What Makes Bushtops the Pinnacle of Safari Experiences

Leanne and Laura recently returned from a familiarisation trip through Tanzania, where they spent time at Serengeti Bushtops to experience the camp exactly as our guests do. Their reflections from the journey capture the details, surprises, and standout moments that make Bushtops such an exceptional safari experience.

Some safari camps promise luxury. Bushtops simply delivers it—quietly, consistently, and with a level of finesse that feels almost effortless.

From the moment the team stepped off the plane, it was clear they were in the hands of a camp that has perfected the art of anticipation. Drinks and snacks were waiting at the airstrip while permits were handled. Wet towels, bag tagging, and a seamless welcome unfolded without a hint of fuss. Even the vehicle set the tone: a hard top with soft sides, every item leather‑bound, from bird books to mozzie repellent to binoculars. It was luxury expressed through thoughtfulness, not excess.

Their guide, Deus, grounded the experience with knowledge and calm confidence. He mapped out the Serengeti, listened to what the guests hoped to see, and shaped the drives around their interests. That balance—expertise paired with genuine attentiveness—became a hallmark of the entire stay.

And then there was the camp itself. Photos simply don’t prepare travellers for how beautiful Serengeti Bushtops is. Serene, cleverly private thanks to lush foliage, yet connected and welcoming. Everything looked pristine, as though it had been built yesterday. Every staff member knew their role, and every detail—from personalised bag tags to thoughtful bed gifts—felt intentional. Even the vehicle seats were pre‑warmed with hot water bottles and blankets before guests climbed in.

Game drives were superb, not only for the wildlife—though lions, baby zebras, and two leopards (including one with a zebra kill in a tree) certainly delivered—but for the way they were conducted. There was no rushing, no jostling, no mayhem at the crossings. The group watched the last pocket herds attempt to cross in peace, able to see the banks, the hippos, the crocs. It felt like a private showing, a reminder that northern Serengeti is extraordinary year‑round.

What stood out most was how Bushtops caters to everyone without compromising the experience. Families have space and activities. Couples enjoy privacy and romance. Solo travellers feel welcomed, never isolated. Groups fit comfortably without overwhelming the atmosphere. It’s rare to find a camp that genuinely suits all demographics—and rarer still to find one that does it this well.

The biggest highlight wasn’t a single moment; it was the entire Bushtops experience. The surprises came from the things the camp doesn’t advertise—the quiet touches, the humility, the way they exceed expectations without ever announcing that they will.

For trade partners, the USPs are clear: an unbeatable location, private vehicles, a guide and spotter, spacious suites with hot tubs, and 24/7 à la carte dining that defies the remoteness of the bush. But the real standout is the team. Their professionalism, warmth, and intuition elevate everything.

If Bushtops could be summed up in three words: perfection, understated luxury, personalised.

And that is exactly what makes it the pinnacle of safari experiences.

Journey Through Lemala: A Fam Trip Experience

Leanne and Laura recently returned from a fam trip through Tanzania with Lemala Camps & Lodges, and their reflections paint a vivid picture of what makes Lemala so special.

What struck them both the most was the way each property seemed to embody its surroundings.

At Lemala Mara Tented Camp, they were discreetly tucked among Euclea trees with views over the savanna, close to the river crossings yet wonderfully secluded.

Lemala Nanyukie offered a front-row seat to the drama of the kopjes, where lions roam and guests can watch the action unfold from their private deck.

Osonjoi Lodge, enveloped by jungle on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, felt like a retreat from the world while still offering swift access to the crater floor.

And finally, Mpingo Ridge delivered sweeping views across Tarangire from its elevated position.

Their itinerary unfolded like a safari circuit of contrasts.

After a night at Hamerkop House, they began in the Northern Serengeti at Mara Tented Camp, where lions on honeymoon were spotted en route and nights were filled with the sounds of the bush.

Kuria Hills followed, with its stunning lodge design and a bold bull elephant wandering in for breakfast.

Flying south to Seronera, they stayed at Ewanjan Tented Camp, where elephants again made an appearance and evenings were spent around the fire with Amarula, before spotting a serval cat outside the tent.

Nanyukie was a favourite, not only for its beauty but for its wildness, with a lantern-lit bush dinner and the unforgettable sounds of lions and hyenas clashing in the night.

Osonjoi proved worth the anticipation, with alpine-African design, heated pool, and spacious rooms complete with wood-burners. Its location meant guests were first down to the crater floor, where Lemala’s signature hot lunches — champagne, BBQ kebabs, salads, and pudding — were served lakeside under the watchful eye of hippos and lions.

The journey ended at Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire, where vast views and a dawn hot-air balloon ride provided a spectacular finale.

Comparing tented camps to lodges, both agreed each style offered something unique. The tented camps felt raw and immersive, with heightened senses and nights alive with sound, yet still delivered comfort with hot showers, cosy beds, and attentive service. Lodges, by contrast, offered elevated luxury with plunge pools, spas, fireplaces, and expansive communal areas. Choosing a favourite proved impossible; both styles delivered consistent service and unforgettable experiences, with tented camps offering authenticity and lodges providing added comfort.

Highlights were hard to single out. The trip was a culmination of experiences — elephants wandering into camp, lions hunting under the stars, African thunderstorms, balloon rides, and the sheer scale of Tanzania itself. The Serengeti’s vastness, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the contrasting landscapes of Tarangire all left lasting impressions.

What tied it all together was the Lemala team. Guides, managers, and staff embodied the motto Wewe na Sisi Pamoja — You and Us Together. Their passion for wildlife and pride in their work shone through in every interaction, making guests feel instantly welcome.

For trade partners and clients, Lemala’s strengths are clear: consistency across properties, spacious rooms, a mix of tented and lodge options at different price points, unique access to the crater, and remote locations that avoid the busiest safari routes. As one colleague summed it up, the trip was an all-rounder — people, cultures, lodges, camps, wildlife, landscapes, and storms — all woven together into an unforgettable journey.

The Island Pongwe Voted Tanzania’s Boutique Restaurant of the Year

Zanzibar, Nov 2025

The Island Pongwe by The Cocoon Collection has just been voted “Boutique Restaurant of the Year – Tanzania” at the Travel & Hospitality Awards. 

The ultra exclusive, adults-only eco-resort has been recognized repeatedly as the “Best Boutique Hotel in Zanzibar” since its launch in February 2018, standing out for its intimate and private atmosphere, with just six rooms and a gourmet restaurant, so this recognition of its culinary offering is a wonderful new accolade.

The Travel & Hospitality Awards jury undergoes a rigorous process of evaluation, taking into consideration the highest gastronomic standards, consistency in the quality of service, exemplary guest satisfaction and of course the uniqueness of the culinary experience. The Island Pongwe has excelled not only for its culinary creations, but for its attention to detail, creativity and hospitality that characterizes every moment spent at the resort.

A distinctive element of The Island Pongwe's identity is its sustainable gastronomic philosophy, that showcases Zanzibar’s unique location, history and culture whilst reducing its environmental impact and uplifting the local community. The menus incorporate fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, thereby supporting local suppliers, fishermen and small agricultural businesses on the island. This authentic, zero-mile approach drives the menu wherever possible, ensuring that guests and diners can enjoy only the best freshly caught fish and seafood, Zanzibar spices and locally grown fruit and vegetables for that real “sense of place”.

"We are extremely proud of this award which recognises the passion and expertise of our team as well as our vision of authentic, sustainable, and refined hospitality. The Island Pongwe represents the essence of exclusivity: an adults-only island where pristine nature meets excellent cuisine, where local ingredients are celebrated, and enjoyed with a highly personalized service. This award encourages us further to continue offering our guests a one-of-a-kind experience." - Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Manager of The Cocoon Collection.

With this prestigious victory, The Island Pongwe confirms its unique appeal for discerning travellers in search of tranquillity, refinement, authenticity and fabulous food, in one of the most fascinating, exclusive island destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Travel Africa Magazine features “Lemala - the Untold Story”

Read the latest edition of Travel Africa magazine and on page 141, see how Lemala has been been quietly and consistently championing responsible luxury for over two decades…it’s at the core of this humble, yet trailblazing brand we are extremely proud to work alongside and wholeheartedly support.

Celebrating 20 Years of Wild Luxury with Bushtops

“It was twenty years ago today…” Those familiar lyrics feel especially fitting as we mark a milestone with one of our most treasured partners: Bushtops Camps.

Back in 2006, Mara Bushtops opened its doors, setting a new benchmark in luxury safari hospitality. What began as a vision has grown into three exceptional camps—Mara Bushtops, Serengeti Bushtops, and Roving Bushtops—each delivering the signature Bushtops blend of authentic adventure paired with ultimate comfort.

Now, as Bushtops enters its third decade, they’ve unveiled a game-changing enhancement for every guest experience - and we are confident your guests will love it!

Exclusive Vehicles for Every Guest Group

To celebrate this milestone - In 2026, every non-solo booking at Bushtops will automatically include a private 4x4 game drive vehicle.

• Couples, families, or small groups will enjoy the freedom of their own open-sided 4x4, without the need to request or pay extra.

• This exclusivity applies to all new and existing bookings (excluding the 6x6 “Beest”).

• Guests who previously paid for private use will have that premium recredited.

For those who prefer shared company, Bushtops will happily arrange like-minded pairings—but privacy is now the default.

(Note: airstrip transfers may remain shared, depending on operational requirements.)

What This Means for the Trade

This new policy gives you a powerful selling point:

• Guaranteed exclusivity for your clients, enhancing both comfort and flexibility.

• A clear differentiator when positioning Bushtops against other safari options.

• Added value without added cost—making your proposals even more compelling.

To deliver this promise, Bushtops is expanding its bespoke fleet and welcoming new drivers and spotters into the family. From a team of just 20 in 2006, Bushtops now employs over 250 dedicated staff across its three camps—

This is why Bushtops continues to stand out: every detail is designed to elevate the guest journey, ensuring trade partners can confidently recommend them as the pinnacle of safari luxury.