Saadani Safari Lodge

Rooms

Sitting on the beach under the fringes of the casuarina trees are the 9 original Classic Bandas, which are simple but elegant, with wooden frames supporting grass roofs. Polished wooden floors and swathes of white cloth create a bright and airy feel, with large Zanzibar-style carved beds (double or twin) surrounded with romantic nets, and chunky, sun-bleached wooden furniture.

Each banda has an ensuite bathroom with solar-heated shower and flush lavatory, livened up by sand floors, shell mosaics and the odd fist of driftwood. You also have a full-length veranda, with unrestricted sea views. Double Bandas have a daybed out here, which can be made up if you fancy sleeping alfresco under the star-splashed skies; Twin Bandas have a couch.

The newer Siri Suite (meaning 'secret' in Swahili) was built especially for honeymooners and romantics. Set apart from the other cottages on top of a sand dune, it offers ultimate privacy, awesome views of the Indian Ocean and National Park - plus one of the largest beds I have ever set eyes upon! It comes with its own plunge pool, an outdoor kitchen area with chef, a bar and a personal butler. When it comes to safaris, a boat will collect you from your private beach to take you to the Wami river and the small coral garden at the end of the sand bank; or a vehicle will wait for you at the end of the pier to take you on a private safari.

Newest of all are 5 standalone Maridadi Suites, perched on short stilts directly on the beach and close to the newest-built pool and restaurant. A teak-wood balcony runs around the outside of each, with a couple of cushioned steamer chairs. Inside, under a thick thatch roof, is a stylish double bed of chunky dhow wood, with nets and vibrant red cushions / runner; there's also a desk, a sitting area and an indoor shower with solar hot water as well as an outdoor courtyard shower room.

Two of these connect, via a shared lounge area, to create a generous family suite for 4-5, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.