Masai Mara
So far south in the Masai Mara that you're almost in Tanzania, Sala's Camp is a real find. Away from the busier central and northern areas of the reserve,…
Must-see hotels in East Africa
Masai Mara
On a hillside among granite rocks contorted into fantastical shapes, Maji Moto is around 60km north of the reserve proper. The camp is fairly simple but…
Southern Highlands
This lovely beachfront place has camping with spotless ablution blocks, and luxury bungalows with verandahs overlooking the lake, polished wood floors and…
Pemba
In a quiet spot on a small island off the coast of Pemba this lodge epitomises the word 'remote'. Overlooking the empty beach and ocean beyond are just…
Kenya
This terrific place is just outside Meru National Park, 2.5km from Murera Gate on the road in from Meru, so you can be inside the park in minutes. The…
Southeastern Tanzania
This lovely 15-room place is spread out in palm-tree-studded grounds on a fine stretch of beach near Kilindoni, about 2km south of the small harbour…
Zanzibar Town
With its stained-glass windows, wooden latticework balustrades, tinkling fountains and soft-hued colour scheme, Emerson Spice is one of the most stylish…
Nairobi
A Nairobi classic. The original Stanley Hotel was established in 1902 – past guests include Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Gregory Peck…
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…
Watamu
A wonder of recycled stained-glass windows, curvy walls of brushed concrete, nooks with sofas for sunset-watching and gnarled railings made of coconut…
Lake Victoria
Run by the very upmarket Asilia group, this is a wonderful lakeside perch with stunning safari tents. Well, we say tents, but these 'tents' have three…
Fort Portal
This wonderful project is the work of Carol Adans, a Hawaiian who moved to Uganda to make a difference over two decades ago, and boy, has she! YES…
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…
Nanyuki
This is the kind of place that makes you want to grow a moustache, kick back and smoke a pipe. The rooms have a luxurious, classic look to them and are…
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…
Laikipia Plateau
This impressive property lies in the northwest corner of the conservancy, about an hour's drive from the main Matunda Gate. Its safari tents are large and…
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,…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Laikipia Plateau
The 56 large and beautifully appointed en-suite tents by the reliable Serena chain are high-end but with prices that are more accessible than those of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
Lake Bunyonyi
The Belgian-owned Birdnest is an impressive sight. It's the most upmarket choice in Bunyonyi, but remains excellent value. Open-plan rooms have vibrant…
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…
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)…
