Drumbeat Winter 18

l P15 The Hot List What’s new for 2018 If you’re looking for out-of-the-ordinary then MIAVANA, recently opened amid much excitement from the travel press, will fit the bill. Underwater, overwater, on land, or by sea, this new MADAGASCAR lodge thrills at every turn, deserving all the accolades lauded on it. The SEYCHELLES sees Four Seasons’ long awaited DESROCHES ISLAND opening in the spring. Fourteen kilometres of soft white beaches edge a pristine tropical sanctuary where world-class diving and fishing, an indulgent spa and excellent children’s programme await. Eye-catching on ZANZIBAR, perfect for the beach pre or post safari, is ZURI ZANZIBAR. Opening in May and part of the Design Group of hotels, it’s set to offer something quite different on this heavenly African island. Notable is the beach, which doesn’t require walking for miles to reach the sea at low tide. Whale watching, snorkelling, mountain biking and sand boarding will all be on offer at MORUKURU BEACH LODGE mid-way along SOUTH AFRICA’S famous Garden Route. All ages will be welcome and the luxurious five bedroom house can be taken room by room or on an exclusive basis. Definitely one to keep in mind if you’re planning this iconic drive. NAMIBIA’S Sossusvlei dunes, like many other landscapes in this bewitching country, are utterly awe inspiring. April sees the opening of SOSSUS UNDER CANVAS, which, just 30 minutes’ drive from the park gate is perfectly positioned to explore the area. Booked on an exclusive basis and catering for up to 16 guests, activities include nature walks and drives, a sleep out option as well as a trails camp for multi-day walking safaris. Exploring the MASAI MARA, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas, on HORSEBACK is one of life’s most memorable experiences. Until recently this was accessible only to those on a multi-day riding safari but is now offered as a morning or afternoon activity from a selection of exclusive camps. Expect to see elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, zebra and wildebeest as well as sightings of lion and cheetah. RUAHA – little known outside the safari industry – is TANZANIA’S largest national park. New in this remote place is pretty JABALI RIDGE where expert guides lead walking safaris and day and night game drives into an impressive wilderness. Another off-the-beaten- track proposition is the stylish eight bed ROHO YA SELOUS in the magical SELOUS GAME RESERVE. Wildlife viewing by land and water allows plenty of variety amid an abundant cast of animals. T: +44 (0)1980 849160 E: mail@aardvarksafaris.com www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk