Take three: African treehouse safaris

Bush Nights at Beho Beho, Tanzania

Africa is the happening place to experience a proper treehouse holiday. As an exciting alternative to staying to booking into a traditional lodge, you spend your day on safari, have dinner around the campfire and then retire to your treetop bed in the African bush, sleeping peacefully in an ancient tree surrounded by the sounds of nature (with only the occasional adrenalin rush when you hear a dangerous animal passing beneath you...)

But we're not talking basic accommodation here. Think four poster beds, beautiful furnishings, viewing platforms, flushing loos, cocktails on tap...

Take Beho Beho, a new addition in Tanzania's Selous National Park (above). Perched in an ancient Leadwood tree, guests get to gaze at the stars and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush (mosquito nets provided!). Stay five nights, with one night in the Bush Nights' treehouse from £3,573 per person including flights from Heathrow, transfers, four nights' full board and one night's B&B in Dar es Salaam, including safari activities. Contact Expert Africa (020 8232 9777).

Tree House, Zambia

But the treehouse on our absolute must-visit list is at Tongabezi, on the banks of the Zambezi, just upstream from Victoria Falls. Nestled among the branches of a beautiful old riverine Ebony tree, this wooden pad spreads itself out over a pine deck with river views to die for. The Zambezi Safari Company offers a seven-night Zambia & Botswana itinerary featuring three nights from £3,600 per person, including flights from Heathrow, transfers, full board at Tongabezi, two nights' full board at luxury lodges in Botswana's Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta, Zambezi cruises and a Victoria Falls visit.

Chole Mjini, Tanzania

But let's not forget the rather wonderful Chole Mjini in Zanzibar. Africa & Beyond is currently offering a nine-day trip including six nights in one of the luxury treehouses at Chole Mjini Lodge. Think huge double beds, smooth wooden floors dotted with colourful makuti mats wonderful sea views and panoramic viewing decks. Prices start at £1,940 per person, including flights from Heathrow, transfers, full board at Chole Mjini, one night's B&B on Zanzibar and some safari activities.

Want to know where else you can sleep in a tree? See our pick of the best treehouse hotels around the world...

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