Four thumb lodges by region
This is a run down of our (second) favourite properties in Tanzania by region. The reason we have given them a 4 thumb rating may not just be down to price, but can often include client feedback and many other factors.
Tanzania
Baraza Resort & Spa
A sister property to the nearby Breezes Hotel, Baraza Resort & Spa is still fairly young and sits nicely in the top end market, appealing to both families and couples alike. Baraza Resort & Spa is located down on the south eastern coast of Zanzibar where the sand is a...
More...Entamanu Ngorongoro
Meaning ‘circle’ in a dialect of Masai, ‘Entamanu’ seems a fitting name for a camp that sits on the rim of the rounded Ngorongoro Crater. Opening its doors in August 2016, Entamanu is one of the newest properties on the rim owned by Nomad's, and is sat on the remote northwestern...
More...Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops is a cool and quirky property and is our pick of where to stay at the top end around Tarangire. It is true that it is not right inside the park and so doesn't feature as good game...but it does offer exceptional service and the chance to sleep in a baobab tree...
More...Kwihala Camp
One of the newest additions to Ruaha, Kwihala Camp has, after a few years, managed to find its place. Originally sold as a high end, luxury tented camp, they asked a lot of money for a stay here, and it struggled. Today they have paired things down a little, or at least adjusted...
More...Four Seasons Safari Lodge
As one of the smartest, and largest properties in the Serengeti, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge really does have it all. Its location, in the heart of the Seronera region, offers reliable game viewing throughout the year and is a perfect base with simply stunning accommodation...
More...Kichaka Camp
Kichaka Expeditions are perfect for the adventurer, offering safe and memorable walking safaris through the wilderness and untouched parts of Ruaha National Park. Guided by Andrew Molinaro, famously known as ‘Moli’, the walking safari aims to take you as far away from...
More...Plantation Lodge
As discussed in the Ngorongoro Sopa review, often the choice at the crater is whether to pay for the view (by staying on the crater rim) or for the accommodation (staying in the Highlands). In the case of staying in the Highlands, then we recommend Plantation Lodge. This great...
More...Unguja Lodge
Right at the southern most tip of Zanzibar, Unguja is known only to a few and is a welcome retreat from the relative bustle of other beaches on the island. While not really the best beach on the island, part of the charm of heading down here is to access the superb and unspoiled...
More...Mdonya Old River
As with Mdonya's sister camp, Lake Manze, in the Selous, Mdonya Old River Camp is a simple and elegant camp that offers great value for money along with a true bush experience. It is not for those looking for brass taps and massages, but what it does it does really, really well...
More...Jongomero Camp
The only camp that is set right at the bottom of the park, Jongomero Camp, sister camp to the great Selous Safari Camp, is probably the smartest lodge in Ruaha. It is also the only lodge in the park at this level that has a swimming pool that, in a Ruaha summer time, is an...
More...Konokono Beach Resort
Opening its doors a few years ago, Konokono Beach Resort is definitely one of the best kept secrets of Zanzibar. With an expansive white sand beach and positioned in the midst of a tropical forest, Konokono offers seclusion in the best of ways. The hotel offers a range of...
More...The Ngorongoro Sopa
In the debate of whether to stay on the rim or in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the Ngorongoro Sopa is probably the place that we would opt for for those that don't have the budget to stay in the Crater Lodge. Located on the eastern side of the rim, the Sopa, while not overly...
More...Swala Safari Camp
One of two Sanctuary properties in the northern part of Tanzania, Swala Safari Camp is consistent with their standards across Africa. Vying with Tarangire Treetops for the accolade of “bush-chic” property of Tarangire, its location inside the park probably just gives them the...
More...Kusini Camp
Sat in the remote southeastern area of the Serengeti, Kusini Camp overlooks the peaceful game-filled plains that impress throughout the year. As the only permanent camp in the southern plains, the camp offers very reasonable and comfortable accommodation with 12 tents spaciously...
More...Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Very much the new boy on the block, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is already taking the accolades for being the highest specification property in the Ngorongoro Highlands at the best price possible. Due to its location right at the entrance to the park, and the fact it is...
More...Breezes Beach Club & Spa
As one of the first hotels on this stretch of Zanzibar, Breezes has long been the benchmark for other properties of this ilk. Today it can still firmly hold its head up and, in our view, is still very much at the front of the pack as far as layout, service and general facilities...
More...Selous Impala Camp
Located over to the eastern edge of the main game viewing area, Selous Impala Camp is still privately owned and, especially in low season when it drops its rates and offers a 4th night for free, offers very good value for money. Impala has definitely grown to be one of our...
More...Pongwe Beach Hotel
Located right at the southern end of the white sand that runs from Matemwe to Chwake, Pongwe Beach Hotel has, we would argue, managed to claim itself the best chunk of beach on the island! Featuring a permanent sand beach, complete with lapping waves and azure waters, there is...
More...The Z Hotel
Located in the small fishing village of Nungwi, in the northern-most point of the island, the Z hotel has slowly carved a niche out for those looking for a great beach, good rooms and access to some evening action. As one of the main backpacker destinations there are plenty of...
More...Maramboi Tented Camp
Another of the new properties that has appeared in the game management corridor in between Tarangire NP and Manyara NP, Maramboi is aimed at the lower end of the market to its two neighbours, Chem Chem and Manyara Ranch. This is, however, a very good option for those that are...
More...Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Without doubt the legend that is the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is still far and away the place to stay if you are looking for both jaw-dropping luxury as well as a jaw-dropping experience at the Ngorongoro Crater. The first thing that astounds when you arrive here is that it sits...
More...Roho ya Selous
As the newest camp to the Selous Game Reserve, Roho ya Selous, which is sat in the prime area for game opened in August last year. Owned by Asilia, we are confident that the camp will offer the quality of experience that its sister properties throughout Tanzania do. Its location...
More...Xanadu Villas and Retreat
Xanadu Villas sits on the south-east coast of Zanzibar island, just 50 minutes from the UNESCO world heritage capital, Stone Town. Xanandu has six individually designed villas, private plunge pools, spacious dining areas, a relaxing spa, and many more, all sit within the...
More...Africa Amini Maasai Lodge
The Africa Amini Maasai Lodge is run entirely by Maasai people from the local community and is truly one its kind in Tanzania, and all of Africa! Its location, between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania, offers guests an indescribable sense of space and...
More...Chada Camp
The only other camp in Katavi of real note, Chada Camp, as the name suggests, looks out onto the Chada floodplain and is set at the other end of the Katuma River systems to Katavi Wildlife camp. Established as a simple tented camp, Chada Camp does offer something a little...
More...Constance Aiyana
As there is not a huge selection of properties on Pemba Island, this is a fantastic new edition to the island! The Constance Aiyana features 30 villas which each look out to the ocean, a variety of facilities such as a swimming pool, gym and spa, and all within beautiful grounds...
More...Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a long favourite of the properties in Zanzibar. Located in the exciting and busy alleyways, this hotel is colourful, charming and retains a strong sense of place. Not only are each of the 11 boutique rooms memorable and stylish in design and decor, but the...
More...Fanjove Private Island
This stunning private island sits on azure waters and isolated beaches. Located a short boat ride from the airport at Songosongo island (south of Mafia island), this simple but stunning island is completely private and offers the sorts of relaxation and activities that only a...
More...Gibb's Farm
One of the most famous properties in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Gibb’s Farm was once the family home for the Gibb’s family and is a true sanctuary after the heat of the Serengeti or the national parks to the east. Comprising a series of quirky cottages, set amongst stunning...
More...Ikuka
Although it has been open for almost two years now, Ikuka Camp is one of the newer properties to make base in Ruaha National Park, and what an entry it has made! Sitting high on the Mwagusi escarpment, Ikuka Camp itself gets the best of both worlds – the mighty views and a 20-...
More...Kigelia Camp
Located in the northern area of Ruaha National Park, Kigelia is an intimate safari camp, offering beautifully rustic yet luxurious accommodation… everything you’d expect from a Nomad camp! With only six tents sat along the banks of the Sand River, the camp ensures a peaceful and...
More...Kimondo Camp
A fantastic that follows the location of the wildebeest herds is Kimondo Camp. Located between the northern and southern plains of the Serengeti, this intimate camp of 9 safari tents offers a prime location to see the herds and great value for money. As part of the Asilia...
More...Kitela Lodge
One of the new properties to be built in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Kitela Lodge is a sister property to the nearby and much larger, Ngorongoro Farmhouse. The main entrance to Kitela is fairly underwhelming until you arrive at the front doors where you are confronted by the view...
More...Matemwe Beach House
Again, an expansion off the nearby Matemwe Main, Matemwe beach house is aimed specifically at a family or small group that would like some privacy. Sitting right on the main beach, and offering a pool, private dining room and butler service, this has come as a welcome addition...
More...Mbali Mbali Mahale
Set in the remote and untouched mountains of Mahale, this lodge really does offer an experience to remember. Formed of 9 beach tents overlooking the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, and offering superb guiding across a variety of activities (chimpanzee trekking being the main...
More...Nimali Serengeti Camp
As part of the Nimali Africa portfolio (with its sister camp in Tarangire National Park), Nimali Serengeti is a relatively new camp that offers luxury in the heart of the game-filled central Serengeti plains. The resident game here is undeniably good – big herds of buffalo,...
More...Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
The only real competitor to Sayari camp and the other Asilia camps in northern Tanzania, Nomad Serengeti Camp has really led the way for the last 15 years or so in the Serengeti. Moving seasonally through the year, according to the movement of the herds, the camp is a bit more...
More...Qambani
Qambani is an elegant and relatively new property offering seclusion on Zanzibar’s eastern coast in Michamvi. The property has only six spacious villas and with so much space (tropical gardens, a range of facilities, a soft white beach), you will feel like you have the place to...
More...Rivertrees Country Inn
Located just outside the bustling town of Arusha, the Rivertrees Country Inn is a charming property that was once an old coffee farm. The setting is delightfully picturesque. The cottages overlook River Usa, the colourful gardens are maintained perfectly and when the skies are...
More...Serengeti Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is situated in the thin column of the Serengeti that runs between the Seronera, in the centre, and the Lamia Wedge, in the north, the game around Serengeti Migration camp can be a little unpredictable...but we still think it is worth a look and, as far...
More...The Arusha Coffee Lodge
The Arusha Coffee Lodge has long been held as the place to stay in and around Arusha and, until the arrival of Onsea House, it really was. Today it is still very much up there with great rooms, looking out onto the coffee plantations, superb food and an overall aura of luxury....
More...Zawadi
Zawadi is the newest property of the Zanzibar Collection to make its mark on Zanzibar’s East coast. Compared to its sister properties, Zawadi is much more modern and sleek in terms of its architecture, design and interior. The nine private villas are all very neutral and elegant...
More...Beyt al Salaam
Along with the Seyyida and Mashariki Palace, Beyt al Salaam is probably our pick of the options in and around Stone Town. Located away from the main bustle of the alleyways (but within a 5 minute walk), the location of Beyt al Salaam is probably its biggest selling point as far...
More...Echo Beach Hotel
This quirky little beach property keeps going from strength to strength and is, today, one of our favourite destinations on the island! Owned and managed by Sue and Andrew, their attention to detail is present throughout…from the well appointed and comfortable rooms to the...
More...Essque Zalu
Set up on the northern most point on the island, Essque Zalu is a modern and chic addition to the island. Featuring service, food and accommodation of the highest standard, this hotel will definitely be pushing for the crown of best hotel in the next few years. While they don’t...
More...Green and Blue
Green and Blue is a brand new offering to the island and it shares the same beach as the nearby Matemwe Main. One of the main features of the hotel is the stilted dining area that affords stunning views across the white sand beach to the beautiful island of Mnemba. This focus...
More...Jafferji House
Located centrally, aside from the hectic alleyways and close to the ocean, sits Jafferji House and Spa. It has nine boutique suites, each individually designed with African fabrics and colours. Its restaurant is locally referred to as the ‘Mistress of Spices’, and rightly so as...
More...Kasha Boutique Hotel
Set right on the northern most point of Matemwe, Kasha Boutique Hotel has brought something slightly different to the beach hotels on the island. First of all, being located where it is has allowed them much more room than many of the other new properties. This has allowed...
More...Kati Kati Camp
Set in a small range of hills that run north from the central, Seronera River valley, Kati Kati is a simple tented camp that caters for drive in only clients. This is a well placed camp and offers a simple experience right in the heart of the park. It is true that this region...
More...Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Of the accommodations around Lake Manyara and along the Rift Escarpment, Kirurumu Tented Lodge stands out for its views, the personal touch of the staff and its bar...which, we would argue, is one of the best in Africa! Usually only used as a stopping place on the way through to...
More...Matemwe Main
Consistently one of our top sellers over the years, Matemwe Main gives you a feeling of intimacy and style, but without being over the top. The rooms are vast and all look out onto the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The 'property also has all of the features that you would...
More...Mchanga Beach Lodge
A charming little property nestled on one of Zanzibar’s least busy beaches, Mchanga Beach Lodge started the new wave of properties that offer aircon and tidy rooms as standard at the lower end of the (price) market. With on sight owner/management, a small number of rooms and a...
More...Milele Villas
Milele Villas have two eco-friendly villas which sit on the secluded and private beach of Fukuchani. The villas are booked exclusively, so either Villa Lisa or Villa Tatu will be entirely yours to do as you please. With a private infinity pool, lounge, and a private beach,...
More...Ras Nungwi Hotel
One of the older properties on the island, Ras Nungwi has long benefitted from being the last hotel on the coast up here and so has a stunning and secluded beach. As with many beaches around the headland, there is not much on offer at high tide, and quite a bit at low tide, but...
More...Ruaha River Lodge
Following the footsteps of its sister property in the Selous, Ruaha River Lodge is a beautifully designed camp which highlights off its position on the banks of the mighty river. As the only ‘lodge’ in Ruaha, it’s a great choice for those less keen on rustic tented camps. Run...
More...Rufiji River Camp
Run by the Fox family, Rufiji River Camp was one of the first camps established in the park and its reputation has only grown and grown over the last few years! Set on the banks of the Rufiji River, the camp is made of 14 tents and suites, each pitched undernearth thatched roofs...
More...The Seyyida Hotel
Located in the heart of the alleyways and on the edge of the Forodhani Marketplace, the Seyyida Hotel is one of our favourite properties in Stone Town. Once a merchant’s home, the property features interesting and large rooms which offer a cool sanctum from the heat of the...
More...Katavi Wildlife Camp
We really can't speak more highly of Katavi National Park and, even if you were to sleep in a tent (not that we would advise it!) it would be the best place in Tanzania to head for. Fortunately, with camps like Katavi Wildlife Camp around, that is not necessary. A superb camp,...
More...Sunshine Hotel
As with quite a few of the newer properties to Zanzibar, the Sunshine Hotel has aimed squarely at the lower end of the price range, while offering such amenties as aircon as standard. The Sunshine hotel is probably one of the better new properties in the Matemwe area and gives a...
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