Four Seasons Serengeti Hotel

Four Seasons Rd, 2002, Tanzania

For salubrious safari look no further. What is a once-in-a-lifetime experience is made even more memorable when you add a stay at the knockout Four Seasons into the mix. The lodge hits the mark on every level, from its dazzling location to the top-end facilities, chic colonial-meets-Out-of-Africa design, strong all-inclusive food offering and superb, friendly service. Sitting deep in the savannah, it’s at the very heart of Africa’s finest game reserve and entirely at one with its surroundings. The nearest airstrip is an hour’s drive away and you can expect to spot leopards lolloping in trees, zebras crossing your path and wallowing hippos before you even arrive at the lodge. Once in situ, coming face-to-face with the elephants that visit the watering hole becomes the norm as you lounge by the pool. From your suite’s raised terrace – complete with outdoor shower and plunge pool – visiting baboons and antelope sightings are commonplace. We even heard whispers of courting lions being discovered on the elevated walkways that stretch from the main lobby, restaurants and lounges to the spa and rooms. Fear not, though: local Maasai who know the land inside-out escort you safely from the moment night falls. A full range of game drives are offered but a sunrise hot-air balloon flight is a high point of any stay and worth the 4am departure. BG. Doubles from £974.