Discover a new family friendly destination for summer 2018, with a holiday to Tanzania’s unspoilt east coast. The perfect destination for guests of all ages, stay at The Tides Lodge (www.thetideslodge.com) or Mawimbi Villa (www.mawimbivilla.com) to experience unique immersion into a new culture and country.

Located just steps from Ushongo Beach, the idyllic oceanfront retreats of Mawimbi Villa and its neighbouring sister property The Tides Lodge allow guests to explore the pristine reefs of nearbyMaziwe Island Marine Reserve. The whole family can discover the incredible range of Tanzania’s marine life including sea turtles, dolphins and barracudas by learning to snorkel and scuba dive, with PADI accredited Kasa Divers. Glide across the beautiful Indian Ocean in a traditional dhow sailing boat, by kayak or the Tides Laser dingy sailboat.

Ideal for younger visitors, the ‘edutainment’ concept at the lodge and villa allows guests to discover this largely undiscovered area whilst also learning about key conservation issues, ‘gadget-free’. Just a short walk from The Tides Lodge is Tanzania’s most important turtle nesting site for unique sightings of green and hawksbill turtles under expert guidance. Of the seven marine turtle species found worldwide, five are found off the Tanzanian coast. It’s possible to catch a glimpse of green and hawksbill baby turtles hatching a few steps away on Ushongo Beach, particularly in the summer months of May and June.

All family members will open their eyes to a new culture. Whilst the younger ones play football with the local school children, the adults can discover the secret to the village elders’ great health. The whole family can come together to take part in a local cooking class or listen to the local choir harmonise to the backdrop of the ocean before dinner.

Located 50km away is the Saadani National Park, the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania to border the sea, offering children a memorable chance to see elephants, giraffes and hippos in their natural habitat. Pass pods of hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun boating up Wamu river, whilst pristine sandy beaches stretch north and south to the horizon. The Serengeti and Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, are in easy reach thanks to direct flights from The Tides Lodge and Mawimbi Villa’s own airstrip.

Mawimbi Villa offers a two-storey home away from home for families. Located on Ushongo Beach, on a secluded part of the coast, this fantastic property has recently been shortlisted for a prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Award and offers six generously-sized bedrooms and 5,000 sq ft of living space. The Indian Ocean beckons just steps away, with views across the turquoise water, while the private pool fringed by palm-trees is the perfect place for more laidback family members to unwind. Fully staffed with a butler and private chef, the experienced team take care of every need allowing parents to completely switch off, while tailored menus cater to child-friendly tastes at the same time as encouraging younger guests to try tempting local specialities.

Also available is the neighbouring Tides Lodge (thetideslodge.com). Boasting its own private veranda, the loft-style Upepo Suite provides privacy ideal for smaller families with incredible sea views and a secluded sunbathing area, while the two-bedroom Hibiscus House and Embedodo House include generously-sized living rooms, as well as a private dining area and kitchenette respectively. Mere steps from the secluded Ushongo Beach, this undiscovered Tanzanian gem is largely free from tourists, allowing parents to stretch out on the golden sands or swim in the pool while children explore. The delicious menu of fresh fish and seafood sourced from local fishermen, provides an important lesson in food sustainability and is cooked by talented chefs with fresh herbs and salads grown in the kitchen garden.

A family of four (based on two adults and two children aged between 6 and 15 years old) can stay at The Tides Lodge from 390 USD per night (approximately £292) on a half board basis.

Take exclusive hire of Mawimbi Villa based on six people sharing from 1800 USD per night (approximately £1,349) on a full board basis. This includes bespoke menus, soft drinks, beers and house wine, road transfers to and from Pangani airstrip, complimentary wifi, Government Tourism Levy and VAT. For more information or to book please email [email protected], or call +255 713 325 182.

For further information please visit www.mawimbi.com and www.thetideslodge.com

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