Where to stay

5 Types of Tanzania Safari Accommodations: Where to Stay?

While the highlight of any safari is undoubtedly the wildlife, selecting the right accommodation plays a crucial role in shaping a truly memorable adventure.

When choosing where to stay each night during your safari, we encourage you to consider the following factors:

(A) Budget:
Safari accommodations in Tanzania can vary greatly in cost—from as low as USD 80 per person per night to over USD 1,500 (excluding park and vehicle fees). We recommend establishing a general budget range for your entire trip. Once you’ve outlined your preferred itinerary based on your interests, travel dates, and trip duration, you can then choose accommodations that align with your budget and desired level of comfort.

(B) Location:
When given the option, we suggest prioritizing location over style or amenities. Lodges and camps situated in ideal locations within or near the parks allow you to spend more time viewing wildlife and less time commuting.

(C) Type of Accommodation:
Tanzania offers a diverse range of lodging options—from budget campsites and mid-range lodges to luxurious tented camps and upscale lodges. Each style offers a different experience, and the best fit depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel goals.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various types of safari accommodations available in Tanzania, the benefits of each, and what you can expect—helping you make informed decisions as you plan your ultimate safari experience.

City Hotels/Lodges

At Gracias Safaris, we provide a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge with breathtaking views, a comfortable mid-range camp, or a budget-friendly campsite close to nature, we’ve got you covered. All our selected lodges and camps offer clean, safe, and welcoming environments, ideally located near the national parks to ensure easy access to your safari activities. From relaxing in comfort to sleeping under the stars, we ensure every stay is part of your unforgettable safari experience.

Lodges

Safari Lodges are large, solid structures usually made of concrete, that are located inside or outside the national parks. They can contain elements like stone, thatch, wood, etc. that really mingle with the natural surroundings. Safari Lodges usually have multiple quarters spread out across a huge area with a main common building somewhere in between. This common area will have a reception, lounge, restaurant, bar, and sometimes gym, spa services and shops. Many of these lodges also have a swimming pool in the main block where you can relax after a game drive.

Tented Lodges

Tented lodges attempt to combine the best of both worlds, by providing you with most of the comforts of lodges while still bringing you closer to nature with their canvas walls. These lodges have wooden (or sometimes concrete) floors that are raised on stilts with thatched roof while the walls are made of canvas with huge net windows in them. These are permanent structures and most tented lodges have swimming pools.

Tented Camps

Tented camps (- Not to be confused with basic camps -) are by far the most popular kind of accommodation available inside national parks. These are very comfortable walk-in tents, that are made fully out of canvas and are of the size of an average hotel room (or sometimes even larger) with private ensuite bathrooms using bucket or running showers, long-drop or even flush toilets, solid beds with thick mattresses. You will also have chairs and a table so that you can sit outside your tent if you wish to. Some tented camps - those located in Central Serengeti, Tarangire usually are permanent and remain at same location throughout the year.

Budget or Basic Camping

Basic Camping is mostly for tourists who wish to have an adventurous safari and are on a budget. It typically involves setting up a tent in the campsite and sleeping in a sleeping bag on a foam mattress laid on ground. Toilet/shower facilities are shared. You will be assigned camping gear, cook in addition to the usual vehicle and guide you get on all safaris. Your camping gear includes tent, sleeping bag, foam mattress, pillow, foldable chairs and a table. As the amenities are limited, guests should be prepared to rough it a bit. Camp sites are usually located inside the park but at some locations (at Manyara for example) campsites outside the park are more commonly used.

Where to stay

5 Types of Tanzania Safari Accommodations: Where to Stay?

City Hotels/Lodges

Lodges

Tented Lodges

Tented Camps

Budget or Basic Camping

Our Safari Reviews

Why choose us?

We Know Because We Go

We Are With You All The Way

You Are In Expert Hands

ABOUT US

QUICK LINKS

CONTACT US

ABOUT US

QUICK LINKS

CONTACT US