A selection of recommended Tanzania Safari Lodges in popular Tanzania safari destinations.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is situated on the Burka Coffee estate, a working coffee plantation. The Lodge has 30 Plantation Houses, that consist of suites and rooms, each with en-suite facilities.
The rooms have a log fireplaces, private lounges and large balconies overlooking the beautiful garden, with coffee roasters, and a fermentation plant on the estate, guests have the opportunity to observe the roasting process, taste coffee blends, and purchase fresh roasted beans. Faciliities include, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities and electronic safe.
The Suites are equipped with a mini bar, in room Wifi and room service is available including a private outside terrace with log fire.
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Gibbs Farm
Situated on a coffee farm, five km from the town of Karatu and midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibbs Farm is an old and homely colonial homestead that was once the heart of the surrounding coffee plantations.
While coffee is still grown, processed and roasted on the farm, a vast ten-acre fruit and organic vegetable garden provide nearly all the fruit and vegetables served, for the great satisfaction of the guests, who wake up to fresh coffee, a multitude of flowers and breathtaking views.
The twin rooms with en suite bathrooms and outdoor showers are set among the gardens while the main facilities consisting of a sitting room, dining room and shop are situated in the old farmhouse. Gibbs Farm is an idyllic farmhouse with good home-cooked meals, which provides an unusual stop on any safari. Day visits can be arranged for a small fee and include a gentle walk or tour of the plantation, followed by lunch.
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Kirawira Serena Camp
Kirawira is situated on a hilltop that overlooks the vast plains of the Western Serengeti. The building style and furniture have been brought from the Victorian era and the open-sided architecture of public areas keep the guests constantly in touch with nature. The dining room, lounge and bar area is situated in a large tent with raised wood flooring
Accommodation comprises tents that all have a sweeping view of the Serengeti plains, an en suite bathroom with shower only facilities, and a private balcony. The tents are also equipped with free Wifi, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, fan, room service available including a private balcony with breathtaking views.
Daily game drives are done on the vast grasslands of the Serengeti where a variety of animals roam, including the big five. Guests visiting Kirawira may even be treated to one of the biggest wildlife spectacles on earth, the annual great migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
The lodge has built its own game viewing blinds on the banks of the Grumeti River, from which guests can view the great Grumeti crocodiles and other games that may visit the river for a drink. The lodge also offers walking safaris, bush dining and sundowners. Fishing trips to Lake Victoria can be arranged at an extra charge.
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Kleins Camp
Tanzania is synonymous with the Serengeti National Park and its famed wildebeest and zebra migration. On the northeastern border of this National Park is a 10 000 hectare private concession, land that, historically, was given to a park warden by the Maasai as thanks for his dedication. Within this concession, perched on the edge of the Kuka Hills, affording breath-taking views, is Klein's Camp.
Ten intimate cottages of local rock and thatch each have en-suite shower, twin hand basins and w.c. and a private terrace overlooking the valley below. Klein's Camp rooms have rich wooden floors and the light coloured fabrics make the interiors cool and serene.
The dining room boasts a large open fireplace and a short walk from there is the large bar / lounge area, which has a central fireplace and is beautifully furnished. Both these areas have a sweeping view of the valley and its surrounding hills. A swimming pool with leisure deck is tucked into the hillside. A curio shop stocked with locally made Maasai craft can be found near the Reception area.
Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open game viewing vehicles with Maasai trackers. The afternoon game drives, which continue after sunset with the aid of a spotlight, give the opportunity of meeting up with nocturnal predators. Afternoon guided walks along the quartzite hills allow one to marvel at the scenery whilst sipping sundowners at the crest of the hill before returning to the comforts of the camp.
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Sanctuary Kusini Lodge
Situated on a rock outcrop (Kopje) in the Serengeti National Park, Kusini is a permanent tented camp, created specifically to have only minimal impact on the delicate environment. Each of Kusini's twelve tents features private showers and terraces overlooking the plains. Guests gather for meals in the dining tent, which includes an intimate library, lounge and verandah.
Activities include intimate walking excursions and exclusive game drives. Kusini is located in the path of the annual wildebeest migration, and together with your local guide you can be guaranteed a true African safari experience. Additional activities, at no extra cost, include sundowner cocktails among the kopje boulders or even a picturesque bush breakfast.
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Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Set in the heart of a mahogany forest, the Lodge takes the place of Maji Moto Tented Camp in Tanzania's unique Lake Manyara National Park. The Park nestles at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and is noted for its incredible beauty.
Surprisingly varied vegetation sustains a wealth of wildlife. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge accommodation comprises 9 stilted tree houses, cradled in the boughs of Mahogany trees, with an outdoor shower, bath, and double basins.
Guest areas are intimate and cosy, and overlook a forest boma, and interactive kitchen. The lakeshore Sala is a unique setting for dinners, picnics, and sundowners. The craft shop features community work.
Activities include interpretive guided nature walks in the forest, along a perennial river down to the lakeshore - escorted by Maasai askaris, forest birding walks (the area has upwards of 400 species), and game drives.
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Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge is located at the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment and overlooks the Great Rift Valley and the wide expanse of the Manyara soda lake. The areas abundant birdlife inspired the design of Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - swooping curves are complemented by soft, geometric patterns and striking murals depict bird migration patterns.
The circular shape of the buildings is a tribute to the indigenous architectural traditions. Each of the spacious rooms has an en suite bathroom with shower only facilities and a private verandah with a spectacular view of Lake Manyara.
The lodge's main area includes a dining room with indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, lounge, curio shop and a small meeting room. An outdoor swimming pool is available for guests to relax after a day on safari. The lodge has four Land cruisers that descend into the Lake Manyara reserve at three scheduled times daily.
The lodge also offers guided bird walks daily; these are complementary and lead by the resident naturalist. Ach evening after dinner, guests may choose to have their coffee or drinks around the 'campfire' where frequently there are musings to entertain them.
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Serengeti Migration Camp
This luxury tented camp is situated in the Northern Serengeti, overlooking the Grumeti River and the migratory route of the Serengeti wildebeest. All of the tents with en suite shower and w/c are positioned on raised platforms, with sweeping views of the Grumeti River from their private balconies. The intimate honeymoon tent has an open-air spa bath and is nestled privately behind a wild fig tree.
The central dining area, bar and library are all positioned atop a series of cantilevered decks, maximising the views of the game plains below. The freshwater swimming pool is the perfect place for a refreshing swim after a day's safari, and the surrounding sun deck is wonderful for afternoon Serengeti sundowners. The legendary bush cuisine combines an amazing variety of local tastes, with alfresco picnic lunches or special campfire barbeques.
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Mnemba Island Lodge
The name Zanzibar conjures up heady aromas of cloves, cinnamon and other exotic spices and images of dhows with billowing sails carrying vibrant cotton cloths crossing the Indian Ocean. A 45-minute drive from Zanzibar Airport or Stone Town brings one to a deserted beach from where an open ski boat transfers one to the Mnemba Island beach, some 20 minutes northeast of Zanzibar.
The private Mnemba Island is 1.5km in circumference and is surrounded by coral reef. Ten ' Banda', built of indigenous woven palm matting with palm leaves used as thatch, have direct access onto the white sandy beaches.
The 'bandas' have adjacent facilities of hot and cold-water showers, w.c. and hand basin, ceiling fans and a spacious outdoor verandah. The guest areas are all open-sided and comprise of dining room and lounge/bar area with a small library that has books, games and magazines.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Sun loungers are placed on the beach in front of each 'Banda' from where guests can enjoy snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and scuba diving. Between December and May is turtle season when these prehistoric creatures can be seen in the water and on the beaches. Deep-sea fishing and diving courses are available at an additional cost. A walk around the island reveals a variety of sea birds whilst snorkelling amongst the coral reefs introduces one to the magnificent colourful aquatic world.
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Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
At the eastern edge of the Serengeti, and nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera of the once-volcanic Ngorongoro shelters the most beautiful wildlife haven left on earth. Perched on the edge of the ancient crater rim, the architectural masterpiece of the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a magnificent return to the noble elegance of the travelling colonials.
Inspired in design by the Masai manyatta, three separate camps remember a bygone era. The lodge is composed of separate camps with 30 suites. Each sumptuous suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler, who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and even draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your return from your safari and lavish picnic on the crater floor.
Under the soaring banana thatch roof, suede, velvet, silk and taffeta establish the decadence of the bedroom while Zanzibari carving and chandeliers (hand-made by the Maasai) float above a central stone-clad bath. All of this, however, remains subordinate to the magnificence of the verdant crater that pours through the window of every room. The three intimate camps at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge are totally private ensuring ultimate guest exclusivity.
The public areas at each of the camps have awe-inspiring views of the crater below and beyond and include a central dining area, lounge and curio shop. An outdoor dining and/or viewing deck has been suspended seemingly above the crater rim and captures the renowned breathtaking African sunsets over the crater. Each of the lounges has a wonderful selection of books and wildlife magazines.
Activities include scheduled morning or afternoon game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater in closed game viewing vehicles. Additional activities available at and an additional cost and subject to availability of vehicles include visits to Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands or a Maasai village.
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Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is built into the rim of a dormant and collapsed volcano (known as a caldera). Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact caldera, with over 20 000 animals making this their permanent home. The lodge, with its plant and ivy covered native stonewalls, blends quietly into the surroundings. There are 74 guest rooms all with en-suite showers and most have a private terrace. Due to the prevailing cool climate in the region, the lounge and dining room are set indoors, with large picture glass windows providing excellent views of the crater.
All the main areas are complimented by log fires, which enhance the atmosphere. The hotels unique design continues into the restaurant and bar, with magnificent examples of prehistoric cave paintings etched into the walls. The full service lounge has an outdoor balcony with a fixed telescope for guests' enjoyment. Activities available from the lodge include full day trips into the caldera, visits to a local Masai village or perhaps a visit to the famous Olduvai Gorge, the 'birthplace of man', all at an additional cost.
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Located on Lemala Hill on the eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is the only tourist development on the previously undisturbed eastern access road to the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact caldera and is the permanent home to over 20 000 animals. Each of the suites have splendid views of the crater and are fully carpeted and heated by oil fired central heating.
Each suite has a 'solarium' with comfortable rocking chairs and a small private lounge with a writing desk. Both the bar and dining area have large picture windows with sweeping views of the crater. A small coffee shop in the main lobby provides tea and coffee to guests from morning until evening.
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Sand Rivers Selous
Situated on the banks of the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve, Sand Rivers offers a unique combination of adventure, comfort and exclusivity. Situated in the north of the Reserve, Sand Rivers' concession area provides exclusive entry to one of the most interesting and varied eco zones of the Selous. The area contains one of the few remaining populations of Black Rhino and provides the exhilarating opportunity of tracking them on foot.
This small luxury lodge comprises eight individually designed cottages with en suite bathrooms. Each cottage has a view of the wide sand-banked river with its Hippo, Crocodile and bird life. Near the dining area a large Baobab tree shades the swimming pool. A wide range of activities are on offer including game drives in open vehicles, walking, fly-camping and boating on the Rufiji River and Lake Tagalala.
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Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Sopa Lodge is located on the eastern side of the Tarangire River in Tarangire National Park. Only an hour's easy drive from Arusha, Tarangire is one of Tanzania's most accessible game parks. Home to 3500 resident elephant and several species of wildlife, Tarangire is becoming recognised as an area of remarkable beauty with rewarding game viewing.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge suites each have an en-suite shower, w/c, bidet, hairdryer and shaver socket. Floor to ceiling sliding doors open onto a private balcony and a comfortably furnished lounge affords guests extra privacy.
From the bar and dining room, situated on opposite sides of the lobby, guests are treated to wonderful views of the National Park. An outside terrace, off the dining room, allows guests to enjoy sundowner cocktails in the evening and is the ideal venue for a private dinner.
The swimming pool is imaginatively designed and features an island bar and barbecue area. Guests will be unable to resist a cooling dip in the afternoon before their game drives. A 300 sq ft fully equipped conference facility is available for meetings and private functions. The hotel do not have a fleet of vehicles and therefore do not offer game activities in their nightly rates.
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Tarangire Tree Tops
Located in the Tarangire Conservation Area, only eight kms from Arusha, Tarangire Treetops is an innovative and original property. The giant thatched tree houses are built upon platforms amongst a cluster of Baobab, Mopani and Wild Fig Trees. Each tree house has an en suite shower and w/c together with a lounge area and private verandah. The rooms 'walls' are in fact flaps, which can be rolled up to create the feel of a true open tree house. Together with the mosquito nets over each bed and the plush duvets, you may never wish to leave the confines of your room.
The 'Baobab Bar' is built around a gracious old Baobab and guests can enjoy cocktails whilst watching the incredible Tarangire sunsets. Leading off the bar, the dining area with its thatched roof and open sides is the perfect setting for the excellent cuisine served. Due to being located outside the Tarangire National Park Treetops is able to offer activities such as foot safaris, night drives and mountain bike trails at an additional cost.
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Tanzania travel tips and frequently asked questions for guests planning a Tanzania safari holiday....