Must-see hotels in Tanzania

  • Lake Shore Lodge & Campsite

    Western Tanzania

    The universally praised Lake Shore Lodge & Campsite has beach chalets with a lovely open ‘African Zen’ design incorporating shells, sand, ropes, flowers…

  • Sand Rivers Selous

    Selous Game Reserve

    Set splendidly on its own on the Rufiji south of Lake Tagalala, this is one of the Selous’ most exclusive options, with some of Tanzania’s most renowned…

  • Shu'mata Camp

    Northern Tanzania

    This tented camp is a wonderful escape from the safari circuit. Set on a steep hillside, the seven tents have splendid views of Kilimanjaro and down into…

  • Mangrove Lodge

    Zanzibar Town

    The delightful Mangrove Lodge is owned by a Zanzibari-Italian couple; their gentle style imbues the whole place, from the palm-thatched lounge overlooking…

  • Jakobsen's Guesthouse

    Western Tanzania

    This comfortable place has a guesthouse with a lovely clifftop perch above Jakobsen’s Beach, two cottages and some standing tents, plus two shady…

  • Ndarakwai Ranch

    Northern Tanzania

    Ndarakwai Ranch, a lovely 15-tent camp run by the Kili Conservancy, makes a comfortable base for safaris and walks. The sophisticated and spacious…

  • Hatari Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    The most atmospheric and upmarket of the park lodges has tasteful ‘modern-retro’ rooms filled with personality, a prime location on large lawns frequented…

  • Lamai Serengeti

    Serengeti National Park

    Built on a kopje near the Mara River in the far-northern Serengeti, Lamai blends into its surroundings so well it’s nearly invisible. There are two lodges…

  • Upendo

    Zanzibar Island

    Upendo offers luxurious villas and an excellent bar-restaurant (meals US$8 to US$25) that's also open to nonguests. Villas have between one and four…

  • Pemba Lodge

    Pemba

    In a quiet spot on a small island off the coast of Pemba this lodge epitomises the word 'remote'. Overlooking the empty beach and ocean beyond are just…

  • Emerson Spice

    Zanzibar Town

    With its stained-glass windows, wooden latticework balustrades, tinkling fountains and soft-hued colour scheme, Emerson Spice is one of the most stylish…

  • Zanzistar Guesthouse

    Zanzibar Island

    A new addition to Jambiani's hotel scene, Zanzistar is simply delightful. Its small size and attentive management makes it feel homey and exclusive at the…

  • Ziwani Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    Worth every one of its four stars, Ziwani combines faux-Moroccan style with local building materials and the results are stunning. The seven stone-built…

  • Kisima Ngeda

    Northern Tanzania

    Kisima Ngeda roughly translates as ‘spring surrounded by trees’: there’s a natural spring at the heart of this lakeside property, creating an unexpectedly…

  • Mango Beach House

    Zanzibar Island

    With only 6 bedrooms and an open-plan living area like a lounge on the beach, Mango Beach House is a small and sociable place. Rooms are simple but neat…

  • Oliver’s Camp

    Tarangire National Park

    Oliver's is notable for its fine location near Silale Swamp deep in the park's heart. The 10 comfortable, spacious tents have an agreeably rustic style…

  • Tembo Kijani

    Northeastern Tanzania

    This small ecolodge on a wonderful stretch of beach has four open-sided tree-house bandas nestled into the bush just back from the sea, plus comfortable…

  • Olakira Camp

    Serengeti National Park

    Olakira's northern location is one of the Serengeti's finest, with long-distance views down towards Mara River crossing 8, 500m away – one of the busiest…

  • Tarangire Safari Lodge

    Tarangire National Park

    A fabulous location high above the Tarangire River, good food and service, and well-priced accommodation make this lodge the pick of the in-park options…

  • Pongwe Beach Hotel

    Zanzibar Island

    The unassuming Pongwe Beach Hotel has 20 bungalows among the palms on a deep arc of bleached white sand. Most rooms are sea facing (three are garden view)…

  • Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

    Lake Manyara National Park

    This lovely, luxurious place is one of the most exclusive lodges in all of Tanzania. The gorgeous stilted tree-house suites with private decks and views…

  • Kaliwa Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    At an altitude of 1300m and close to Kilimanjaro's Machame gate, this German-run place opened in 2012 and has a refreshingly contemporary Bauhaus…

  • Karama Lodge

    Arusha

    Truly something different, off Onsea–Moivaro Rd on a forested hillside in the Suye Hill area just southeast of town, Karama offers 22 rustic and rather…

  • Tides

    Northeastern Tanzania

    The beautiful Tides has a prime beachside location, plus spacious upmarket cottages on the sand and excellent cuisine. The cottages have huge beds…

  • Sele’s Bungalows

    Zanzibar Island

    This is a great little place, with friendly owners and just seven impeccably maintained rooms. There's a small swimming pool and convivial bar-restaurant,…

  • African Tulip

    Arusha

    The deservedly popular African Tulip inhabits a quiet green side street and successfully combines a safari theme with a genteel ambience. The large rooms…

  • Southern Sun

    Dar es Salaam

    With its Afro-Islamic decor, popular restaurant and professional service, the Southern Sun punches way above its weight. Rooms are furnished with plush,…

  • Demani Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Demani Lodge is a delightful budget option with neatly constructed cabins and bungalows. There's a seven-bed dorm and double rooms; some have private…

  • Katavi Wildlife Camp

    Western Tanzania

    This comfortable, well-run camp has a prime setting overlooking Katisunga, making it the best place for in-camp wildlife watching. The six tents have…

  • Selous Impala Camp

    Selous Game Reserve

    Impala Camp has eight well-spaced, nicely appointed tents in a prime setting on the river near Lake Mzizimia. Its restaurant overlooks the river and has…

  • Jambo Guest House

    Zanzibar Town

    Probably the best-value budget accommodation in town and extremely popular with backpackers, Jambo runs like clockwork. Nine spick-and-span rooms with…

  • Unguja Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Set in a patch of forest, this secluded luxury lodge has 10 villas with high thatched roofs and curved walls reminiscent of seashells. They're impeccably…

  • Chumbe Island Coral Park Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Overlooked by its landmark historic lighthouse, about 12km south of Zanzibar Town, Chumbe is a real island getaway combining style, exclusivity and…

  • Selous River Camp

    Selous Game Reserve

    This friendly place is the closest camp to Mtemere gate. It has cosy, river-facing 'mud huts' with bathrooms, plus small standing tents surrounded by…

  • Serengeti Migration Camp

    Serengeti National Park

    One of the most highly regarded places in the Serengeti, this camp has 20 large, stunning tents with decks, set around a kopje by the Grumeti River where…

  • Bellevue Guesthouse

    Zanzibar Island

    Bellevue is deservedly popular for its efficient management and laid-back atmosphere. Set in lush gardens on high ground overlooking the sea, rooms are in…

  • Alexander's Hotel

    Dar es Salaam

    With its Le Corbusier–style modernist lines, spacious rooftop terrace and shady courtyard, family-run Alexander's is a true boutique hotel. Its 17 stylish…

  • Lost & Found Hostel

    Zanzibar Town

    Zanzibar's first dedicated backpackers hostel, Lost & Found is perfect for travellers on a tight budget. It's clean, modern, safe, friendly and well…

  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    Self-described as ‘Versailles meets Maasai’, this eclectic rim-top lodge (actually three separate lodges) has every luxury you could want. Few spaces lack…

  • Plantation Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    A place that makes you feel special, this relaxing lodge fills a renovated colonial farmstead and the decor is gorgeous down to the last detail. The…

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