When considering a trip to Tanzania, you’ll find various accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly for price-conscious travelers to mid-luxury for those seeking a balance between cost and comfort. For those desiring world-class amenities and experiences, high-end luxury safari lodges and camps are the pinnacle of elegance. This article outlines the best high-end luxury safari lodges and camps in Tanzania.
Characteristics of High-End Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps in Tanzania
High-end accommodations offer ultimate luxury, exclusivity, exceptional service, breathtaking locations, and world-class amenities. These lodges are usually located inside national parks in the most beautiful and exclusive areas, providing a secure environment. Some are bordering parks, within Wildlife Management Areas, private concessions, or even on private islands in Zanzibar.
Price Range
The price for most high-end luxury lodges and camps ranges from $800 to $1200 per night per person for those in the safari circuit and protected areas. For those located in towns and cities like Arusha or Nairobi, prices may range between $300 and $500 per night.
Comfort and Amenities
These accommodations come with top-of-the-line facilities, offering world-class comfort, elegance, and unparalleled views, all catered to the luxury market.
Selection Criteria
Our team conducts thorough research on each high-end luxury lodge and camp to ensure they align with our company ethos and provide the best experience for our guests. We evaluate their location, value for money, and sustainability practices to ensure they meet our code of conduct.
Location
High-end resorts and camps in Tanzania are strategically located within the country’s most iconic wildlife and natural areas. In the Serengeti, high-end luxury lodges are typically found in prime locations like the Central Serengeti, where wildlife is abundant year-round, and the Northern Serengeti, offering front-row seats to the Great Migration. The Ngorongoro Crater features exclusive lodges perched on the Crater rim, providing breathtaking views and easy access to the wildlife-rich crater floor. In the Tarangire and Selous regions, high-end camps are nestled along riverbanks or secluded areas, offering privacy and immersive nature experiences. These locations are ideal for travelers seeking luxury and unparalleled access to Tanzania’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Examples of High-End Luxury Lodges and Camps in Tanzania
To help you understand better, here is a list of high-end luxury lodges and camps we work with in Tanzania:
Arusha
Arusha, the gateway to northern Tanzania, is home to several high-end luxury lodges that offer a serene start or end to your Tanzanian safari adventure. A stay of 2-3 nights in Arusha is recommended for several reasons. Before beginning your safari, a 2-night stay can help you acclimate to the new time zone, recover from long international flights (especially if your journey exceeds 15 hours), and explore the vibrant town of Arusha. This break ensures a smooth and rested start to your safari in northern Tanzania’s renowned parks. Additionally, since most safaris end in the evening, spending a night in Arusha before your departure allows ample time to prepare for your journey home, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Lake Manyara/Karatu
Staying in the Manyara, Karatu, or Mto wa Mbu area at one of the high-end luxury lodges or camps offers a convenient and strategic base for exploring some of northern Tanzania’s most iconic destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu village, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Karatu Town. These locations allow you to explore multiple attractions without the need to frequently change accommodations, making your trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
Karatu, particularly, is known for its high-end accommodations near the Ngorongoro highlands, offering exceptional safari experiences with stunning views. Manyara and Mto wa Mbu are also home to luxurious lodges that not only provide easy access to the nearby parks but also offer opportunities to engage with the local culture and explore the surrounding villages. These areas are ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Tanzania’s natural beauty and cultural richness while enjoying the comfort and convenience of staying in one location.
Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is a prime safari destination, especially during the dry season when wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River. Due to its location, many visitors opt to stay outside the park for more affordable accommodations, leaving the park relatively quiet during the early morning and late evening hours—optimal times for wildlife viewing. However, high-end safari lodges and camps inside Tarangire offer a distinct advantage. Guests in these luxurious accommodations enjoy an exclusive safari experience, with the park’s abundant wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions, often frequenting the lodge areas. These lodges provide world-class amenities, combining the thrill of the safari with the comfort and luxury of top-tier service, making the experience both immersive and memorable.
Our Best Lodges and Camps in Tarangire
- Mpingo Ridge
- Oliver’s Camp
- Nomad Kuro Tarangire
- Swala Camp
Ngorongoro
High-end accommodations in Ngorongoro are strategically located on the crater rim and the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking views of the Crater floor and the surrounding Ngorongoro Forest. These lodges are situated in prime areas, ensuring that guests enjoy stunning views of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. They feature world-class amenities, including luxurious rooms, gourmet dining, and spa services, providing an opulent base for your safari adventure. The lodges are often characterized by exclusive, personalized service, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is tailored to enhance your experience and create unforgettable memories.
The Best Safari Camps and Lodges in Ngorongoro
- Entamanu Camp
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Osonjo Lodge
- Craters Edge
- The Highlands
Serengeti’s Best High-End Lodges
Safari Lodges in the Serengeti are often located in prime areas, either in the central, south, western, or northern Serengeti. These resorts offer exclusive access to some of Africa’s most prolific wildlife. Guests can enjoy lavish tented suites, gourmet dining, and private game drives led by expert guides. These resorts are ideal for safari enthusiasts seeking comfort and adventure, providing unparalleled opportunities to witness the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, and experience the Serengeti’s breathtaking landscapes in style.
A list of our best high-end safari lodges and camps in Serengeti
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Melia Serengeti Lodge
- Namiri Plains Camp
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Lemala Nanyukie Camp
- Singita Milele
- Singita Mara River Camp
- Lamai Camp
- Singita Sabora Camp
- Legendary Mwiba Lodge
- Mkombe House
- Lemala Kuria Hills
- One Nature Nyarusigwa Camp
- Grumeti River Lodge
- Serengeti Explorer by Elewana
Zanzibar and Pemba High-End Resorts
Zanzibar is home to many High-end resorts characterized by their luxurious amenities, stunning beachfront locations, and exquisite service. Typically found on the island’s pristine east coast, in the northern regions, or within small islands, most resorts offer private villas, infinity pools, and gourmet dining. They are perfect for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and exclusive family retreats, providing privacy and breathtaking ocean views.
With a focus on relaxation and indulgence, these resorts often include spa services, water sports, and cultural experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in both luxury and the unique Swahili culture of Zanzibar.
Some of these high end include
- Mnemba Island Lodge
- Zanzibar White Sands Villas and Spa
- Xanadu Villas and Retreat
- Zawadi Hotel
- Fundu Lagoon
- Zuri Zanzibar
- Kilindi Zanzibar
- The Manta Resort
- Qambani Luxury Beach Resort
- Tulia Zanzibar
Conclusion
Choose The Best High-End Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps in Tanzania to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience with world-class service and settings. These lodges and camps are in prime locations, offering unmatched safari and wildlife experiences with exceptional comfort and elegance.