Top 15 Tanzania Safari Lodges and Camps

28/02/2022

There are over 400 lodges and camps in Tanzania, one of East Africa’s most spectacular destinations known throughout the world for its diverse flora and fauna as well as its rich culture and cultural preservation measures. The abundance of wildlife attracts safari enthusiasts from all over the world. Families, honeymooners, friends, and groups come to Tanzania to experience a holiday they’ll never forget, staying in lodges and camps across the country.

Choosing where to stay can be confusing, so as a starting point we have chosen our top 15 safari lodges in Tanzania, located in places with wonderful views of Tanzania’s beautiful wilderness. Of course this is just a small handful of the many lodges and camps ava
ilable, giving you a taste of what’s on offer.

For ease, we have classified these safari lodges based on their proximity to the closest national parks. We have covered the major Tanzania Parks and Reserves including, Serengeti National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park and Ruaha National Park.

So, if your plans involve visiting any of these superb parks, why not choose to stay in one of our selected safari lodges.

Serengeti National Park Safari Lodges

1. Singita Sasakwa

Singita Sasakwa Lodge, with an interior inspired by the impressive Edwardian manor houses, is considered one of the Serengeti’s most affordable luxury lodges. It offers safari visitors a refreshingly light and airy ambience to rejuvenate and prepare them for a new safari experience each day. Guests can enjoy an alfresco dinner under the Tanzania night sky overlooking the mesmerising view of the never-ending Serengeti Plains with its superb wildlife. Unlike some lodges, Sasakwa also admits children of all ages, although their presence on game drives may be left to the discretion of the guide.

Highlights

• Spectacular view of Serengeti Plains
• Swimming pool at the main lodge
• Fitness centre
• Complimentary wifi connection
• Wellness treatments

Suggested Safari: Tanzania Luxury Safari

2. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti rests on elevated platforms and walkways, offering guests a clear view of the waterhole from their private balcony, which attracts plenty of wildlife including the majestic African elephant. The lodge stands apart for numerous reasons, including its spacious interior combined with a spa to help guests re-energize before their next safari adventure. In addition to the safari tour guides, game drives are accompanied by Maasai tribesmen making the safari viewing experience more worthwhile. Additionally, guests can also enjoy an incredible hot-air balloon safari.

Highlights

• Swimming pool overlooking a waterhole
• Hot-air balloon safari
• Business centre
• Fitness centre
• An interactive museum and lecture theatre

Suggested Safari: Magnificent Wildlife Migration Safari Experience

3. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Located near the Grumeti River, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge lies in the heart of the ever-popular Serengeti National Park with remarkable views across the grass plains. The safari lodge is well-known for its guided nature walks as well as game drives. It also offers its guests a spectacular balloon safari ride followed by champagne and an extravagant English breakfast as well as memorable bush dining experiences.

Highlights

• Swimming pool overlooking the Serengeti Plains
• Private bush camp to watch one of the best wildlife migrations – the wildebeest migration
• Water gardens and barbecue area
• Safari bar overlooking breathtaking vistas
• Traditional-domed dining room

Suggested Safari: Honeymoon Safari

Other Ideas in Serengeti National Park

• Serian Serengeti Mobile Lamai
• Mkombe’s House Lamai
• Namiri Plains

Selous Game Reserve Safari Lodges

4. Nomad Sand River Selous

Nomad Sand River Selous is an impressive safari lodge set high on a peninsula in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve. All the chalets at this exclusive safari lodge offer spectacular views of the Rufiji River and have spacious and airy interiors adding to the beauty of the safari experience. A dip in the lavish swimming pool is not only rejuvenating but also offers guests a chance to view bee-eaters and tiny kingfishers that can be seen darting around the river.

Highlights

• Swimming pool overlooking the Rufiji River
• Bush or lodge breakfast
• Dining table carved from an enormous tree
• Fly camping
• Boat cruises on the river
• Bushwalks

Suggested Safari: Southern Tanzania Safari

5. Selous Kinga Lodge

Selous Kinga Lodge, one of the most affordable safari lodges in Tanzania, offers its guests an opportunity to witness the adventurous, wild and diverse Selous Game Reserve. The interior of the spacious rooms was inspired by the African contemporary romance style while the large and airy dining room offers a fine-dining experience allowing guests to relax, socialize, unwind and make plans for the next day of adventures. On game, drives discover the game reserve’s bountiful flora and fauna.

Highlights

• African contemporary romance-inspired décor
• Each room has its own spacious lounge
• Superb dining room furniture
• Boat safari on the Rufiji river
• Bushwalking in the company of an experienced guide

Suggested Safari: Classic Southern Tanzania Safari

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Safari Lodges

6. & Beyond Crater Lodge

The sumptuous Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is one of Tanzania’s most impressive safari lodges with spectacular architecture and incredible views of the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater. The elegant suites transport guests to a romantic, bygone era while they enjoy a personalised and exclusive experience with the services of discreet private butlers. Discover the magnificent landscapes, home to rich wildlife, on game drives, walks, hikes and cultural visits.

Highlights

• Cultural visits with Maasai and Hadzabe tribes
• One-of-a-kind crater floor dining experience
• Lion conservation
• Bushwalks and hiking
• Big Five game drives

Suggested Safari: Luxury Fly-in Safari Tanzania

7. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

One of Tanzania’s premium lodges, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge offers its guests astounding views of the Ngorongoro Crater. The stone-built architecture, combined with the glowing and warm fireplace, provides the guests with an opportunity to unwind from their thrilling safari adventures. The inspired interior of the lodge, along with the wall adorned with prehistoric cave paintings and torch lights, takes guests back in time.

Highlights

• Panoramic private balconies and terraces
• Daily crater game drives
• Business centre and gift shop
• Wedding venue and honeymoon planning
• Complimentary WIFI connection

Suggested Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge Safari

Other Ideas in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Gibb’s Farm
• The Manor at Ngorongoro
• The Highlands Ngorongoro

Tarangire National Park Safari Lodges

8. Tarangire Treetops

The idyllic location of Tarangire Treetops amongst the dense canopy has turned it into a sought-after spot for safari-goers to relax and rejuvenate. Each of the 20 open-fronted rooms, perched in the treetops, offer the most amazing views from the private balcony and are equipped with the best amenities and locally crafted furnishings. The dining experience at Treetops makes every meal a magical experience, whether it’s dining by the pool or in a traditional boma.

Highlights

• The ultimate treetop lodge experience
• Tour of the Maasai Village
• Night and day game drives
• Bush lunch and boma dinner
• Spectacular walking safari experience

Suggested Safari: Luxury All-Inclusive Tanzania Safari

9. Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp

Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp offers a rare combination of affordable and bewitching safari experiences. The camp overlooks one of the branches of the Tarangire River and is located a few kilometres from Tarangire National Park. The outdoor fireplace offers spectacular views, while the dining room features dim light for romantic dinners. The lodge also welcomes children of all ages.

Highlights

• Overlooking great vistas
• Enrapturing fireplace
• Romantic dining experiences
• Comfortable and spacious safari tents

Suggested Safari: Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara Safari

Lake Manyara National Park Safari Lodges

10. &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge lies cradled in the arms of breathtaking ancient mahogany forest. With its location in the centre of the forest, visitors can often see elephants passing through the camp. The outdoor dining area is exquisitely designed while after a long day of safari, guests can unwind in the massage sala or choose to relax in the warm swimming pool.

Highlights

• Top bird watching destination
• Flamingoes over the soda lake
• Tree-climbing lions
• Day and night game drives
• Scenic guided bike rides

Suggested Safari: Deluxe Tanzania Safari

11. Chem Chem Lodge

Chem Chem Lodge was built with great care and little disruption to nature. It promises an intimate safari experience with amazing views of salt pans while the wonderful location in front of a waterhole offers unrestricted views of the wildlife which comes to drink. The luxury safari lodge offers an unparalleled gourmet dining experience as well as an outside area with a fire pit.

Highlights

• Well-equipped fitness centre
• Wildlife viewing at the heart of the lodge
• Swimming pool with poolside service
• Raised walkways for a luxury safari experience
• Library stocked with select books

Suggested Safari: Northern Tanzania Luxury Safari

Kilimanjaro National Park

12. Kaliwa Lodge

Kaliwa Lodge resembles a boutique hotel located in the heart of Kilimanjaro mountain rainforest. Overlooking the mountain summit guests can soak up the spectacular vista together with views into the deep Weru Weru River Valley surrounded by lush vegetation. While staying here there’s an option to spend a night under the starry skies to experience the best Kaliwa Lodge has to offer.

Highlights

• A fine-dining restaurant
• Kilimanjaro Papa’s Whiskey Bar
• Coffee fields tour
• Visit to Masai village and museum
• Relish and relax in the hot springs

Suggested Safari: Climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route

13. Babylon Lodge

Started by the late daughter of chief August Marealle, Rosemary Lyamuya, and her late husband Stephen Lyamuya, Babylon Lodge is one of Tanzania’soldest and long-standing safari lodges in the Kilimanjaro region. With rooms surrounded by gardens there’s a relaxing ambience for guests together with a home away from home atmosphere. The lodge’s location on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjorao makes it a coveted spot for a wildlife safari tour.

Highlights

• Restaurant that offers international and local cuisine
• Well-stocked bar with a myriad of drinks
• Complimentary wifi connection
• Spacious car parking
• Complimentary storage facilities

Suggested Safari: Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

Ruaha National Park

14. Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha River Lodge is in a prime location and ideal wildlife viewing spot overlooking the Great Ruaha River, which attracts a large number of animals in the dry season (June-December). Stay at camp and watch the game as it comes to the river to drink or head out with experienced guides on game drives to search for wildlife in the surrounding wilderness. Special experiences such as private dinners, bush breakfasts and sundowners by the river make a stay here truly memorable.

Highlights

• Fly camping
• Private meals
• Hot-air balloon safari
• Game drives led by experienced guides
• Wildlife viewing in dry season

Suggested Safari: Ruaha National Park Wildlife Safari

15. Jabali Ridge

Jabali Ridge offers visitors a stay at a stylish safari camp set on a rocky outcrop in Ruaha National Park. It overlooks the Ikuka escarpment and Mwagusi River with breathtaking vistas. Guests staying here enjoy unparalleled luxury, from a dip into the infinity pool to a hot-stone massage in the spa. Like other Sarai lodges, Jabali Ridge takes guests on day and night game drives to look for the rich wildlife in the area.

Highlights

• Walking safari
• Day and night game drives
• Asilia Spa for a relaxing massage
• Vehicles for photographic safaris
• Ikuka waterfalls

Suggested Safari: Southern Tanzania Safari in Ruaha, Mikumi and Selous

Read more:

Tanzania Safari Animals and Where to Find Them [Infographic]

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.