Your Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Luxury Accommodations for Tanzania Safaris

Home to majestic wildlife and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, Tanzania offers the adventure of a lifetime. Few countries can compare with its natural beauty and cultural diversity, all magnificently displayed in its various safaris. No matter your motivation, there’s plenty to see and do that will surely leave you with a thrilling experience like no other. You can go on a multi-day walk in the Serengeti or hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Looking for something more exotic?

The spice islands of Zanzibar offer world-class infusions of aromas and a soothing ambiance for your ultimate relaxation goals. If you’re planning a holiday in one of Tanzania’s safaris, then you should know that it is possible to enjoy all these experiences without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. After a day of excitement and adventure, it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to come back to an amazing place to unwind and prepare for the following day.

There are several luxurious accommodation options whose facilities are matched only by the immersive beauty of their locations. Choose your journey and decide for yourself exactly how comfy you want the experience to be. So how do you go about it? What are the price differences between each option? And what can you expect? If you are feeling overwhelmed with the number of options at your disposal, here is a handy guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. CAMPING

This is the quintessential Tanzanian safari experience – just a Price range: Starting at 100 USD/ Per Person Sharing

Amenities to expect: a tent over your head, sleeping bags or bedding, mosquito nets, camp chairs, shared bathroom, and kitchen facilities.

Ideal for: Those on a limited budget who don’t mind having to share the kitchen and toilet with other campers.

2. TENTED CAMPING

This usually includes a tented camp with spacious decks, comfortable bed, private bathrooms, elegant décor, and even on-site massages. It is everything you could want in a lodge, but with the thrill of unwinding under the stars. In fact, it’s almost impossible to refer to these camps as camping in the traditional sense anymore. There are two main options for tented camping:

• Mobile Tented Camp – There is nothing more exhilarating than staying in the wild without compromising comfort and relaxation. That’s what the mobile camp offers. It is moveable so you can enjoy the more intimate interaction with sights and scenery, like the great migration. All amenities and common areas are enclosed within tent walls for easier movement.
• Central or Permanent Tented Camp – These are usually situated in permanent locations and offer more high-end amenities, including pools. Most of its facilities are concrete-walled and feature elegant furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, and other modern amenities.

Both are excellent options, but the decision on which to choose is entirely yours. The best argument for the mobile camp, however, is that it offers an up-close and personal viewing experience of the best that nature has to offer in that area. You get to experience wildlife camping without sacrificing comfort. You’re on a safari; why would you want to stay in just one place anyway?

Price range (based on 2 adults sharing): Starting at 250 USD/ Per Person Sharing

Amenities to expect: Hot shower, flush toilets, mosquito nets, duvets

Ideal for: Luxury seekers who still want to be out in the wild where the action takes place.

3. SAFARI LODGES

These are your western deluxe hotel’s equivalents. They are luxury dwellings with very high standards of service. Soak in the elegant architectural details of these lodges and enjoy top of the line facilities, including advanced modes of transportation, such as safari land cruisers with viewing roof hatches or even small airplanes. Think of it as a spectacular upgrade both in facilities and overall experience, to the luxury tented camps. Price range (based on 2 adults sharing): Starting at 250-300 USD/ Per Person Sharing Amenities to expect: Private bathrooms, lush bedding, air conditioning, world-class dining.

Price range (based on 2 adults sharing): Starting at 250-300 USD/ Per Person Sharing

Amenities to expect: Private bathrooms, lush bedding, air conditioning, world-class dining

Ideal for: Travellers who really want and prefer the best safari experience and don’t mind paying extra for higher accommodation standards.

4. HOTELS

Hotel choices range all the way from boutique to lavish opulence. Each one with its own rich history and set of unique modern comforts. Lush restaurants offer excellent dining experience and you can often enjoy a soothing massage from the spa services after a long day of adventure. Most hotel rooms and suites are adequately spacious and come with private balconies overlooking the endless beauty of the surrounding areas. If you are looking to explore the islands and the various experiences that they have to offer, then you can’t go wrong with hotel accommodation.

Price range: Starting at 270 USD/Night

Amenities to expect: International hotel facilities, minibar, spa, private transport arrangements

Ideal for: Honeymooners or travel groups looking for a more exclusive luxury accommodation option with cozy privacy.

5. RESORTS

Resorts offer a relaxing escape to some of the best beachfront that Tanzania has to offer. Dive into sparkling pools, take leisure strolls on pristine beaches, and experience the best African and international cuisine throughout your stay. From scenic outdoor destinations to historic landmarks and the ever-vibrant culture, resort holidays are filled with amazing things for visitors of all ages to see and do, to make your stay an unforgettable one.

• Sports activities – beach volleyball, football, beach tennis and even ping-pong tournaments.
• Safaris – Resorts are a great place to use as a base for your safari adventures.
• Island excursions – Tour the best attractions of the surrounding islands with a qualified guide.
• Diving and Kitesurf

When you feel you’ve had enough fun for the day, retreat to your suite or villa and relax in an African style dwelling.

Price range: Starting at 350 USD/Night

Amenities to expect: State-of-the-art facilities, guided tours, excellent rooms and dining, private terrace with sofa, table and chairs

Ideal for: Couples and families who want to pull out all stops to their ultimate holiday experience. Also ideal for corporate meetings and events.

6. CHALETS

These private and extremely comfy chalets are made of local wood, stone and canvas walls at the front. Most of them are raised up on wooden decks with spacious verandas for panoramic views of the endless plains below. From the outside chalets can look rather quaint, but on the inside, they are warm, spacious and cozy – much like a luxurious log cabin.

Price range: Starting at 210 USD/Night

Amenities to expect: mineral water, bathrobes, en-suite bathroom/shower, electric fan, mosquito nets, slippers, flashlight, umbrellas, binoculars (on request), and safe deposit box

Ideal for: Individuals, honeymooners, families, and travel groups looking for that classy and tranquil appeal, with a touch of luxury in the middle of all the wildlife excitement.