East Africa’s biggest national park, Ruaha, is the gateway to Tanzania’s safari, and you will arrive this morning after your flight and transfer from the airport. Entering the gates of the reserve, dense grasslands and rolling bushveld will seduce you, while images of East Africa’s indigenous wildlife will stretch towards the horizon. Check in at the Jabali Ridge - a stylish camp in the wildlife-rich Ruaha National Park, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment.

A landscape of sun-bleached plains, mighty baobabs and hardy shrubs, Ruaha is home to large numbers of lion, elephant, buffalo and even endangered African wild dogs. During the rainy season, visitors can hear the incredible thundering of the Ikuka waterfalls and even witness the Mwagusi beginning to flow after being dry for seven months. The dry season is equally exciting, with opportunities to spot buffalo herds in the riverbed and elephants digging in the sand for water.

You will set off early in the morning before the sun rises to witness evidence of last night’s activities. With an experienced ranger and tracker guiding your gaze with a spotlight, you will follow footprints leading through the luxuriant wilderness to dirt roads where you may spot predators lurking through the bushveld. These early morning safaris should showcase Tanzania’s nocturnal creatures and big cats that use the cover of the night to hunt, and you may partake in them every morning during your stay.

Your knowledgeable guides will chaperone you through the greenery where rivers run wild and animals roam freely, and you will arrive at viewpoints overlooking the immense untouched environments. Sightings may include elephants drinking from the rivers, hippos swimming in the channels, and giraffes nibbling thorny trees. You will also be on the lookout for birds of prey, wild dogs, wildebeest, and much more iconic African game.

Discover the secrets of Tanzania’s nocturnal wildlife, including predators that take advantage of the dark and other night owls active in the shadows.

After breakfast, you will be assisted to transfer to the local airstrip for your flight to Matweme Beach. Boasting a remote beach hemmed between the palm tree-hugged coastline and sapphire seascape of the Indian Ocean, Matemwe is a dreamy Zanzibar destination you will come to treasure during the four nights you spend at the luxurious Matemwe Retreat. The moment you arrive, you may drop off your things and head for the sandy shores to soak up the spectacular scenery and wallow in the warm waters of the sprawling ocean. In the evening, you will tuck into exquisitely prepared fresh seafood dishes to views of the shimmering sunset.

Matemwe Retreat is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, just north of its sister property Matemwe Lodge. Offering the ultimate in luxury and privacy, each of the four villas comes equipped with a private plunge pool, in-house dining and butler services. The gorgeous rooms are decorated with a Moorish flair, and air-conditioned bedrooms lead on to a bath with ocean views. Large verandas have both hammocks and couches for relishing the scenery and ocean breeze. Included activities are reef walks and local village visits, but they also offer diving, snorkeling, dhow rides, Stone Town visits, and Spice Tours at an extra cost.

Coruscating coral reefs lie just off Matemwe’s coastline, you may snorkel across these rich marine ecosystems. Swimming in the balmy sea with professional snorkeling equipment, you may dive beneath glistening water to witness the colorful sea life wading amongst spiky anemones. Another way to admire the marine beauty of Matemwe is by boat, and you may enjoy a traditional wooden dhow boat tour or deep-sea fishing on a trawler. Depending on your preference, you may spend your seafaring afternoons peacefully taking in the panoramic views or thrillingly attempting to catch massive fish.

There is no denying Matemwe’s impressive marine characteristics, however, the region is also home to rich forests that veil its headlands and a collection of indigenous wildlife inhabiting these prolific environments. You may join a guide and follow shaded trails that weave across the Jozani Forest to waterfalls cascading over the rocky hills. As you picnic beneath the emerald canopy, you will hear the sounds of birds singing from the trees and catch a glimpse of monkeys leaping between the branches.

You may choose to lounge on the velvety white shoreline and catch a tan or participate in exhilarating water sport activities. Either reading a good book under the palms or kayaking across the sparkling waters, you will be dazzled by the majesty of this far-flung destination and be seduced by the tranquility of its tropical charm. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for one last seafood supper alongside the spellbinding sunset scenes.