Minal’s top picks in Africa

Africa – a most surprising and diverse continent

Most romantic stay

For me, Afrochic Diani is an obvious choice for those searching for the ultimate romantic stay. Couples can enjoy romantic strolls along one of the best beaches in the world, relax with a couples spa treatment and feel totally spoilt in the care of the attentive and friendly staff. What’s more, there are only 10 rooms at the hotel and plenty of places to find some privacy, which means you often feel as though you have the place to yourselves.

 

The place I could go back to year after year

It has to be Siwandu Safari Camp. Selous is one of my favourite parks in Tanzania, and the whole of Africa, for its wild and varying landscapes and incredible game viewing, and for me, Siwandu Safari Camp is the jewel of Selous. This camp is all about the game viewing and with every visit comes a different wildlife encounter – when I was there I saw elephants and hippos around the camp and sat watching them from my veranda – heaven.

 

Top of my bucket list

The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is at the top of my bucket list. Its location on the edge of the wildlife-filled Ngorongo Crater is unrivalled and its luxury interiors, with influences from around the globe, are something to be marvelled at. Butler service, stunning crater views, decadent afternoon teas and above all, world-class game viewing, are just some of the reasons why the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is at the top of my bucket list.

The most impressive hotel I’ve stayed in

I was fortunate enough to stay at Fancourt, South Africa’s leading golfing and leisure resort, which is located along the Garden Route. This place is absolutely beautiful. It’s surrounding by lush gardens with views of a mountain range, which makes it a very peaceful spot from which to explore the Garden Route. The room I stayed in was huge and I was welcomed with champagne and wine. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff here – I felt totally spoilt!

 

Something a bit different

One of my more wacky experiences was riding an ostrich at Oudtshoorn in the Karoo in South Africa! It was pretty nerve-racking, but they are such beautiful and graceful creatures that there was nothing to worry about. It’s certainly something that my children are pretty impressed with though!

Hidden gem

I cannot communicate enough how truly special Selous National Park is. It really is a hidden gem on the African safari circuit and I’m almost reluctant to let you in on the secret – it really is the best place to visit for a wild and authentic safari experience.

 

Something new

We’ve just added Park Hyatt in Stone Town, Tanzania to our collection. Wow! This place is what Stone Town has been waiting for – it’s perfect for travellers looking for a bit of luxury combined with lots of cultural experiences. Guests can walk to the town and arrange a spice tour from the hotel – it’s a perfect place to relax after a busy day of exploring Zanzibar’s sights.