When planning a Tanzania safari, choosing the right accommodation is essential to your overall experience. From luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps, where you stay will not only offer comfort but also provide proximity to the best wildlife viewing areas. In this guide, we’ll cover the top lodges and camps near major parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Selous, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Plan your Tanzania safari with expert recommendations.
1. Serengeti National Park: Where to Stay for the Great Migration
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park and home to the Great Migration. Whether you’re seeking luxury or a budget-friendly option, the Serengeti offers a wide range of accommodations.
Luxury Lodges: Singita Serengeti Lodge
Singita offers one of the most luxurious experiences in the Serengeti, featuring private villas, personal chefs, and stunning views over the plains.
- Best For: Luxury, privacy, and exclusive wildlife experiences.
- Why Stay Here: Ideal for those wanting a premium safari experience with top-tier services.
Find out more about Singita Serengeti Lodge.
Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
For travelers seeking comfort at a mid-range price, the Serengeti Serena Lodge offers great views, excellent service, and access to safari tours.
- Best For: Couples, families, and those looking for a balanced price-to-comfort ratio.
- Why Stay Here: Great value with authentic safari ambiance.
Explore Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge options.
Budget-Friendly: Serengeti Camping
If you’re on a budget, camping in the Serengeti is an excellent way to experience the park’s wildlife up close. Campsites provide basic amenities, with meals often included.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, adventurers, and backpackers.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable and thrilling, with direct access to nature.
Discover budget camping options in the Serengeti.
2. Ngorongoro Crater: Best Safari Lodges with Views of the Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most breathtaking locations in Africa, with stunning views of the caldera and diverse wildlife. Choosing a lodge near the crater rim will give you prime access to the crater floor for early morning game drives.
Luxury Stay: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
This luxurious lodge offers jaw-dropping views over the crater and world-class amenities, including personal butlers, gourmet dining, and spacious rooms.
- Best For: Honeymooners and those seeking a luxury safari experience.
- Why Stay Here: Incredible views of the crater from your suite.
Find more details on Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge offers comfortable accommodations just a short distance from the crater rim, making it an excellent mid-range option for those looking to explore Ngorongoro on a budget.
- Best For: Families and mid-budget travelers.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable rates with easy access to the crater.
Learn more about staying at Rhino Lodge.
Budget Option: Simba Campsite
For budget travelers, Simba Campsite is a great option, offering basic facilities and proximity to the crater. The campsite is popular with backpackers and those looking to keep costs low while enjoying the safari experience.
- Best For: Backpackers, budget travelers, and adventure seekers.
- Why Stay Here: Inexpensive, with excellent access to Ngorongoro Crater.
Check out details on Simba Campsite.
3. Tarangire National Park: Where to Stay for Elephant Watching
Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The park offers a variety of accommodation options that provide excellent wildlife viewing and a peaceful atmosphere.
Luxury Option: Tarangire Treetops
Stay in elevated treehouses at Tarangire Treetops, where you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness from your room.
- Best For: Couples and wildlife lovers looking for a unique stay.
- Why Stay Here: Unparalleled views and a unique treehouse experience.
Discover more about Tarangire Treetops.
Mid-Range: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge offers comfortable tented accommodations with spectacular views of the Tarangire River, a hotspot for wildlife viewing.
- Best For: Families and small groups.
- Why Stay Here: Great location with wildlife viewing right from the lodge.
Learn more about Tarangire Safari Lodge.
Budget Option: Public Campsites
If you’re traveling on a budget, public campsites within the park are affordable and still offer excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife.
- Best For: Budget travelers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable rates with proximity to Tarangire’s wildlife.
Explore camping options in Tarangire.
4. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park): Best Stays in Southern Tanzania
Selous Game Reserve, now part of Nyerere National Park, is a vast and lesser-visited safari destination in southern Tanzania. This region offers secluded lodges that provide a more exclusive safari experience.
Luxury: Sand Rivers Selous
Located on the banks of the Rufiji River, Sand Rivers Selous offers luxury riverfront suites, game drives, and boat safaris.
- Best For: Those seeking a remote and luxurious experience.
- Why Stay Here: Secluded and exclusive, with river views and top-tier service.
Discover more about Sand Rivers Selous.
Mid-Range: Selous Riverside Safari Camp
This mid-range option offers tented suites with great views of the Rufiji River, combining comfort and affordability.
- Best For: Families and groups looking for comfortable but reasonably priced accommodation.
- Why Stay Here: Excellent value for money with river views.
Learn more about Selous Riverside Safari Camp.
Budget Option: Lake Manze Tented Camp
Lake Manze Tented Camp provides an authentic and rustic safari experience at a budget-friendly price. Located near the lake, it’s a perfect base for game drives and boat safaris.
- Best For: Budget travelers seeking an authentic safari experience.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable, with great access to wildlife.
Read about Lake Manze Tented Camp.
5. Ruaha National Park: Best Lodges for Off-the-Beaten-Path Safaris
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest park, offering an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Ruaha is perfect for travelers seeking fewer crowds and excellent wildlife viewing.
Luxury: Jabali Ridge
Located in the heart of Ruaha, Jabali Ridge offers luxury accommodations with sweeping views of the baobab-dotted landscape.
- Best For: Luxury travelers and couples.
- Why Stay Here: Remote luxury with expert-led game drives.
Discover more about Jabali Ridge.
Mid-Range: Ruaha River Lodge
Set along the Great Ruaha River, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with excellent wildlife viewing from the lodge itself.
- Best For: Families and small groups looking for mid-range accommodations.
- Why Stay Here: Great location and value for money.
Budget: Public Campsites
Public campsites in Ruaha are perfect for budget travelers looking for a rustic safari experience. Enjoy the park’s wildlife and scenery while camping under the stars.
- Best For: Adventure seekers and budget travelers.
- Why Stay Here: Low cost, with excellent access to Ruaha’s wildlife.
Learn more about camping in Ruaha National Park.
Conclusion
Where you stay on your Tanzania safari plays a key role in shaping your experience. Whether you’re looking for luxury lodges, mid-range comfort, or budget-friendly camping, Tanzania’s top national parks offer a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler. From the iconic Serengeti to the remote wilderness of Ruaha, you’ll find a place that meets your needs and enhances your safari adventure.
For more details on planning your Tanzania safari accommodations, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.