12 best budget lodges and camps in Tanzania

Written by: Felix Abel, Local Expert

Exploring the wonders of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many visitors enter the country’s safari regions planning on partaking in game drives and wilderness adventures. With so many regions, parks, and game reserves to discover – spreading out the number of available days to enjoy a safari may mean considering more moderate or budget accommodation. Tanzania is home to several fantastic budget lodges and camps, all offering an authentic safari experience with the comfort of home mixed with the splendor of local African and Swahili influences.

Subtle touches make a simple night’s sleep seem extraordinary as you settle into a canvas en-suite room. A small room in a humble lodge offers comfort and enough space to unpack and unwind after a day on safari. Location is key and no matter which reserve, park, or conservancy you choose to stay at, your Tanzania budget lodges and camps will ensure that service levels within the property spill out into the wonders of the surrounding wilderness, with outstanding game drives and wildlife opportunities available to every guest.

Bougainvillea Lodge, Ngorongoro

Home away from home in one of East Africa’s iconic safari destinations, Tanzania, the Bougainvillea Lodge Ngorongoro offers a comfortable and humble stay in an African wilderness setting. 32 cottages are scattered among the beautiful gardens, all cozy and decorated with four-poster beds covered in mosquito nets and a verandah offering tranquil views.

Best For: Location – close to Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.

Country Lodge, Karatu

Nestled between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Country Lodge offers guests a comfortable experience. Landscaped grounds add to the tranquil ambiance of the property.

The Lodge offers a lovely dining area set on a tiled verandah flanked by stone walls. All meals are made with home-grown ingredients and served by friendly staff. The accommodation is set around the swimming pool, and the 12 cottages are warmly decorated with a truly homely feel.

Best For: Close proximity to the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Kati Kati Camp, Serengeti

Scattered around the savannahs of the Serengeti plains, the Kati Kati mobile camp offers a truly submerged safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most famous safari parks. The tents are comfortable and merge well with the local wilderness, reminding one of the campsites of days gone by.

With a focus on reducing their footprint on the environment, the overall vibe is minimalistic while ensuring guests have an unforgettable safari experience. The tents are situated on the ground and have a small verandah with an en-suite bathroom with a bucket shower.

Best For: A location right in the middle of a prime game viewing region of the Serengeti.

ThornTree Camp, Serengeti

The ThornTree Camp is permanently based in the Seronera Valley. The perfect location for outstanding wildlife adventures in the Serengeti. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in one of 15 classic en-suite tented accommodations with views looking out towards Banagi Hill and other panoramic sites of the Serengeti. The main camp serves meals prepared with fresh ingredients all served in a humble dining tent that is connected to a small sitting area.

Best For: A permanent location in the Seronera Valley.

Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire

The 20 beautifully appointed tents of the Sangaiwe Tented Lodge are located on the hillside near the Sangaiwe gate of the Tarangire National Park. Views over Lake Burunge are gorgeous and the proximity to incredible wildlife in this northern circuit safari is a highlight. The tents have solid flooring and an en-suite that boasts a bath and shower. Some are raised quite high making it feel like you are staying high above the wondrous wilderness.

Best For: Beautiful setting on a hillside and location near Tarangire National Park.

Nsya Lodge, Lake Manyara

Set in a lovely, large garden with Acacia trees scattered around is the Nsya Lodge. The lodge is situated next to Lake Manyara and offers a humble stay along Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. A combination of cottages and tents are located on the property.

The five cottages are decorated along a Maasai theme while the three luxury tents have a small verandah ideal for relaxing in between safari experiences. All accommodation is en-suite. The main lodge has a small swimming pool and all meals are served in the humble dining room.

Twiga Lodge, Lake Manyara

Located near the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park, the Twiga Lodge offers humble accommodations in a warm and tranquil setting. The main area has a spacious restaurant with delicious buffets and barbeques on offer. The lounge plays host to the occasional traditional dance and offers the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. The swimming pool is set in a lush garden setting and accommodation comprises comfortable rooms set up with minimal, tasteful furniture.

Best For: Down-to-earth accommodation option in a prime safari area.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire

This classic African-style lodge is located in a landscape of grassy hills, ancient baobab trees, and a beautiful, bushy wilderness. A pristine swimming pool is set privately near the main area with wildlife often roaming the grounds. Indoor and outdoor dining areas offer great views over the surrounding grounds, with a comfortable bar and lounge open for guests’ enjoyment.

The 75 rooms of the Tarangire Sopa Lodge are decorated in creams, browns, and reds, with modern amenities and all equipped with a private verandah. Game-viewing activities are fantastic in this much-loved national park.

Best For: Unfenced so animals can roam the property at any time of the day.

Lobo Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti

Set in a remote region of the northern Serengeti against a beautiful rocky section of this famous national park, lies the Lobo Wildlife Lodge. The lodge is created of wood and stone and offers a beautiful stay that matches its surroundings.

Views over the Serengeti savannah are spectacular from the main lodge as well as the 75 rooms. Furniture throughout the lodge is classic dark wood, African-inspired with all modern facilities available to guests. The swimming pool is inviting and the restaurant, lounge, and bar are spacious.

Best For: Stunning views over the Serengeti plains.

Selous River Camp, Selous

The Selous is an extraordinary and lesser-known region of the Tanzanian safari circuit, located on the banks of the Rufiji River. Bordering the Nyerere National Park, is the Selous River Camp. The nine accommodation options are a mix of four safari tents and five round chalets made of mud with a thatch roof. The dining area, bar, and lounge overlook the river and the swimming pool offers views of hippo pods (when in season).

Best For: Wonderful views over the river and a less-crowded safari experience.

Selous Safari Lodge, Ruaha

This comfortable lodge is set in the Selous conservation area and truly blends in with nature. The six rooms are neatly decorated with modern amenities, all set out on the grounds of Selous Safari Lodge and leading to the central swimming pool by little stone paths.

There is a small, tasteful dining area and sitting area, and service levels deliver home-from-home comfort. Safaris are excellent in this area, a less-famous region than the northern circuit, therefore offering incredible game viewing with fewer crowds.

Best For: Homely vibe in a less-crowded safari region of Tanzania.

Mamera View Mountain Lodge, Ngorongoro

Connected by raised walkways, the Mamera View Mountain Lodge is set overlooking an inviting swimming pool and set in a beautiful garden setting with mountains and rolling hills surrounding the property. Its location near the Karatu village, close to the Ngorongoro Crater is ideal, with incredible safari experiences on your doorstep. There are 24 rooms all with screeded floors and large windows, all tastefully decorated with beautiful bathrooms.

Best For: Beautiful setting close to the famous Ngorongoro Crater.