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The magical land of Tanzania is a safari paradise. The East African country is home to some of the continent’s most beloved safari wonders – the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and the Great Wildebeest Migration are just a few of these. Whether you’re visiting Tanzania to watch nature’s greatest show or to trek along the world’s largest caldera, you’ll need a place to stay. We’ve got you covered with our top picks of Tanzania’s luxury safari lodges, so you can explore the African wilderness in style:
Serengeti National Park:
1. Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita’s Sasakwa Lodge emanates old-world sophistication and luxury with its Edwardian architecture and timeless décor. Persian carpets laid on polished parquet floors complement a wood-burning fireplace and four-poster bed, while silver candelabras and vintage collectables stand alongside local artefacts and tribal cushions. This luxury Tanzania safari lodge transports guests back in time to the 1800s and the indulgent lifestyle of yesteryear without forgoing any of the present-day comforts they’ve grown accustomed to.
Highlights:
- On the Great Migration route
- Reliable year-round Big 5 sightings
- Butler service
- Children’s programme and babysitting service
- Tennis court, gym, spa, jacuzzi & archery
Best for…
Multi-generational family holidays
2. Mwiba Lodge
One of the most spectacular lodges in Tanzania, Mwiba Lodge resembles an ancient lost city, overlooking the Argugsinya River from a rocky outcrop between ancient coral and acacia trees. But the resemblance doesn’t stop there. The lodge exudes an air of grandeur that makes it difficult not to feel like royalty when stepping into the ultra-luxurious lodge. Seamlessly blending top-tier contemporary design with traditional African elements, Mwiba’s architecture and décor will have you forgetting you’re in the middle of the Serengeti bushland. It’s not only the appearance of this luxury lodge that’s awe-inspiring but also the service. Guest satisfaction is top priority, with the added assurance of a private safari vehicle and expert guide per booking.
The cherry on top of your stay at Mwiba is the Positive Impact you’ll leave behind. A portion of proceeds made from bookings are reinvested back into projects that support local indigenous cultures, communities, government, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Highlights:
- Part of our Trips With A Purpose collection of properties
- Elevated location for excellent views of the Serengeti
- Luxury hideaway offering privacy and exclusivity
- Private safari vehicle and guide per booking
- Authentic cultural experiences with the local tribes
- Children’s safaris & junior ranger club available
- Swimming pool & hot tub
- Off-road game drives, bush walks, night drives, fly-camping & helicopter flights
Best for…
A romantic getaway or family vacation.
3. Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Let the tranquil energy that Faru Faru exudes wash over you. With its perfect mix of stone and canvas, every inch of the camp is designed to instil a sense of peace in guests that only nature can provide. From the neutral colour palette that calms the mind to the airy, open layout that invites the wilderness into every corner of your suite, you won’t be able to leave Faru Faru without feeling refreshed and renewed. The serene atmosphere of the camp is coupled with incomparable views of the glistening Grumeti River, as well as a host of leisure activities like archery, hot-air ballooning, and biking.
Highlights:
- Located in the private Grumeti Game Reserve
- See the Great Wildebeest Migration (in season)
- Hot-air ballooning
- Overlooks the wildlife frequented Grumeti River
- Hot-air balloon rides, biking, 2 swimming pools, croquet & archery range
Best for…
Family holidays.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
4. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Nestled on the rim of the world’s biggest volcano caldera, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge provides unmatched sweeping views of the encircled grassland – making it one of the best lodges in the region. The crater floor is home to populations of black rhino, zebra, elephant, buffalo, cheetah and other large mammals. Based on the structural style of a traditional Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta (homestead), the architecture of each suite emphasises authentic Africa. Punctuated with refined baroque châteaux elements, like sparkling chandeliers and Persian carpets, Ngorongoro is sure to be a comfortable stay.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater
- Dine on the crater floor
- Excellent Big 5 game viewing year-round
- Access to the Cradle of Humankind at Olduvai Gorge
- Personal use of Swarovski Optik binoculars
- Private butler
Best for…
The discerning traveller
5. The Highlands
Arguably one of the most visually captivating lodges in Tanzania, The Highlands is an architectural marvel, screaming contemporary opulence from its perch above the Olmoti crater. Taking inspiration from traditional Maasai bomas (homestead), each domed, igloo-shaped suite sits high between the canopy of surrounding trees, with floor-to-ceiling bay windows providing 180-degree views of the dramatic landscape. The Highlands’ prime locale sees activities that are exclusive to the area, such as an Olmoti nature walk, Empakaai Crater hike and Ngorongoro Crater descent.
More than just being one of the most luxury Tanzania safari lodges, The Highlands also contributes to empowering local communities and conserving the wildlife and nature that surrounds it. A US$ 5 levy is included in every booking, which is then invested into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable. With the help of its guests, The Highlands is turning these areas into viable conservation economies.
Highlands:
- Part of our Trips With A Purpose collection of properties
- Exciting game viewing opportunities on the crater floor
- Unique suite architecture
- Stunning views of Ngorongoro region from your room
- Exclusive activities like hiking in Olmiti and Empakaai Crater
- Secluded location
Best for…
A romantic getaway or honeymoon.
Tarangire & Lake Manyara National Parks:
6. Chem Chem Lodge
The African wilderness and lush lifestyle go hand-in-hand at the lavish Chem Chem Lodge. There aren’t many places in the world where guests wake up to zebra grazing on the lawn right outside their suite. Or where giraffes stroll by nonchalantly as you take a dip in the swimming pool.
Set on the eastern edge of Lake Manyara, blissful views of African sunsets and raw, untamed nature are offset by the exclusivity and opulence of the lodge. Natural textures of thatch, lava rock, canvas and wood come together to emphasise your surroundings, while modern creature comforts ensure you want for nothing. Not to mention, the lodge is owner-run and owner-operated, ensuring personal attention and hands-on service.
A stay at the lodge also contributes to the Chem Chem Association – a non-profit that secures and protects the Kwakuchinja corridor, an important ancient migratory route connecting Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Highlights:
- Part of our Trips With A Purpose collection of properties
- Enjoy flexibility with private guides & vehicles
- Hot-air balloon rides, visits to local villages & walks with Maasai warriors
- Wide range of kids activities, like Maasai spear-throwing & playing soccer at a community school
- Easy access to Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks
- Set in a private concession, ensuring total privacy and exclusivity
Best for…
Safari-lovers and family vacations.
7. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Connect with your inner child at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Ensconced in the boughs of Lake Manyara National Park’s ancient forest, the lodge resembles a treehouse built in a backyard – if the backyard was the dense African woodlands teeming with wildlife. The treehouse in this case is a little different too. The grandiose stilted suite, crafted from timber and makuti palm fronds, offers panoramic views of the surrounding canopy and houses the finest décor.
Highlights:
- Stylish, spacious tree-house suites
- Scenic guided bike rides through Lake Manyara
- Spot the famous tree-climbing lions
- Incredible game viewing & birding
- Delectable goods from the interactive kitchen
- Exclusive location in Lake Manyara National Park
Best for…
Honeymoons and romantic getaways.
Ruaha National Park:
8. Jabali Private House
Built around three majestic baobas in the wild, untamed Ruaha National Park, Jabali Private House is a sophisticated retreat from which you can explore this diverse landscape. The lodge’s remote location offers an air of privacy and exclusivity that will have you feeling as though you have the entire wilderness to yourself. If you’re looking to escape into your own little bubble for a while, then this is the best lodge in Tanzania to do so.
Jabali’s close proximity to the game-rich Mwagusi River is a near guarantee for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe and impala sightings. The lodge itself connects guests with nature, welcoming in its surroundings rather than shutting them out. From the open-front style of the room to the precise positioning of the desk and bed, every single spot in the suite is a viewpoint that overlooks all that Ruaha has to offer.
On top of an incredible safari experience in one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, a portion of your booking at Jabali will be reinvested into conservation and local community initiatives that support and protect the people and communities that call East Africa home.
Highlights:
- Part of our Trips With A Purpose collection of properties
- Exclusive-use luxury safari home
- Exceptional game viewing in an uncrowded national park
- Sophisticated & stylish family accommodation
- Night drives & walking safaris
- Private guiding & dedicated private team
- Remote location guarantees privacy & exclusivity
Best for…
Family getaways
Nyerere National Park:
9. Kiba Point
Explore one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems – Nyerere National Park – from the comfort of Kiba Point, an exclusive-use luxury lodge set on the banks of the Rufiji River. Stay in spacious stone and thatched cottages, boasting breathtaking views of the river, while the raised deck offers the ultimate relaxation with an additional outdoor shower and private plunge pool.
Not only does your accommodation provide complete exclusivity, but so will the national park. Being one of Tanzania’s lesser-known wildlife destinations, Nyerere is ideal for the traveller seeking a safari experience in absolute privacy. Explore the region on game drives, bush walks, and boating safaris.
Highlights:
- Exclusive-use luxury property set on the banks of a mile-wide river
- Nature walks, boating, fishing, game drives & hot springs
- Optional fly-camping for those on the more adventurous side
- Swimming pool, private chef, and private guides & vehicle
Best for…
Families with older children or groups of friends seeking privacy
Arusha National Park:
10. Arusha Coffee Lodge
Although stays at Arusha Coffee Lodge are usually short, there’s much on offer at this luxury lodge. Founded on Tanzania’s largest working coffee plantation, this stunning property retains its atmosphere of grandeur and elegance from the days of yesteryear. Picturesque views of towering Mount Meru provide the perfect backdrop as you take advantage of the lodge’s many amenities and creature comforts. And, of course, look forward to the freshest cup of coffee you will ever have.
Highlights:
- Ideal overnight stay before or after a Tanzania safari
- Spectacular views of Mount Meru & emerald-green plantations
- Game drives in Arusha National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
- Day trips into the town of Arusha
- Picnics, swimming pool, fine dining, coffee shop & patisserie, and spa treatments
Best for…
A short, tranquil stay before or after a safari in Tanzania’s wildlife destinations
Special Mention: Zanzibar
Mnemba Island Lodge
After a week on safari, nothing beats a beachside getaway on a private island in Zanzibar. Enjoy the contrasting colours of the Indian Ocean, the fine powder sand of the beach, and the stunning beauty of the coral reefs and wild bush vegetation from the comfort of a luxury lodge.
Mnemba Island Lodge immerses guests completely in barefoot luxury, from the staff’s world-class service to the ‘shipwreck chic’ architecture and décor of the suites. The lodge places a strong focus on appreciating the abundance of nature – particularly the warm waves of the ocean. Take to the water and enjoy activities like diving, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, and cruises on traditional dhows.
Highlights:
- Luxury lodge on a tropical private island off the coast of Zanzibar
- PADI dive school & 2 dive boats available
- Butler service, yoga & children’s activities
- Deep sea fishing, snorkelling, kayaking & other water-based activities
- Witness nesting turtles & hatchings (in season)
Best for…
Families & couples
Ready to Book Your Lodges in Tanzania?
Our African Safari Experts have over 25 years of first-hand experience and knowledge of travelling Tanzania. Get in touch to craft the perfect tailor-made itinerary that ticks all your boxes:
