BEST 15 SAFARI LODGES IN TANZANIA

The Best 15  safari lodges in Tanzania

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, this is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north, Kenya to the northeast, Comoro Islands and the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique and Malawi to the south, Zambia to the southwest; and Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is in northeastern Tanzania. Many important hominid fossils have been found in Tanzania, such as 6-million-year-old Pliocene hominid fossils. The genus Australopithecus ranged across Africa between 4 and 2 million years ago, and the oldest remains of the genus Homo are found near Lake Olduvai.

Following the rise of Homo erectus 1.8 million years ago, humanity spread all over the Old World, and later in the New World and Australia under the species Homo sapiens. H. sapiens also overtook Africa and absorbed the older species of humanity. Later in the Stone and Bronze Age, prehistoric migrations into Tanzania included Southern Cushitic speakers who moved south from present-day Ethiopia;

Eastern Cushitic people who moved into Tanzania from north of Lake Turkana about 2,000 and 4,000 years ago;and the Southern Nilotes, including the Datoog, who originated from the present-day South Sudan–Ethiopia border region between 2,900 and 2,400 years ago. German rule began in mainland Tanzania during the late 19th century when Germany formed German East Africa.

This was followed by British rule after World War I. The mainland was governed as Tanganyika. Following their respective independence in 1961 and 1963, the two entities merged in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanzania is still a member of the Commonwealth as a unified republic. Tanzania’s population is composed of about 120 ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.

The sovereign state of Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic and since 1996 its official capital city has been Dodoma where the president’s office, the National Assembly, and all government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital, retains most government offices and is the country’s largest city, principal port, and leading commercial center. Tanzania is a de facto one-party state with the democratic socialist Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in power.

Tanzania is mountainous and densely forested in the north-east, where Mount Kilimanjaro is located. Three of Africa’s Great Lakes are partly within Tanzania. To the north and west lie Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, and Lake Tanganyika, the continent’s deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish. To the south lies Lake Malawi. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the Zanzibar Archipelago just offshore.

The Menai Bay Conservation Area is Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area. The Kalambo Falls, located on the Kalambo River at the Zambian border, is the second-highest uninterrupted waterfall in Africa. Christianity is the largest religion in Tanzania,accompanied by Muslims and animist minorities.Over 100 different languages are spoken in Tanzania, making it the most linguistically diverse country in East Africa.

The country does not have a de jure official language, although the national language is Swahili. Swahili is used in parliamentary debate, in the lower courts, and as a medium of instruction in primary school. English is used in foreign trade, in diplomacy, in higher courts, and as a medium of instruction in secondary and higher education. Approximately 10% of Tanzanians speak Swahili as a first language, and up to 90% speak it as a second language.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Wikipedia
Mountain Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar - Wikipedia
Zanzibar shore

 

The best 15 safari lodges in Tanzania are all situated in parks or near parks and they include;

The national parks in which these safari lodges are found include: Serengeti national park, Tarangire national park, Lake Manyara national park, Arusha national park, and Mikumi national park among others.

Serengeti national park

Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 km2. Which is located in eastern Mara Region and north east portion of Simiyu Region and contains over 1,500,000 hectares (3,700,000 acres) of virgin savanna. This park was established in 1940.

Serengeti National park is known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomas’ Gazelle and eland. The national park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa.

The best safari lodges found in Serengeti include;

1. Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp

This is an accommodation that is situated in Tanzania providing non-smoking and suites as their room types providing all services at a price of UGX 4,181,348. The language spoken is English, having features like:

– Housekeeping
– Private balcony
– Safe
– Seating area
– Laptop safe
– Wake-up service / alarm clock
– Bath / shower
– Complimentary toiletries
These are all combined with amenities such as;
– Free (parking, internet, breakfast, airport transportation)
– Pool
– Free airport transportation
– Gift shop
– Mosquito net
– 24-hour front desk
– Internet
– Outdoor pool
– Bar / lounge
– Restaurant
– Kids’ meals
– Airport transportation
– Sun terrace
– Laundry service
– Ironing service

2. Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp

The accommodation located in South Central Serengeti, within the Moru Kopjes area, Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally situated to offer superlative access to the annual migration and the ‘Big 5’ with sweeping views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the endless plains. Speaking languages like french and English. They offer non-smoking and family rooms at a price of UGX 10,480,690, with features like;

– Housekeeping
– Private balcony
– Safe
– Seating area
– Clothes rack
– Wake-up service / alarm clock
– Bath / shower
– Complimentary toiletries

These room features are accompanied with amenities such as;

– Free parking
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Airport transportation
– Outdoor fireplace
– Butler service
– 24-hour front desk
– Private check-in / check-out

3. One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti

One Nature Nyaruswiga is an ultra-luxurious safari camp situated at the heart of Central Serengeti in the majestic Nyaruswiga Hills. This unique destination hosts a wide array of resident wildlife, while serving as an awe-inspiring backdrop for the millions of migrating animals that annually pass through its plains. Offering non-smoking, suite, and family rooms types at a price of UGX 9,050,344, with features like;
– Bathrobes
– Desk
– Fireplace
– Room service
– Safe
– Minibar

These features are accompanied with a host of amenities that include;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
– Free airport transportation
– Spa
– Concierge

Tarangire national park

Tarangire National Park is a national park in Tanzania’s Manyara Region. The park’s name originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras.

During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas. It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers. The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps.

The best safari lodges in or near Tarangire national park include;

4. Elewana Tarangire Treetops

Tarangire Treetops sits serenely on the border of the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. As you arrive at the Lodge, you are immediately greeted by a blaze of color and a host of smiles all of which belong to the local Masai tribesmen who have become part of the enchanting story that is Tarangire Treetops. Here they speak languages like English, Swahili and Afrikaans. Offering mountain view, non-smoking, suites and family room types all at UGX 4,181,092 with features like;

– Bathrobes
– Housekeeping
– Private balcony
– Safe
– Seating area
– Private bathrooms
– Walk-in shower
– Bath / shower

These features are accompanied by amenities that include;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Pool
– Bar / lounge
– Hiking
– Walking tours
– Baggage storage
– Concierge

5. Nyikani Camp Tarangire

Nyikani Camp Tarangire is located in Tarangire National Park. The camp’s design has a termite mound theme with organic features and structures found throughout the campsite. Enjoy gourmet Swahili cuisine from highly trained chefs. Languages spoken are English and Swahili.

There’s a 45 minute drive from the main gate, this camp is located in a less crowded area of the park with excellent access to the river, swamp, and other regions. Offering Landmark view, Suites and Family rooms at UGX 3,431,908 with features like;

– Bathrobes
– Desk
– Housekeeping
– Interconnected rooms available
– Private balcony
– Room service
– Walk-in shower
– Bath / shower

These features are always combined with amenities like;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Free breakfast
– Game room
– Hiking
– Airport transportation
– Business Center with Internet Access

6. Kichuguu Camp

Kichuguu Camp is located in Tarangire National Park. A 45-minute drive from Tarangire Gate A 5-minute drive from Kuro Airstrip Special campsite name: Njiwa Campsite 12 tents in King, twin or triple configuration with private verandas 1 tent family room with private verandas En suite bathroom, flush toilet, double washbasins with running water, safari-style bucket shower. Offering family room types at a price of UGX 1,864,110 with different features including;

– Safe
– Wake-up service / alarm clock

These features are accompanied with different amenities such as;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– WiFi
– Free breakfast
– Bar / lounge
– Outdoor fireplace
– Private check-in / check-out
– Laundry service

Lake Manyara national park

Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara Regions, situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. It is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, and covers an area of 325 km including about 230 km lake surface.

The best safari lodges found near or in the park include;

7. Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Perched high on the rim of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment Luxury Lodge is a serene haven overlooking the wonderful Lake Manyara below. 25km drive from the iconic Ngorongoro Crater National Park and 90 minutes drive to Tarangire National Park. The staff there speak languages like English French Dutch and Afrikaans. The lodge offers Landmark view, Pool view, Bridal suite and Suites at a price of UGX 2,988,963 with room features that include;

– Bathrobes
– Desk
– Housekeeping
– Private balcony
– Room service
– Coffee / tea maker
– Extra long beds
– Bidet

These features are accompanied with different amenities such as;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Pool
– Bar / lounge
– Bicycle rental
– Hiking
– Children’s television networks
– Kids pool

8. Wellworth Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

The lodge is on the rim of the great African Rift Valley with stunning views over Lake Manyara, Mount Meru and on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is set on pristine lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds. Offering Bridal suite, Non-smoking rooms, Suites and Family rooms at UGX 1,520,198 with features like;

– Bathrobes
– Air conditioning
– Private balcony
– Room service
– Safe
– Minibar
– Extra long beds

These features are accompanied with amenities such as;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Free breakfast
– Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
– Airport transportation
– Conference facilities and many more.

9. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

 As do the soaring views over the Great Rift Valley, the rose-gold sunsets over the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment and the utterly unique tree climbing Lake Manyara lions. Offering suites, non-smoking and family rooms at UGX 942,973 with employees speaking English. The rooms have features that include;

– Private balcony
– Safe

These features are accompanied by amenities that include;

– Bar / lounge
– Restaurant
– Breakfast buffet
 -Special diet menus
– Poolside bar
– Mosquito net
– Sun loungers / beach chairs
– Sun terrace
– 24-hour front desk
– Dry cleaning
– Laundry service

Arusha national park

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, with a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast have varying algal colors and are known for their wading birds.
The lodges in the park include;

10.  Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge

Conferencing Any organization, irrespective of size, sector or activity, will benefit from working with Impala Group of Hotels.We provide solutions for the entire spectrum of business events and accommodation. Offering non-smoking and suite type of rooms at UGX 7,056,260 all with features of;

– Fireplace
– Room service
– Kitchenette

These room features are accompanied with amenities such as;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Free breakfast
– Bicycle rental
– Tennis court
– Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

11. Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge

This is accommodation found via Momella Road, Arusha Tanzania. One of the few hotels with air Offering non-smoking and suite type of rooms at UGX 7,056,260 with features like

– Fireplace
– Room service
– Kitchenette
These are accompanied with amenities like;
– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Free breakfast
– Bicycle rental
– Tennis court
– Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

12. Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana

 This accommodation is perfectly good for visitors.Nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, this luxurious lodge on a coffee plantation is 6 km from Arusha Declaration Museum and 3 km from Arusha Airport. Lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. Offering Non-smoking rooms, Suites and Family rooms at UGX 2,328,550 with features that include;

– Desk
– Housekeeping
– Private balcony
– Room service
– Safe
– Minibar
– Bath / shower
– Complimentary toiletries

These features are accompanied with amenities like;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Airport transportation
– Business Center with Internet Access
– Conference facilities
– Massage

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is a national park near Morogoro, Tanzania with an area of 3,230 km2 that was established in 1964. It is the fourth largest in the country. The park is crossed by Tanzania’s A-7 highway. Mikumi National Park borders Selous Game Reserve on the south, the two areas forming a unique ecosystem.

The lodges in Mikumi national park include;

13. Mikumi wildlife Camp

A small and cozy independent lodge in the heart of Mikumi National Park with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Savannah. Offering Non-smoking rooms and Family rooms at USh 1,071,558 with features including;

– Desk
– Housekeeping
– Room service
– Seating area
– Wake-up service / alarm clock
– Bath / shower

These features are accompanied with amenities like;

– Free parking
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Hiking
– Babysitting
– Baggage storage
– Mosquito net
 -Private check-in / check-out

14. Tan-Swiss Lodge & Campsite / Restaurant & Safaris

These lodge offers comfortable accommodation in our inviting guest house or  bungalows. En suite bathrooms and a private terrace at affordable prices. In our spacious restaurant we serve a wide range of international meals, including tasty snacks, delicious desserts and lunch boxes for your safaris. Our professional and friendly Staff is dedicated to make your visit an unforgettable experience. They offer Landmark view, Pool view, Non-smoking rooms, and Family rooms at a price of UGX 237,121 with room features like;

– Air conditioning
– Housekeeping
– Seating area
– Bottled water
– Clothes rack
– Private bathrooms
– Flatscreen TV
– Walk-in shower among others.
These room features are accompanied with the different amenities in this lodge that include;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Hiking
– Walking tours
– Children’s playground
– Children’s television networks