Best 5 Safari Lodges in Tanzania

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 going on a Tanzania safari 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 the most luxurious safari lodges in the country, so you can explore the African wilderness in style.

Serengeti National Park

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. Sasakwa 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
• Butler service
• Children’s Programme and babysitting service
• Visit one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
• Tennis court

Mwiba Lodge: 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 bush land. It’s not only the appearance of the 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.

Highlights:

• 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

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 instill a sense of peace in guests that only nature can provide. From the neutral color 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
• Hot-air ballooning
• Overlooks the wildlife-frequented Grumeti River
• Visit one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
• Biking and archery range

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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. 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 emphasizes authentic Africa. Punctuated with refined baroque châteaux elements, like sparkling chandeliers and Persian carpets (you even get personal use of Swarovski Optik binoculars and a private butler during your visit), Ngorongoro is sure to be a comfortable stay.

Highlights:

• Awe-inspiring views of the Ngorongoro Crater
• Dine on the crater floor
• Access to the Cradle of Humankind at Olduvai Gorge
• Private butler

The Highlands

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 canopies 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.

Highlights:

• Unique suite architecture
• Stunning views of Ngorongoro region from your room
• Exclusive activities like hiking in Olmiti and Empakaai Crater
• Secluded location

Lake Manyara National Park

Chem: The African wilderness and lush lifestyle go hand-in-hand at the lavish 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 the 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 that ensures you will want for nothing. Not to mention, the lodge is owner-run and owner-operated, ensuring personal attention and a hands-on service.

Highlights:

• Hot-air balloon rides
• Easy access to Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks
• Set in a private concession, ensuring total privacy and exclusivity

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 tree house built in a backyard – if the backyard was the dense African woodlands teeming with wildlife. The tree house 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:

• Scenic guided bike rides through Lake Manyara
• Spot the famous tree-climbing lions
• Exclusive location in Lake Manyara National Park

Ruaha National Park

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. Jabali’s close proximity to the game-rich Mwagusi River is a near guarantee for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and giraffe and impala sightings. The lodge itself connects guests with nature, welcoming in its surrounding 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.

Highlights:

• Exceptional game viewing in an uncrowned national park
• Sophisticated & stylish family accommodation
• Night drives & walking safaris
• Private guiding & dedicated private team
• Remote location guarantees privacy & exclusivity

Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve),

Sand Rivers Selous: High among the rocky riverine thicket overlooking the tranquil waters of the Rufiji River lays Sand Rivers Selous. Stone walls topped with wooden beams and thatched roofs are a subtle nod to the lodge’s remote setting. While interior décor and design elements to sooth guests from the minute they step into the room. From the crisp white walls and soft, neutral tones of the bed linen to the open-fronted layout of the room, Sand Rivers welcomes the calming effects of nature in to its every corner.

Highlights:

• In-suite panoramic river views
• Boat excursions
• Fly camping
• Animal tracking
• Access to private guide & vehicle

Zanzibar,

Kilindi: Nothing screams indulgent getaway like a beach holiday. Offering barefoot luxury, Kilindi is the perfect haven to rest after an adventurous African safari. Soft, white sand, dreamy sunsets over the clear, blue water and glistening views of the endless horizon await you on Zanzibar’s shore. After a day of frolicking on the pristine beach, retire to your domed luxury suite with its open, ‘back-to-nature’ ambiance and design. Watch the Indian Ocean from your comfortable bed as a gentle sea breeze drifts though your room before taking a dip in your private plunge pool. It’s fitting that Kilindi was originally designed for ABBA member Benny Andersson, as you feel as if you’ve been transported to the set of ‘Mamma Mia!’ on arrival.

Highlights:

• Unique architectural style
• Personal butlers
• Spectacular views of the Indian Ocean
• Boat excursions, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling