About Accommodation
Services
Northern Tanzania offers a diverse range of safari accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. You'll find everything from budget-friendly campsites for the adventurous, offering basic facilities and close encounters with nature, to comfortable tented camps providing a blend of bush authenticity with ensuite bathrooms and proper beds. For those seeking more luxury, there are permanent lodges constructed from stone and wood, often boasting amenities like swimming pools and restaurants, and luxury tented lodges which elevate the camping experience with spacious tents, high-end furnishings, and exceptional service. Many accommodations are strategically located inside or near national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities. The style often incorporates local materials and designs, providing an immersive African experience.

1. Budget-Friendly Campsites
These offer the most basic and affordable way to experience the African bush. You'll typically stay in your own tent or a simple pre-erected tent provided by the tour operator.
Facilities:
- Minimal and shared amenities.
- Communal ablution blocks with basic toilets and showers (may have limited hot water or be bucket showers).
- Some might have a simple mess tent or open-air dining area.
- Cooking often done by the safari crew over a campfire or using basic equipment.
Atmosphere:
Expect a very immersive and close-to-nature experience. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the African night and might even have wildlife wandering nearby (safety precautions are always in place). It's a great option for adventurous travelers who prioritize wildlife encounters over luxurious comforts.
Locations:
Often found within or just outside the national parks, offering excellent access to game viewing areas. Examples include public campsites within the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Price:
The most economical option, ideal for travelers on a tight budget.
2. Comfortable Tented Camps
These offer a step up in comfort from basic campsites. You'll stay in spacious canvas tents that are typically permanent or semi-permanent structures.
Facilities:
- Tents usually feature proper beds with mattresses, linens, and mosquito nets.
- Many include ensuite bathroom facilities with a toilet, sink, and shower (often with hot water).
- Usually a separate dining tent or area, and meals are prepared by camp chefs.
- Some camps might have a lounge area or a small bar.
Atmosphere:
Provides a good balance between experiencing the wilderness and having comfortable amenities. You still feel connected to nature but with added privacy and convenience.
Locations:
Commonly found within or on the borders of national parks, offering excellent access to wildlife. They can be more remote than lodges, enhancing the feeling of being in the bush.
Price:
Mid-range, offering good value for money.


3. Permanent Lodges
These are more like traditional hotels built with permanent materials such as stone, wood, and thatch. They offer a solid and stable structure.
Facilities:
- Well-appointed rooms or bungalows with ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and often amenities like air conditioning or fans.
- Usually have multiple facilities on-site, such as restaurants, bars, lounges, swimming pools, and sometimes even spas or curio shops.
Atmosphere:
Offers a more conventional hotel experience within a safari setting. You'll have all the comforts and conveniences you might expect from a good hotel.
Locations:
Can be found inside or outside the national parks. Some are strategically located with fantastic views or easy access to specific areas of interest.
Price:
Can range from mid-range to high-end, depending on the level of luxury and the lodge's location and amenities.
4. Luxury Tented Lodges
These represent the pinnacle of safari accommodation, blending the romance of tented living with exceptional luxury and service. Tents are typically very spacious and exquisitely furnished.
Facilities:
- Large and beautifully decorated tents with king-size or twin beds, comfortable seating areas, private verandas with stunning views.
- Opulent ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs (sometimes outdoor), indoor and outdoor showers, and high-end toiletries.
- Often offer gourmet dining, extensive wine lists, personalized service, private game drives, and amenities like plunge pools or spa treatments.
Atmosphere:
Provides an incredibly immersive and pampered experience in the wilderness. You'll enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without sacrificing any comfort or luxury.
Locations:
Often situated in prime wildlife viewing areas, offering exclusivity and remoteness. Many are located within private concessions or secluded parts of national parks.
Price:
High-end to very expensive, catering to travelers seeking the ultimate safari indulgence.
