Must-see hotels in East Africa

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • Ruaha River Lodge

    Southern Highlands

    This unpretentious, beautifully situated 28-room lodge was the first in the park and is the only place on the river. It’s divided into two separate…

  • Wayando Beach Club Eco Lodge

    Mbita & Rusinga Island

    Four kilometres from the causeway (turn right at the junction) is this large American-owned grassy compound with easy lake access, loads of birds in the…

  • Fanjove Private Island

    Southeastern Tanzania

    This small, private island has six rustic but comfortable eco-bandas directly on a lovely beach, showers open to the stars, and kayaking, snorkelling and…

  • 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…

  • Mfangano Island Camp

    Lake Victoria

    Nestled into the banks of beautifully maintained gardens alive with monitor lizards and birdlife, these stone-and-thatch cottages, 6km north of Sena, are…

  • Utengule Coffee Lodge

    Southern Highlands

    This lovely lodge is set in expansive grounds on a hilly coffee plantation 20km west of Mbeya. Tasteful accommodation includes spacious standard rooms,…

  • Katavi Wildlife Camp

    Western Tanzania

    This comfortable, well-run camp has a prime setting overlooking Katisunga, making it the best place for in-camp wildlife watching. The six tents have…

  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

    Rwanda

    This is the best top-end option in Musanze and the best value in this price range. While it's certainly very pricey, you do get attentive and efficient…

  • Selous Impala Camp

    Selous Game Reserve

    Impala Camp has eight well-spaced, nicely appointed tents in a prime setting on the river near Lake Mzizimia. Its restaurant overlooks the river and has…

  • Sasaab Lodge

    Northern Kenya

    Hands down the most extravagant, yet serene, place to stay in northern Kenya. Its half-dozen Moorish-style 'tents' (each the size of a small house) have…

  • Jambo Guest House

    Zanzibar Town

    Probably the best-value budget accommodation in town and extremely popular with backpackers, Jambo runs like clockwork. Nine spick-and-span rooms with…

  • Camp Carnelley's

    Lake Naivasha

    Right on the shoreline, this gorgeous budget spot has comfortable bandas (thatched huts), simple twin rooms with woolly blankets and one of the cleanest…

  • Tortilis Camp

    Amboseli National Park

    This wonderfully conceived site is one of the most exclusive ecolodges in Kenya, commanding a superb elevated spot with perfect Kilimanjaro vistas. The…

  • Unguja Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Set in a patch of forest, this secluded luxury lodge has 10 villas with high thatched roofs and curved walls reminiscent of seashells. They're impeccably…

  • Chumbe Island Coral Park Lodge

    Zanzibar Island

    Overlooked by its landmark historic lighthouse, about 12km south of Zanzibar Town, Chumbe is a real island getaway combining style, exclusivity and…

  • Selous River Camp

    Selous Game Reserve

    This friendly place is the closest camp to Mtemere gate. It has cosy, river-facing 'mud huts' with bathrooms, plus small standing tents surrounded by…

  • Matvilla Beach & Lodge

    Lake Victoria

    Out at the tip of the peninsula, 1.5km from the centre, this is a gorgeous multipurpose spot amid the rocks. There are hot showers for campers and stone…

  • Alex Walker's Serian

    Masai Mara

    Some of Mara North's most beautiful lodgings, Serian (which means 'serene' in the Maa language) overlooks the Mara River with the Oloololo Escarpment as a…

  • Serengeti Migration Camp

    Serengeti National Park

    One of the most highly regarded places in the Serengeti, this camp has 20 large, stunning tents with decks, set around a kopje by the Grumeti River where…

  • Gately on the Nile

    Jinja

    Gately's stylish rooms boast high ceilings, mosaic tile floors and batik fabrics. They're split between a lovely garden house and loft apartments and a…

  • Karibu Guesthouse

    Entebbe

    A superb boutique guesthouse experience, Karibu has peaceful, shady gardens, a pool with waterfall cascade and a pétanque pit. Stylish rooms, garden-side…

  • Primate Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    Right in the park and next to the UWA headquarters, this deluxe forest lodge is perfectly located for chimp tracking. Luxury stone cottages have timber…

  • Kitani Bandas

    Tsavo West National Park

    Run by the same people as Severin Safari Camp, Kitani is located 2km past its sister site, but is equally good value. These thatched concrete bandas …

  • Bellevue Guesthouse

    Zanzibar Island

    Bellevue is deservedly popular for its efficient management and laid-back atmosphere. Set in lush gardens on high ground overlooking the sea, rooms are in…

  • Enjojo Lodge

    Southwestern Uganda

    Providing a wonderful experience for guests, this ultrapopular Belgian resort suits all budgets. Beyond the warm welcome and helpful service, there's…

  • Source of the Smile Guesthouse

    Jinja

    With cool tropical design, a gorgeous garden and pool, this relaxed guesthouse indeed invites smiles. Its Icelandic owner and local staff are helpful and…