You probably watched The Lion King or dream to spot the Big Five, or the Great Migration in Africa. What if I told you the Serengeti is a standalone destination where you see the Big Five and Great Migration all rolled into just one safari drive? Spanning about 5,700 square miles, this park promises year-round game viewing and countless activities in its vast, grassy plains. If you’re planning for a wildlife safari in Africa, we promise you’re going to like it.

But where there’s one thing that can make all the difference, accommodations. Your choice can make the journey memorable or miserable. We highly recommend choosing the accommodation based on your budget. Because staying in a luxury lodge, so stressed with the financial gap, is even worse. Also, staying in a budget property while you aren’t comfortable with the amenities or services isn’t good either. So, choose wisely. In this guide, we group safari accommodations in Tanzania by budget. Let’s dive in!

Budget accommodations

Want to travel without breaking the bank? Stay in budget accommodations. Here, you save money and enjoy first-hand interaction with nature. These options can take the form of public campsites, hostels, or rest houses, and budget lodges. Their rates range from $150 to $200 per person per night. Here’s what they look like:

Public campsites

Usually found near park quarters, these are camping grounds where you can set up your tents for the night. If you prefer adventure-style camping, you’ve come to the right place. They offer an authentic, back-to-nature safari experience in the wilderness. Many campsites have basic amenities like a toilet, bathroom, and a kitchen.

Pros of basic camping

• It offers an authentic, back-to-nature experience: you feel connected to nature.
• It’s eco-friendly
• It’s a good way to save money.

Cons

• Most campsites have shared amenities like toilets and bathrooms
• They’re sometimes crowded.
• They’re self-catered, making it harder for travelers with no experience.

Hostels and guesthouses.

Hostels inside parks are park-owned structures offering budget-friendly stays. You can also find hostels in towns like Arusha, Karatu, and Moshi. They offer dormitory-style rooms, giving you the chance to connect with fellow tourists. Park hostels have shared toilets, bathrooms, and a kitchen.

Guesthouses are properties near parks, offering budget-friendly stays. Often cozy and charming, these options immerse you in local life and cuisine. And from there, you can visit local villages, schools, and community projects. Guesthouses may have private or public toilets and bathrooms. We recommend guesthouses with private toilets because prices don’t vary that much.

Pros of hostels and guesthouses

• They’re budget-friendly options.
• They’re more relaxed than public campsites.
• Hostels are perfect for group safaris, for example, student tours
• Guesthouses offer cultural experiences.

Cons

• Hostels don’t offer food, though you can ask for options.
• In hostels, you’ll share a room with other visitors.
• Sometimes they’re crowded.

Budget Lodges

These are lodges offering bookings at a budget-friendly price. You can find them inside or outside of the park. Be sure to ask if the lodge offers half or full board.

Pros

• Rooms are self, no sharing.
• They’re good for travelers on a tight budget.
• Some offer meal options and free Wi-Fi

Cons

• Some are outside the park. You’ll have to drive to access the park.
• Some have shared toilets, which can make you uncomfortable.

Midrange Accommodations

These are lodges or tented camps, which offer bookings at an affordable rate, usually from $200 to $500 per person per night. Here, you have comfort and can enjoy free Wi-Fi and meal options based on your package.

Midrange lodges

If you like concrete structures, lodges are the best. They’re permanent, and may be within or outside the park. Lodges come with free Wi-Fi, half or full board, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and a swimming pool. Some offer outdoor activities like nature walks and bush meals.

Pros

• Offers a comfortable, unique experience
• Offers relaxing, budget-friendly stays

Cons

• Not for eco-conscious guests
• Can be crowded.

Tented Camps

These are canvas tents with either a wooden or concrete platform. They offer en-suite bathrooms and toilets, a swimming pool, and full board. You can find these properties within the park.

Pros

• Perfect for eco-conscious tourists
• Offers outdoor activities like nature walks
• They are so close to nature as they’re always inside the park

Cons

• Rates can be a little higher for budget travelers

Luxury Accommodations

If you want luxury and nature, all rolled into one, luxury properties are perfect. These offer luxury stays, blending adventure and luxury to create an unforgettable safari experience. However, that comes with an extra charge – these properties have higher price tags than the rest. And like midrange properties, they can be permanent lodges or tented camps, and sometimes mobile camps.

Pros

• Offer a perfect, luxury stay
• High-end services and personalized experiences
• Out-of-the-radar outdoor activities like stargazing, spa, and night drives.
• Private game drives
• Perfect for families, couples, celebrities, top officials, and anyone with a budget

Cons

• Higher prices, not ideal for budget backpackers
• Some are not eco-friendly

Mobile Camps

We usually receive inquiries about mobile camps. Let’s address it! Mobile camps are common in the Serengeti. They change location seasonally to follow the migration herd. Often, they fall into midrange and luxury categories. Examples are Ubuntu Migration Camp, Olakira Camp, Serengeti Under Canvas, and more.

Pros

• Offer first-hand experience with the Great Migration
• Are sustainable, as they always move, leaving the ground open for ecological activities

Cons

• They are subject to availability
• Most are expensive, not ideal for budget backpackers.

Final word

Choosing the right accommodation fitting your budget should not stress you. We are here to help. You just tell us your budget by filling out the booking form, then we do our best to match the best accommodation based on the budget and interest. If you need more clarification, please give us a call.