My wedding anniversary this month takes me back to our magical honeymoon in Africa. Travel is essential to inspiring design, my trip to Africa was especially tantalizing. I had somewhat expected to be blown away by the vast African landscape and of course, the animals. I did not, however, expect to be amazed at every turn by the design of our luxury safari accommodations. Fourteen private plane hops allowed us to experience vastly different landscapes, and by extension, safari lodges throughout Tanzania and Kenya.

The design of each camp brilliantly combines simplicity of function with incredible luxury while still managing to feel true in spirit to the natural landscape, important considerations when designing vacation retreats.

Our first destination: And Beyond’s Tree Lodge overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater.
The individual huts combine local Masai construction practices while revealing lush European expat inspired interiors.

A grand bath, the ultimate luxury in any home or hotel room. Especially amazing after 48 hours of travel.

One of the eco-resort’s common areas to relax after a day of safariing known as the Tree Lodge. The decor is layered and relaxed and feels as though it’s been enjoyed for decades.

Leaving Ngorongoro, we set off to follow the Great Migration. Experiencing the Serengeti Under Canvas was the highlight of the trip.

The chandelier and headboard take camping to the next level.

Our tent’s Out of Africa inspired Powder Room.

The camp’s bar and lounge rests under an Acacia tree.

A phrase to travel by…

Our final safari destination was Klein’s camp, a private game reserve. Private reserves have less regulations and, thus, guests can do activities that are restricted in the national parks such as hiking (with a rifle toting escort) and nighttime game drives.

Our canopy bed with mosquito netting, necessary, brilliant and beautifully executed.

To say that the design was the highlight would of course not be true. The real stars of the trip were the animals, I have too many pictures to choose from but I will leave you with one memory from Klein’s camp. In the beautiful afternoon sun, we unexpectedly came across 100 or more elephants softly swishing through the grass.