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Where to Stay in Tanzania: Best Hotels and Resorts

Finding the perfect accommodation in Tanzania can make or break your trip. Tanzania offers options for every style of traveler.

This guide covers top-rated stays in Tanzania, categorized by price, travel style, and region, to help you choose the best hotel for your upcoming itinerary.

1. Budget and Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Travelers looking for authentic, sustainable, and affordable stays have great options both on the mainland and along the coast.

Banana Farm Eco Hostel (Arusha)

Location: Arusha (6.4 miles from the Old German Boma)
  • Average Starting Price: ~TZS 57,902 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.1 / 10 (Wonderful, 1,530+ reviews)
  • Best For: Solo travelers, backpackers, and eco-conscious tourists.
  • Overview: Tucked away in green countryside near Mount Meru, this hostel is a quiet base before or after safari excursions. It offers standard amenities while emphasizing sustainability and local culture.

Lemon Lodge Nungwi (Nungwi, Zanzibar)

  • Location: Nungwi, North Coast Zanzibar
  • Average Starting Price: ~TZS 105,999 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.0 / 10 (Wonderful, 230+ reviews)
  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking island relaxation.
  • Overview: Situated in popular Nungwi, Lemon Lodge provides a private outdoor swimming pool nestled in tropical greenery, giving easy access to nearby beaches without high beachfront costs.

2. Mid-Range and Beachfront Comfort

If you want prime access to turquoise waters, swimming pools, and dedicated service without paying top-tier luxury rates, these mid-range hotels stand out.


  • Protels La Plage Resort (Bwejuu): Located in a tranquil, quiet beachfront setting just steps from Bwejuu Beach, this property features an outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and rates starting around TZS 211,998 per night with a 9.0 rating (100+ reviews). BOOK NOW...

  • Canary Hotel & SPA (Nungwi): Situated a short 2-minute walk from Nungwi Beach, this hotel holds a 9.3 rating (1,530+ reviews) and offers full spa facilities, fitness amenities, and room rates starting at roughly TZS 255,432 per night. BOOK NOW

  • ZAN Island Beach Hotel (Jambiani): Set directly along the coast in Jambiani, this stay offers a relaxed oceanfront atmosphere, open-air lounge spaces, and rates starting around TZS 256,730 per night with a 9.3 rating (110+ reviews). BOOK NOW

  • Ananda Beach Hotel (Paje): Positioned directly on the shore of Paje Beach, this spot is ideal for kite-surfers and water sports enthusiasts, featuring a 9.3 rating (1,120+ reviews) and nightly rates starting at approximately TZS 307,663. BOOK NOW

3. High-End and Premium Stays

For travelers seeking upscale amenities, expansive resort grounds, and superior service, Zanzibar features premier boutique properties.

Zanzibella Hotel and SPA (Kiwengwa)


Average Starting Price: ~TZS 344,180 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.2 / 10 (Wonderful, 1,510+ reviews)
  • Overview: Zanzibella combines luxurious wellness services with broad views of Kiwengwa Beach. Guests enjoy full spa features, a large pool deck, and contemporary room amenities.

Zula Zanzibar (Paje)

Average Starting Price: ~TZS 397,498 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.2 / 10 (Wonderful, 1,090+ reviews)
  • Overview: Positioned right along the shoreline in Paje, Zula offers modern aesthetic design, access to soft white sands, and an energetic atmosphere.

Babalao Bungalows (Nungwi)

  • Average Starting Price: ~TZS 400,677 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.6 / 10 (Exceptional, 1,730+ reviews)
  • Overview: Holding one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in Northern Zanzibar, Babalao Bungalows features private bungalow-style lodging surrounding a swimming pool near Nungwi's nightlife and dining spots.

4. Ultra-Luxury and All-Inclusive Retreats

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive (Matemwe)

Average Starting Price: ~TZS 1,116,174 per night
  • Guest Rating: 9.0 / 10 (Wonderful, 1,650+ reviews)
  • Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, and all-inclusive seekers.
  • Overview: Set on the quiet, pristine coast of Matemwe, The Mora Zanzibar is a top-tier luxury retreat offering gourmet dining, multi-pool complexes, private beach access, and full-service resort amenities.

Essential Tips for Booking Hotels in Tanzania

  1. Match Your Location to Your Activities:
    • Stay in Arusha or Moshi if your primary goal is hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or departing for safari circuits (Serengeti, Ngorongoro).
    • Stay in Nungwi or Kendwa for vibrant nightlife, swimming at all tides, and active beach areas.
    • Choose Paje, Jambiani, or Bwejuu for kite-surfing, relaxed village atmospheres, and wide open beaches.
  2. Consider Tides on the East Coast: East coast beaches like Paje and Kiwengwa experience strong tidal changes. Choose resorts with swimming pools if you plan to swim during low tide.
  3. Book Peak Seasons Early: High season in Tanzania runs from July to October (safari and dry season) and December to February (warm beach weather). Booking several months in advance ensures better rates and availability.

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