About
Behind every great venture there are interesting people.
The Hodi Hodi story began over 100 years ago, when economic migrants from war-torn Europe set off on boat trips to East Africa to try to make a new life.
There followed tales of agriculture, mining, the 'lunatic express' East African railway, early wildlife and natural history documentaries, veterinary laboratories, colonial administration, pioneering coastal tourism, the first forays into mainframe computer installations, amateur dramatics, developing education, the canning of pineapples... and many, many safaris. During this time, the old protectorates and colonies of East Africa fought and won their modern-day independence.
Fast-forward 3 generations to the Bishop family, born in Zanzibar territory, educated in Kenya and UK, meeting with the Haylocks who farmed on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro – and bring years of solid bush knowledge and expertise to the mix – thus the partnership and adventure continues.
Hodi Hodi is family owned and run, is private and caring, mixed with local knowledge and a love for sharing our adventures and stories.
Social, cultural and environmentally responsible tourism is not only about the people who live in the places we visit but also about leaving a positive impact on the environment. We support the local economy by both employing locally and sourcing our supplies as much as possible from the local villages. We assist in projects like schools, clinics, fresh water and supporting local micro-businesses. Shells and coral should stay where they belong, and it is against the law for guests to purchase products made from ivory, endangered species, hard woods, or ancient artefacts.
We would like to thank the wonderful people of East Africa for their kind and happy hospitality, which we try to emulate in our bush camp and beach houses in Tanzania, hoping we can reflect some of the warmth and generosity that we have received.
We all asked the question - 'Hodi Hodi?' In Swahili - may I come in? And the answer was, and still is, 'Karibu' - Welcome.
We have made a couple of videos, one for Hodi Hodi in Zanzibar and the other for Hodi Hodi in Ruaha that we hope will help explain our passion for upholding these philosophies.
A holiday that contrasts the mud, dust & excitement of an African safari adventure with a relaxing stay in tropical paradise, on the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar.
Watch the sun set in the African Bush and see it rise from the Indian Ocean.
"It was the part of the holiday I was dreading, 'just get through the Bush part' I thought and then I would be on the beautiful coral beach of Zanzibar! How wrong was I?
– Raf (NOVEMBER 2020)
My house provided everything essential and more. The tented front provided the perfect escape to a balcony of dreams, a place to watch and especially listen to the vast array of noises teasing you with what was hidden from the human eye. It heightened my senses and made me yearn to spot the unseen.
Not wishing to spoil the suprises of the 'going the extra mile' of the services provided by the staff at the camp, but to give you a taste - the reception with chilled and scented face cloths on our return to camp after a day in the bush was very much appreciated. There are many more delights to come, all of which are delivered with the utmost professionalism.
The bed in our room was huge, linen immaculate and the shower felt naughty but nice! The central hub or lounge and bar provided the perfect place to socialise but at the same time allow time to be alone with your thoughts and reflections of the day.
How they cook up such amazing cuisine is beyone me; breakfast, lunch and evening meals were all fine dining whilst offering extreamly healthy options.
The drivers Mohammed and Isaac were tenacious in their hunt to provide us with the best possible experience of a safari and exceeded my wildest dreams in both the variety of species spotted and in the proximity of our land rover to the potentially dangerous animal right in front of my eyes. Their knowledge of the land, their understanding of the animals' warnings of 'dont come closer'! Their determination to find you what you hoped to discover hidden within, under or on the spiky, bushy shrubland or under the beautiful acacia 'umbrella' trees certainly provided me with treasured memories.
So much thought has been put into making this bush camp eco-friendly, safe, and inviting. Providing all toiletries to prevent chemicals being introduced to the area, beehives providing a natural deterrent for elephants wandering around the mountain to raid crops as well as making such fantastic honey and frankincense and myrrh trees deter insects but unfortunately, no gold was found!
I really did not expect to feel such attachment to the seemingly endless view that has no landmarks yet was so full of interesting sights and I left this beautiful, peaceful land feeling completely fulfilled after seeing so many safari animals in their natural habitat and for me the epitome of being in Africa was to see a baby leopard under a bush and another leopard chasing its prey over the rocks at the river crossing. A truly amazing adventure which has made me do some soul searching!
No need for 'ballgowns' - keep your wardrobe simple and comfortable. The best advise was to wear a sports bra and a raincoat would have been useful when the rains came down in Africa!"
- Alison (OCTOBER 2024)
"The stay at Ruaha is unforgettable,. The room, two bedrooms with a joint living space in between suited us perfectly, a family with two adults and two teenagers, but especially the view from our rooms was spectacular. Spending an afternoon in the sun on the large balcony, reading and looking at the baboons playing just outside was great, as well as enjoying fantastic food in the lodge, having a drink chatting with lovely guests and staff while the sun went down behind the hills and trees.
But above all, we saw a large amount of animals, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions etc,including getting a close encounter with a leopard. It seemed like we were almost alone in the game park, very few cars, and a feeling of being in the midst of untouched wilderness. An amazing experience!"
- Sofia (JULY 2022)
"It has been absolutely incredible in Hodi Hodi Bush Camp. We watched Warthogs from the swimming pool, we had a wonderful game walk from the camp and last night, we watched the Elephants from our balcony under the moonlight. Like a dream!
– Josh & Arsheen (OCTOBER 2021)
"We were given a sneak preview of Hodi-Hodi Ruaha Bush Camp and what an amazing place it is. With a choice of dawn walks to the top of the forested hill, or down into the valley of Elephants, or a full day game drive. We were surrounded by birds and game, Hodi-Hodi Ruaha is the place to be. Book now for May 2021!""How lucky we were to be one of the first guests. Off the beaten path is what safaris used to be all about. Today it’s tough to experience that. Not at Hodi Hodi Bush Camp. The perfect blend of local knowledge, pride of birthplace, love of East Africa and a twist of 5 Star know how."
– CLIVE (OCTOBER 2020)
"We stayed at Hodi Hodi Zanzibar on the recommendation of a friend and we loved our stay. We had Hodi Hodi as the first stop on our honeymoon. Manager Charlie and all the staff were great to talk to and very attentive to our needs. We really valued the chance to get to know the local community and would highly recommend the village tour to all visitors. Help with organising excursions, taxis etc. was always on hand and made our stay really easygoing..."
– MARK (MARCH 2020)
“We rounded up our three week holiday at Hodi Hodi Zanzibar. After climbing Kilimanjaro, Safari game drives and diving at Mafia Island, we didn't expect that our trip could become any better. It did... Hodi Hodi lies next to a beautiful white beach where you can stroll around for hours (lots of beautiful sea shells). They also arranged a diving trip, where we swam with dolphins!! Besides that, the rooms are great and the food was wonderful. Very friendly staff and the owner Julia is wonderful. We would certainly recommend staying in this hotel!”
– MEI-AN (FEBRUARY 2019)
“Our family of four (Mum, Dad and two teens) came here for four days to chill after 10 days of Safari. it is the perfect place to do so. Very low key, relaxed and picture-perfect. We have the upstairs family suite of the Poa House...”
– ANON, Bedford, Massachusetts. (SEPTEMBER 2018)
“We had a truly wonderful visit. The hotel is relaxed and calm with the constant sound of the waves. The beach is stunning, the food is delicious and plentiful and the accommodation is stylish and very comfortable. Julia, the centre of it all, made sure everyone was happy”
– LISA (MARCH 2018)
“We had a magical week at Hodi Hodi and were spoiled by our hostess Julia. Every day there was a surprise! The week went too fast. Hope to be back in the near future.”
– TANIA (DECEMBER 2017)
“Everything about Hodi Hodi is perfect. Overlooking the ocean from our wonderful balcony was bliss. Walking on the pristine sand and swimming in the clear blue water was heaven. And at night over a superlative dinner we could explore the rich night sky with Julia and enjoy fascinating conversations. Julia is the most fantastic host – everything about Hodi Hodi is so well organized yet is also relaxing and welcoming. We left Hodi Hodi inspired and hoping we would be able to return one day.”
– ELEANOR (AUGUST 2017)
“Really quiet, very well managed small resort. Rooted in the community, which is supported. Friendly, clean, uses local resources. Good network of trustworthy people for activities. Exactly what we needed after a long trip through Tanzania. Thank you Julia!”
– EMILE (JUNE 2017)