Our ranking is subjective (it is the office consensus, after much arguing), and tries to reflect value for money as well as overall quality. Therefore we may award just three stars to a 'five star' Zanzibar Hotel in the hotel tick-box sense, or five stars to a superb, unashamed 'three star' Tanzania Lodge that consistently provides superb quality experiences for the price. We care a great deal about location, whether in the bush or on the beach, and in many cases this has influenced our choice. It is unorthodox, it may seem at odds with the world view, but we can explain... and we urge you to call us to discuss!
We don't just know Tanzania!
For more information on Tanzania, the best thing to do is to give us a ring for an impartial chat. Although we love Tanzania, we also love the rest of Africa too and have experts in all the main safari countries. If you are undecided as to where to visit, please do just drop us an email or give us a call!
In most cases you would only use the Serena Dar es Salaam as a one night stop because your international flight details require it. Dar es Salaam does not offer much and therefore a hotel with all mod cons, in close proximity to the town centre (and golf course) is a welcome break from the town’s somewhat hectic atmosphere, however it does make a good jumping point to any Tanzania Safari.
Have you ever wondered what birds see as they soar over-head, or have you ever dreamed about looking down upon a vast stretch of open wilderness? Well Serengeti Balloon Safaris can give that to you, and more. Starting at dawn and ascending with the sun, your adventure will begin just before sunrise and you will climb into the sky as the new day begins. Your balloon will rise up and over the magnificent Serengeti in blissful tranquility.
Serengeti Bushtops is a lovely luxurious lodge in the North of the Serengeti, not necessarily in the best position but it’s an incredibly well-crafted and beautiful lodge that caters for every luxury one could ask for in such a remote part of the world. If you’re looking for a vintage Africa safari experience, which this remote expanse of Africa is famous for, this lodge will seem rather over the top with too many modern touches. So you might be better off with one of the mobile tented camps like Serian or Nomads Serengeti Safari Camp. Due to the focus on luxury we find that this lodge tends to appeal more for the mass market tourist as opposed to a seasoned safari goer.
Situated on the western corridor of the world famous Serengeti National Park, Singita Serengeti House offers guests exclusive-use accommodation and access to 350,000 acres of private land, providing an unparalleled private safari experience.
Incredible, and closer to the wildlife than we expected. Literally wildebeest right in the camp! The staff was wonderful, but our driver Ali was truly world class. - K Corner
This is a beautiful hotel that has a very personal feel to it and a great location in the park. It has the edge on other hotels of its size, as the small huts allow for a real sense of privacy and feeling of being out in the bush. It is a perfect place to spend a few days year round, but particularly during the migration months of May through to July.
The Serengeti Sopa is a large hotel in the central Serengeti. It offers a great location for a stay any stay throughout the year with excellent residential game in the area. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing and the hotel certainly has its following with both the larger group tours and families. However, for the smaller and more intimate trip, while it has a good location set away from the busiest areas of this central area, it can feel a bit busy.
The sights were breathtaking. From sunrise to sunset, each day was truly a new adventure. We experienced incredible sights and saw a lot of game from a very close range. I could go on for hours giving highlights of our trip but the experience of the great wildebeest migration was incredible. We literally saw hundreds of thousands traveling in herds, canvassing for new green pastures of the beautiful Serengeti. We got extremely lucky and were able to see a crossing at the Masai Mara and even a crocodile attack and kill of a wildebeest. We loved our time at Serengeti Under Canvas! - P. Feriola
Seyyida belongs to the same family as Kono Kono and Kasha, which are all under the same umbrella. Sadly it has also inherited the rather unfortunate traits that the two beach lodges suffer, which is a lack in consistency and service. The location is lovely, overlooking the harbour. The rooms are very spacious and the hotel has good facilities and finishing to the main area. But it’s very touch and go when staying here so definitely consider something more reliable like the Serena Inn, Beyt Al Chai or the Zanzibar Palace.
Shooting Star used to be one of Zanzibar’s few trusted products. It still hold its own amongst its competition, but being rather dated now, it gets perceived as not being a good place to stay. It is exceptionally good value for money and makes an itinerary much cheaper than if you used a more modern beach lodge. The food is good, the rooms have air con, the views are as good and the pool and main area is superb. If you are looking to spend a bit more money, there are two amazing castle-like suites. Otherwise, have a look at Mchanga for a similar priced lodge or Ras Nungwi and Echo Beach for a noticeable step up in quality.
