Best hotels in Tanzania

Perched on the popular Matemwe beach, just opposite the magnificent Mnemba Island, a lush and leafy Zanzibarian hideaway called Sevi Hotel Zanzibar exists. About an hour from central Stone town, on the north-eastern side of the island, the scene is relaxed and rustic with local villages dotted along palm fringed beaches. Designed around an oasis of beautiful gardens, this boutique lodge is a low-key haven for those seeking to escape and unwind without distractions. Good food, welcoming service, and of course that view, are a few of the foundations that this lodge prides itself on.

The Manor at Ngorongoro is located about an hour's drive away from the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, and half an hour from Lake Manyara. Although only built in 2008, it's a perfect replication of the 18th and 19th century colonial-style mansions, typical of South Africa's Cape winelands, and there really is nothing like it in Tanzania. Instead of being surrounded by vineyards, The Manor is set amidst a beautiful, sprawling coffee estate and the most manicured of gardens, and offers a level of service, luxury and charm that's definitely hard to beat.

The Palms is a family-owned resort and with just 6 gorgeous villas, offering intimate luxury on the stunning East Coast of Zanzibar. Each villa has a private outdoor plunge pool and looks out across the beach to the beckoning Indian Ocean. The resort is excellently positioned for kite surfing and the Water Club on the beach is there to enable guests to try out a variety of water sports.

Named after Zanzibar's local moniker, Spice Island, the resort is a collection of over-the-water bars, thatched bungalows and a dazzling white coastline. Set in a tropical garden of fragrant shrubs and scarlet flamboyant trees, Spice Island Hotel isn't far from Jambiani Beach, a top spot for kitesurfing and snorkelling. Walk along the jetty to nose out a cocktail (you can even jump straight into the sea from the bar!) or relax with a book by the pool. Zip over to Zanzibar's Old Town for a taste of the island's history or simply soak up all the 'vitamin sea' you can.

Open during the peak of the migration action, from June to November, Mara Under Canvas is the perfect place from which to explore the remote reaches of Tanzania’s oldest and most renowned national park. Located in the most northern section of the Serengeti, this well-appointed mobile camp is set in a relatively open plain with sporadic acacia growth breaking up the golden grassy view. Simple comfort steers the focus towards what lies beyond the camp - the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of the Great Migration.

An adventurous camp where you'll walk beside the Great Migration and sleep under the stars.

Should you have your eye on a walking safari in the Serengeti, you need the best in the business. Wayo Africa has spent 25 years earning their stripes as Serengeti experts and thanks to their love of conservation, have also earned exclusive walking rights. In the safe and seasoned hands of Wayo's guides, you'll journey where no 4x4 can go, tracking the Great Migration on foot and discovering the fascinating microcosms of the Serengeti. There is zero light pollution to hide the constellations, a sight you can fall asleep to from your sheer, star tent.