Tanzania, home to some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, offers a range of hotels and lodges that enhance the safari experience. From the sprawling Serengeti to the towering Mount Kilimanjaro and the sun-drenched beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania has a wide variety of accommodations tailored to every traveler’s needs, whether you’re seeking luxury, comfort, or a budget-friendly option.
This guide will provide insights into the best places to stay in Tanzania based on your specific travel preferences, making your safari adventure both memorable and comfortable.
1. Luxury Safari Lodges in Tanzania
For those seeking an exclusive and opulent experience, Tanzania boasts a number of luxury safari lodges that provide high-end service, gourmet dining, and a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience. These accommodations are typically located in prime wildlife areas, offering unparalleled access to game drives, guided bush walks, and top-notch amenities.
1.1. Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Grumeti Reserve)https://vionafricatravels.com/serengeti-national-park/
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is situated in the Grumeti Reserve, adjacent to the Serengeti National Park. Known for its stunning panoramic views of the Serengeti Plains, this lodge offers a mix of colonial elegance and modern luxury. Private cottages come with plunge pools, spacious decks, and beautiful interiors. The lodge also offers wellness services such as spa treatments and yoga sessions, and it’s an ideal spot for watching the annual Great Migration.
1.2. Four Seasons Safari Lodge (Serengeti)
Located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views and a true wildlife immersion. The lodge’s infinity pool overlooks a watering hole frequented by elephants and other wildlife. Guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, a world-class spa, gourmet dining, and access to guided safari tours, bush walks, and cultural experiences with the local Maasai.
1.3. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge is a blend of Maasai-inspired architecture and European elegance. Offering some of the most dramatic views in Tanzania, guests can look down into the world’s largest intact caldera while enjoying personalized service and incredible game viewing opportunities. The lodge features opulent suites with chandeliers, private butlers, and fireplaces, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
2. Mid-Range Safari Lodges and Camps
For travelers looking for a balance between comfort and affordability, Tanzania offers many mid-range lodges and camps. These accommodations provide excellent services and comfortable lodgings without the premium price tag, making them ideal for families, small groups, or couples seeking adventure without breaking the bank.
2.1. Tarangire Safari Lodge (Tarangire National Park)
This lodge is known for its stunning location overlooking the Tarangire River and surrounding savannah. Accommodation options include tented rooms and stone bungalows, both offering a rustic yet comfortable feel. The lodge has a family-friendly atmosphere, with a pool, excellent meals, and an observation deck for wildlife viewing. It’s a great base for exploring Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
2.2. Kati Kati Tented Camp (Serengeti)
This mobile camp moves within the Serengeti to follow the wildlife migration. Staying in Kati Kati Camp gives travelers the chance to experience a more authentic safari adventure. The tents are simple but comfortable, each with en-suite bathrooms and solar-powered lights. Guests enjoy meals in a dining tent and gather around a campfire at night to share stories. The camp offers daily game drives, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the Serengeti’s famed wildlife.
2.3. Maramboi Tented Camp (Lake Manyara and Tarangire)
Maramboi Tented Camp offers a wonderful mix of affordability and luxury. Located between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, it provides spacious tents with private verandas overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Guests enjoy a pool, buffet meals, and the opportunity to take guided walks around the surrounding wetlands, where wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests roam.
3. Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Tanzania
Tanzania also caters to budget travelers with a wide selection of affordable lodges, camps, and guesthouses. These accommodations allow you to experience the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife without spending too much, making them ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, and those on a tight budget.
3.1. Twiga Campsite & Lodge (Lake Manyara)
Situated near Lake Manyara National Park, Twiga Campsite & Lodge offers both basic rooms and camping facilities. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby park, which is known for its tree-climbing lions and large flamingo populations. The lodge features a swimming pool, restaurant, and Wi-Fi, providing all the basic comforts you need after a day of game drives.
3.2. Tembo House Hotel (Zanzibar)
Located in the heart of Stone Town, Tembo House Hotel is an affordable option for travelers looking to explore Zanzibar’s rich history and pristine beaches. The hotel offers rooms with traditional Swahili decor, a beachfront pool, and easy access to popular attractions such as the Old Fort and the Forodhani Gardens. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to combine their safari adventure with a relaxing beach holiday.
3.3. Arusha Backpackers Hotel (Arusha)
Perfect for budget travelers starting or ending their safari in northern Tanzania, Arusha Backpackers Hotel offers affordable dormitory-style and private rooms. The hotel is centrally located in Arusha, making it easy to explore the city or join a safari to nearby parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Basic but clean, the hotel provides a bar, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
4. Family-Friendly Safari Lodges
Traveling with family? Tanzania has plenty of family-friendly safari lodges that cater specifically to the needs of parents and children. These lodges often offer larger rooms or family suites, kid-friendly meals, and activities designed for children.
4.1. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Serengeti)
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a great option for families with children. It offers spacious family suites and a range of activities designed for young explorers, including nature walks and educational talks about wildlife. The lodge is well-positioned for game drives in the Serengeti and features a pool, which is perfect for cooling off after a long day on safari.
4.2. Gibb’s Farm (Ngorongoro Highlands)
Gibb’s Farm is located near the Ngorongoro Crater and provides a peaceful retreat for families. Set on a working coffee plantation, it offers farm-to-table meals, spacious family cottages, and activities like guided farm tours, garden walks, and visits to local Maasai villages. Children will love the chance to interact with farm animals and learn about Tanzanian culture.
5. Unique Accommodations in Tanzania
For those looking to enhance their safari adventure with a one-of-a-kind stay, Tanzania has a range of unique and unusual lodgings, from treehouses to eco-lodges.
5.1. The Highlands Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
The Highlands Ngorongoro features dome-shaped tents perched on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding landscape, this lodge provides an eco-friendly yet luxurious experience. It’s perfect for travelers looking for something different while exploring the nearby crater and surrounding wilderness.
5.2. Treehouse Lodge at Lake Manyara
Nestled in the forests of Lake Manyara National Park, Treehouse Lodge offers an intimate and immersive experience. The treehouse-style accommodations blend seamlessly with the environment, giving guests a unique vantage point from which to observe wildlife. The lodge’s location provides easy access to nearby attractions, including Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions and the hot springs of Maji Moto.
6. Beach Resorts in Zanzibar
No trip to Tanzania is complete without some time spent on the beaches of Zanzibar. After a thrilling safari, relax on white sandy shores and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar offers a range of accommodations, from luxury beach resorts to affordable beachfront hotels.
6.1. The Palms Zanzibar
This exclusive resort is perfect for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway after their safari adventure. With only six private villas, The Palms offers personalized service, private pools, and direct access to a pristine stretch of beach. Guests can indulge in water sports, spa treatments, and gourmet dining in this idyllic setting.
6.2. Zanzibar Queen Hotel (Matemwe)
Located on the northern coast of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Queen Hotel is an affordable option that offers beachfront access, a swimming pool, and water sports like snorkeling and diving. The hotel is family-friendly and provides easy access to local attractions like the Mnemba Atoll, making it a great choice for travelers looking to combine relaxation with adventure.
7. Eco-Lodges in Tanzania
For environmentally conscious travelers, Tanzania is home to several eco-lodges that focus on sustainability and conservation. These lodges not only offer incredible views and comfort but also ensure that your stay has a minimal impact on the environment.
7.1. Chumbe Island Coral Park (Zanzibar)
Located on a private island off the coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island Coral Park is a leading eco-lodge dedicated to marine conservation. The lodge’s bungalows are solar-powered, and the water is rain-harvested. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, nature walks, and guided tours of the coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.
7.2. Rivertrees Country Inn (Arusha)
Nestled along the Usa River near Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn offers a peaceful retreat in an eco-friendly setting. The lodge focuses on sustainability, with eco-friendly practices in place across its operations. The spacious cottages, organic gardens, and wildlife-rich grounds make it a great place to unwind before or after a safari.
Conclusion
Tanzania offers a wealth of accommodation options for every type of traveler, from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly camps. Whether you’re seeking an exclusive safari experience, traveling with your family, or looking for a unique adventure, the country has something to offer. With this guide, you’re one step closer to finding the perfect place to stay during your Tanzanian safari adventure.
