Our ranking is subjective (it is the office consensus, after much arguing), and tries to reflect value for money as well as overall quality. Therefore we may award just three stars to a 'five star' Zanzibar Hotel in the hotel tick-box sense, or five stars to a superb, unashamed 'three star' Tanzania Lodge that consistently provides superb quality experiences for the price. We care a great deal about location, whether in the bush or on the beach, and in many cases this has influenced our choice. It is unorthodox, it may seem at odds with the world view, but we can explain... and we urge you to call us to discuss!
We don't just know Tanzania!
For more information on Tanzania, the best thing to do is to give us a ring for an impartial chat. Although we love Tanzania, we also love the rest of Africa too and have experts in all the main safari countries. If you are undecided as to where to visit, please do just drop us an email or give us a call!
I felt I had to sent you a short email just to say how much we had enjoyed Fundu Lagoon and the words ‘paradise’ and ‘idyllic’ immediately spring to mind when recalling our stay. - M Oglesby
Gibbs Farm was stunning and Alex Walker’s camp was truly memorable. Everyone was so lovely and we were truly spoilt by these properties.- N Windle
The hotel resort was very lovely and well kept. As you mentioned, it was slightly less personable than a smaller boutique hotel, but it wasn't a problem. We were provided with a complementary sunset cruise and dinner at the a la carte restaurant as a gift for our honeymoon. This was a really lovely gesture from the manager that we appreciated. Also on arrival there was a delicious plate of fresh fruit and bottle of wine waiting in the room for us. The majority of the staff was very friendly and always greeted you with a smile. We also organized one excursion (the safari blue) while we were there, which we really enjoyed. We were also impressed that the staff did not bother the guests so we had a very quiet resort experience. The food at the hotel was so/so but, better than expected given the large buffet style. The only downside, which is not the fault of the hotel, is the hoard of locals on the beach that swarm you as you try to reach the water. It definitely prevented me from walking along the beach to enjoy to enjoy the beautiful views. - A. Burden
The newly opened Green and Blue sitting at one end of Matemwe beach, this is a fresh looking compact hotel set within lush leafy gardens. With three different room types, all identical in design and size, except for the pool front and beachfront bungalows both have a private outdoor plunge pool. The restaurant, in a fantastic spot perched overlooking the sea, serves delicious Zanzibarian food with a modern twist. The resort has three freshwater swimming pools, one being a spa pool, and are excellent for relaxing around if you do not fancy the sometimes busy beach, which sometimes can also have a problem with sea urchins.
The best place I have had the privilege of staying at! Absolutlety perfect in every manor. The guides were amazing and to see the chimps were spectacular!! - M Oliver
Our View
Grumeti Serengeti is one of &Beyond's luxury permanent Tented Lodges in the Serengeti. It is located in the Western Corridor and is ideal from late May to early July when then the migration passes through this area of the park. The lodge is typical of &Beyond’s high standard in a quiet area of the park hugging the banks of the Grumeti River. The lodge is tented but has the feel of a very established property with the tents being raised on platforms. The main area is a great area to chill out and enjoy the local pods of hippo. Historically the most luxurious permanent lodge in this area but with the arrival of Singita just slightly North, the competition has heated up!
Newly opened to a hail of fanfare in 2013, this large resort is a level or two up from its many Italian competitors. The rooms, large and furnished to a high standard, all look down the hill to the sea. The dining options at Hideaway are numerous, ranging from standard by-the-pool lunch to African game meat. As one would expect from a 5* resort,it has a big pool and an even bigger spa. Being a large resort, it is not to everyones taste but it successfully fills a gap between the many enormous (and often terrible) large resorts and Baraza/The Residence.
Hotel Matlai is an interesting property. If you’re not bothered by the quality of your beach then Matlai is a cool boutique beach hotel and excellent value. It has just 4 rooms, all right on the beach with unobstructed sea views. The management team have made it their aim to break the mould somewhat, with an small outdoor cinema, boules court, beach volleyball court, and butlers accessible by mobile phones. It’s just a shame about the beach, which is half rock, half sand.
Fantastic lodge, couldn't fault it! The main owner Giles was there so we got to know him a bit. Nothing was too much trouble for Mark and his team, they have the experience just right from the coffee in your room before you go out for the early morning drives, to the G&Ts in the sunset only metres from elephants/buffalo. - B. Mason
