Tanzania has a wide range of resorts, safari lodges and tented camps that offer travellers comfort, luxury and accessibility to popular attractions.
A Tanzania resort safari means a lot of things – but whether you are searching for wildlife in the national parks or sunbathing on the white, sandy beaches of Zanzibar, there is accommodation nearby where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious meal after a hard day’s adventures.
I've had the pleasure of staying in numerous Tanzania Resorts over the years - ranging from affordable ones in Ngorongoro to luxurious ones in Zanzibar which maxed out my credit card for the month. In each case, I had some fun stories to tell my friends and family about my East African travels.
In this article, I'll share my insights on the best Tanzania Resorts for Safaris and Zanzibar and which to choose for your next East African holiday destination.
Let's get started.
Tanzania Safari Resorts For National Parks and Zanzibar
For the ultimate Tanzania Safari experience, tourists have the luxury of choosing between three massive safari circuits in the country:
- The Northern Circuit
- The Southern Circuit
- The Wild Wild West
I'll start by outlining the best Tanzania Safari Resorts in each circuit, then move onto outlining the best resorts in Zanzibar.
Let's dive in!
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Tanzania Safari Resorts in the Northern Circuit
Arusha National Park
Arusha is Tanzania’s Safari Capital which makes the lodges and resorts here ideal to stay at before or after your safari.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
A 4-star hotel set on the outskirts of Arusha amongst lush coffee plantations. The plantation house is the main lodge with 30 separate terraced cottages. Take a tour of the surrounding coffee farms and enjoy tastings of local brews or sip a cup back at the lodge’s own bistro.
Read more customer reviews here.
Arusha Serena Hotel Resort and Spa
A 4-star hotel in the style of a colonial coffee farmhouse set on the slopes of Mount Meru on the edge of Lake Duluti. The lodge is 12miles/20km from Arusha and 37 miles/60km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are 42 guest cottages clustered in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Read more customer reviews here.
Serengeti National Park
As one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania, it's no wonder that the Serengeti has some of the best safari lodges and hotels with every kind of tourist in mind.
Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge
A 5-star luxury lodge in the central Serengeti. The modern but classic double-storey building has 77 rooms with views over waterholes and the open plains. There are 5 free-standing villas with their own pools. Four Seasons Serengeti is known for exceptional service and fine dining experiences.
Read more customer reviews here.
Mwiba Lodge
A luxury lodge in a private concession area of the southern Serengeti. The lodge is surrounded by coral and acacia trees. There are 10 tented suites, including two pairs that connect forming family suites, overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. Mwiba is close to the wildebeest calving grounds (January-March).
Singita Grumeti
Situated in Grumeti Private Reserve in the Western Corridor of Serengeti National Park, Singita’s exclusive accommodation all offer top-class luxury and service and boast their own fitness centres, pools and spas.
- Faru Faru Lodge - 9 private suites in front of a busy waterhole beside the Grumeti River.
- Sasakwa Lodge - An Edwardian style manor house with 10 private cottages plus a hillside suite with its own pool and butler.
- Sabora Camp - 9 luxury tented suites with views over the camp’s private water holes.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Located in the Kyabatero Hills, northwest of Seronera and adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River. The lodge is also situated close to the world-famous birthplace of mankind, the site of the Olduvai Gorge.
It is set on a hill with the rolling Serengeti plains below, offering you a front-row seat of the incredible annual Wildebeest migration. The grounds are cooled by the groves of acacia trees and watered by many sparkling streams.
Read more customer reviews here.
Asilia Sayari Camp
A luxury tented camp with 15 spacious suites in northern Serengeti. Located close to the Mara River, it is an ideal area to watch the migration and river crossings between June and October. The camp is closed during April and May.
Nasikia Tented Camps
- Kaskaz Mara – Ten tented suites in the northern Serengeti close to the Kogatende Airstrip. The Mara river is nearby so there is an opportunity to see migration river crossings between June-October. Guests can go on walking safaris with armed guards or take a hot air balloon ride.
- Ehlane Plains Camp – (pictured) luxury tented camp Eastern Serengeti 8 tents with views of the Serengeti plains include one family suite. Two tents are open rooftop ‘star domes’. The Ehlane Plains closes over April and May.
Mobile Tented Camps
If permanent lodges aren't your thing, you can always stay in a mobile tented camp which follows wildlife through the Serengeti, which can be a life-changing experience.
Mobile camps follow the herds of migrating wildebeests. Generally, they are located in the following areas of the Serengeti:
- North Serengeti - July to November
- West Serengeti - May to July
- South Serengeti - December to April
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp has 11 luxury tents split between 2 sections with independent dining and lounge areas. Location changes between 3 different areas.
andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxury tented camp that moves between 5 locations across the Serengeti. There are 9 safari tents and 1 family tent per camp.
Tarangire National Park
At Tarangire National Park, tourists have the rare opportunity to follow the unique elephant herds through the park as well as learn all about wildlife conservation and engaging in eco-friendly practices they can take home with them.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
A tented camp with 12 luxurious canvas pavilions between acacia trees in a secluded part of Tarangire National Park. The camp strives for eco-friendly practices and a low-carbon footprint.
Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem
Luxury tented camps are set on the 16,000 ha concession area adjoining Tarangire and overlooking Lake Burunge. Little Chem Chem has 6 classic safari tents while Forest Chem Chem is even smaller with 3 standard and 1 family tent.
Elewana Tarangire Treetops
A 5-star lodge with 20 stilted suites just to the east of Tarangire National Park on an elephant migration route and within a game area. The main lodge is built around a baobab tree.
Lake Manyara
For lovers of flamingos and avid bird watchers alike, Lake Manyara offers a holiday destination filled with tranquility and a greater connection with nature.
andBeyond’s Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
A luxury lodge with 10 tree house style stilted cottages amongst the branches of ancient mahogany trees. Neutral tones and minimalist furnishings give an elegant feel to the lodge. Guests can walk on a special canopy walkway or go for a night safari.
Chem Chem Lodge
A boutique luxury lodge, known as Sunset-Lodge, with 8 exclusive tented suites on the eastern shores of Lake Manyara. The lake is a paradise for bird watching or to re-awaken your inner hunter on a jog with a Masai warrior.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
A Classic-meets-Africa style luxury safari lodge with 50 free-standing thatched-roof suites and two villas. The lodge has views over Lake Manyara and The Great Rift Valley, walking distance to local villages and a 15-min drive from Lake Manyara National Park.
Read more customer reviews here.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Perched on the cliffs of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, the lodge is set around an infinity pool with its edges disappearing into the horizon. The traditional rondavel style accommodation and authentic Masaai culture-inspired décor provide a unique luxury safari experience. For an extra touch of class, the lodge also offers the luxurious Losimingori Suite.
Read more customer reviews here.
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
With the world's largest intact volcano just metres away from your doorstep, it's no wonder that tourists are constantly flocking (much like the flamingos in the region) to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area annually.
Read more about the best hotels in and around the Ngorongoro Crater.
andBeyond’s Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
A luxury hotel with 3 camps and 30 Maasai-style stilted mud and stick manyattas. African art, Victorian furniture and an abundance of roses create unique, unconventional interiors. With food and service that surpasses expectations, this is rated as one of Africa’s top lodges.
The Highlands Ngorongoro
A luxury lodge on the forest edge of the Olmoti Volcano to the north of the Ngorongoro Crater. Eight glass-panelled, dome suites sit on raised platforms to maximise views. Close enough for a day trip into the crater, guests can also hike up the volcano.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A luxury camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with 10 classic safari tents and a common dining area, bar and lounge. The camp is close to the access road into the crater, which is perfect for early morning drives.
Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge
The lodge is a triumph of engineering and ecological fusion. Rooms are strung out along the Crater Edge, with their own private balconies. Guests can lie in bed at night and watch in awe as the Milky Way dances above the depths of the crater below, bursting at the seams with wildlife.
Read more customer reviews here.
Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Crater
Built at a height of over 500 m above the crater floor, the lodge boasts some of the best views in Tanzania. A standout for guests is the size of the rooms at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, which are more like suites. The guest rooms lead onto the swimming pool via paved pathways lined with brightly coloured flora.
Tanzania Safari Resorts in the Southern Circuit
Ruaha National Park
If you can appreciate the rare beauty of an untamed wilderness and a unique safari experience in the Southern Circuit, then it's definitely worth a trip visiting the Ruaha National Park.
Asilia Jabali Ridge
A secluded luxury lodge set amongst granite boulders on a ridge overlooking the baobab dotted plains of Ruaha National Park. The main lodge and 8 spacious rooms are designed for comfort with understated elegance.
Jongomero Camp
An exclusive safari lodge with 8 tented suites in the extremely remote southern part of Ruaha on the banks of a seasonal river. This is considered one of the best remote lodges in Tanzania. For the adventurous, fly camping is possible.
Selous Game Reserve – Nyere National Park
As one of the largest conservation areas in Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve offers diverse wildlife viewing experiences for tourists who trek further south into this unclaimed territory. Tourists also have the option of doing combined safaris from Dar es Salaam through Selous, Ruaha, and Mikumi National Park.
Sand Rivers Selous
Nomad’s lodge on the banks of the Rufiji River where big cats, crocodiles and hippos are plentiful in one of the world’s largest game reserves. There are 5 riverside rooms and 3 hillside suites each with living areas and private plunge pools.
The Retreat Selous
Luxury tented lodge with 12 exclusive suites located in the southern part of the Selous Game Reserve. The main house known as ‘The Fort’, and historically a military lookout point from World War 1, has an infinity pool and 365-degree views of the untouched wilderness landscape. Fly camping expeditions, walking safaris and boating are available to guests.
Tanzania Safari Resorts in the Wild Wild West
Western Tanzania can feel like a whole new world to most tourists. But what you get in the way of unique wildlife viewings and excellent aquatic activities like kayaking, it's well worth a visit.
Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is most famous for its chimpanzee troops which were first studied by Dame Jane Goodall in the 1960s. Tourists come from far and wide just to catch a glimpse of these remarkable creatures.
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
One double and six twin tented suites in the Gombe National Park. All ages are welcome at the lodge but for chimp trekking, children need to be over 16. Transfers between Kigoma Town and Gombe are included in your stay.
Katavi National Park
Named after the great huntsman spirit Katabi, Katavi National Park is a conservation area with a rich cultural and mystical heritage.
Chada Katavi Camp
Luxury tented camp in the remote Katavi National Park. 6 stylishly furnished safari tents, the main dining tent and a fire-pit to enjoy evenings under the stars. Guests can also walk to Chada’s fly camp for an authentic camping adventure on bedrolls.
Mahale Mountains National Park
With illustrious mountain peaks dotting the horizon and idyllic beaches hugging the shorelines below, it's no surprise that many tourists make the trip to Mahale Mountains National Park every year.
Greystoke Mahale
6 luxury bandas on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimp trekking is the main attraction but guests can also hike, swim kayak and fish.
Tanzania Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
Zanzibar, the spice island, is the perfect add-on to your safari holiday. There are multiple Zanzibar Resorts and Hotels to choose from with picturesque white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.
Zanzibar Resorts and Hotels
Below are several amazing resorts and hotels in Zanzibar available for the discerning traveller.
- Kasha Boutique Hotel – This hotel is on the north east coast of the island.
- Sunshine Hotel and Zawadi Beach Hotel –Both located in Matemwe, on Zanzibar’s east coast.
- White Sand Luxury Villas – a boutique, eco-hotel on Paje Beach on the east coast.
- Elewana Kilindi – An exclusive hotel set in a 50 acre tropical garden on the island’s north point.
- Sunshine Marine Lodge – on the remote north-east corner of Zanzibar, one of Tanzania’s best dive sites.
- Baraza Resort and Spa – located in Bwejuu, on the south-east coast.
Other Island Retreats
If you feel like exploring more of Zanzibar and its neighbours, these are some of the best island accommodation hotspots to choose from:
- AndBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge offers 12 exclusive bandas on Mnemba island, less than a mile of Zanzibar’s north-eastern coast
Thanda Island is the location of a single, exclusive-use villa that sleeps 10. Located 18 miles/ 30km of the coast of Tanzania. - Pemba Island is to the north of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania’s Mainland. For more information on resorts on Pemba see here.
- Limited accommodation on the island includes Manta Resort and Fundu Lagoon.
Read more in our guide on combining safaris and beach holidays in Tanzania.
Conclusion
I hope you gleaned a lot from my article on the best Tanzania Safari Resorts and Hotels in Zanzibar! All that's left for you to do now is start planning your next and best Tanzanian safari island holiday.