The most luxurious hotels in Tanzania

Tanzania is a paradise for wildlife lovers, and national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire are among the most beautiful places on Earth. When embarking on a safari in Tanzania, it's worth staying at luxury lodges that offer not only top-quality accommodations but also unforgettable experiences of close contact with African fauna and flora. So, if you want to see Africa in a nutshell and be pampered at the same time, join us on a journey through the map, where we'll show you the most luxurious lodges in Tanzania.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Source: www.andbeyond.com/

Lake Manyara National Park, situated on the edge of tectonic plates, is a great place to spot wildlife – especially from the only hotel in the park. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge consists of 9 intimate tree houses, where guests have the exclusive right to stay in the park after it closes. Spending the night here will make you feel like you are the only people in the world, surrounded by pristine, wild nature. Just imagine – nestled in the canopy of a mahogany tree, you will be able to watch the sunrise over the nearby lake, enjoying a cup of coffee on your private veranda, while elephants roam below. What more could you ask for?

The cottages are situated in a way that is supposed to provide guests with as much privacy as possible. Each of them is separated from the others by several trees, creating a closed, private space around them. The cottages are made of mahogany, which makes them blend in perfectly with the surroundings, almost merging with the nearby trees. This connection with nature can be felt here at every step - the furniture is made of wood and natural materials, and guests can also take an unforgettable shower in the open air behind a screen made of branches. There is also a bathtub at their disposal (this time under the roof), and for their comfort, each of the cottages has been equipped with mosquito nets and a ceiling fan.

You can cool off on hot days in the pool. It is located on a wooden platform in the middle of the forest, and guests can enjoy sun loungers and umbrellas, and a private butler will be happy to serve fancy drinks on request. In the evening, you will be invited to a delicious dinner prepared by a qualified chef in the open kitchen, where - if you wish - he will be happy to help you, giving you the opportunity to learn how to prepare one of the local dishes. And if you still want more luxury, the hotel SPA will pamper you, providing an excellent massage surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Source: fourseasons.com

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, as the name suggests, is located in Serengeti National Park, one of the largest and most famous nature reserves in Africa. Tourists are attracted here mainly by the fact that they can see all The Big Five continent – ​​lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. This is also the route of the annual migration of multi-million herds of various ungulates, and the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a great place to observe them, because it is set up on a hill right next to one of the popular watering holes. Bathing elephants or thirsty antelopes – the animals are within arm's reach here, and guests can enjoy watching them with a drink on the private veranda or relaxing in the hotel's infinity pool. Bathing with elephants? Why not?

Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a large facility – it offers its guests 77 rooms, including standard rooms, suites and villas with private pools. All are decorated in a contemporary African style, dominated by shades of brown and green, furniture is made of wood and finished with natural materials. The suites have small private pools and outdoor showers, while the villas are additionally equipped with a kitchen and large floor-to-ceiling windows, while the pools are larger. It is possible to hire a private chef.

At Four Seasons Safari Lodge, much attention is paid to food. There is a restaurant called Kula, serving local and international dishes, and a bar with a terrace open 24 hours a day, where you can order both a cocktail and, for example, homemade pizza. Guests can also go to Boma Grill, an open-air bonfire, where they will spend an evening filled not only with the aroma of grilled meats and vegetables, but also with the culture of the Masai. You can end a day full of emotions during a safari actively - in the hotel gym - or relax in the SPA center. Whatever you decide, the professional staff will take care of all your needs.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Source: www.andbeyond.com/

Located on the very edge of the caldera, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. This place, located far from the migration routes of wild animals, captivates tourists mainly with the silence, peace and beauty of untouched nature. It is a popular honeymoon destination, which is arranged with full professionalism by experienced staff. Each guest receives their own, private butler, who will do everything to ensure an unforgettable stay - from serving dinner, through organizing excursions, to such small details as finding a place for a picnic away from popular, crowded tourist spots. The icing on the cake will be a quiet evening spent by the fireplace, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is often described as “Masai meets Versailles,” and that description is very appropriate. The 30 suites combine traditional Masai decorations with truly royal luxury and Victorian opulence. Although the windows reach from floor to ceiling, the interiors have been designed to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere thanks to the semidarkness that inhabits the corners. Each suite has a minibar and coffee maker, as well as a safe and a hairdryer. A magnificent free-standing bathtub awaits you in the bathroom, from which - thanks to a huge window - there is a view of the entire crater.

The grounds are divided into three camps, each with its own common area where you can sit and relax, and also enjoy a meal served by your own butler. And if the magnificent views and closeness to nature are not enough to relax you, you can ask for a masseur to be sent to you in the privacy of your suite, who will give you a wonderful massage, after which, fully relaxed, you can go for a ride on the caldera floor, a wine tasting or a walk combined with a lesson in Masai culture. Whatever you wish, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge will happily arrange it for you.

Mkombe's House Lamai Serengeti

Source: nomad-tanzania.com

Dreaming of being alone with wildlife? The previous suggestions sounded good, but the awareness of other tourists on the other side of the wall spoils your mood? Then let us introduce you to Mkombe's House Lamai located in the Serengeti National Park. If you decide to stay here, the entire residence will be at your exclusive disposal, and its additional advantage is that it is perfectly prepared for families with children. Your little ones will have everything they need here - from special chairs and baby bathtubs to baby cradles. A private chef will also take care of your favorite menu for both you and the little ones, and the experienced staff will organize numerous attractions suitable for children of all ages - and adults too, of course.

Mkombe's House Lamai can accommodate four adults and six children in two bedrooms, with adjoining rooms for the youngest guests. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, and there is also a dining room, a living room, and a large terrace where you can spend an afternoon reading a book, have dinner under the stars, or turn it into a playroom for the children. And let's not forget the pool - or rather two pools, which you can use at your own discretion. You will also have a car with a driver-guide at your exclusive use, who will be happy to take you on a safari around the area and tell you a bit about the animals living in the park and their annual migration, adapting the route to your interests.

Sanctuary Swala Camp Tarangire

Source: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/

Tarangire is a national park that is very underrated by tourists. Located near giants such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, it usually attracts visitors only for a few hours' trip, so Swala Camp is a great choice if you are looking for a quiet place to stay. The lodge is located in a secluded part of the park, in the shade of a huge baobab tree and smaller acacias. Right next to it is a watering hole, which is extremely popular with elephants, who can be seen there all year round. Admiring these majestic animals from the veranda of your luxury tent, you will be able to experience the best that Tanzania has to offer.

Each of the 12 spacious, comfortable tents has been decorated in a modern style with accents that are a nod to the tradition of safari, using only natural, ecological materials. The windows equipped with mosquito nets offer a panoramic view of the savannah surrounding the resort, including the watering hole. Guests staying here can choose a comfortable shower in the privacy of a private bathroom or - for those who want to feel a unique connection with nature - an open-air shower, accompanied by the numerous birds living in Tarangire. A private butler is assigned to each tent, whose professional care will certainly make your trip to Tanzania remain in your memory for a long time.

Swala Camp Tarangire, located in a remote area and blending into the surroundings, often arouses the curiosity of animals – it happened that guests resting on the veranda could pet an elephant that approached the tent, mistaking it for a snack. If that is not enough of an incentive, how about a swimming pool, where you can cool off on a hot afternoon while still observing the nearby watering hole? And what about lunch on the terrace in the shade of a baobab tree with the chef's famous signature dessert – Chocolate Kilimanjaro? There will even be a library at your disposal here. And you will certainly not be able to resist a perfectly organized safari in this little-known gem among Tanzanian national parks.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Source: singita.com

Located on the border of the Serengeti National Park, the Grumeti Reserve is a great place to observe the annual migration, known as the The Great African Migration – the game crossing the Grumeti River may not look as impressive as when crossing the Mara River, but this corner is definitely quieter and less crowded than the more popular part of the park. It is here, away from the other resorts, that Singita Sasakwa Lodge is located. With the comfort of both guests and the animals living in the reserve as a priority, as well as the possibility of observing the Big Five of Africa practically all year round, it is the perfect place for an unforgettable holidays in tanzania.

The Lodge consists of 9 cottages and one villa, as well as a slightly out-of-the-way apartment designed for romantic getaways for two. Each has a small private pool positioned to allow for observing wildlife during a refreshing swim – for the same purpose, the bathrooms have been equipped with large windows right next to the bathtub and shower. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a private butler who looks after them until their departure, taking care of everything: from serving meals, through organizing safaris (on foot and with a private driver-guide), to fulfilling various whims, such as organizing yoga lessons on the veranda of the lodge.

In addition to the private cottages, guests can spend time in a common hall styled in Edwardian times. At the heart of the complex there is also a large communal infinity pool, gym, tennis court, bar, spa center, communal dining room and vegetable garden. Of course, your butler will happily bring your meal or massage to the privacy of your cottage. The staff of Singita Sasakwa Lodge will also be happy to organize additional entertainment for you - it is worth visiting the nearby indigenous village, where you will be able to learn about their culture and see a lifestyle unchanged for hundreds of years. Another noteworthy attraction is a balloon flight over the park.

Ikuka Safari Camp Ruaha National Park

Source: www.ikukasafaricamp.com/

In central Tanzania, surrounded by rugged terrain, lies Ruaha National Park. Although it is the second largest park (after the Serengeti), it sees very few tourists – mainly because it is hundreds of kilometres away from the more popular reserves clustered on the northern border. Ruaha is a wild place where humans are only temporary guests – and that’s the atmosphere you can experience during your stay at Ikuka Safari Camp, located in the heart of the park. Founded and run by a couple of wildlife enthusiasts, it’s sure to make you feel right at home here (with the added bonus of a few lions and elephants outside your window).

At Ikuka Safari Camp, guests can choose from 7 intimate, luxurious tents and one family tent. All of them have no walls to let in a refreshing breeze and not to block the amazing views around, although they do have curtains that can be drawn at will. All of the tents are made of wood that can be described as raw - if you look at the railing of your private terrace, you will see a naturally bent and knotty branch. The interiors are decorated in browns and beiges, beautifully blending in with the savannah surrounding the lodge - especially in the dry season, when it takes on identical colors. What is particularly noteworthy, Ikuka Safari Camp provides access to electricity 24 hours a day, and it is obtained in a completely ecological way: thanks to solar panels.

There is also a common room available for guests, which can be used as both a living room and a dining room. The owners are happy to share their extensive library with those interested, and you can read a book of your choice while lounging by the pool, which offers an amazing view of the entire plain. Five experienced guides, full of passion and with great knowledge, will take you on an unforgettable safari, adapting it to your needs and interests. And if you want more attractions, ask about the house on the rocks, a platform suspended between huge boulders, where you can spend the night under the open sky away from the camp - although of course in the discreet company of a guide, watching over your safety from a hideout nearby.

Lemala Mara River Camp

Source: www.lemalacamps.com/

You are determined to trip to Tanzania, but you have no idea where exactly to go in search of the most interesting safaris? You will certainly like the idea of ​​Lemala Mara Camp, which… migrates with wild animals. During the year, it moves from place to place following the most exciting spectacles of nature. It is set up close enough to be able to freely observe, for example, the spectacular crossing of the Mara River, but at the same time far enough away not to scare the animals or disturb their natural rituals.

Lemala Camp is the perfect place to feel the atmosphere of a real safari. Depending on the location where the camp is currently located, there are 9 to 12 tents at the guests' disposal, and thanks to the specificity of this type of accommodation, they can be set up at a considerable distance from each other, ensuring maximum privacy. The tents are equipped with a bed, a seating area, a private terrace and a bathroom, where you will find a toilet and shower, and are set on wooden platforms creating a pleasant, natural floor. Each of them also has its own carer, who takes care of the comfort of the guests throughout their stay at Lemala Camp.

The largest tent is the common area of ​​the camp and its heart – this is where the restaurant, bar and spacious lounge are located, and right next to it is a cosy place prepared for the evening bonfire. If you express interest, your personal guide will be happy to organise a classic safari for you or its slightly more unusual version – a balloon flight over the Serengeti plain. We especially recommend taking an early morning flight to admire the majestic sunrise over the savannah from the best available spot, and then return to the camp for a cup of hot coffee. If you are travelling with children, they will certainly be delighted to take part in the organised activities, where they will learn about Africa through play, while you can indulge in blissful relaxation.

Namiri Plains Serengeti

Source: www.asiliaafrica.com/

If you tend to choose the meowing, purring side in the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, you’ll want to head to a part of the Serengeti called the Namiri Plains. This is where the vast majority of the park’s cheetahs live, and it’s also a great place to easily spot Africa’s other big cats – after all, the name Namiri literally means “big cat” in Swahili. It’s here, in the middle of nowhere, that the property shares its name with the plains itself, which seems like a very sensible idea, considering how often guests at the lodge manage to capture photos of the enormous felines lounging nearby.

Namiri Plains consists of 10 tents, including one larger tent designed for families. Although they are called tents, they are actually solid structures made of wood and stones, only covered with a tent-like "cloak" protecting against rain. Inside, on the other hand, luxury based on natural materials and subdued, earthy colors awaits you. The focal point of each tent is a huge bed positioned so that it offers a view of the entire valley, in addition to it, each tent has a seating area and a bathroom with a toilet and shower, and on the private terrace you will find... a bathtub. This is a great excuse to immerse yourself in relaxing, hot water after a whole day of intensive safari, but also in the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.

There’s so much more to Namiri Plains than just lounging in bed and soaking in the tub. If you decide to stay here, you can choose from a wide range of safaris – morning, evening, full-day, walking and hot air balloon – as well as other outdoor activities, such as dinner under the acacia trees, a picnic in the savannah, bird watching, a natural history lesson and trekking around the area. After all of this, the lodge welcomes you back with a delicious dinner and an evening spent with drinks by the pool, and if you feel like you need to relax more, head to the Asilia SPA for a relaxing massage or ask for one in the privacy of your tent. However, if you’ve had enough of wildlife after a long day, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also spend the evening lounging in bed and checking Facebook, as Namiri Plains provides constant access to both electricity and Wi-Fi.

Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

Source: www.andbeyond.com/

Finally, we will visit a real gem. Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is a place that combines the best features of a luxury hotel and a camp near a watering hole. Unlike previous facilities, which made every effort to blend in with the surroundings, Grumeti Lodge does not try to pretend to be a tree house. On the contrary, the apartments proudly present their modern shape and impress with an equally modern interior, although neutral, subdued colors and a large number of wooden elements soften the contrast with the savannah surrounding the resort. Situated just a kilometer from the Grumeti River, which is one of the most important points of the annual migration, and less than an hour's drive from Lake Victoria, it is a perfect place for a vacation in Tanzania.

Guests can stay in one of 10 apartments, one of which is adapted for families with children. The cottages are separated by tall vegetation, which provides a sense of privacy, and they even smell new - in 2022, Grumeti Lodge underwent a general renovation, during which the classic tents were replaced with more durable, modern structures. All of them have a bathroom, where you will find both a shower and a bathtub, as well as huge floor-to-ceiling windows, thanks to which you will be able to watch hippos splashing in the nearby lake, while you yourself are splashing in the bath. You can also expect a private veranda and a small swimming pool, as well as a ceiling fan and mosquito nets.

Guests can use the spacious common area, which consists of a bar, an adjacent lounge, a swimming pool and a fireplace. Dinners are served in the so-called boma, a fenced area, which also houses an interactive kitchen - if you feel like learning how to prepare one of the dishes served, just ask the chef if you can join him. There is also a gym with large windows on the premises, which means that when using the treadmill, you can imagine that you are racing through the savannah, as well as a SPA center. Of course, if you prefer to eat dinner or have a massage in the privacy of your own apartment, just let the staff know. And when you have enjoyed the luxury surrounding you, it is time to pack into a worn-out jeep and set off on a safari!

Luxury Safari and Holidays in Zanzibar

Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar
Private safaris with predatory lionesses, migrating wildebeests, majestic giraffes and friendly hippos, the Big Five of Africa in Ngorongoro, the vastness of the Serengeti savannah, the peaceful Tarangire and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar – are you ready for an exciting, luxurious holiday in Tanzania? The safari excitement will be complemented by accommodation in exclusive African-style lodges, and then you will move to the Spice Island, a mosaic of four cultures mixed together like the ubiquitous scents of cardamom and vanilla. Wild Africa and luxurious holidays in Zanzibar? We invite you!

When to go on safari to Tanzania?

The best time to go on a safari in Tanzania is during the dry season, which is from June to October. During this time, the weather conditions are best for wildlife viewing as there is less rain and animals gather around water sources. However, it is worth remembering that during the dry season, temperatures in Tanzania can be very high, especially during the day, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and stay hydrated. Another good time to go on a safari is during the wet season, which is from March to May, when the landscapes are greener and many animals are giving birth. However, it can be harder to see some species of animals during this time as they migrate to other areas in search of food and water.

When can you see the Great African Migration?