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About Tanzania We’ve curated some of the best beach resorts in Tanzania — not just on the island of Zanzibar, but also on other Indian Ocean islands and along the shores of Africa’s Great Lakes, Victoria and Tanganyika.
Additionally, you will find a diverse selection of accommodations across mainland Tanzania, ranging from luxurious estates and upscale lodges to charming tented camps and unique treehouses. Regardless of your budget, you'll find a great selection of options to suit your style and preferences.
This isn’t a ranked list, but rather a collection of standout hotels and lodges.
Inside this guide, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re planning an unforgettable Tanzania safari or a relaxing beach getaway, here’s where to stay to make the most of your trip.
Top Zanzibar beach resorts
Zanzibar isn’t an independent country, as some may believe, but rather an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that’s part of Tanzania. Tanzania also includes the Mafia Archipelago. If you’re wondering which island to visit or where to stay, feel free to pick from our list based on what suits your style and preferences.
Xanadu Luxury Villas Zanzibar
This is one of the most stunning luxury hotels in Zanzibar. Located on the southeast coast near Dongwe Beach, its pristine white buildings showcase a clear Arab influence, beautifully blended with distinct African elements — it’s this fusion of cultures that gives Zanzibar its unique charm.
The luxurious complex comprises nine villas, each featuring a private pool and open-air living areas. The villas are arranged around the central restaurant and pool, yet each one is hidden by lush tropical foliage. Just a one-minute walk away, you’ll find a white-sand beach washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
A personal butler greets every guest, and the kitchen staff prepares breakfast served wherever you choose — even on the beach. Just steps from the ocean, a private spa offers massages and other relaxing treatments, and you can also enjoy a massage right on your own balcony. World-class chefs craft lunch and dinner menus tailored to your preferences, featuring the freshest ingredients, including the vibrant fruits, vegetables, and spices that make Zanzibar famous worldwide.
Xanadu Luxury Villas Zanzibar offers an ideal setting for couples, especially those honeymooning in Tanzania.
Jumeirah Thanda Island
One of the most unique vacation experiences in the Indian Ocean is a private villa on the small island of Thanda, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) off the east coast of Africa. What makes it truly special is that guests not only stay in the house but also have exclusive access to the entire island. The adventure begins with a helicopter ride to reach this secluded resort.
On , guests are welcomed to a cozy villa featuring five suites. Its design draws inspiration from the Kennedy family’s compound in Cape Cod. Constructed from wood and painted white, the villa strikes a balance between the charm of a classic summer cottage and the luxury of a private island retreat.
In addition to the main villa, the island features two two-story chalets, locally known in Tanzania as bandas. These are arguably the most luxurious traditional bandas you’ll find anywhere in the country. The island can accommodate up to 18 guests at a time.
Guests can relax by an elegant pool with transparent edges or enjoy the private beach. For the more active, a range of water sports is available, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, and jet skiing. However, many visitors come here for diving and the opportunity to swim alongside majestic whale sharks.
Just a 10-minute boat ride away is a coral nursery where significant conservation work is underway. Sea turtles also nest right on the island. For those interested, a luxurious vacation here can include hands-on participation in environmental protection projects.
Since 2016, Thanda Island and its luxury resort have been annual recipients of the prestigious World Travel Awards, winning titles such as “World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island” and “Africa’s Leading Luxury Island.”
andBeyond Mnemba Island
This is another hotel located on a secluded island. Mnemba Island, just 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) off Zanzibar, is accessible by a quick 5-minute speedboat ride. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s a favorite spot for snorkeling. The island is surrounded by a 400-meter (1,310-foot) private reserve zone, ensuring that its pristine beaches remain exclusive to guests only.
The hotel on Mnemba Island redefines luxury with its rustic yet elegant design. It features 12 traditional bandas, carefully integrated into the natural surroundings and nestled among the branches of evergreen casuarina trees. Each banda accommodates two guests, except for one larger family hut. Altogether, this paradise island can host up to 26 guests.
At the Wellness Banda, guests can enjoy massages and yoga sessions. The beach bar serves cocktails and other drinks, while an experienced team at the pier offers diving tours and sailing trips upon request. The restaurant features exquisite dishes prepared by a talented chef from South Africa.
Don’t let the island’s simple cottages fool you — this prestigious hotel on Mnemba Island ranks among the top Tanzania luxury resorts. It’s part of the renowned andBeyond collection, which manages 29 lodges across three continents.
Chole Mjini Tree House Lodge
Another remarkable destination in the Mafia Archipelago, home to one of the most unique resort hotels you’ll find — a collection of seven treehouses. These aren’t just for kids; they’re designed for anyone wanting to connect with nature. Some huts nestle under the shade of tamarind trees, others perch on rocky outcrops, and a few even sit high atop sprawling baobabs. Guests reach their rooms by climbing ladders. All the treehouses are built by local craftsmen using traditional tools and without the aid of electricity.
Chole Island isn’t private — it’s home to a fishing village of about 1,500 residents. But the island itself is small, just over 2 square kilometers (0.77 square miles). Here, you can immerse yourself in the charm of simple village life, explore ancient stone ruins, and watch craftsmen build traditional Swahili boats called dhows. For the active traveler, there’s stand-up paddleboarding, sunset sailing, and diving among coral reefs and whale sharks. At the lodge, you can enjoy tranquility without even leaving your treehouse as the staff delivers food and drinks right to your room.
The cuisine at Tree House Lodge is international, with an emphasis on seafood. Meals can be served just about anywhere — on the pier, the beach, in the garden, among ancient stone ruins, or in a secluded clearing nestled between the roots of giant fig trees. This hotel knows how to create memorable experiences.
The Aiyana
The luxury hotel The Aiyana is located on another fairly large Tanzanian island, Pemba. This dolomite-limestone island was formed from ancient coral remnants and the shells of marine organisms that lived millions of years ago. The hotel itself is built using natural, locally sourced materials, primarily limestone. This choice is not only environmentally friendly but also visually stunning: the soft, white pastel hues of the limestone buildings blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
The complex features thirty villas with exquisite interiors and all the amenities needed for a comfortable beach getaway. Tucked away among palm trees at the northern tip of the island, the villas offer a delightful sense of seclusion from the outside world. Guests can enjoy a spa center and a restaurant with a menu inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Indian Ocean region, from the Middle East to India.
For those seeking adventures and close encounters with nature, the resort offers bicycles, boats for exploring mangrove channels, and all you need for water activities, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and diving equipment. The island is encircled by coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for underwater exploration.
And for those who prefer a more relaxing pace, there’s yoga, meditation, and peaceful walks along the sandy beaches. The Aiyana is dedicated to crafting the perfect vacation experience for every guest, which makes it one of the best Pemba Island resorts.
Top Tanzania safari lodges
Up next is a special selection of the best hotels located in or near Tanzania’s national parks. We chose not only different hotels and vacation styles but also the country’s most popular safari destinations.
Singita Kilima
Set on a high hill in the private Grumeti Reserve, on the vast Serengeti plains, Singita Kilima is one of Tanzania’s most exclusive safari lodges. Often described as an ultra-luxury retreat, it offers panoramic views of nature, whether from the infinity-edge pool or the privacy of your own veranda.
The lodge's design is contemporary, yet it harmoniously blends into the natural landscape. The property features just five suites, accommodating a total of up to 10 guests. All of them have access to a gastrobar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a wine cellar, and a media room perfect for family movie nights. There are also heated spa pools and a gallery-boutique showcasing jewelry and decor crafted by Tanzanian artisans.
A personal chef crafts meals tailored to each guest’s preferences, while the attentive staff takes care of every detail, from daily conveniences to curating experiences that match your pace and mood. Families with children will appreciate the engaging activities offered through the “Mini Rangers” program, which includes animal tracking and nature-based quizzes. Singita Kilima delivers top-tier service, earning its reputation as one of the top Serengeti safari resorts.
This is all managed by the South African company Singita, which has a history spanning over a hundred years. Singita operates 19 premium safari lodges in four African countries, earning an impeccable reputation in ecotourism.
Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor, a cottage hotel near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater, feels more like a European countryside estate than a safari lodge. Guests can unwind with leisurely pastimes such as croquet and billiards or explore the lush coffee plantations on horseback. The property features 10 private cottages and a main house, all built in the Cape Dutch architectural style. The same elegant design is found in historic homes and estates around Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope.
The interior decor of the cottages is steeped in 19th-century European charm, featuring fireplaces, a piano, Persian rugs, rich dark wood furniture, elegant tableware, and other refined touches.
Guests can enjoy access to a spa center, bike rides, garden picnics, and cocktails at sunset on their cottage terrace, all while taking in stunning views of the surrounding hills. Conveniently, the hotel is ideally located for planning safaris, not only to Ngorongoro but also to nearby Lake Manyara National Park.
The Manor is managed by the company Elewana, which has a collection of about fifteen elegant hotels in Tanzania and neighboring Kenya. Elewana is exceptionally skilled at organizing family vacations. By the way, one of The Manor’s cottages is family-friendly. It’s pretty spacious, with six beds, a playroom, a child-friendly bathroom, a TV, and plenty of kids’ entertainment.
Gibb's Farm
Right next to the historically styled manor stands the magnificent Gibb’s Farm hotel, which truly boasts a rich history dating back to a coffee farm established in the 1920s. It’s the oldest hotel in our selection. By the mid-20th century, gardens, large vegetable patches, and flower beds had been established, and this farming heritage remains very much alive today. Guests can enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits, and coffee grown right on the farm. For those interested, visitors can even get involved with simple farm chores like milking cows, feeding pigs, or collecting eggs from the chicken coop. These activities are especially popular with children.
But Gibb’s Farm is more than just a working farm — it’s also a beautiful retreat with cozy homes. Each of them is thoughtfully decorated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel features 17 spacious cottages and two large family houses. Every accommodation includes a fireplace, a bathtub, and a private terrace. The cottages overlook the vegetable patches or the valley. At the same time, the farmhouse buildings, perched on higher ground, offer views of the well-maintained courtyard and coffee plantations that stretch down the slope.
The hotel grounds feature a large swimming pool, an oversized garden chess set, and an art gallery where visiting artists work. You can purchase any painting you like or even take a painting lesson yourself. The exquisite restaurant serves organic meals based on the “farm-to-table” philosophy, sourcing fresh milk, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients directly from the hotel’s farm. Wellness services are also available, helping guests restore balance and harmony of body and mind amid the stunning natural surroundings.
Gibb’s Farm is truly a flawless hotel — it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. At least, we haven’t met anyone who wasn’t completely enchanted by their stay here.
One Nature Mara River
This hotel, nestled in the northern Serengeti, offers a blend of luxury and the raw beauty of its surroundings. It is perched along the legendary Mara River, famous for the dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration from July to September.
The property features six spacious villas, crafted from light wood. Each of them includes an open terrace, a private heated outdoor pool, elegant furnishings, and a cozy wood-burning stove. In the evening, guests can unwind in a stunning copper bathtub set right on the terrace.
Another standout is the presidential villa. It features two bedrooms and a spacious living room complete with indoor swings. The expansive terrace is perfect for relaxing, offering four luxurious lounge chairs.
If guests wish, professional therapists can provide massages right on the villa terrace. The hotel also offers a shared lounge with a fireplace, a selection of books, and fine wines. There's a fully equipped gym for those who like to stay active.
For safari outings, the hotel provides high-quality camera rentals, and there's a dedicated workspace with laptops for photo editing. Guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner out on the open plains — mornings start with fresh pastries and local fruit, while evenings bring a chef-prepared barbecue.
Elewana Tarangire Treetops
This lodge, set along the border of Tarangire National Park, features 20 elevated suites built into the branches of baobab and marula trees. These treehouses are perfect for travelers who don’t mind sleeping high above the ground, like birds in a nest.
Each suite includes a private bathroom with a shower, so there’s no need to come down unless you choose to. The spacious interiors are tastefully furnished, and every room opens onto a large balcony offering views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool and a nearby watering hole, where wildlife gathers to drink.
All rooms are constructed from eco-friendly materials, including the custom-crafted furniture. In the evenings, the warm lighting transforms the rooms into cozy hideaways. From your private balcony, you can spot birds — a real treat for birdwatchers. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of elephants moving through the bush below.
At Tarangire Treetops lodge, guests can unwind with massage treatments and browse in the on-site gift shop. The staff are always happy to arrange a visit to a Maasai village or a breakfast in the heart of the savanna, surrounded by Tanzania’s wildlife.
Asilia Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge has earned a place among the Top 100 best hotels and resorts for two consecutive years, as recognized by the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards. These awards celebrate the world’s most luxurious and distinguished hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle brands.
Part of the Asilia Africa collection, a renowned network of safari lodges across Tanzania and Kenya, Jabali Ridge is celebrated for its stunning design, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of Ruaha National Park.
Jabali Ridge consists of eight elegant suites nestled among huge ancient boulders. The roof of each building imitates a large bird’s nest, and all other exterior details blend harmoniously into the wild natural surroundings. The decor emphasizes warm, airy tones, while the suites feel open thanks to a clever architectural touch: walls and doors are crafted from fixed slats, reminiscent of oversized wooden blinds, allowing light and air to flow freely.
Each suite features a spacious private terrace complete with hammocks. Guests can unwind at the spa or take a dip in the panoramic infinity pool. The on-site chefs prepare fresh bread and pastries daily, and even the ice cream is homemade. For exploring the park, each guest is offered a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a guide. Walking safaris are also available.
At Jabali Ridge, every detail is designed to make each guest feel valued. The experience blends the raw beauty of southern Tanzania with a refined sense of comfort, luxurious yet welcoming, even to those who prefer simplicity and practicality.
Best tented camps and unique hotels in Tanzania
Let’s expand our collection with unique hotels located in unconventional places, far from the well-known parks and popular tourist trails.
Lupita Island Resort
This hotel is located on a small island, but not in the Indian Ocean. It’s set on a secluded islet in the heart of Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest and longest lake. Tanganyika contains a single small archipelago, made up of tiny, mostly uninhabited islands. Among them lies Lupita Island, a tree-covered haven with a boutique lodge of just 10 cottages.
Built in a traditional and eco-friendly style, the cottages feature thatched roofs, natural wood interiors, and design touches that celebrate local craftsmanship, including old wooden boats repurposed as bar furniture. Life here moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of what Tanzania was like decades ago.
With room for just 28 guests, the atmosphere here is always intimate and uncrowded. The hotel offers a swimming pool, a beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, and a game room equipped with billiards and table tennis. The wellness center provides massages, steam therapies, and herbal wraps.
Perched at the top of a hill, the hotel’s restaurant serves freshly caught fish, most often Nile perch, paired with sweeping views of Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding mountains.
Lake Tanganyika offers a wealth of water-based adventures, including snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving, with diving gear available on-site. This opportunity is not to be missed, as the lake is renowned for its variety of endemic cichlids. Guests can also go sport fishing or take a cruise on the historic Windsor Rose — or even do both on the same outing.
Lupita Island Resort maintains exceptional service standards. Just across the lake lies one of Tanzania’s most intriguing national parks, the Mahale Mountains, sheltered within mountain forests.
Nomad Greystoke Mahale Lodge
Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika at the base of the Mahale Mountains, Greystoke Mahale is one of Tanzania’s most distinctive and remote lodges. Part of the Nomad Tanzania collection, this retreat feels like something out of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe tale.
The lodge consists of a central main house and seven thatched bandas, all handcrafted from wood planks salvaged from old fishing boats (dhows). The simple rustic design, peacefulness, and remote location make you feel completely removed from the outside world. And indeed, it takes several hours to get here: first by plane, then by boat across the lake’s surface.
The hotel stands right on a white sand beach, where each evening a candlelit dinner table is set. Here, the sounds of nature come alive — birds singing, rustling leaves, and the occasional visit from wildlife emerging from the forest to drink at the lake. Along the shore, you might spot hippos, monkeys, and other tropical animals. Guests can paddle out on kayaks to swim farther from the coast. But the true highlight of the Mahale Mountains is trekking through the forest to see one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, chimpanzees. Observing their social interactions up close is a rare and delightful opportunity here in Tanzania.
Each banda cottage is a spacious, tepee-style retreat designed for two guests. Inside, you'll find a private shower, while outside, a terrace opens up to breathtaking views of the vast lake. Sunsets here are especially magical: as the sun sinks behind the distant mountains, the lake mirrors its final golden rays long into the evening. The sand stays warm beneath your feet, and the wine helps you unwind. You can spend peaceful evenings, sinking into a cushioned straw shelter near the water’s edge, legs dangling, entirely at ease.
Asilia Rubondo Island Camp
Another island hotel sits on the vast waters of Lake Victoria, the largest of the Great African Lakes. This is home to Rubondo Island, Africa’s largest island national park. Visitors come here for unique safaris, forest walks to spot chimpanzees, birdwatching, and peaceful solitude by the lake.
The hotel itself is simple, made up of eight cozy huts. Each cottage features a small terrace overlooking the beach, perfect for taking in the lake views, watching hippos bathe from afar with binoculars, reading, or enjoying sunsets.
The camp offers a communal dining terrace, a bar, and a swimming pool with loungers. In the evenings, the staff light a campfire right on the beach, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Beyond safaris, guests can enjoy boat trips around the island and sport fishing. However, swimming isn’t allowed here: the lake is home to many hippos and crocodiles. Hippos, along with other wild animals that live on the island, often come ashore at night, so it’s best to avoid venturing far from the camp after dark.
Olduvai Camp
In northern Tanzania, nestled between the Serengeti plains and the ancient craters of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, close to the renowned Olduvai Gorge, is a simple yet captivating camp. It features 17 tented rooms with thatched roofs, arranged around a kopje, a distinctive rocky hill. Kopjes are classic African savannah formations — large boulders adorned with trees, grasses, and shrubs. While lion prides often favor these spots, this particular kopje offers a peaceful retreat to human travelers instead.
The rooms are classic safari tents made of canvas, but surprisingly spacious. Each is furnished and equipped with electricity, private toilets, and hot-water showers. The thatched roofs offer shelter from both the blazing sun and sudden rains. Guests can enjoy a bar and restaurant on site, and for those who love a view, climbing the kopje to the observation deck is a must. From there, you’ll take in vistas of the iconic plains that might remind you of The Lion King.
This is Maasai land, where cattle herding has been a way of life for generations. Visitors can take a guided tour to a Maasai village to experience their culture firsthand. From here, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Olduvai Gorge are all within easy reach. Olduvai Gorge is famous for the Leakeys’ groundbreaking discoveries of some of the earliest human fossils last century. Today, you can visit a museum on site, which includes the main exhibition and the excavation area.
Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat
This new tented camp is located in Mkomazi National Park, a once-degraded ecosystem that has recently been restored after years of challenges from livestock grazing, poaching, and fires. Now, wildlife is returning, making the park a vibrant and rewarding place to explore. The Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat opened in 2023, perched on a hill with stunning views of the Pare Mountains, rolling hills, and open plains. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s summit from here.
The camp offers seven comfortable tents, each with power outlets, a private bathroom, and a veranda. Its prime location makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. From the observation deck, you can watch elephants gather at a large watering hole — their playful bathing is a breathtaking sight. Other animals also visit the water.
Mkomazi National Park is renowned for its dedicated efforts to restore populations of two rare species: African wild dogs and black rhinos. Learn more about the black rhinos of Mkomazi in our blog, and be sure to visit the reserve during your stay at Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat. Spotting black rhinos in Tanzania is a rare and unforgettable experience.
All content on Altezza Travel is created with expert insights and thorough research, in line with our Editorial Policy.
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