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!
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.
Our View
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.
Just wanted to let you know that I had the best time on the riding safari trip from Singita Explore, it was everything I had hoped for, plus so much more. Everything was perfect, even the weather wasn’t too hot, hence no mosquito bites until the very last day. My friend who went with me was so impressed with everything, from the variety and number of animals to the level of comfort at the tented camp. - L Chen
All three lodges (Plantation, Singita Mara, Faru Faru) for the safari expeditions were over the top (all fives by our reckoning) and provided a fine experience from all perspectives. Attention to detail and personal service were above and beyond. Animal viewing was exceptional and the guides were among the best we have enjoyed in our African trips. - B & T Mitchell
Our View
Singita own some of the finest and most luxurious lodges in Africa; Singita Mara Tented Camp is the latest arrival opening in October 2012 on the banks of the Mara River. This is the top property to stay at in the North of the Serengeti and ideal for the migration crossing the Mara River from July through to November.
Another suggestion you made was to split our original 6 nights at Faru Faru with Sabora. We spent the initial 3 at Sabora and found it VERY difficult to leave. We were advised by Elly at Sabora that we could visit Faru Faru for lunch and if we so chose we could stay at Sabora for the final 3 nights. We did! The staff at Sabora, Sammie, Wilson, Elly, Adas, Halfun and Jeremiah were outstanding!!- R Nelson
