Away to Africa Safaris

Tanzania Accommodations

A safari to Tanzania does not mean sacrificing comfort.

Lodges (which are really just small hotels) and deluxe tented camps are certainly available. But if the thought of luxury is not your ideal notion of being on safari, we offer “adventure camping” in Tanzania – all you need is your sleeping bag and a sense of humor/adventure!

Virtually every national park and game reserve offers a wide array of accommodations. Lodges, permanent tented camps, seasonal tented camps, pitch your own tents – you name it; the type of accommodation can be found in Tanzania.

We have highlighted a sample of accommodation choices. These are by no means the only ones available in the noted areas, but are representative of the kinds of accommodations that exist in Tanzania.

A-Way-To Africa Safaris is not in the business of selling rooms, but rather chooses accommodations by the following criteria:

  • proximity to wildlife
  • clients preference for range of comfort
  • quality of accommodations
  • quality of staff
  • quality of food
  • commitment to the preservation of wildlife
  • hiring of local people to help benefit the community
  • travel budget

Adventure and semi-luxury mobile tent camping, in specified campsites throughout Tanzania. For those who enjoy the unpredictable wilderness and a sense of adventure!

The African Tulip, Arusha. The Tulip, as we affectionately call it, has 30 standard or deluxe rooms, all individually furnished with ensuite facilities. Restaurant, pool with bar, and business centre on the premises. Within walking distance of shops and change bureaus.

Babu’s Camp, Mkomazi National Park. What can we saw about this camp? One word: excellent! Comfortable tents, including in-room charging stations. Exquisite food. Set menu, but meals can be tailored to preferences. Stunning location, within easy driving distance from rhino sanctuary and wild dog research project. Solar & generator power. One of the few camps we have been to that readily uses screens around the dining room so guests have an insect free dining experience.

Chapwani Island, Zanzibar. A 20 minute boat ride from Stonetown, Chapwani is a 16-acre private island. Rustic but comfortable rooms, with ceiling fan, screened windows and ensuite facilities. Only 10 rooms, with maximum of 20 guests. Dinner is set menu, with emphasis on fresh catch of the day. Kayaking and snorkeling equipment available for use.

Exclusive Mobile Camp, Serengeti. Seasonal mobile camp which takes advantage of peak game-viewing locations. Ensuite facilities. Set menu. Name of camp changes depending on location: Ndutu Under Canvas, Moru Under Canvas or Bologonya Under Canvas.

Four Seasons, Serengeti. Formerly known as Bilila Lodge, the Four Seasons manages to take “lodge” accommodations to an entirely new level. Shower, bathtub, walk-in closet, TV and air-conditioning in each room. The pool is directly above a watering hole, which is frequented by elephants and numerous other wildlife. Ensuite facilities. Set menu.

Kambi Ya Tembo, wildlife management area near north face of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Adjacent to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, Kambi Ya Tembo does have game-viewing, but it offers so much more. Guided walks, day trips to nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro and community visits are a highlight. Tents are simple but comfortable, open-air dining with a set menu. (Meals can be tailored to preferences.) Solar power with back-up generator.

Klein’s Camp, private concession just outside the northern corridor of Serengeti National Park. Ten cottages with ensuite facilities. Swimming pool and night game drives offered. Private butler service. Drinks and laundry included. Set menu.

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti. Worth the stay just to watch the sunrise above the park or scan the savannah from your outdoor shower. Luxury camp located in central corridor. Set menu. Pool area is ideal to relax & decompress.

La Gemma Dell’Est, Nungwi, Zanzibar.  Family friendly property, exquisitely located in Nungwi – so dramatic tidal impact not as severe as other island locations. Extensive choice of options for every meal, over-water bar and restaurant. Also a main dining pavilion. Rooms have AC. Child care programs/activities available. All inclusive (soft drinks/local beer/house wine.) 

Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge, Ndutu. One of the few, permanent properties in the area. Rooms have ceiling fans and mini-fridge. Lovely pool area overlooks a portion of Lake Ndutu. Set menu. Near the main lounge/dining area, it is worth venturing to the look-out deck. 

Lemala Ndutu Camp, southern Serengeti. Seasonal tented camp in prime game-viewing location for December – March travel.  Ensuite facilities with flush toilet and traditional bucket shower. Set menu. 

Maramboi Tented Lodge, located on a game reserve between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks. Ideal location for those who want to relax in the bush and don’t have a “must see” check list. Guided walks available. Zebra, wildebeest, wart hog … all visible from the infinity pool. Lovely oasis. Set menu with beverages (soft drinks/local beer/house wine) included.

Migration Camp, northern corridor of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Luxury permanent tented camp among kopjes, with some overlooking the Grumeti River. Tents are surrounded by a 360-degree verandah. Ensuite facilities. Swimming pool. Set menu.

Mbuzi Mawe Camp, located north of Seronera in Serengeti National Park. Luxury permanent tented camp built around kopjes. Each tent has ensuite facilities. Meals are a choice of menu items.

Ndutu Safari Lodge, Ndutu (between Serengeti and Ngorongoro.) Comfortable and casual lodge in prime location for seasonal migratory game-viewing. Individual and attached cottages, all with ensuite facilities. Buffet dinners catering to a wide array of tastes.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, on the southwestern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. Stone and thatch construction with en suite facilities. Chandelier-lit bathroom and personal butler service. Set menu for dinner.

Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, outside Arusha. Lodge rooms and chalet’s available, several restaurants, internet cafe and more on the premises. Nestled between Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto is within a coffee plantation.

The Retreat at Ngorongoro,Set on 30 acres, the Retreat has 21 ensuite cottages. Can be used as a base for visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro or Lake Eyasi, but is an ideal property for proper “rest and relaxation.” Overlooking Ngorongoro Forest (not to be confused with Ngorongoro Crater), the Retreat is known for its stunning gardens, man-made lake, amphitheater, walking trails and even a jogging trail. Seasonal fruits and vegetables from its orchard and garden give a whole new meaning to the “from farm to table” mantra. Wide ranging menu.

Riu Palace, Nungwi, Zanzibar. Adult only, so expect a bit of a “party” atmosphere. Stairs to/from beach. Extensive food choice options, all inclusive (soft drinks/local beer/house wine.) Rooms have AC.

Sand Rivers Camp, southern Tanzania, in the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa. Stone and thatch luxury cottages. Pool area. En suite facilities. Guided walks, boat safaris and other non-game drive activities are available. Set menu for dinner.

Sayari Camp, northern Serengeti. In close proximity to the Mara River, Sayari Camp has 15 chalet’s. Stunning pool, exquisite lounge/bar areas. Beverages and laundry included. Set menu.

Shooting Star Lodge, Zanzibar. Family-oriented property in excellent location, within easy beach walking distance of other properties.  Simple accommodations with ensuite facilities, rooms have air-conditioning. Kind of place you can walk up to the bar with sand on your feet and no one will give you a second look. 

Swala Camp, Tarangire, Located in a remote area of the park, Swala Camp has 12 luxuriously appointed “tents,” each with a personal attendant. The main portion of the camp (including a lounge, infinity pool, library and main dining area) is well placed among tall acacia trees. The pool overlooks a watering hole, which regularly attracts local wildlife. Night game drives and guided walks are available. Set menu.

Tarangire Treetops, private reserve bordering Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. Not all tents are built off the ground, some are wheelchair accessible. Total of 20 tents, each with ensuite facilities including a dual-control, double shower. Swimming pool and night game drives offered. Set menu.

Tingitana Wilderness Camps (seasonal/mobile), northern circuit Tanzania. Budget friendly with excellent staff. Large family tents available, which makes these camps unique. Operate in several parks/conservation areas depending on season. Set menu.