Best hotels in Tanzania

At White Paradise, relaxation and adventure go hand in hand. Retreat to the comfort of your private villa, or step outside and uncover the island’s endless wonders. Zanzibar is a place designed for discovery, from historic landmarks to breathtaking natural beauty, its treasures are never far away.

Savor unique culinary experiences right on the beach at the main restaurant, where you are offered an à la carte menu prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Thecuisine draws inspiration from around the world while staying true to the authentic flavours of Zanzibar

On the north-east coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe beach stretches out like a promise of peace. Far from the noise, close to what truly matters, Matemwe Attitude invites you to breathe. 74 villas between golden sand and tropical canopy — a place to reconnect with yourself and live at your own rhythm, simply.

The 74 villas tell the story of Zanzibar. Inspired by Swahili culture and its many influences, each villa has been sculpted using local know-how. They are distinguished by their curved coral-coloured walls, colourful stained-glass windows that filter the light, decorative screens with unique motifs, and makuti roofs woven from coconut straw.

Ycona Luxury Resort in Uroa, Zanzibar, is a 5-star, award-winning eco-conscious boutique retreat blending Italian design with African style. Experts in sustainable luxury, Ycona is located on a private 500m beach, featuring 40 private villas with private pools, lush gardens and multiple dining options with a huge focus on sustainability, wellness, and high-end service

Zanzibar’s allure is hardly a secret but picturesque Pongwe Beach, on the quieter eastern side of the island, has managed to remain somewhat under the radar. There’s no high-gloss, glitzy resorts here either and Pongwe Beach Hotel is as unpretentious, laid back and utterly divine as it gets. Think airy, white-washed cottages scattered along a secluded stretch of white sand, hammocks and palm trees blowing in the breeze and sapphire waves lapping at the shore. So what are you waiting for? Grab a fresh pineapple juice and a bikini and come to Pongwe for some relaxation of the sun, sea and sand kind.

Nestled on the shores of paradise – Zanzibar’s Muyuni Beach – The Mora Zanzibar welcomes you with laid-back luxury, where unscripted service, culinary freedom, and elevated experiences converge to create a haven of effortless relaxation.

At The Mora Zanzibar, you’ll find a beautifully designed space that blends local architecture with modern style and enchanting scents, creating a place you’ll want to get lost in. Whether you’re seeking relaxation with a book, fun with family by the pool, or an exploration of local culture, everything is tailored to your vision of a perfect getaway.

The boutique hotel Uzuri Villa, designed and built by Sandro Gurioli, an Italian designer, with its four suites and three junior suites offers comfort, charm and relaxation in the heart of Zanzibar, surrounded by the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean. Set up base at the Villa, and create your own Zanzibar adventure. Hotel staff will point you to the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and appealing nearby destinations. Indulge your senses with a romantic dinner or a relaxing massage directly on the beach.

Prepare to relax and enjoy this beautiful island paradise. Prepare to be pampered. You’ll appreciate the authentic yet refined furnishings and interiors of the Villa, food prepared with passion – all the comforts of a boutique hotel, tailored to your to preferences.

Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas in Zanzibar are located over-water on Konokono Beach Resort‘s jetty. In a world apart from the steel and concrete structures of a modern city these exclusive water villas have been conceived with modern style and comfort, while still retaining an authentic, rustic East African feel - evident with the Makuti thatched roofs blended in with Teak, Mahogany and Mangrove wood used in their construction. Hence, designed with all the luxuries you certainly might want for your stay coupled with an impeccable service to ensure privacy and exclusivity.

Perched dramatically atop an escarpment overlooking the Tarangire River valley, this sophisticated safari lodge delivers front-row seats to one of East Africa's most unique ecosystems. With 15 luxurious tented suites positioned to maximise both sweeping views and cooling breezes, you're perfectly placed to watch vast elephant herds wander beneath towering baobab trees that have stood sentinel for centuries. Beyond the spectacular wildlife sightings below, the lodge itself impresses with its safari elegance, an infinity pool that seems to spill into the wilderness, and outdoor bathtubs where you can enjoy a soak whilst watching the sun set over the plains.

Set high above the surrounding plains, Nimali Ilaroi House is designed exclusively for private groups seeking the freedom to experience safari entirely on their own terms. With five private suites, a dedicated host team, private guide, and access to a vast private conservancy, every stay is tailored to the rhythm and interests of each guest. Whether enjoying wildlife encounters, sharing meals with family and friends, or simply taking in the expansive views, guests experience the rare luxury of space, privacy, and connection to the landscape.

You can’t talk about Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') without mentioning the Rufiji River, the pulsing lifeblood of the area that virtually dissects the park in two and attracts a mesmerising array of animals. The camp's position on the banks of the waterway is unbeatable and, in our opinion, the best in the park. Its 8 tents tucked within a shady grove of trees are raised on stilts, allowing you a bird's-eye view of the splashing hippo below and the game on the opposite bank. The camp is flanked by two lakes, Mzizimia and Siwandu, which also offer great game and bird sightings throughout the year.

Katambuga House lies on the edge of Mringa Coffee Estate in Arusha, Tanzania, with gorgeous, panoramic views of Mount Meru. It opened its doors in 2017, positioned as the perfect 'home-away-from-home' for weary travellers. A destination in its own right, and a springboard for an epic North Tanzanian safari. Bring your family and your friends as the main house has four spacious ensuite bedrooms, and a nearby family cottage features an additional two ensuite rooms. Marvel at the intriguing African photography and art that adorns the walls or take a dip in the large pool surrounded by wide open spaces.

Heading to northern Tanzania to experience the epic game viewing and mesmerising landscapes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilmanjaro? Sadly, you're not alone. Break from the crowds and take a slight detour to immerse yourself in ancient African culture at Kisima Ngeda Camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi. ​Surrounded by fever tree forest on a 100-hectare family farm, the camp is fronted by a natural spring lagoon that attracts a steady stream of birdlife. The real reason to come here, though, is to interact with the Hadzabe people, whose hunter-gathering lifestyle has changed little during the past 10,000 years.

Just an hour’s drive from the heart of Dar es Salaam, Basecamp Changani offers the best of both worlds: serene white sandy beaches and lush tropical surroundings, all within easy reach of Tanzania’s largest vibrant city. Located in Kigamboni, this eco-resort is the perfect escape for locals and travellers alike who seek rest, nature, and a touch of adventure without straying too far from the city.

At Basecamp Changani, guests are welcomed into a serene retreat where comfort meets nature. Nestled between a pristine beach and a lush forest, the cottages offer private verandas, beautifully decorated with furniture crafted by local artisans. Guests can unwind by the inviting pool or enjoy delicious meals at the open-plan, vibrant restaurant with ocean views, which serves fresh, locally inspired dishes. The friendly local staff welcomes you with open arms.

Set in a prime location within the Central Business District of Dar es Salaam and overlooking the Indian Ocean coastline, this five-star property offers a refined balance of urban sophistication and coastal calm. The hotel is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Julius Nyerere International Airport, even closer to the Zanzibar ferry, and offers panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline.

A stunning oceanfront setting. Interiors adorned with Arabic and Swahili opulence. Warm, gracious hospitality and alluring culinary journeys. Zanzibar Serena Hotel in Stone Town offers all of this and more. The Serena Hotel occupies two of the oldest buildings in Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. With 51 rooms, it provides a haven of tranquility and opulence amidst the bustle of one of Africa's most ancient and enchanting towns. The large pool terrace overlooks the Indian Ocean, and excellent cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel restaurant.

Wayo Serengeti Green Camp is a seasonal camp which follows the main wildebeest events during the year. This camp is located in the southern regions of the Serengeti National Park and intersects the herds as they reach the lower plains for calving seasons. The ash beds set down by millions of years of volcanic action provide magnesium-rich grasses allowing for mothers to produce nutritious milk for their young whilst the wide, open plains provide a safe, open aspect to spot potential approaching predators. It is on these plains where Wildebeest mothers will give birth to over 200,000 calves in February and March. The Wayo Serengeti Green Camp features beautifully designed tents sewn by local teams located on the boundary of Arusha National Park. With a picture-window of mesh at the front of the tent, you can lie on your bed and enjoy breathtaking 180 degree panoramic views. Encased in a beautiful stretch canvas overhead, tents sensitively blend into the landscape whilst also providing shade and privacy. The ensuite bathroom is enclosed and covered with bucket showers and low-flush toilets. The camp prioritises adventure, authentic safari experiences, and ecotourism. You will love the personalised service and prime access to some of the world's best game viewing.

Kisiwa on the Beach is a secluded luxury resort in an idyllic setting. It is surrounded by tall palm trees, endless white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, offering guests the opportunity to experience barefoot luxury at its very best. The area is well known for its amazing watersports. Guests at Kisiwa on the Beach are greeted with welcoming Swahili smiles, and they can happily relax throughout their holiday in Zanzibar. Kisiwa on the Beach offers its guests well-appointed private villas offering amazing views of the sea. The hotel also has spa and wellness center facilities.

Far from Dar es Salaam's bustling busyness, Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') is a 54,000-square-kilometre game reserve that's both the biggest in Africa and a World Heritage Site. Bailey's Banda lies in its southwest, blending into the landscape on a hill overlooking sister Beho Beho main camp. It's a lovely stone cottage, with just two bedrooms and a touch of oh là là about the atmosphere. Wildlife sightings in the area are splendid, and there's birding to satisfy the most demanding birders. If you're after exclusivity in the wilderness for your family, and some seriously dedicated service, you'll find it here in spades.