Best hotels in Tanzania

In the far southwest corner of Tarangire National Park, under a canopy of umbrella-shaped acacia trees strewn along the edge of the Gursi Swamp, is Swala Camp, an A&K Sanctuary. And what a camp it is. The 12 beautifully furnished tents are really rather glamorous and the setting is idyllically peaceful, but it’s the nearby waterhole that really bowls you over. Here, families of plodding elephant stop to drink whilst lion keep a lazy eye on the clusters of skittering antelope. And with all the action so close-by, we wouldn’t blame you for perhaps missing a game drive or two…

We guarantee the words "Out of Africa" will pop into your head as you enter Legendary Lodge Arusha, a luxury destination that's popular with visitors beginning or ending their Tanzanian odyssey. Its one fault, most say, is that they wished they'd booked a longer stay. And they have a point. The lodge sits within lush gardens, with a beautiful frangipani tree at the entrance, in the heart of a working coffee farm, and is the perfect place to unwind. Just minutes from Arusha and the nearest airport, you'll be pampered with excellent accommodation, intuitive service and fabulous food.

Your very own treehouse in Tanzania, draped with netting (and with a glam en-suite bathroom); surrounding you, a 312-square-kilometre private reserve filled with rolling hills, extravagantly shaped baobabs and marula trees; and beneath you, some roaming members of Africa's largest herds of elephants. If that's your idea of an African safari, then Tarangire Treetops has everything you need and more. You're on the doorstep of fabulous Tarangire National Park, your safety is paramount, it's a malaria-free zone with temperate weather conditions, and the staff and food are terrific. You'll be back!

Right on the sea-front, where once the American Consulate stood, Tembo House is something of a landmark in the historic Stone Town streets. Its great location, close to both the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, is slightly removed from the spindly, maze-like streets of the town, and it's easy to find after a long day of wandering. Inside, there are new and old sections to the hotel, but a common theme in both is colourful glass windows and an interesting array of antique furniture from all over the world. If you're looking for central options without an astronomical price tag, this is the place to be.

As the setting for some of the most iconic safaris in Africa, the Serengeti is a world all of its own. Dotted with gangly acacia trees and endless golden grass, what awaits are days spent exploring this wildlife-rich spot by foot and game drive. Set up in a private wilderness zone, your unfussy fly camp makes a welcome home-away-from home, and all with the promise of total seclusion. Begin your morning with coffee on a kopje as the sun rises over the plains and the scene before you comes to life. After a day of spotting lions lazing in the shade and grazing zebra, return to camp for a hearty meal by the fire.

Expect sightings of huge herds of elephant and plenty of wild game when you visit Nimali Tarangire, a charming lodge in a private concession on the eastern boundary of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park. The annual Great Migration passes through this area, earning it the reputation as having the highest concentration of game in Tanzania outside the Serengeti. The camp itself is tucked in a shady grove of acacia and baobab trees beside a riverbed. It's an intimate six-room camp, its design blending simple structures and contemporary style with earthy accents, with five-star service.

This intimate tented camp is tucked in the shadows of a riverine grove on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero Sand River. It's one of Ruaha's National Park's more luxurious camps – an hour's drive from its nearest neighbour, so you're ensured intimate wildlife viewing. Known for elephants and high predator numbers, particularly the African wild dog, the wilderness is sure to provide you with some action-packed bush adventures.

This private tented camp is ensconced in a quiet acacia thicket away from the seasonal crowds of the Serengeti. Comfortably laid out, the high specification tents offer elegant relaxation without losing the desired thrill of a wilderness adventure. From the moment you touch down at the Seronera airstrip, incredible game viewing from land and air balloon await, making your Great Migration experience truly unforgettable.