Must-see hotels in East Africa

  • Palm Beach Inn

    Zanzibar Island

    One of the Bwejuu originals, Palm Beach has seen some changes over the years, but it's still the same relaxed and friendly place with a great connection…

  • Ndali Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    With exquisite taste, this luxurious, colonial-style lodge on iconic Lake Nyinambuga has a stunning ridgetop location and is run by third-generation…

  • Ololo Safari Lodge

    Nairobi

    Built as a family home overlooking the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, popular Ololo feels every bit the luxury safari lodge despite its…

  • Ziwa Bush Lodge

    Southern Rift Valley

    With fresh, sleek rooms set in spacious, manicured grounds, this small resort marries safari chic with the peace and quiet of the Njoro countryside. It's…

  • Norfolk Hotel

    Nairobi

    Built in 1904 but overhauled many times since, Nairobi’s oldest hotel was the place to stay in colonial times. It remains the traditional starting point…

  • Simply Saadani

    Northeastern Tanzania

    This hideaway has raised tree-house-style bandas on a lovely stretch of deserted, driftwood-strewn beach, just northeast of the Saadani park boundary. All…

  • Little Governors’ Camp

    Masai Mara

    Surrounding a waterhole, the 17 tents here are crammed with memories of colonial times and offer some of the reserve's most memorable nights under canvas…

  • Chameleon Hill Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    Finally a lodge in Uganda that's trying something original, hilltop Chameleon provides a memorable first impression with a series of multicoloured…

  • Cheetah Campsite

    Kenya

    Close to Lions Bluff Lodge, this shady, green-tinged campsite has levelled sites as well as running water, a communal kitchen, showers and toilets, and…

  • Dunia Camp

    Serengeti National Park

    Unlike the large, impersonal lodges that predominate in Seronera, this intimate eight-tent camp has a classic safari ambience. Comfortable, with great…

  • Jafferji House

    Zanzibar Town

    The historic former home of the Jafferji family, this beautifully decorated hotel is packed with traditional, modern and colonial artefacts, plus stunning…

  • Sekenani Camp

    Masai Mara

    Set within a jungly tangle of trees and waterways in a beautiful bird-filled valley, this discreet and memorable camp has a unique raised treetop walkway…

  • Mutanda Lake Resort

    Southwestern Uganda

    In a superb location directly on the lake, this relaxed Dutch-owned resort has luxury safari tents raised on wooden platforms with self-contained…

  • Eight Boutique Hotel

    Arusha

    Upstairs from the elegant restaurant of the same name, this place has classy, large rooms and even better suites for prices that you don't often see in…

  • Sasakwa Lodge

    Serengeti National Park

    Sasakwa is one of three exclusive lodges in a private concession in the Grumeti Game Reserve. In addition to its tourism focus, conservation dominates…

  • Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

    Lake Manyara National Park

    The 67 well-appointed rooms in this large complex occupy appealing two-storey conical thatched bungalows in shady grounds. Nature walks and village visits…

  • Ngorongoro Farm House

    Northern Tanzania

    This atmospheric place, 4km from Ngorongoro Conservation Area's Lodoare gate, is set in the grounds of a 202-hectare working farm that provides coffee,…

  • Promised Land

    Zanzibar Island

    Tucked away on the coast, southeast of Kizimkazi Mkunguni, this is a little gem of a place, with a Caribbean vibe and rooms in simple thatched huts. The…

  • Boma Nairobi

    Nairobi

    Owned by the Red Cross, this smart hotel is popular with NGOs and businesspeople alike for its quiet location – equally handy for (if not especially close…

  • Porini Amboseli Camp

    Kenya

    Far removed from the tourist lodges in the park itself, this deliciously remote camp inhabits the 748-sq-km Selenkay Conservancy (also known as Eselenkei…

  • Kholle House

    Zanzibar Town

    This hotel was once a palace, built in 1860 for Princess Kholle, favoured daughter of Sultan Said. After meticulous renovation, it now offers bright and…

  • Hemingways Ol Seki Mara

    Masai Mara

    The name gives things away a little: the look here is classic safari decor, but panoramic views and use of light linens give the whole place a lighter…

  • Nur Beach Hotel

    Zanzibar Island

    Relaxed, unfussy, cool, stylish. The Nur is this and more. Rooms are in two lines of thatched bungalows; they're straightforward and not massive but…

  • Mara Intrepids

    Masai Mara

    Nestled nicely in the centre of the reserve and overlooking the Talek River, Mara Intrepids has excellent safari tents that blend safari nostalgia with…

  • Cassia Lodge

    Kampala

    A rare patch of tranquillity with spellbinding views of Lake Victoria and hills that seem to never end. The simple yet tasteful rooms face the lake with…

  • Mara Bushtops

    Masai Mara

    Mara Bushtops is close enough to Sekenani Gate to allow easy excursions into the reserve, yet is set on its own conservancy that's a worthy destination in…

  • Karen Blixen Cottages

    Nairobi

    Located near Karen Blixen's House & Museum, this gorgeous clutch of spacious cottages is centred on a formal garden and adjacent to a small coffee…

  • Nelson's Court Seviced Apartments

    Nairobi

    The attractive modern apartments here, close to Westlands, are classy and contemporary without going over the top, and have fully-equipped kitchens and…

  • Lake Manze Tented Camp

    Selous Game Reserve

    The rustic but comfortable Lake Manze is favourably situated, with 12 simple but pleasant tents in a good location along an arm of Lake Manze. The…

  • Warere Beach Hotel

    Nungwi

    Small, peaceful and relaxed, the Warere is 2.5km outside town on Nungwi's east beach. Two rows of cottages have an angular style, but the design ensures…

  • Basecamp Masai Mara

    Masai Mara

    This upmarket lodge has 16 extremely comfortable tents with large wooden verandahs and smart bathrooms. The camp is very serious about sustainability and…

  • Voi Wildlife Lodge

    Kenya

    Close to Voi Gate, this well-run place is actually a number of places in one. From the main property, there are fine views into the park from some of the…

  • Kigali Serena Hotel

    Kigali

    One of the top hotels in town, the Serena is still one place we never hear a bad word about. As inviting as the rooms and restaurants are, we think the…

  • Kisiwa House

    Zanzibar Town

    The lovely Kisiwa House has nine spacious rooms and an excellent rooftop restaurant with sea views. Public areas have a traditional appearance, including…

  • Mahali Mzuri Camp

    Masai Mara

    Part of Richard Branson's portfolio of exclusive holiday destinations around the world, Mahali Mzuri has large and lovely tents that look out over the…

  • Budongo Eco Lodge

    Uganda

    Great value, this wooded camp has six handsome cabins and nice dorms with screen windows. There's solar power, hot water, rainwater catchment and eco…

  • Heron Portico Hotel

    Nairobi

    It’s hard to see why anyone would pay top-end prices when places like the Heron are around. Rooms are modern, extremely comfortable and well appointed,…

  • Ras Kutani

    Dar es Salaam

    Set between the sea and a small lagoon on a wonderful stretch of beach, this lovely, barefoot luxury resort has spacious natural-style bungalows with…

  • Katara Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    It's hard not to be seduced by this gorgeous place. Eight wood, thatch and canvas cottages are made for taking in the stunning savannah views and there's…

  • Sanctuary Swala

    Tarangire National Park

    Arguably the most refined safari experience inside Tarangire, this premier-class camp nestles in a grove of acacia trees and overlooks a busy waterhole in…

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