Mahali Mzuri Safari camp Kenya

Sir Richard Branson's world-class Kenyan safari retreat - a wild and luxurious experience in the grasslands of the Maasai Mara

As you'd expect from a member of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, Mahali Mzuri safari camp in the Maasai Mara in Kenya is one of the slickest safari camps you're likely to come across. In a private conservation area, which is approximately an hour's flight due west of Nairobi, it's right in the heart of the wildlife-rich plains and the migration path (July-October), ensuring wildlife aplenty, with a high chance of spotting the stars of the show.

This may not be camping as you know it - this is not even boutique camping, but something far superior. A crop of just 12 stylish, space-age structures on the lush green hillside, the luxury tents boast wooden floors, a plush en-suite bathroom, heaps of living space and a raised patio with a view of the bush and beyond. You'll have access to the luxe facilities, which include the dining, lounge and bar area, a 12-metre infinity pool with a sunbathing deck and the Nasaro spa treatment room offering Africology treatments.

Twice daily, you'll hop into a 4x4 Land Cruiser with your experienced guide and explore the wild beauty of the 13,500 hectares of game land. This is a truly intimate experience with uninterrupted views of the animals, plus drinks on hand to toast the sunrise or sunset. You can also take guided bush walks to learn more about the plants and their medicinal properties, as well as getting a closer look at the smaller animals and insects that Africa is famous for.

KASBAH TAMADOT
 

Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and is just 1 hour from Marrakech city centre. This magical hotel boasts 27 stunning bedrooms and suites. Ninety percent of the staff are from the local Berber villages and add to the feeling of staying in a private home.

Visit the Kasbah Tamadot website  http://www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

It was in 1998 that Richard Branson's mother Eve first came across this crenellated kasbah, perched dramatically on a hilltop and surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas. At that time it belonged to an Italian antiques dealer who had opened it up to his friends. But she saw the potential of a luxury north African retreat to complement Virgin's existing Necker Island and Ulusaba Game Reserve, and the Tamadot project was born.

After 7 years of labyrinthine negotiations and top-to-toe refurbs, it finally opened its carved and inlaid gates to guests seeking the ultimate luxury in the heart of Morocco's most spectacular mountains. The extensive gardens are now carefully landscaped with rose, fruit and cactus plants, the indoor pool and courtyards remodelled to find space for a 5-star spa, and the suites redecorated to combine contemporary design with colourful Moroccan antiques. There was also the small addition of a stunning infinity pool, plentiful sundecks, a separate mini-kasbah for families and, most recently, some astonishing tented accommodations for that north African luxe safari vibe. It was worth the wait.