Tanzania hotels are some of the best in the world, ranging from 5-star luxury to more laidback B&Bs. Whatever your preferences, there's something for everyone with accommodation in Tanzania.
Since I've stayed in some of the best and most affordable hotels during my Tanzanian travels over the years, I created this guide to the country's best-rated accommodation offers for epic safaris, Zanzibar holidays and Dar es Salaam city breaks.
Luxury and Best Value Tanzania Hotels
Best Tanzanian Accommodation Destinations
If you're unsure of where to stay and which hotspots to check out first in Tanzania, here are some of the best accommodation destinations:
Safari National Parks
An array of quality accommodation is on offer in and nearby Tanzania's national parks and reserves. Guests can relax between game drives and enjoy spectacular views of savannah plains and wildlife in their natural habitat. To give you a good overview of what’s available in various safari regions, I’ve added hotels and lodges in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Ruaha and Selous national parks since they're the most popular safari destinations.
Be sure to check out our dynamic Safari Map of Tanzania for more info on the best safari locations.
Dar es Salaam
The bustling business capital of Tanzania and the transport hub of the country. Visitors from all over the world fly into the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and spend a night in the city before heading out by car, train or boat to the rest of Tanzania.
Zanzibar
The spice islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are famous for great weather and luxury resorts on white sandy beaches and watersports in the warm Indian ocean. Stone Town, the heart of the island, dates back to the 1930s and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mixed African, Arabian, European and Indian influences give the town a vibrant character.
Note: The tropical weather in Tanzania is great all year round, but it’s worth checking which months are best for certain tours and activities before your hotel stay.
Be sure to also check out our articles on the best hotels in Arusha, Moshi and Kilimanjaro.
Now, let's talk about the different tiers of accommodation available in Tanzania.
Tourists have numerous accommodation options available to them in Tanzania which are split into three basic tiers:
- Luxury
- Mid-Range
- Budget
From here, I'll give you brief overviews of some of the best hotels in Tanzania according to the popular tourist destinations above - ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget tiers.
Let's get started.
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Accommodation in Safari National Parks
Luxury Hotels and Lodges in Safari National Parks
Since safaris are the number 1 reason why most tourists travel to Tanzania, I'll first tell you about luxury accommodation options located in some of the country's most popular national parks and game reserves.
1. Serengeti Luxury – Singita Faru Faru Boutique Lodge (9/10)
Location: Grumeti Private Reserve, a 350,000 acre concession area in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park.
Features: Easygoing luxury and exclusivity. Located on the wildebeest migration route.
Price: $1,700-$2,500 per person per night
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
2. Four Seasons Safari Lodge – 9/10
Location: Four Seasons is right in the middle of the Serengeti National Park.
Features: Ideal game viewing location, has an infinity pool
Price: Rooms from $1,770
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 10/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 10/10 |
3. Ngorongoro Luxury – andBeyond’s Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (9/10)
Location: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is on edge of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
Features: One of the world’s top 10 and most unique hotels, close to major attractions
Price: From $1,115 per person
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
4. Lake Manyara Luxury – andBeyond’s Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (9/10)
Location: In the south of Lake Manyara National Park.
Features: 8 boutique treetop suites in a remote part of the park, canopy walkway and night drives
Price: From $840 per person
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 10/10 |
Cleanliness | 9/10 |
5. Ruaha Luxury – Jabali Ridge Lodge (9/10)
Location: A rocky outcrop of the uncrowded Ruaha National Park.
Features: Views over Ruaha, unique and sophisticated lodge between granite boulders.
Price: $875-$1,226 per person
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 10/10 |
6. Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater (8/10)
Location: The size of the rooms at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which are more like suites. The guest rooms lead onto the swimming pool via paved pathways lined with brightly coloured flora.
Features: Perched at a height of over 500 m above the crater floor, the lodge boasts some of the best views in Tanzania.
Price: From $665 per room
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges in Safari National Parks
1. Best Mid-Range Lodge – Melia Serengeti (9/10)
Location: In the heart of Serengeti National Park.
Features: Great price and location for wildlife viewing.
Price: Rooms from $800
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
2. Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge – 8/10
Location: 25 km from Naabi Hill Gate, Serengeti National Park
Features: Special family suites
Price: rooms from $703
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
3. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – 8/10
Location: Serena Lodge is located in the Kyabatero Hills, northwest of Seronera and adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River.
Price: Rooms from $225
Features: A drive to game viewing, but great for cultural experiences, infinity pool
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 7.5/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
4. andBeyond Ngorongoro Gibbs Farm – 8/10
Location: Karatu, Ngorongoro
Features: Accessibility to major attractions and outdoor activities.
Price: Rooms from $880
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
5. Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge – 7.6/10
Location: Outside Karatu, between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara national parks.
Features: Accessibility to major attractions
Price: rooms from $360
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7.6/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
6. Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge – 7.6/10
Location: Located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lodge is a regular recipient of international awards. It overlooks what is known as the Land That Time Forgot.
Features: Accessibility to major attractions
Price: Rooms from $334 per night
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7.6/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
7. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (8/10)
Location: On the cliffs of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment.
Features: The traditional rondavel style accommodation and authentic Masaai culture-inspired décor provide a unique luxurious safari experience. For an extra touch of class, the lodge also offers the luxurious Losimingori Suite.
Price: From $250 per room
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7.5/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Cleanliness | 8/10 |
Budget Hotels and Lodges in Safari National Parks
1. Selous – Sable Mountain Lodge (7/10)
Location: Outside the Northwest Boundary of Selous Game Reserve.
Features: Choice of cottages, honeymoon suites and tents. Great views and accessibility to Selous/Nyerere National Park.
Price: Rooms from $390
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
2. Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge – 6/10
Location: Lake Natron, Ngorongoro
Features: Access to lake activities and close to Serengeti National Park.
Price: Rooms from $190
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 6/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
Accommodation in Dar es Salaam
Luxury Hotels in Dar es Salaam
1. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro – 8/10
Location: Central Dar es Salaam, close to the waterfront.
Features: Modern 5-star luxury
Price: Rooms $168-$450
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
Cleanliness | 9/10 |
2. Sea Cliff Hotel, Dar es Salaam – 8/10
Location: 3 miles from the city centre on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Features: Central location, Indian ocean views.
Price: Rooms $190-$440
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Cleanliness | 9/10 |
Mid-Range Hotels in Dar es Salaam
1. Best Value in Dar es Salaam – The Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel (8/10)
Location: 15 minutes from the city centre of Dar es Salaam.
Features: Exclusivity of only 8 large suites with ocean views.
Price: Rooms from $196
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
2. Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel – 7/10
Location: 8 miles north of the airport in Dar es Salaam
Features: 5-star service, central location
Price: Rooms from $217
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
3. White Sands Hotel – 7/10
Location: 25km North of the city centre.
Features: Private beach and rooms with balconies.
Price: Rooms from $146-$246
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
Budget Hotels in Dar es Salaam
1. The Golden Tulip – 7/10
Location: 18km from the airport and 4km from Dar es Salaam city centre.
Features: Rooms with good views, accessibility to city attractions. Good value for solo travellers.
Price: Rooms from $83-$90
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
Best Western CBD Hotel – 7/10
Location: In the city centre, 7 miles from Julius Nyerere Airport.
Features: Modern style rooms, walking distance to the museum.
Price: Rooms from $90
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
Accommodation in Zanzibar
Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
1. Best Exclusive Resort – andBeyond Mnemba Island Resort (9/10)
Location: Mnemba Island, 3km of the northeast coast of Zanzibar.
Features: 12 luxury suites on a private island.
Price: From $1,270 per person
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
2. Best Eco-Friendly Option – Zuri Zanzibar (9/10)
Location: Zanzibar island’s west coast.
Features: Remote location. Villas between forest patches and an exclusive stretch of beach.
Price: thatched bungalows from $624
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Zuri Zanzibar
Check out these helpful customer reviews
3. Stone Town Luxury – Park Hyatt Zanzibar (9/10)
Location: On the beachfront of Stone Town central
Features: Central location, wheelchair accessibility
Price: Rooms from $370
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Check out these helpful customer reviews
4. Zanzibar Serena Hotel – 8/10
Location: Seafront of Stone Town, 8 km from the airport.
Features: Central location, infinity pool
Price: Rooms from $440
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Cleanliness | 9/10 |
5. The Residence Hotel – 8/10
Location: Southside of the island, one hour’s drive from Stone Town.
Features: Mile-long private beach
Price: Rooms from $530
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
1. Fumba Beach Lodge – 8/10
Location: On the Fumba Beach peninsula in the Menai Beach Conservation Area.
Features: Beautiful free-standing cottages with large terraces and garden views.
Price: Minimum 2-night stay, cottages from $330
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
2. Zanzi Resort – 9/10
Location: 30 minutes from the airport on the island’s western shores.
Features: Highly rated restaurant, vegetable garden and a private beach with jetty.
Price: Rooms from $311
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
3. Melia Zanzibar Resort – 8/10
Location: Kiwengwa, eastern beachfront of Zanzibar.
Features: Private beach, infinity pool and tennis court.
Price: Rooms from $288
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Melia Zanzibar Resort
Check out these helpful customer reviews
4. Z Hotel – 8/10
Location: Nungwi (North)
Features: Private beach, infinity pool and lush garden.
Price: Rooms from $265
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
Z Hotel
Check out these helpful customer reviews
Budget Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
1. Best Value – Sevi Boutique Hotel (8/10)
Location: Kigomani, Northeast Coast of Zanzibar.
Features: Rustic bungalows, fantastic diving and snorkelling site.
Price: Rooms from $147
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
2. Maru Maru Hotel – 7/10
Location: The centre of Stone Town.
Features: Small rooftop pool and restaurant.
Price: rooms from $149
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 6/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
3. Beyt al Salaam Hotel – 7/10
Location: Centre of Stone Town on Kelele Square and 8 km from the airport.
Features: Affordable rooms with loads of character.
Price: Rooms from $80
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 4/10 |
Cleanliness | 8/10 |
4. Indigo Beach – 7/10
Location: Bwejuu, Zanzibar
Features: Private beach, highly rated breakfast selection.
Price: Rooms from $180
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
Cleanliness | 8/10 |
5. Zanzibar Coffee House – 8/10
Location: Stone Town, 8 rooms above a popular café
Features: great value and comfort for the money. Book well in advance.
Price: Rooms from $117
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
6. Boutique Stone Town – Kisiwa House (7/10)
Location: A boutique hotel in the centre of Stone Town.
Features: Renovated historic building, simple and elegant rooms.
Price: Rooms from $140
Read more customer reviews.
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
Conclusion
And that's a wrap on the most luxurious and best value hotels in Tanzania! All that's left for you to do now is pack a suitcase and head on down to the jewel of East Africa.