Guides and Experiences - All at One's Fingertips

Savor the flavors of the festive season and get closer to nature with a variety of unique experiences at the Lodge from December 23, 2023 through to January 1, 2024.

• Rise with Wellness - With daily guided birding walks around the lodge, 5 and 10 kilometre (about 3-6 miles) fun runs and sunrise or sunset yoga sessions with Hassan Mkanje, the resident yogi, there is an activity every day whether guests are looking to start their day with flocks or flow. Guided walks in the wild with the resident naturalist and Maasai protectors is an experience like no other, connecting guests with nature in the pure and natural way.

• Traditional Relaxation and Rejuvenation - For those who seek relaxation, the Serengeti Kani Spa boasts a range of treatments rooted in the foundations of Africa. Drift away with the ancestral rituals and signature treatments that include the Tree of Life Journey and the four-handed Ubuntu ritual. With private treatment rooms opening onto the savannah, the mind and body relate to Earth in the most immersive way.

• Mini Maasai Adventures - Young travellers are catered for with a dedicated Kijana Kid's Club, and an agenda of activities that connect them to the Maasai and their culture, who in-turn impart skills on the young guests that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

• A Festive Celebration with a Traditional Twist at Every Meal – It is the joyous celebrations that take place every evening that really immerse guests in the magic of the season with a happy Tanzanian twist.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

From celebrating the Spice Route to Seafood of Zanziba, and traditional Bush Dinners in the wild under the watchful eye of Park rangers and the Maasai, the daily unique dinners lift the spirits of everyone in the Lodge. The culinary journey culminates in a Gala Dinner in a joyous traditional Tanzanian style in the main house as the new year is ushered in with performances from local dancers and band, and even a DJ.

The daily program of activities will run alongside guests' own safari excursions, with both half and full day game drives available to explore the Serengeti region. Those who prefer to capture the landscape through a lens will also have opportunity to embark on a photo safari with resident photographers Laurent Mmassy and Chimwemwe Mkandawire, who combine their passion for wildlife photography with portrait photography to ensure every opportunity to capture treasured family moments on safari.

One thing is clear for guests chasing the sun is that a visit to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is one that will be remembered as the lodge welcomes everyone who is #herefortheholidays.

* Tags: #Safari, #african safari, #Wildlife, #Conservation, #Safari Lodge, #Festive, #festive season, #Game Lodge, #Serengeti, #Tanzania, #safari vacations
* Four Seasons Serengeti https://www.fourseasons.com/serengeti
* Trevor van de Ven at trevor.vandeven@fourseasons.com