Africa Travel Blog

Category: Accommodation

  • Hotel Reviews: 9 Reasons Why Stay at Serena Hotel Dar Es Salaam

    Three friends and I stayed at this star hotel in June as we awaited our connecting flight from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve. It was supposed to have been a once in a lifetime experience, but it was so good that we all want to come back. Here are the reasons why we bet you will feel the same way when you visit it.
    1. Views

    Among the things I’ll remember this hotel for is that it is a cozy hotel in Dar-Es-Salaam with views that are a feast for the eyes…. a concrete jungle on one side and a pristine ocean on the other (Indian Ocean). During my two days stay in it, I couldn’t get enough of the way its soothing breeze flirted with my senses…..
    Why wouldn’t i recommend such a place, especially for honeymooners and business travelers??

    1. Food

    Generally, the food was full of life and colour. The chefs were happy to accommodate to our every need. This included my fussy choices for foods that weren’t on the menu. Among the foods that melted my taste buds the most was the array of sea food, crubs, oysters… Beyond their irresistible looks, they had an enchanting and flawless taste. Ooh, they also felt healthy all the way, probably because they were prepared with cholesterol free natural oils. Friends have been asking me which particular one they should settle for when here. I’ve been telling them that they simply have to go and taste for themselves – words just don’t do it justice.

    1. Decor

    The Decor, my gosh, the decor. I am still at a loss of words to describe it, where do I begin. It is not exactly the bling bling type that is flashy and desperate for attention. Far from it, it is classy and rich in history. It is made of indigenous hardwood that was over 50 years old before it was turned to decor. Over six months was dedicated to crafting it with extreme attention to detail. The result of this humbling devotion is a well polished master piece with a jaw-dropping beauty.  The type you cannot keep your eyes wide enough to see.

    1. Easy reach to other fun places in Dar Es Salaam like Cape town fish market
      Visiting Dar Es Salaam was a real ‘bucket list’ trip for us, so expectations were high-especially in regards to the town’s night life. We couldn’t be more delighted that the Serena Hotel was within easy reach from most of the happening places. Among the many we visited, the Capetown fish market floored us the most. It is an eat out that also doubles as a place to catch live-band performances.

     

    1. Cozy swimming pool

    The gym was well equipped and fun to train at but we definitely preferred spending much time by the pool side. It was peaceful and free of crowds. It felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.

    1. Health-sauna
      I am not exactly a health freak but I don’t mind killing a few hours in the Sauna as its a great way to detoxify the body of stress. A visit to the sauna didn’t disappoint. It had a right balance between luxury and a relaxing vibe. Needless to say, the hotel is all inclusive and has a modest spa.
    1. Attentiveness of staff

    The staff seemed to genuinely love their jobs, an observation based on the way they were always happy to help whenever their intervention was sought. One such was Joyce, the chef. This made the brief holiday feel special. One of the staff offered to put his cleaning on hold to take us on a brief tour around the golf course. How caring!!

    1. Little things
      The little things also went a long way in making our stay extra special. This included the fact that the atmosphere in the rooms was lovely as it was clean.

  • Reviews: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

    Situated on the shores of the vast Lake Kivu, the 6th largest freshwater lake in Africa bordered by magnificent verdant Tropical gardens with breathtaking views is the exquisite Lake Kivu Serena Hotel that provides a riveting Resort suitable for tourists on Luxury safaris in Rwanda.

    This Up-market Hotel is situated at about 160 Kilometers/5 hours drive from Kigali City, approximately 110 kilometers/2 hours drive from the Volcanoes National Park, home to the critically endangered Mountain gorillas and over 294 kilometers/about 7-8 hours drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park-largest forest National Park and home to over 13 species of primates, makes Serena Hotel Lake Kivu a perfect spot for relaxation after your gorilla trekking or Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Rwanda. This fascinating facility overlooks a privately owned beach and boasts of 66 spacious rooms including family suites and executive suites among others.

    The Serena Hotel Lake Kivu features a state of art restaurant known as the Kiyaga restaurant that serves mouth-watering local and International dishes, a spectacular swimming pool, the luxury Maisha Health Center that allows guests to participate in a number of games such as volley ball, boating, tennis and a luxury swimming, an indoor beachside bar and Lake view terrace that is stocked with spirits, wines, beers and other non-alcoholic drinks and allows guests to sip their drinks while chilling at the beach and a classic Conference Center for business tourists. There is also free Wifi, satellite TV in the rooms, air conditioning in some of the selected rooms and suites.

    The rooms in this fascinating Hotel feature a private electronic safe, in-room satellite TV that allows you to be updated with what is happening around the World, a concierge, 24 hour room service, tea and coffee making facilities so that you make your own tea or coffee whenever you please and hair dryers among others. Much as smoking is not allowed within the premises of the Hotel, there are designated smoking rooms that can be arranged for you if you inform the Hotel Management on time.

    There are 6 luxury suites at this Up-market Hotel and feature a spacious King sized room, cozy en-suite bathroom furnished with a bathtub and a shower, a reading (working) place, a private balcony, an exquisite seating area and a wide veranda that provides tourists with the beautiful views of Lake kivu. Interestingly, the luxury suites also have a private Mini-bar.

    Not only that, there are also 66 standard rooms that stretch for 25 meters with each featuring one queen size bed and a double beds or 2 double beds. There is also an exquisite bathroom and very accessibility to the disabled tourists.  Regardless of the type of rooms you book for in Serene Hotel Lake Kivu, you will receive the comfort that will make you want to come back to the place again. Besides the comfort that you are expected to enjoy, the spectacular views of the nearby Lake Kivu.

    In conclusion, Serena Hotel Lake Kivu is a perfect accommodation facility for tourists interesting in relaxing and chilling near Lake Kivu because it features state of art rooms, cozy bathrooms and restaurant facilities to make your stay memorable. Check out the listing of other Rwanda Hotels here.

  • Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar

    kingfisher in AnjajavyAnjajavy Hotel in Madagascar is one of the most luxurious resorts in the country.

    Located on a secluded peninsula on the northwestern coast of Madagascar, Anjajavy is accessible only by private plane.

    Designed by French landscape designer Camille Muller, the hotel is an oasis of calm and a great getaway for world-weary travelers. The area is full of wildlife, from plant species to exotic birds and mammals.

    Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar offers guests a chance to go sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, waterskiing, fishing, mountain biking, and boating.

    There are also excursions, cave tours, village visits, and nature walks in the adjacent reserve that guests can participate in. For those in need of relaxation, massages are offered as well.

    Guests at Anjajavy enjoy luxury rosewood villas with high-end amenities, and can have meals on the beach or on a terrace overlooking the Mozambique Channel.

    Room rates at Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar start at 210 euros per person per night for a double room and half board.

  • Le Meridien Hotel in Dakar

    Le Meridien President
    Address: Pointe des Almadies, BP 8181, Dakar, Senegal
    Phone: (221) (33) 8696969

    Le Meridien hotel in Dakar is one of the best luxury hotels in Senegal.

    Located on the beautiful Pointe des Almadies, the western most point in Africa, Le Meridien hotel is a tranquil waterfront resort.

    Le Meridien hotel features well appointed guest rooms with spacious interiors and luxury amenities as well as several large pools, a beauty center, shops, restaurants, and bars.

    There is a small beach right in front of Le Meridien in Dakar, as well as a jetty where you can walk out to watch the waves breaking against the shore.

    Room rates at Le Meridien hotel in Dakar start at 104 EUR / night, and regular promotions and hotel room discounts are available throughout the year.

  • Best Hotels in Lamu

    With tourism as the major industry in Lamu, there is no shortage of hotels and guest houses on the island.

    Here is a list of what I consider to be the best hotels in Lamu:

    Baitil Aman Guest House in Lamu

    Baitil Aman Guest House
    Address: Shela, Lamu, Kenya
    Phone: +254 (0)733 37 53 80

    The Baitil Aman Guest House in Lamu, Kenya is located in the idyllic town of Shela. Away from the bustle of Lamu Town, the guest house is located a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It is also just down the street from the Peponi, the hotel that is famous for being the happy hour spot of choice for visitors to Shela.

    The Baitil Aman Guest House is situated in a 200 year old traditional house on a quiet street in Shela. The guest house is full of great antiques and picturesque doors, and is a photographer’s dream come true.

    Rooms at the Baitil Aman are huge and offer great views of Lamu. Some rooms come with extra beds. Each room at the Baitil Aman Guest House has an ensuite bathroom (bring your own toiletries), mosquito nets, a desk, and wireless Internet access (one of the few places in Lamu to have it).

    There is plenty of hot water for showers at the guest house, although water pressure can sometimes be low. Power outages in Shela are frequent during the day and in the middle of the night, but are rare in the mornings and evenings. Bring a flash light just in case, but don’t be too worried about needing it at the guest house.

    The roof terrace at the Baitil Aman Guest House is the perfect place to enjoy dinner under the stars. The restaurant serves up amazingly good food, including Hot and Spicy Crab (1200 KES), and a delicious whole lobster (2000 KES). Other good menu items include the jumbo prawns (1500 KES) and vegetarian curry (600 KES).

    In the mornings and afternoons you can relax in the beautiful garden or the pillow-filled lounge area. Breakfast is included in the room rate and there is a great breakfast menu of omelettes, pancakes, Swahili tea, fresh tropical fruit, and more.

    The staff at the Baitil Aman are friendly and helpful, and are willing to go the extra mile to do things like laundry or fulfil other one-off requests.

    Rack rates for rooms at the Baitil Aman Guest House are 180 USD per night in the high season for a double room (120 in mid season and 100 in low season), but you can negotiate at 15% discount when booking. Laundry is free.

    Kijani House Hotel in Lamu

    Kijani House Hotel
    Address: P.O.Box 266, Lamu, Kenya
    Phone: +254-42-4633235

    Kijani House Hotel in Shela is one of the best hotels in Lamu.

    The Kijani House Hotel is nestled among 3,000 square metres of lush gardens and features two swimming pools and a path to the sea.

    Owner Pierre Oberson created the Kijani House Hotel to resemble a traditional Swahili stone house. As such, all 10 rooms at the hotel feature private balconies, beautiful dark wood furniture, and local and international antiques.

    Food at the Kijani House Hotel is cooked fresh daily with local fish and fruits and vegetables from Kijani’s own farm in the centre of Lamu. Most meals at the hotel feature seafood, Swahili dishes or Italian cuisine.

    Room rates at the Kijani House Hotel in Lamu range from 125 to 290 euros per night, depending on the type of room you select and whether you choose a meal plan or not. Airport boat transfers are included in all room rates.

    Peponi Hotel in Lamu

    Peponi Hotel
    Address: P.O. Box 24 80500 Lamu Kenya
    Phone: +254 (0)42 4633421/2/3

    The Peponi Hotel is one of the best hotels in Lamu, Kenya.

    The Peponi Hotel is located in Shela, a beach town just a few kilometers from Lamu Town, the island’s main port. The hotel is run by the Korschen family, who opened the hotel in the 1960’s.

    The 24 rooms at the Peponi Hotel all feature ocean views, mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms, and ceiling fans. Superior rooms at the Peponi Hotel have private balconies.

    The Peponi Hotel has a restaurant that has been written up in the New York Times for its outstanding cuisine. It also features the most popular beach front bar in Lamu, which serves alcholic beverages (a rarity in Lamu).  The bar is a great place to have a sunset cocktail on the beach, but make sure to stay on the non-guest side of the bar if you’re not staying at the hotel.  Staff at the Peponi can be quite hostile to visitors that stray into the guest-only area.

    An ocean front pool and lush gardens round out the Peponi Hotel’s offerings, and make it one of the best hotels in Lamu.

    Rooms at the Peponi Hotel start at 200 euros per night for a standard room (breakfast included). The hotel is closed in May and June, which is the low season in Lamu.

    Msafini Hotel in Lamu

    Msafini Hotel
    Address: P.O BOX 226 Shella, Lamu, KENYA
    Phone: +254 720223043

    The recently opened Msafini Hotel in Shella on Lamu island, Kenya is one of the best mid range hotels in Lamu.

    Msafini Hotel features large, spacious guest rooms, a beautiful pool, a balcony on every room, sea views, a relaxing rooftop lounge, and great food.

    Msafini Hotel has great staff that are friendly and helpful. Rama and Faraj are particularly commendable for their great service and welcoming attitudes.

    Room rates at Msafini Hotel in Lamu are flexible, so negotiate if you are going to stay more than one night. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

     

     

  • Emerson & Green Hotel Zanzibar

    Emerson & Green Hotel, Zanzibar
    Address: 236 Hurumzi Street, Zanzibar Tanzania
    Phone: 255-(0)77-7423266

    Situated in the heart of Stone Town, the Emerson & Green Hotel in Zanzibar is one of the best hotels in Tanzania. Located in the second tallest building in the city in what was formerly the residence of the wealthiest family in the Swahili Empire, the Emerson & Green Hotel still retains its luxurious feel.

    Each of the 10 guest rooms in the Emerson & Green Hotel in Zanzibar is uniquely fitted with original Zanzibar antiques, and the hotel has an authentically Zanzibari feel. The new “Peace of Love” wing boasts gorgeous new rooms, most of which have balconies with beautiful sea views.

    Emerson & Green is also home to the famous Tower Top Restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s best restaurants. With ocean views to match the food, Tower Top Restaurant is well worth a visit, even if you’re not staying at Emerson & Green hotel in Zanzibar.

  • Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara, Kenya

    Keekorok Lodge (sometimes misspelled Keekorock Lodge) is located in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Keekorok Lodge was the first lodge built in the Masai Mara and is in the direct path of the Mara’s famous wildebeest migration. Keekorok Lodge offers luxury safari accomodations and all-inclusive African safari packages. Private safari game drives leave in the mornings and afternoons, and in the off-time visitors to Keekorok Lodge can enjoy the pool, buffet meals, bar, gift shop, and beautiful grounds.

    Planes to Keekorok Lodge leave from Nairobi. Drivers from Keekorok Lodge meet visitors at the airstrip and transport them to the lodge.

    Average room rates at Keekorok Lodge are around 240USD per night, depending on the season.

  • Nairobi Hotels

    High-End Hotels in Nairobi:

    Ngong House, Nairobi – Ngong House is located 30 minutes from the city center on land that was originally a coffee estate. Houses are around US$650/night. Meals included.

    Mid-Range Hotels in Nairobi:

    Country Lodge, Nairobi – Country Lodge is located on Nairobi’s Upper Hill. Single rooms are around US$65/night. Breakfast included.

    Cheap Hotels in Nairobi:

    Upper Hill Campsite, Nairobi – Located close to the city center, the hotel has cabins and rooms. Single rooms are around US$13/night.

  • Best Zanzibar Hotels

    There are a lot of good hotels to choose from in Zanzibar. Here is my list of the best Zanzibar hotels:

    Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar

    Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge, Zanzibar

    Zanzibar Serena Inn Hotel, Zanzibar

    Mangapwani Serena Beach Club, Zanzibar

    Emerson & Green Hotel, Zanzibar

  • Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar

    Tembo House Hotel
    Forodhani Street, Box 3974, Zanzibar, Tanzania
    Tembo House Hotel Phone: 255 (24) 2233005

    The Tembo House Hotel in Zanzibar is right in the heart of Stone Town. A former American Consulate in Zanzibar, Tembo House is conveniently located on the beach and is close to many shops and restaurants.

    Part of the Tembo House Hotel is an old Arab house with authentic decor and design and traditional Tanzanian furniture. The hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool and great views of the ocean. The open-air restaurant at the hotel is a relaxing place to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal.

    Room rates at the Tembo House Hotel in Zanzibar are around 90USD per night.