Must-see hotels in East Africa

  • Saruni Samburu Lodge

    Northern Kenya

    So perfectly designed is Saruni Samburu Lodge, the only accommodation other than camping within the conservancy, that its ‘tents’ virtually melt into the…

  • Zanzistar Guesthouse

    Zanzibar Island

    A new addition to Jambiani's hotel scene, Zanzistar is simply delightful. Its small size and attentive management makes it feel homey and exclusive at the…

  • Travellers Rest Hotel

    Southwestern Uganda

    A hotel with a history, it was once run by the so-called father of gorilla tourism, Walter Baumgärtel, and Dian Fossey regularly stayed here. Through…

  • Roberts Camp

    Southern Rift Valley

    A legend in its own right, this atmospheric camp sits right on the lakeshore, wherever that shore may be...The bandas are nicely decorated, with eco loos,…

  • Yellow Haven Lodge

    Kampala

    Haven is the operative word in this boutique lodging on Kampala's outskirts near the airport. On Lake Victoria, the surrounding marshland attracts…

  • Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

    Lake Nakuru National Park

    Unlike Sopa Lodges elsewhere, which are often dated, dark and in obscure locations, this fine new property has light-filled rooms from high on a perch…

  • Kizingo

    Lamu Island

    The owners describe this beautiful spot as 'no news, no shoes', which says it all really. It's at the end of the 12km stretch of beach that begins in…

  • Severin Safari Camp

    Tsavo West National Park

    This fantastic complex of thatched luxury tents just keeps getting better. There are lovely, spacious tents, a swimming pool and spa, and even a tented…

  • Kluge's Guest Farm

    Southwestern Uganda

    Whether you're drinking a beer with Stefan Kluge himself or watching monkeys skate across the treetops, this well-run retreat is unique. The cooking alone…

  • Murchison River Lodge

    Uganda

    While firmly in the luxury category, Murchison River opens its doors to all budgets, whether you're here to pitch a tent, do some lazy camping or live it…

  • Kembu Cottages

    Southern Rift Valley

    Green and peaceful, Kembu Farm has nine cosy cottages set in beautiful gardens on the edge of Njoro. Each cottage tells a story; you can sleep in the…

  • Ziwani Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    Worth every one of its four stars, Ziwani combines faux-Moroccan style with local building materials and the results are stunning. The seven stone-built…

  • Kisima Ngeda

    Northern Tanzania

    Kisima Ngeda roughly translates as ‘spring surrounded by trees’: there’s a natural spring at the heart of this lakeside property, creating an unexpectedly…

  • Rekero Camp

    Masai Mara

    We're big fans of Asilia Africa's properties, and Rekero is no exception. On a bend in the Talek River in the heart of the Masai Mara, Rekero is ideally…

  • Mara Expedition Camp

    Masai Mara

    A tiny camp that's so well hidden under the riverside trees it's impossible to see until you're pretty much in it. Yet again, Great Plains Conservation…

  • Rondo Retreat

    Western Kenya

    To arrive at Rondo Retreat is to be whisked back to 1922 and the height of British rule. Consisting of a series of wooden bungalows filled with a family’s…

  • Mango Beach House

    Zanzibar Island

    With only 6 bedrooms and an open-plan living area like a lounge on the beach, Mango Beach House is a small and sociable place. Rooms are simple but neat…

  • Oliver’s Camp

    Tarangire National Park

    Oliver's is notable for its fine location near Silale Swamp deep in the park's heart. The 10 comfortable, spacious tents have an agreeably rustic style…

  • Tembo Kijani

    Northeastern Tanzania

    This small ecolodge on a wonderful stretch of beach has four open-sided tree-house bandas nestled into the bush just back from the sea, plus comfortable…

  • Olakira Camp

    Serengeti National Park

    Olakira's northern location is one of the Serengeti's finest, with long-distance views down towards Mara River crossing 8, 500m away – one of the busiest…

  • Tarangire Safari Lodge

    Tarangire National Park

    A fabulous location high above the Tarangire River, good food and service, and well-priced accommodation make this lodge the pick of the in-park options…

  • Olerai House

    Lake Naivasha

    Hidden under a blanket of tropical flowers, this beautiful house is like something from a fairytale, where petals dust the beds and floors, zebras and…

  • Milimani Backpackers & Safari Centre

    Nairobi

    This terrific place within a very secure gated community is one of the friendliest accommodation options in town, and whether you camp out back, cosy up…

  • Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp

    Masai Mara

    At the base of the Loita Hills, this fine Maasai camp offers simple accommodation, from camping to huts and tents. It's a rustic experience in the best…

  • Pongwe Beach Hotel

    Zanzibar Island

    The unassuming Pongwe Beach Hotel has 20 bungalows among the palms on a deep arc of bleached white sand. Most rooms are sea facing (three are garden view)…

  • Wildebeest Eco Camp

    Nairobi

    This fabulous place is arguably Nairobi’s outstanding budget option. The atmosphere is relaxed yet switched on, and the accommodation is spotless and…

  • Bush Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    An excellent budget choice, this exceptionally run bush camp sits on the banks of Kazinga Channel frequented by elephants, forest pigs, warthogs and…

  • Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

    Lake Manyara National Park

    This lovely, luxurious place is one of the most exclusive lodges in all of Tanzania. The gorgeous stilted tree-house suites with private decks and views…

  • Island Camp

    Southern Rift Valley

    Stylish but relaxed, this gorgeous tented camp covers the tip of an island in the middle of Lake Baringo. The lovely tents are a mixture of thatch and…

  • Kaliwa Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    At an altitude of 1300m and close to Kilimanjaro's Machame gate, this German-run place opened in 2012 and has a refreshingly contemporary Bauhaus…

  • Karama Lodge

    Arusha

    Truly something different, off Onsea–Moivaro Rd on a forested hillside in the Suye Hill area just southeast of town, Karama offers 22 rustic and rather…

  • Mt Gahinga Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    Set within a rocky garden that blends in beautifully with the natural surrounds, this luxury lodge oozes charm. The homestead-style cottages have volcano…

  • Tides

    Northeastern Tanzania

    The beautiful Tides has a prime beachside location, plus spacious upmarket cottages on the sand and excellent cuisine. The cottages have huge beds…

  • Sele’s Bungalows

    Zanzibar Island

    This is a great little place, with friendly owners and just seven impeccably maintained rooms. There's a small swimming pool and convivial bar-restaurant,…

  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    A wonderful set-up with views looking out to the misty Virungas, the Nkuringo Gorilla Camp is an excellent pick for Nkuringo. Comfortable rooms and…

  • Bisate Lodge

    Rwanda

    Now here’s something really special – one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Rwanda. The location is among the best in the country, with incredible…

  • African Tulip

    Arusha

    The deservedly popular African Tulip inhabits a quiet green side street and successfully combines a safari theme with a genteel ambience. The large rooms…

  • Southern Sun

    Dar es Salaam

    With its Afro-Islamic decor, popular restaurant and professional service, the Southern Sun punches way above its weight. Rooms are furnished with plush,…

  • Demani Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Demani Lodge is a delightful budget option with neatly constructed cabins and bungalows. There's a seven-bed dorm and double rooms; some have private…

  • Villa Kololo

    Kampala

    With an excellent location in upmarket Kololo, this Italian-owned designer hotel has smart, well-priced rooms that balance tasteful North African decor…

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