Best hotels in Tanzania

Imagine a private island in the Indian Ocean, the waves lapping the white sandy beach just metres from your bed. The day stretches ahead with promises of sun, snorkelling and mangrove exploration, just interrupted by freshly prepared meals. Lazy Lagoon features 12 en suite beach bandas with twin or double beds, and an upstairs ‘loft’ with two twin beds, ideal for older children. Each spacious banda has both an upstairs balcony and a porch with unimpeded sea views and access straight on to the beach. There can’t be many more relaxing ways to start a day than to watch the early morning ngalawas go out fishing, whilst sipping a coffee on your own veranda, or walking down to the beach to look in rock pools in your pyjamas! The main dining and living area is spacious and airy, with high ceilings and cool wooden floors; the perfect escape from the midday sun. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here, with each table enjoying sea views. Soak up the evening sun in the upstairs sunset lounge, which overlooks the swimming pool and the Indian Ocean beyond. The Swahili-style day-beds are perfect for the quintessentially safari pre-dinner G&T!

Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp borders the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, in the Kilombero valley in southern Tanzania. The lodge is known locally as Hondo Hondo meaning “hornbill” in Swahili, due to the amazing number of these remarkable birds which make the area their home. Hondo Hondo’s lush green grounds are on the border of the pristine rainforest and offer excellent views of the forest canopy. The forest is home to a number of primate species, including the endemic Udzungwa Red Colobus, the remarkable Sanje Crested Mangebey, and the Black and White Colobus. A number of different hornbill species fly in over the forest edge and settle in trees along the borders of the rainforest in large numbers every evening at sunset, and the valley echoes with their distinctive calls.

Ugalla National Park is a hidden gem on the safari circuits but offers the chance to explore an area of Tanzania that before this has remained out of the question. A proper old-school, mobile safari in Ugalla is an experience not many people can boast and is a hugely exciting prospect for the right person. During the dry season the river attracts a range of wildlife and birdlife and with varied terrains throughout, Ugalla seems to be a perfect spot for exploration.

Lukuba Island Lodge is our private island and lodge in Lake Victoria. A unique, exclusive location in one of the most amazing natural paradises in Africa. A different experience that begins when travelers sit in our traditional boat and sail on a brief journey to the beach on Lukuba Island. Their accommodation has impressive cosy & warm common areas to allow you to rest after a long day in the wilderness. The restaurant, overlooking the lake, is characterized by its excellent service and delicious food prepare by our expert chef. The lodge also has a private beach and large terrace offering views of the incredible sunsets over the world’s second-largest lake.