Lamu Island
In a town where every building wants to top the preservation stakes, Lamu House stands out. It consists of two fused Swahili villas. Each of its handful…
Must-see hotels in East Africa
Moshi
This friendly place wins plaudits from travellers for its lovely setting in 2 hectares of manicured gardens with palm trees and frangipanis, 4km northwest…
Zanzibar Island
Mustapha’s has a relaxed Rastafarian atmosphere, creatively decorated rooms and a dorm, all in a large leafy compound, which also has a bar-restaurant,…
Rwanda
By far the most unusual sleeping option in Gisenyi, this delightful oasis on a sloping hill that lords over majestic Lake Kivu offers comfortably equipped…
Lamu Archipelago
From the acacia-tree-shaded pool overlooked by a hookah bar to the daring driftwood-and-metal sculptures that dot the property, this luxury resort dazzles…
Lamu Archipelago
From its blustery hilltop location, seven spacious, glorious bandas (thatched-roofed huts) made from all-natural materials with ecofriendly bucket showers…
Lamu Island
Hands down the best place in town for budget travellers, this friendly guesthouse is owned by German world traveller Arnold, a treasure trove of all…
Rwanda
In search of an escape? This lovely venture perched on a hillside sloping down to the lake (there's a pontoon for swimming) offers guests the chance to…
South Coast
Whitesands is beautiful: a seafront Swahili castle of airy corridors, marble accents and wooden detailing uplifted by every flash, modern amenity you can…
Southern Highlands
The relaxed Mdonya Old River Camp, about 1½ hours’ drive from park headquarters, has 12 tents on the banks of the Mdonya Sand River, with elephants…
Serena Beach Hotel & Spa Kenya
South Coast
This lovely, polished resort is extensive and is styled on a traditional Swahili village – the pathways around the tree-filled complex even have street…
South Coast
These beautiful self-catering apartments are brought to you by the owners of the excellent Tamarind restaurant (right next door) and Nairobi's Carnivore…
Kenya
We challenge you to find a lovelier backpackers' spot on Kenya's north coast! A converted luxury resort, the Merry Crab retains the rain-head showers and…
Kigali
This excellent, central midrange place appears sometimes to spill over into top end with its lavish buffet breakfast served in the gorgeous open-sided…
Rwanda
A mere stone's throw away from the beach, Gisenyi's backpacker mecca is a relaxed and relatively orderly budget choice, with a full complement of…
Kigali
This well-maintained backpackers' hostel set in verdant grounds offers a very sociable atmosphere, plenty of tours and excursions, and good-value meals…
Lamu Island
With 10 spacious, palatially decorated rooms scattered across three traditional Swahili houses and overlooking the beach, this tranquil spot sits in the…
Diani Beach
This small, stylish kitesurfing lodge is one of our favourite places to stay in Diani. The gorgeously rustic rooms are simple but lovely, with painted…
Southwestern Uganda
In the owner's family for generations, this hillside set of bandas (thatched-roofed huts) provides a peaceful and welcoming retreat surrounded by coffee…
Lake Victoria
Excellent value here, though the water heater needs time to warm up. Rooms are spick and span, with tiled floors, starched linens and mosquito nets in…
Kilifi
On gorgeous Takaungu beach and off the electricity grid, this eclectic, relaxed three-bedroom house makes a great escape. Catch the sunrise from the top…
Lamu Island
This five-storey house rises above the sleepy, donkey-filled alleyways of Shela. Apart from the warm welcome and plenty of advice from owner Thomas and…
Rwanda
On the main road in Gisakura, this zesty number is a solid option with efficient staff and good facilities. Rooms are practical with no flouncy…
Rwanda
This adorable guesthouse run by a helpful Italian resident is one of those whispered secrets that are passed around by word of mouth. The nine rooms in…
Malindi
Venture 25km from Malindi, and you can have Mambrui North Beach almost to yourselves at this intimate and relaxed camp, run by fantastic hosts. Glamp in…
Southern Rift Valley
Perched above the town with soaring views towards the lake, this well-run, stylish place is a tranquil escape from the traffic below. Rooms wrap around a…
South Coast
Backpackers seem to love Tulia. It's clean, well-run and knows how to party. Accommodation is in well-kept dorms, hammocks and good private rooms, while…
Lake Victoria
There's a sociable bar-restaurant (mains Tsh6500) here and a reasonable camping area that's often busy with the clients of overland truck tours. Some…
Rwanda
This well-regarded venture provides an excellent level of comfort and service. The sun-filled, spick-and-span rooms boast pristine bathrooms, well-sprung…
Moshi
This laid-back, switched-on place has simple, spacious rooms and a friendly overall feel. The rooftop restaurant-bar serves a good menu of local meals at…
Northern Tanzania
Signposted off the main road just north of Karatu, this excellent place offers 22 simple but quiet and tidy rooms in 11 cottages arrayed around 2 hectares…
Central Tanzania
The former Railway Hotel’s tree-filled courtyard is a lovely oasis and the rooms have some style. Suites face the main street and are noisier than the…
Wasini Island
This friendly little dive lodge on the eastern side of Wasini has a range of simple but colourful rooms (the most expensive with en suite), plus two…
Diani Beach
Stylish and secure, Diani Backpackers has airy dorms, our favourite being Baobab, with an actual baobab growing through its middle, and comfortable…
Laikipia Plateau
Close to the geographical centre of the park and overlooking a waterhole, this excellent tented camp has six stylishly furnished tents, an overall air of…
Kenya
With easily Meru's best rooms, this modern place has Western-style, Western-standard rooms with bright colours and modern furnishings. If you've only…
Northern Kenya
With a new wing, this hotel has been modernised, with large beds, mosquito nets and TVs in each room. Request a room in the new wing for extra comfort…
Lake Victoria
Something of a Musoma institution, the Afrilux has decent hot showers, helpful staff, good wi-fi and a relaxed courtyard bar-restaurant. On the negative…
Northern Kenya
When not escaping the Turkana heat in the large swimming pool, you can relax on your balcony in front of your large tent, which comes complete with TV,…
Burundi
One of the best budget places in town, particularly for couples, as all rooms contain either twin or large double beds (although only one breakfast is…
