12 best luxury lodges and Camps in Tanzania

Written by: Felix Abel, Local Expert

Tanzania is recognized as one of Africa’s key safari destinations, with game reserves and national parks as diverse as the animals that roam the plains and forests around them. Considering a safari in the iconic Serengeti or picturesque Tarangire National Park is alluring in itself, but honing in on your perfect Tanzania luxury lodge or camp is an exciting part of the planning process. With options set on open savannahs that sprawl the Serengeti or a high-end piece of heaven sitting on the edge of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, opulent options range from ultra-luxury to pure splendor.

With a wide selection of incredible lodges and camps scattered throughout the wonderful safari circuits of Tanzania, choosing one that stands out among the rest can be a challenge. Service level expectations are surpassed and settings seem surreal. Meals are created and presented in a manner fit for a Michelin Star restaurant while facilities take tranquility and intimacy to the next level. Beautiful architecture blending perfectly with the Tanzanian bush is a key feature, with sustainability and excellence naturally delivered.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater

Set perfectly on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the stone-clad Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge seemingly blends in with the natural beauty around it. A large and inviting central area is warmed by a crackling fire which is kept constantly lit, while the stone and timber theme runs throughout the restaurants, lounge, and bar.

All rooms wrap around the property and around the crater rim, all offering a balcony that commands uninterrupted views over the breathtaking volcanic crater. Understated luxury and tranquility are the themes of this wonderful property.

Best For: Location on the rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Oldeani Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater

A classic lodge that offers elegance and style while located in a most ideal setting close to one of Tanzania’s key sites, the Ngorongoro Crater. The Lodge has a Colonial feel and sits upon a hill commanding gorgeous views that span far into the distance to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. Beautiful gardens invite a myriad of birds while the 50 deluxe rooms and suites have a private deck and an indoor and outdoor shower.

Best For: Location to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.

Ang’ata Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater

An intimate camp located within the Ngorongoro Crater Park boundaries, the Ang’ata Ngorongoro is the perfect option when it comes to privacy, subtle luxury, and location. There are eight guest tents plus a family unit comprising two tents and a communal living area.

Each tent is decorated with local Swahili colors and designs and the main area offers a warm vibe with a comfortable sitting area and friendly bar. Game drives can start earlier in the day due to the location of the property.

Best For: Location within the Ngorongoro Park boundaries.

Mbalageti Tented Lodge, Serengeti

Located in the western corridor of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Mbalageti Tented Lodge is beautifully positioned offering views over the savannahs and Mbalageti River that frame part of this famous National Park. Accommodation ranges from lodge rooms to tented chalets, all decorated in classic East African safari colors and designs. Campfires at night, bush breakfasts in the morning, and wonderful wildlife experiences await all guests.

Best For: Location along a wildlife-rich corridor in the Serengeti.

Ole Serai Luxury Lodge, Serengeti

This simply stunning Ole Serai Luxury Camp offers a luxury safari escape in the Serengeti, that comprises five-star services, subtle glamor, and an incredible wildlife-viewing experience. The camp is secluded and the layout of the land means that water is available for animals to graze year-round.

Tranquility is the vibe here with Acacia trees providing shade over the camp, while the 20 luxury guest tents are furnished with lavish decor and African-themed colors. The spacious accommodations equipped with a sitting area and a beautiful en-suite bathroom with a bathtub, toilet, and sink.

Best For: Location around a lagoon-style landscape providing constant water for animals.

Kirurumu Serengeti North (mobile), Serengeti

Mobile camping is an amazing way to witness the wildlife wonders of the Serengeti and experience the diverse wilderness of this famous park. Kirurumu Serengeti North moves with the seasonal migration of animals, leaving a limited footprint in nature and offering a classic, luxury safari complete with five-star service. With only seven exquisite tents, personal attention is guaranteed. Each tent is gorgeous and decorated with classic furniture that epitomizes luxury.

Best For: Being set up in the heart of wildlife action and animal migration throughout the year.

Osupuko Lodge, Tarangire

The Tarangire is a beautiful national park that forms part of Tanzania’s ‘Northern Circuit’, named after the river of the same name that winds through the wilderness. Osupuko Lodge offers subtle luxury accommodation enclosed in stone and cement walls, screeded floors supporting a four-poster bed covered with a mosquito net. The ambiance is peaceful and amenities bountiful. The main area serves incredible cuisine with outstanding service, while safari experiences in this region are exceptional.

Best For: Location in one of Tanzania’s prime safari parks.

Ang’ata Tarangire, Tarangire

Opening out in front to let the wilderness in, the stunning and spacious tents at Ang’ata Tarangire allow guests to feel truly submerged and one with nature. Canvas walls and ceilings blend with rich wooden floors that provide a spacious indoor seating area as a place to unwind on a private deck. The camp offers five-star service with an intimate public area housing a restaurant, a small sitting area, and a bar.

Best For: Exceptionally spacious luxury tents.

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja, Lake Manyara

The picturesque Lake Manyara glistens with welcoming waters and is colored with a splash of pink at certain times of the year when the flamingos call it home. Lake Manyara Kilimamoja lies on the edge of the Great African Rift Valley and boasts fantastic views over Lake Manyara as well as Mount Meru.

Lush gardens surround the 50 deluxe rooms and luxury villas which comprise two bedrooms. Rooms are tastefully decorated with classic African tones. The main building houses a boutique spa, a tranquil dining area, and a rim-flow pool.

Best For: Incredible views over Lake Manyara, and Mount Meru, and on a very clear day one can see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Lake Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara

The thatched-roof main area of the Lake Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge gives off a vibe of classic safari warmth and charm, the dining and sitting area a comfortable reprieve from a day exploring the wonders of the wildlife activities on offer from the Lodge. The swimming pool is inviting with thatched umbrellas dotted around it and a setting up on a deck overlooking the green bush all around.

16 luxury chalets are beautifully appointed with splashes of oranges and beiges complimenting the colors of nature outside. They are large with en-suite bathrooms fitted with a Victorian bath. Privacy and intimacy are key buzzwords at this wonderful property.

Best For: Location – within easy access to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Manyara

One of the region’s more popular accommodation options, the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers subtle luxury in a prime location. The property is set against the towering Mto wa Mbu escarpment. The setting near Lake Manyara offers a tranquil stay with beautiful rooms decorated in bright, Swahili-inspired colors, all en-suite and with a small balcony. The main area has a lovely swimming pool and dining and sitting areas are bright and comfortable.

Best For: Great location near Lake Manyara.

Kirurumu Manyara, Lake Manyara

27 spacious tents, all decorated with luxury touches and splendid decor can be found at the Kirurumu Manyara, an ‘under-canvas’ experience that truly stands out. With a setting high up on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands make this the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

Guests sleep in style and dine in delightful settings when staying at Kirurumu Manyara, with captivating views of nearby wildlife and sites such as the wonderful Oldevai Gorge in the distance, making each day special.

Best For: High-up location commanding outstanding views.