(content by Wilbur S)
From the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is a safari paradise. Leafy forests, sun-drenched savannah, and tropical islands await safari-seekers from around the globe, and the wide array of stylish eco-lodges, tented camps, and honeymoon retreats don’t disappoint. If you’re looking for the best of the best accommodations, here’s our wrap-up of the top 10 luxury lodges in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- The Highlands
The Highlands features just eight high-tech tents situated in a spectacular setting on the slopes of the extinct Olmoti volcano. Fronted by ceiling-to-floor faceted windows offering astonishing views of the surrounding wilderness, each en suite tent comes with flush toilets, hot running water, and enclosed fireplaces. An open-air breakfast deck makes the most of the scenic surroundings, while the bar and firepit have been positioned to overlook the sunset. Besides hot lunch picnics in the Ngorongoro Crater and exciting game drives, guests can look forward to unusual access to Olmoti Crater and the Empakaai Crater.
Highlights include:
– Spectacular views of the Ngorongoro region right from your room
– A secluded location
– Exclusive activities like hiking in Olmoti and Empakaai Crater
– Unique suite architecture
– An incredible setting on Olmoti Crater
– High-tech tents with full en-suite bathrooms
– Only eight tents, including honeymoon and family units
Ideal for: Honeymoons and romantic getaways
Activities:
– 4×4 drives
– Birdwatching
– Full-day safaris
– Game drives
– Guided walks
– Hiking
– Nature drives
– Specialist guides
– Star gazing
– Sundowners
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Situated right on the rim of the dramatic and astonishing Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge provides spectacular views of the world’s largest unflooded and intact caldera. A World Heritage Site, the crater is a rare natural wonder, from its interesting terrain to its plentiful fauna and flora. The lodge takes its architectural inspiration from the traditional Maasai mud and stick manyatta (homestead), but the interiors and styling are pure luxury. Fine dining and a personal butler service give this destination its well-deserved reputation for brilliance. The crater’s encircled grasslands offer excellent game viewing year-round, and you’ll easily be able to spot large mammals like eland, zebra, black rhino, and Africa’s densest population of lions. The crater wall’s rainforests play host to a plethora of wildlife, including cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, and elephants.
Highlights include:
– Jaw-dropping views of the Ngorongoro Crater
– Access to the Cradle of Humankind at Olduvai Gorge
– Dining on the crater floor
– Your own private butler
– Glamourous and opulent decor
– A dramatic and breathtaking location
– Excellent Big Five game viewing all year round
– Decadent bush picnics and fine dining with superb wines
– An exclusive and exceptional experience for discerning travelers
Ideal for: Romantic getaways and family vacations
Activities:
– Bird watching
– Game drives
– Local village visits
– Picnics
– Live music and entertainment
– Bush dining
– Day tours
– Guided walking safaris
– Guided walks
– Hiking
– Spa treatments
– Sundowners
– Wine tasting
Ruaha National Park
- Jabali Private House
Home to all the continent’s apex predators (including the rare Wild dog) and one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, Ruaha National Park is a wild and remote destination where you’ll experience a safari at its most authentic. Iconic baobabs are scattered across the landscape that includes sun-beaten savannah and dense bushveld. Jabali Private House, an exclusive-use safari home, is built on a small mountain surrounding three gigantic baobab trees. Its private setting makes it perfect for intimate escapes for small families and couples, and its brilliant location puts you dead center in prime big game territory. A devoted team that includes a private chef and guide ensures a tailor-made luxury safari experience.
Highlights include:
– Sophisticated and stylish family accommodation
– Spectacular game viewing in an uncrowded national park
– Night drives and walking safaris
– Private guiding and dedicated private team
– The remote location guarantees exclusivity and privacy
– Spa treatments
Ideal for: Family getaways
Activities:
– 4×4 drives
– Bird watching
– Bush dining
– Full-day safaris
– Game drives
– Guided walking safaris
– Guided walks
– Night drives
– Picnics
– Private game-drives
– Spa treatments
– Specialist guides
– Star gazing
– Sundowners
– Private guides
Zanzibar
- Kilindi
This beach getaway on the northern coast of Zanzibar is a uniquely designed boutique hotel with an interesting architectural style. White and cream-colored walls exude a sense of tranquility and calm, while tropical gardens, cascading rainwater pools, and interesting curves offer perfect opportunities for relaxation. At Kilindi, various Zanzibar activities can be easily arranged. Visit historic Stone Town, go on a Spice Tour, or dive into scuba and snorkeling trips. The ideal stretch of beach awaits you right in front of the hotel where you can bask in uninterrupted views of Zanzibar Dhow routes.
Highlights include:
– Personal butlers
– Unique architectural style
– Jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean
– Boat excursions
– Deep sea fishing
– Scuba diving
– Excellent snorkeling
– Water bar
– Infinity pool
– A spa
– Complete privacy and luxury
– Outdoor dining
– Private plunge pools
Ideal for: Romantic getaways and honeymoons
Activities:
– Boat excursions
– Day tours
– Deep sea fishing
– Dhow cruises
– Game drives
– Guided walks
– Scuba diving
– Snorkeling
– Sundowners
Nyerere National Park (Previously Selous Game Reserve)
- Sand Rivers Selous
Situated on a rocky peninsula with spectacular views of the Rufiji River, this intimate safari lodge in Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) provides a one-of-a-kind blend of classic safari luxury combined with the rawness of an authentic bush getaway. This World Heritage Site is home to an astonishing array of diverse terrain, wild animals, and birdlife. Explore the reserve on a 4-day walking safari, set out on an exciting game drive in an open-topped vehicle, or take a riverboat upstream. Whatever your choice, this is a Tanzania safari at its best.
Highlights include:
– In-suite panoramic river views
– Fly-camping
– Boat excursions
– Animal tracking
– Access to a private guide and vehicle
Ideal for: Romantic getaways and safari-lovers
Activities:
– Animal tracking experience
– Bird watching
– Boat excursions
– Bush dining
– Game drives
– Guided walks
– Specialist guides
– Guided walking safaris
– Fishing
Serengeti National Park
- Faru Faru River Lodge
Situated on a mildly-sloping hill with views of the Grumeti River in the Serengeti National Park, Faru Faru River Lodge is a stone-and-canvas lodge that harkens back to the typical style and colonial sophistication of traditional East African safari camps. Thanks to its riverine location, it’s ideally positioned to catch herds of game and predators that come to drink and is a great destination from which to view the Great Wildebeest Migration. Besides the outstanding game-viewing opportunities, the lodge offers guests a dazzling range of other activities, such as mountain biking, archery, croquet, and hot-air ballooning at dawn. After all the action, cool off in the amazing stone-clad infinity pool as you soak up your wondrous surroundings.
Highlights include:
– Jaw-dropping views of wildlife congregating at the Grumeti River
– An awesome location in the private Grumeti Game Reserve
– Hot-air ballooning
– Visit one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
– Biking and archery range
– Great Migration sightings in season
– Just 8 air-conditioned suites
– 2 swimming pools
– Wi-Fi and satellite TV
– A spa
– 2-bedroom Villa Suite
Ideal for: Family holidays
Activities:
– Biking
– Bird watching
– Game drives
– Specialist guides
– Star gazing
- Mwiba Lodge
The super-exclusive Mwiba Lodge is tucked away among massive boulders with views of the rocky gorge of the Arugusinyai River. Situated in a private 52 000-hectare (130 000-acre) reserve dotted with acacia and coral trees, this lodge is a harmonious mixture of canvas, rock, thatch, and wood conceived to blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Excellent food and service, luxury interiors, exciting game drives, safari walks, and specific bush excursions for children all add up to a sublime safari experience. The Mwiba concession features a number of natural springs attracting a multitude of predators and plains game, especially during the wildebeest calving season from around January to March.
Highlights include:
– Authentic cultural experiences with the local tribes
– Elevated location for excellent views of the Serengeti
– A luxury hideaway offering unmatched exclusivity and privacy
– Private vehicle and guide for the ultimate in tailor-made safaris
– Incredible scenic helicopter flights over the reserve
– Swimming pool and hot tub
– On-request dining in various al fresco settings
– Children’s safaris and junior ranger club
– Set in a private concession far from the crowds
Ideal for: A family vacation or romantic getaway
Activities:
– 4×4 drives
– Bush dining
– Game drives
– Night drives
– Private game-drives
– Sundowners
– Guided walking safaris
8. Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Situated on the unfenced slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the Grumeti Reserve, Singita Sasakwa Lodge provides jaw-dropping views of the limitless plains of the Serengeti. Ten private cottages, each with its own infinity plunge pool, provide guests with an intimate escape far away from the crowds. Butlers provide exemplary levels of personal service, attending to your every need. Take a relaxing break in the spa or stay active in the gym or on the tennis courts while the kids have endless fun on the mini ranger course. Sophisticated and refined, Sasakwa Lodge delivers an unforgettable African safari experience.
Highlights include:
– A visit to one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
– Located on the Great Migration route
– A butler service
– Kids program and babysitting service
– A tennis court
– Gym
– Spa
– Jacuzzi
– Year-round Big Five sightings
– Internet connectivity
– Archery
– Private cottages with plunge pools
– Guided safari walks
Ideal for: Family vacations
Activities:
– Biking
– Bird watching
– Game drives
– Hot-air ballooning
– Specialist guides
– Star gazing
– Tennis
Lake Manyara National Park
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Thanks to the unique combination of hot springs, wetlands, and woodlands, Lake Manyara is a birder’s paradise. Besides the 400 recorded species, the resident flamingoes put on a dazzling show, and the lake is a shelter for an array of large migratory water birds, including storks and pelicans. Below Manyara’s lush forests, astonishing plains stretch to the lake shore, and inland there is a thin belt of acacia woodland that hosts African elephants and rare tree-climbing lions. This beguiling destination offers exciting game-viewing excursions led by specialist guides. After dark, explore the region on thrilling night drives that offer a rare insight into the nocturnal wildlife.
Highlights include:
– The renowned local tree-climbing lions
– Guided bike rides around Lake Manyara
– An exclusive location in Lake Manyara National Park
– Excellent game viewing and birding
– Exciting day and night drives
– Spacious and intriguing tree-house suites
– Tasty food from the interactive kitchen
Ideal for: Romantic getaways and honeymoons
Activities:
– Game drives
– Local village visits
– Night drives
– Private game-drives
– Specialist guides
– Bird watching
– Picnics
– Biking
- Chem Chem Lodge
Ideally located in the heart of northern Tanzania, Chem Chem Lodge is the perfect choice if you want to see the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This stylish and intimate lodge provides awesome views over a waterhole and the distant Lake Manyara. Combining earthy and modern elements, this owner-run lodge is a sublime blend of European style and raw, authentic African influences. The languid pace at Chem Chem truly allows you to unwind far away from the rat race. Take a slow safari in the private concession, or go on a hot-air balloon ride as the sprawling golden plains come to life below you. Whichever way you turn at Chem Chem, a surreal Tanzanian safari experience awaits you.
Highlights include:
– A private concession for unmatched exclusivity and privacy
– Hot-air balloon rides
– Access to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks
– Bush breakfasts and picnics
– Walks with Maasai warriors
– Luxurious tented accommodation
– Private guides and vehicles
Ideal for: Family vacations and safari-lovers
Activities:
– Bush dining
– Day tours
– Game drives
– Guided walking safaris
– Helicopter flights
– Hot-air ballooning
– Spa treatments
– Sundowners
