Envision standing on Africa’s highest peak, or hearing the thundering hooves of millions of wildebeest stirring up dust. Picture yourself ticking the Big Five off your bucket list or floating slowly in the air, viewing striking landscapes and wildlife. Yet, the Maasai, Hadzabe, and other ethnic groups welcome you warmly in the traditional-style bomas. There’s much to explore in this peaceful country.

Choosing the right place to stay is remarkably crucial for your safari experience. And we recommend you do that in advance. Why? Because the best lodges sell out months in advance, especially in peak season. So, to avoid rushing into a property you didn’t research for overnight, booking early can help to secure a spot in a good, fantastic accommodation of your dreams.

Hotels

These are permanent buildings, often built with concrete, for visitors to stay. Hotels are common in towns and cities like Arusha. Arrivals can stay in these properties before they proceed with their itineraries. Most hotels are luxury, usually five-star. But there are 3-star midrange hotels.

In large hotels like Serena, Kilimanjaro, and Gran Melia, you can find a conference hall, a gym, and more. They also offer full board, spacious rooms for families and individuals. Here, you’ll enjoy full board, TV, Wi-Fi, and outdoor activities like city tour, biking, hiking, and more, depending on the hotel location.

Lodges

Lodges are always permanent, concrete structures for tourist stays. They might also be in the form of tented lodges, often with a concrete platform. The architects do their best to make these structures attractive to animals. Some may have a thatched roof to blend with nature.

Most of them use solar power, with nature-friendly lights to avoid attracting animals and bugs. Lodges can be of all budgets: budget, midrange, and luxury. Budget offers authentic, close-to-nature experiences, with just basic services. Midrange extends from there and offers more relaxed stays at an affordable rate. Luxury offers comfort, luxury, and adventure altogether.

We highly recommend lodges to anyone who prefers staying in structures instead of basic camping and canvas tents. Luxury lodges also have unique experiences like private game drives, bush meals, private butler service, babysitting, and balloon safari included in their package.

Tented Camps

These camps usually have a wooden floor raised above the ground. That said, it’s easier to move them from one location to another. In the Serengeti, for example, mobile tented camps follow the wildebeest migration; hence, they change location twice a year. They offer a more intimate, close-to-nature experience.

But there are permanent tented camps in some parks. They remain stationary year-round, especially in wildlife-rich locations like the central Serengeti (Seronera). Camps offer wilderness experiences beyond lodges because they’re close to nature. The walls do not obstruct the rhythmical sounds of nature to decorate their dreams.

Tented camps usually fall into midrange and luxury categories. We highly recommend them if you’re a true nature lover looking for a closer, eco-friendly interaction with wilderness. However, if you prefer luxury and comfort, permanent lodges are better options.

Basic Camping

Campsites can be public or special. What’s the difference?

Public campsites are open to any visitor wishing to set up their tent. They have shared amenities like a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen.

Special campsites, on the other hand, are private camping grounds. The park owns them, but it leases them to tour operators or accommodations for a night. Only guests of the lessor can use the site for overnight stays. However, they are perfect for self-sufficient travelers with private toilets, etc. The accommodation will cater for its guests, or if otherwise, you’ll hire a chef.

We recommend basic camping if you want close-to-nature experiences, you’re on a tight budget, or you’re okay with sharing toilets and bathrooms.

Hostels

Some parks have hostels. These offer dormitory-style rooms for sharing with others. They’re a cheaper but more comfortable option than basic camping. However, like campsites, you’ll have to hire a chef or order food.

We recommend them to visitors on a budget safari, but okay with sharing a room. However, hostels are not available in some parks, especially those with a wide range of accommodation options. Be sure to confirm their availability before your arrival.

Airbnb’s homestays

You might not have come with this lodging option in Tanzania, but it’s available. While selecting these vacation rentals, make sure they’re close to the destination of your interest and you’re satisfied with the amenities it has to offer.

The best places to find these rentals include Arusha, Karatu, Mto wa Mbu, etc. Homestays are cheaper, usually starting at $20. For example, you can stay at the Ngorongoro Gateway Homestay in Karatu, a popular base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.

An unforgettable safari is not just about the animals you see in the Serengeti, but the level of comfort you need during the night. Whether you want a rustic experience or a high-end experience, we are here to help you. Our safari planners will do their best to match you with the accommodation of your dreams. In case you need help, we are just a call away!