Located amongst the Western corridor of Tanzania’s incredible Serengeti National Park, the luxury Singita Grumeti Reserves was just named “best hotel in the world” for the second consecutive year by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World Best 2012 Awards.

Other Tanzania resorts fared very well too. In total, five luxury Tanzania properties were named in the “Top 20 Lodges and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East” category. Those properties were: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge; Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park; Serengeti Sopa Lodge, in addition to Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Offering 15 National Parks and 31 game reserves, Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. Tanzania’s government has protected 28% of its the land (largest percentage of any country in the world) as it strives to be a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.

For 17 years, Travel + Leisure magazine readers have voted on the World’s Best Awards to rate their preference of the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruises, outfitters and transportation companies.

Boasting an impressive readership of over 1.5 million people, *Travel + Leisure* has the largest audience of any travel magazine in the world.

You can read about all of the “World’s Best Awards 2012” from Travel + Leisure at the following website: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. The awards will also be published in the magazine’s August issue.

Honorable Ambassador Khamis S. Kagasheki, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, was quoted, “Tanzania is especially proud that Singita Grumeti received this honor two years in a row because of the luxury property’s efforts on behalf of sustainable tourism development through its Grumeti Fund.”

Ras Kutani lagoon – Tanzania

For an unforgettable getaway, consider Ras Kutani which is located on the undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, 35 short kilometers south of Dar es Salaam.

Ras Kutani is truly a unique boutique beach retreat. This luxury property resides within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest of Southern Tanzania. A stay Ras Kutani will provide you a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forests in East Africa.

Ras Kutani lodge delivers stunning barefoot-luxury and a treasured hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and tranquillity. The luxurious accommodations at Ras Kutani are made up of nine open-fronted spacious, charming cottages, each with en suite bathroom, large verandah with a covered sand floor, seating area, hammocks and views of the clear lagoon, beach and Indian Ocean.

Thanks to owner and keen conservationist, Charles Dobie, this idyllic forest has been saved, cultivated and is now continuously patrolled in order to protect it and retain its natural beauty.

The forest boasts 132 different species of trees, including mango trees (famous for their spectacular fruit) and the Marula tree (prized for its rich bounty of fruit, and the oil from the kernel, which is used to make moisturizer). Guests can enjoy watching the antics of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black- and- white colobus, as well as many species of birds, baboons, wild pigs, the elusive Civet Cats and other wildlife.

Available only at Ras Kutani, the From Tree To Tree self-guided tour steers guests through this eclectic ecosystem on a gentle, yet fascinating walk. The corresponding map highlights each point of interest along the walk from the wild custard apple shrubs to the African Breadfruit trees – where you’re most likely to find Sykes’ monkeys, yellow baboons, Blue Duiker and Giant African land snails!

Enjoy a seven night stay at Ras Kutani, followed by a three-night sophisticated safari experience at the boutique Selous Safari Camp from $5,611 per person (saving $1,400 per person). Valid for travel throughout June and July, the price includes international flights from various US airports, internal transfers, full board and most activities.

If you are interested in making a reservation or learning more about Ras Kutani, please contact Africa Odyssey at 1-866-356-4691 or visit www.africaodyssey.com

Selous Safari Company – Tanzania giraffes

For travelers looking for incredible, lasting memories of Africa, you definitely need to consider taking Tanzania safari trips.

Tanzania offers all of Africa’s amazing wildlife, along with stunning natural beauty.

To experience a vacation-of-a-lifetime, The Selous Safari Company offers an unparalleled safari and beach experience in Tanzania.

A trip to Tanzania ranges from the unspoiled natural wilderness of the camps at the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park to the beachfront cottages at Ras Kutani on the Indian Ocean.

Whether you discover Tanzania as a couple, family or individual traveler, you can truly relax, and feel safe in the knowledge that their every wish can be catered for.

Discover all that southern Tanzania has to offer, whether it’s by boat, car or on foot. Safari enthusiasts can explore one of the most photogenic, unspoiled landscapes and best game viewing opportunities on the continent whilst staying at one of the following intimate camps:

– The 13-tent, Selous Safari Camp boasts unrivaled views, privacy and luxury in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. The size of a European country, it has the highest concentration of African wildlife, countless birdlife and is home to over a million large animals and half of Tanzania’s elephant population.

Hidden Secret… The mighty Rufiji River, which runs through the reserve, is swarming with fish which in turn brings about some of the world’s best water-birding, it is also home to the largest crocodile and hippo population in Africa. Boat safaris allow guests to get up close and personal to these majestic creatures.

– The eight-tent Jongomero Camp offers a great vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush. The Ruaha National Park is home to huge herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, hippo, crocodile, lion and leopard to name a few. Built on raised wooden platforms with thatched roofs, each of the luxury en suite tents contain a dining and living area, eight-foot wide dhow wood emperor bed and a spacious private veranda enabling guests to view the animals that pass freely through the camp.

Hidden Secret… As Jongomero is the only camp situated in the remote south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park, it promises an off-the-beaten-track, pure wilderness experience.

– Before or after some serious game viewing, take time out on the shores of the Indian Ocean at Ras Kutani. Offering just nine cottages, four hillside suites and one family house amid long stretches of pristine deserted beaches and warm blue seas, this small coastal retreat of castaway luxury is the perfect hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and Tanzanian charm.

Hidden Secret… Turtles come to nest along the shore of Ras Kutani in season, and guests are invited to get involved in projects that look out for their welfare.

Book before 31 March and take advantage of huge savings as Tanzania Odyssey (www.tanzaniaodyssey.com / 1-866 356 4691) is offering huge savings on a combined visit.

Valid for selected dates throughout 2011 and priced from $6,500 per person (saving $1,300 per person), it includes flights from JFK New York (via London) with British Airways, internal air transfers, accommodation on a full-board basis with two nights at Ras Kutani, three nights at Selous Safari Camp and three nights at Jongomero Camp with game viewing drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles plus concession and park entrance fees, taxes and surcharges.