Best hotels in Tanzania

Entamanu teeters on the north-west rim of one of the world's most iconic natural phenomena, Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Uniquely perched to exploit the beauty of both the southern Serengeti plains and the plummeting crater below, this lodge has dramatic views, literally, all around. The lodge is accessible by road from Arusha - even the drive is its own adventure, hugging the crater's contours. Breathtaking landscapes aside, this is one of the premier wildlife destinations in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. The area is home to the regal Maasai people, known for their rich history and hunting culture. Everywhere you look there's something utterly remarkable.

Privately owned &Beyond Mnemba Island is a real gem, laced with soft, white-sand beaches and surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. From the moment you land, time seems to stop and your senses are heightened – that's how far you are from city mayhem. With just 12 private beach bandas that somehow manage to combine rustic simplicity with utter luxury, you can be as active, or not, as you wish. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, take star-lit dinners on the beach and visit the dive centre to explore the coral reefs and their colourful fish.

Lake Manyara Green Camp lies on the tree-lined banks of the dry Endabash River in western Lake Manyara National Park. Cliffs rise behind the camp, with a pretty waterfall that tumbles onto boulders, forming small pools that are perfect for midday swims with great views of the lake. This rustic fly camp keeps it simple, with open-air dining and large pillows for lounging on the dry riverbed. But this is only half its charm. The location is one of the sanctuary's best for wildlife, so animals (especially elephants) visit frequently. Expect great service and thrilling encounters.

Towering imperiously over the rippling tea plantations of north-eastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is worthy of just about every superlative imaginable. The highest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, it can actually be climbed without a great deal of technical know-how and is open to most people with a relative level of fitness. For the ultimate bucket list trip, scale the slopes of Kili before flying to the Serengeti or the beaches of Zanzibar for a dose of iconic Africa… and a very well-deserved reward!

In a hustling and very bustling city of 1.6 million people, Arusha Coffee Lodge is the perfect hideaway for a spot of pre or post safari rejuvenation. As the name suggests, coffee is a running theme and the lodge is nestled into the lush emerald bushes of Tanzania’s largest plantation in the foothills of Mt Meru and well-located for flight connections. Radiating warmth and charm, this is an elegant and relaxing stopover choice with a number of activities to keep you busy… and possibly the freshest cup of coffee you will ever taste.

This mid-sized, owner-run lodge is located in the hills of rural Karatu, about halfway between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park - and a short drive to Tarangire National Park and the extraordinary Serengeti. Set in 10 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, Plantation Lodge offers a great mix of lush surroundings, lodge comfort, excellent food, spa pampering, aesthetically pleasing African style and access to Tanzania's most scenic national parks.

With two rather lovely camps in Ruaha under their belts, the clever chaps at Asilia Africa have expanded to the Nyerere National Park ('The Selous'). Combining Nyerere and Ruaha make an excellent combination in Tanzania’s slightly more off-the-beaten track southern circuit, and this spangly camp is as good as ever. It’s in a waterside spot in one of the best game-viewing areas in the reserve and you can expect funky, stretch-canvas tents, all with views out to pods of harrumphing hippos, a good array of water- and land-based activities and a healthy dose of that genuine Asilia charm. Sounds good to us!