Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Rating: 5-star Located on the slopes of Oloongams Hills, it is one of the first lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Guests are drawn to this lodge built in an ethnic design, surrounded by a rich landscape, covered in fauna, from huge desert cacti to sweet smelling jasmine flowers, all within the fabled Maasai Mara game reserve. 50 traditional round buildings with thatched roofs, each with 2 rooms with private bath. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge Location: Lake Nakuru National Park Rating: 5-star Set on a plateau above Lake Nakuru, the lodge has 67 chalets all overlooking the lake. It is the perfect place to experience one of the world's largest ornithological spectacles, the pink flamingo, or a rich concentration of wildlife including black and white colobus monkey and black and white rhino. Private shower, verandah, tea / coffee making facilities. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Serena Sweetwaters Camp Location: Mt Kenya Highlands Rating: 4-star [CLICK on photo for more info]

Berenty Lodge Location: Berenty Reserve Rating: 3-star Since 1937, this has been a private reserve in the ancient tamarind forest of the Mandradre River, now of world renown and also featuring an Atandroy museum. Since that day, lemurs living here have mostly lost their fear of man, and are easier to observe. Rooms and bungalows are equipped with a fan and mosquito nets. Room amenities: Fan, private bathroom with shower, hot and cold water, mosquito nets. [hotel website not available]

Hotel du Louvre Location: Antananarivo Rating: 3-star The historic Louvre building was built in 1930, and the building has been nicely preserved in the style of the time. The corridors and rooms are decorated with old photographs and posters of Air France & Air Madagascar. The hotel has 60 air-conditioned rooms with all the luxuries of a 3-star hotel, A Wifi connection allows you to surf freely from your room. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Relais de la Reine Location: Isalo National Park Rating: 3-star Le Relais de la Reine opened its doors in 1993. It is a hotel of nature, perfectly integrated into the Isalo massif, built in a park raised of more than 40 hectares, at the edge of a small river. It offers all the comfort of a modern hotel. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Vakona Forest Lodge Location: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Rating: 3-star The design of the bungalows has been conceived in the respect of the local Malagasy architecture. Each of the double rooms has its own terrace with an outside little living room, bathroom with warm water, individual toilets, a personal safety deposit box and mini-bar. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Location: Lake Manyara, Tanzania Rating: 5-star Standing high on the bluff above Lake Manyara's gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. The circular, closely-thatched rooms echo the traditional Maasai 'Boma' style of construction. Each room has a private veranda and breathtaking views of the shimmering lake. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Serengeti Sopa Lodge Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Rating: 5-star Nestled in the acacia woodland on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the south-western Serengeti. 69 standard rooms, all with 2 queen size beds, carpeted, and tastefully furnished with local fabrics and pictures. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms and hairdryers. [CLICK on photo for more information]

Zanzibar Serena Inn Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania Rating: 5-star Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, reflecting a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance. Air-conditioning, private bath. [CLICK on photo for more information]