Prepare to go full Attenborough at this small slice of paradise in south Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, because the lesser-visited safari spot is home to some of the most fascinating wild critters around – from cute rock hyraxes that clamber around camp to willowy giraffes that sweep supermodel-like across the surrounding wildflower-strewn plains.
The chic stilted suites – each with a distinctive bird’s nest roof and vast wraparound sun terrace – blend effortlessly into the landscape, and come with upcycled dhow boat beds, huge rainforest showers and teak shutters that open to magnificent views of bulbous baobabs, perky candelabra trees and vast granite boulders that stand sentinel around camp.
Jabali Ridge TANZANIA Photo Gallery
The Insta-friendly infinity pool is a prime place for elephant spotting with an icy G&T in hand, while traditional African Rungu massages at the single-room spa come with lashings of baobab oil and the chatter of birdsong drifting on the breeze.
Adventure-mooners will adore walking or night-time safaris with Jabali’s impeccable guides, as well as pulse-raising big cat drives. The off-the-beaten-track park (ie perfect for seasoned safari-goers) is home to almost 10% of the world’s remaining population of lions, but receives only a fraction of visitors compared to the busy Serengeti, meaning it can sometimes feel like you’re the only souls on safari. THE LUXE TOUCH Private poolside dinners (we gobbled up tender beef steak washed down with Stellenbosch Chardonnay) come with twinkling lanterns, the hoot of distant hyenas and shooting stars tearing across the African sky.
Timbuktu Travel (timbuktutravel. com) offers rooms from £860 per person, per night, including all meals, house drinks and safari activities
