Best hotels in Tanzania

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.

Designed in an elegant laid back beach style, Zawadi is relaxed luxury at its best, lying on one of the most coveted locations on the island of Zanzibar with breathtaking unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. At the center of the property the cliff recedes, creating a beautiful cove of pristine white sandy beach. Guests can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean throughout the day regardless of tides and can go snorkeling straight from the beach. With a relaxed atmosphere and understated elegant beach decor, it is a tranquil, laid back hideaway offering guests an all-inclusive stay with the very best cuisine and personalized service.

Set in a shaded grove, this fairly large lodge and tented camp combo offers affordable comfort a stone's throw from the impressive Tarangire National Park. Its simple layout and comfortable furniture create a welcoming warmth that is echoed by its friendly staff. Although the lodge’s decor is somewhat lacking in sophistication, it does possess a truly African feel and a homely atmosphere. With mesmerising lake views and the Tarangire National Park just 10 minutes away, over-the-top interiors aren't a necessary feature. The lodge also sits in the wildlife corridor between Lake Manyara and Tarangire so Migration season is a treat!

Romantic yet classic, cosy but perfectly stylish, Acacia Farm Lodge is an excellent addition to the Karatu Ngorongoro safari scene. Situated on a working coffee plantation, the beautifully manicured rows of green bushes create a relaxing oasis in the wilds of the Crater Highlands – the perfect respite at the end of a dusty African day. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy too, with mountain biking, nature walks and cultural visits all on offer. And with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire all within 2 hour’s drive, northern Tanzania is, quite literally, on the doorstep.

Breezes lies along Bwejuu Beach, a pristine and untouched beach on the South East coast of Zanzibar island, which also happens to have been voted as one of the top 30 beaches in the world. With a dedicated water sports centre and a wonderfully relaxing spa, there really is something to keep everyone happy. Cultural trips to Stone Town are a wonderful way to experience the diversity that Zanzibar has to offer. Breezes is a family owned and run resort which has cleverly combined luxury with attention to detail.

A new mobile camp deep in the heart of northern Tanzania's Tarangire National Park, Nyikani is a very special place. Acacia woodlands surround it, and guests are immersed in the inspiring wide-open spaces where wildebeest, elephants, zebra and buffalo roam free, and those iconic 'upside-down' baobabs dot the landscape. The tents are well-spaced and roomy; the meals are good; and the manager and staff couldn't make you feel more welcome. Activities focus on daytime safaris (evening safaris are occasional rather than regular), hot-air ballooning (always a real eye-opener), walking safaris and game viewing from each tent's private veranda.