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.

Maldives Moments: Team Travel Promoters explore Cocoon Collection

Rosanna and Laura share valuable insight into their time at The Cocoon Collection in Maldives:

From the moment we glimpsed those stark white islands scattered across turquoise seas, the Maldives felt like a dream made real. Arriving by seaplane — barefoot pilots, sweeping views, and that adventurous hum of propellers — set the tone for a journey that would be both serene and spirited.

Our itinerary took us across three distinct properties in the Cocoon Collection: Cocoon Maldives, You & Me Maldives, and Joy Island. Each offered its own rhythm, its own soul — and together, they revealed the diversity and depth of what the Maldives can be.

Cocoon Maldives

Cocoon Maldives is the image that springs to mind when you picture the Maldives: turquoise waters, endless white sand, and palm-covered walkways that frame the beach like a painting. It’s barefoot luxury at its most authentic — relaxed, refined, and quietly confident.

The vibe is beautifully balanced between calm and play. Couples will find tucked-away corners for romance, while families can enjoy the lively energy of the island’s social spaces. The Kiddies Cove is a standout — well-run, welcoming, and even offers babysitting.

Visually, the island is stunning. With 7.2 hectares of beach, there’s space to breathe. Egg chairs nestled in the palms at the island’s tip invite you to pause and take it all in. The staff know the island like the back of their hand, and the service is warm, intuitive, and never intrusive.

Signature experience? The Japanese Corner — a hands-on cooking experience that was as fun as it was delicious. We flipped, stirred, and tasted our way through a meal that felt both personal and celebratory.

Trade takeaway: Cocoon is the Maldives as you imagine it — traditional, timeless, and beautifully designed.

You & Me Maldives

You & Me is the quiet soul of the Cocoon Collection. The smallest of the three islands, it’s adult-only and wrapped in a slower, more intimate pace. Think sandy walkways, lush foliage, and rustic elegance — thatched roofs, wooden frames, and sand underfoot in the restaurants.

It’s ideal for couples celebrating something special, but also for solo travellers or groups of friends seeking connection and calm.

Standout for this property -  The H2O underwater restaurant is a showstopper — a 5- or 7-course sensory feast beneath the sea.

Service here is polished yet relaxed. Staff are composed, friendly, and deeply attentive. You’re looked after from the moment you arrive, and the atmosphere is one of ease and grace.

Trade takeaway: For a romantic, rustic, and elegantly nurtured escape, You & Me is a perfect fit — especially for clients seeking something quieter and more refined.

Joy Island

Joy is exactly that — joyful. It’s vibrant, social, and full of energy, but never overwhelming. The island is cleverly designed with both lively and quiet zones, including a silent beach with no Wi-Fi or music for those craving stillness.

It’s a great fit for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. The décor is bright and playful in the overwater villas, while the beach villas are nestled in foliage with darker woods and a more grounded feel — a lovely contrast.

Signature moments? Snorkelling from the beach was unexpectedly brilliant, and the Palm Bar staff were a highlight — remembering orders, crafting new drinks, and bringing a sense of fun to every interaction.

Service here is chatty, relaxed, and full of personality. You feel looked after, but also part of the island’s rhythm.

Trade takeaway: Joy’s proximity to Malé makes it incredibly accessible, and its vibe — friendly, beautiful, and full of flavour — is a winner. And yes, the pizza really is that good.

Travel Promoters Tip

When selling the Maldives, ask your clients what truly matters to them. Is it the distance to/from Male and are they comfortable on a seaplane or speedboat? Is it the personalised service, the size of the island or the age demographic? Would they prefer an over water villa or the foliaged privacy of a beachfront suite?

Many properties offer similar activities, but what sets the Cocoon Collection apart is the service — warm, personal, and joyfully consistent across every island. The staff are radiant, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in each guest’s experience. That’s hard to replicate — and it’s what makes Cocoon a confident recommendation for any traveller.