It is the time of the year after a roller coaster when man has to get away and spend that which he has toiled for. While some big money spenders dream of places like Dubai, Seychelles, Cyprus or Ibiza, we bring you the list of East African destinations that are worth your money and time this Christmas holiday.
Brovad Sands Lodge, Uganda
If there is a place fit for a perfect family hideaway this holiday in Uganda, none beats Brovad Sands Lodge. The place is tucked away in the charming island of Bugala in Ssese Islands on lake Victoria and kalangala beach.
It’s a luxurious though affordable cozy and relaxing beachfront destination with direct Water access.
Services like beachside massages and body scrubs, are one to look out for especially if you yearn to be pampered.
The place also has an outdoor pool and sauna, spa services, a terrace, airport shuttle.
The family amenities at Brovad include, babysitting or child care, onsite children’s playground, soundproofed rooms, free wifi among others
Mweya Safari Lodge, Uganda
Mweya Safari Lodge is in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park with rare beauty purposely for relaxation and revitalization. Surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains, the place has the panoramic view of the Kazinga channel, breathtaking crater lakes, great rift valley hills with a beautiful view of water flowing into the two giant lakes George and Edward.
A perfect holiday is worth spending time wandering among the stunning wildlife with wild beasts like elephants, tree climbing lions, chimpanzees, lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth, family boat cruise, nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National park among others. The place has family packages this holiday.
Magashi in Rwanda
Everything about Magashi is a thrilling rehabilitating quest. Magashi’s home is the miraculous Akagera National Park on Rwanda’s north-eastern border and the last remaining refuge for Savannah species. Wake to a chorus of birds, elephants quietly wading into the lake, and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, before heading out to experience the East African wild characterised with apex predators and their prey. Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing or marvel at lions, white and black rhinos, buffalos and elephants roaming its hills and vast savannah Game drives, guided nature walks and boating.
You end the day with a soothing massage and an evening of traditional stories, songs, and dance accompanying traditional meals to give you a home away from home feel. From the famous ‘Rolex’ breakfast wrap to a travelling Kugisha dinner in Magashi’s six spacious tented suits with wifi connection to stay connected with friends and family back home.
The place is also a perfect complement to your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.
The place is Family-Friendly with accommodation for Children aged six and above. However, a minimum of three tents must be booked; children aged between six and 16 must share a room with an adult.
Elewana Kilindi, Tanzania
Located in Zanzibar is a pure retreat for couples characterised with natural simplicity, a true blend of diverse cultures with dramatic architectural overtones of Middle Eastern heritage, situated in the northwest of Zanzibar with 15 domed pavilions. The lodge is scattered across 54 acres of gentle hillside overlooking Tumbatu Island and a fine white sand beach.
The place’s Main Pavilion overlooks a large 25-metre infinity pool which itself affords views out across the sparkling warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Dining takes place either on the alfresco terrace or even along the pristine white beach, which runs the length of the property. It is the best place for honeymooners and lovers. The place can get quite stuffy and warm, too. Breakfast has plenty of choice, from tropical fruits to original dishes off the menu, such as lobster eggs Benedict or a smoked snapper croissant.
Kilindi only accepts guests aged 16 and over.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
A perfect family holiday suits Serengeti National Park. The 15,000 square kilometers World Heritage Site is a home for over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species.
The endless Serengeti plains dotted with trees and kopje trees from which majestic lions control their kingdom and the elusive leopard in a riverine forest are worth a gaze.
Travel experts confirm that Serengeti is the only place where you can witness millions of migrating wildebeest over the Acacia plains. Time tends to stand still when you are at Serengeti.
You can also feed the eyes on the genuine smiles of the Maasai people as you Indulge yourself or family with great game drives, spa treatments, a cocktail bar with the best possible views, a gourmet food experience among others.
It is a warm place for families, couples and groups, and perfect for everlasting memories allowing entry of children from the age of 12.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Once in a lifetime experience, the Masai Mara balloons at the Masai Mara National Reserve. The place is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, popular for its exceptional populations of wildlife species and beasts like lions, leopards, cheetah and African bush elephants. Literally, one of the best ways to experience the undisturbed African Wilderness. The place is also a habitat for over 400 vibrant bird species found in the reserve.
The place has a variety of luxurious tents and lodges with a difference in location and budget.
Bush meals and sundowners are also memorable vacation experiences worth this holiday
Other activities in the Masai Mara are the cultural interactions with local communities who among others are the Masai Mara warriors who are always ready to showcase their rich culture.
