Accommodations in Tanzania

Highview Hotel

Set in scenic surroundings on a peaceful hilltop is the lovely Highview Hotel. The hotel is just a few kilometres from the exotic market in the village of Karatu, and central to your visit to the national parks.

It has 41 rooms and a veranda overlooking a lush valley with coffee plantations, which the elephants love to ravage. The hotel also has its own coffee plantation, and the coffee can be enjoyed at the hotel and purchased to take home with you. An organic fruit and vegetable garden are also part of the hotel.

A swimming pool, day spa with massage facilities, a cosy outdoor bar and bonfire pit, which you can sit around in the evening and discuss the day’s safari, are also to be found at the hotel. In addition to the restaurant, there is a large lounge with fireplace and bar. Two Masai building are attached to the hotel, where local Masai women demonstrate the use of herbal remedies and produce Masai art as well as traditional costumes and jewellery.

A handful of smiling, helpful Masais dressed in tribal costume act as porters and guards.

You can opt to upgrade to Highview Coffee Lodge.

Highview Coffee Lodge

Highview Coffee Lodge is part of Highview Hotel, and therefore offers the same facilities as Highview Hotel.

The rooms at the Coffee Lodge are slightly secluded, around 100 metres from the hotel itself. The lodge consists of 4 double houses with two rooms in each house. They lie staggered up a hill, so there is air and space around them. They all have a large bathroom, a private veranda and plenty of space to relax with a book. The rooms have their own dining tent, where you can choose to eat breakfast and/or dinner while enjoying the view of the valley and the coffee plantations.

Naturally, you are also welcome to make use of all of the hotel’s facilities: pool, restaurant, day spa, etc.

The rooms are double rooms intended for 2 people, however two adults and two children are permitted to share a room.

Ikoma Wild Camp

Ikoma Wild Camp is our favourite wild camp. Here you get the best of everything.

The camp is located in a so-called wildlife management area, which connects Serengeti National Park with the two game reserves Grumeti and Ikorongo, otherwise known as ‘the western corridor’.

The corridor is the main route for animals migrating from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The animals roam freely throughout the entire area, so it is easy to spot elephants, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes and other herbivores directly from the camp’s restaurant. It is not uncommon for lions to visit the camp itself, and of course there are also cheetahs and leopards who try hard to catch a good meal from the large smorgasbord of animals passing by. During the migration season (June-July), it is possible to experience the world-famous migration of 1.2 million wildebeest – right outside your tent! In large herds, they wander across the savannah in search of new pastures.

This wildlife management area is – in addition to serving as a link between the national park and the western corridor – also a source of income for the five villages located in the area. In order to disturb the migrating animals as little as possible, the rural villages are subject to a number of restrictions in relation to e.g. agriculture and livestock farming. On the other hand, part of the tourism income goes back to the local population at the same time that they are involved in the important task of protecting the animals.

Because of its location outside the national park, the camp is able to offer experiences which would not be open to you if you stayed within the national park itself.

For example, it is possible to purchase a ‘walking safari’, sundowner cocktails and not least the ‘night game drive’. These are completely unique experiences that are only available when you stay outside Serengeti National Park, where the restrictions are less strict than inside the park. If you’re up for it, it’s even possible to organise a morning or evening run around the camp. Of course, you will be accompanied by security guards, and the surroundings are absolutely fantastic!

These additional activities also make a big difference for the local area. All the rangers are locals who have received the appropriate training, and the extra experiences that the camp offers help generate income for their families and the villages. The rangers also play a key role in terms of the local population’s understanding of nature and wildlife, and with their extensive knowledge of the animals, they can alleviate many of the conflicts that one might or would experience when wild animals and humans live in close proximity.

When staying at Ikoma Wild Camp, the safaris still take place, of course, in Serengeti National Park. As a result, you can expect some driving back and forth between the camp and the national park (about 30-45 minutes each way). However, the extra opportunities you have given that the camp is not subject to the national park’s strict rules – as well as its high standards – make it definitely worth the drive.

Option to change
Naturally, if you wish to stay inside the Serengeti National Park, this is also possible. You can (against a supplement) choose to stay at Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp.

Read more about what a “wild camp” actually is here.

Serengeti Wild Camp

Serengeti Wild Camp is located in the Seronera area, the central part of Serengeti National Park.

The camp is a classic African safari camp with rustic, comfortable canvas tents. The nature and wildlife are right on your doorstep. It is not uncommon for wild animals to pass through the camp at night, and you can expect to see gazelles, antelopes, zebras, and occasionally elephants and hyenas, around the camp.

The camp has 24 tents, each sleeping 2 or 3. The tents are large and all have a shower and toilet, desk and large beds with mosquito nets. Each tent also has a small “terrace” outside with garden chairs where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. There is, in addition, a large communal tent that is used as a dining tent.

Serengeti Wild Camp is for those who dream of a true “Out of Africa” safari atmosphere. You stay inside the National Park itself and the focus at Serengeti Wild Camp is on classic safaris. If you wish to stay at a wild camp that offers extra activities such as a walking safari or game drive in the evening, where you get to nocturnal animals, you should stay at Ikoma Wild Camp.

Serengeti Wildebeest Camp

Serengeti Wildebeest Camp is located in the Seronera area, the central part of Serengeti National Park. The camp consists of 12 comfortable tents with space for two people in each. There is, in addition, a large communal tent that is used as a restaurant.

The tents have a shower and toilet, beds with mosquito nets as well as a seating area inside and outside where you can relax with a good book and enjoy the amazing surroundings.

The camp is a classic African safari camp, where nature takes the centre stage. The wild animals often visit the camp at night, and you can expect to see gazelles, antelopes, zebras, and occasionally elephants and hyenas, around the camp.

The focus at Serengeti Wildebeest Camp is on classic safaris. If you wish to stay at a wild camp that offers extra activities such as a walking safari or game drive in the evening, where you get to see nocturnal animals, you should stay at Ikoma Wild Camp.

Read more about what a “wild camp” actually is here.

Serengeti Safari Lodge

Serengeti Safari Lodge is a unique 4-star lodge, located in the heart of Serengeti National Park.

The lodge consists of 20 individual luxury tents built in an elegant combination of canvas and stone. The sides are made of canvas, giving you the true safari feel with the sounds and smells of nature outside. The roof is thatched and parts of the walls are stone, making the tents more reminiscent of rooms than tents. The luxury tents seem almost to float above the ground on stone pillars, ensuring a good flow-through of air and outstanding views.

The tents are large and have plenty of space and air around the two king-size beds. From the living room, you head straight onto a large, wide-open veranda, from which you have the most amazing views of the Serengeti Plains. All tents have their own bathroom with a toilet and shower. There is also a bath tub where you can lie and soak, directly overlooking the national park. Likewise, there is a private outdoor shower, which also offers stunning views of the Serengeti Plains.

From the swimming pool, you also have uninterrupted views of the Serengeti, and you can can float in the pool and enjoy the scenery and the beautiful view. Relax or enjoy a refreshing dip after a long day of activity.

The restaurant affords panoramic views, and you it doesn’t get better than this in Serengeti.

There is also a lounge with bar, fireplace, entertainment and Wi-Fi.

You will not find a better 4-star lodge in Serengeti.

Matawi Serengeti Camp

Dream of polished floors, bathtubs on lion paw feet and elegant furniture in a luxury tent in the heart of the Serengeti? Then you should choose to upgrade to Matawi Serengeti Camp.

There are only 7 tents here, all of which stand on their own platform raised slightly above the ground, offering a view of the fabulous nature around you. The canvas walls ensure that you can hear the sounds of the bush – even at night – and they also consist of mosquito netting, which ensures that the cooling breeze can reach you inside.

All electricity comes from solar cells, which means that the water in the shower is warmest in the evening – this shows that the camp thinks about its carbon footprint.

Meals are typically enjoyed in the mess tent – if not set up in the bush outside, where you can enjoy the African evening sky by the cosy campfire.

Please note that as Matawi only has 7 tents, they sell out quickly, so we recommend that you book well in advance if you dream of staying here.

Ngorongoro Safari Lodge

Ngorongoro Safari Lodge is located in the south of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the outer side of the crater edge.

The lodge consists of 10 luxury tents, built around a steel shell with canvas walls, high ceilings and bricked bathrooms in extension of the room itself. All 10 luxury tents are built on an individual platform with a large wooden deck, from which you have the most beautiful views of Lake Eyasi.

At the same time, you are also almost up at the same height as the giraffes, which often plod around between the tents.

All of the tents are nicely furnished with four-poster beds with mosquito nets, desks, sofas, chandeliers and, all in all, offer really good space.

The restaurant affords a scenic view of the area, which is on the migration route. The area is also home to large herds of different antelope species, buffaloes and elephants as well as flocks of flamingos and other birds.

The lodge’s day spa offers massage, which is warmly recommended after a long day on safari.

Ngorongoro Wild Camp

Ngorongoro Wild Camp is scenically located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers outstanding views of the nearby saltwater lake, Lake Eyasi, on the outer side of the crater, and a convenient distance from the crater.

Ngorongoro Wild Camp consists of 20 large, full-height tents with a solid floor. The tents are built on poles, giving them most amazing views of the area from the terrace in front of the tent itself. All tents have their own large, tiled bathroom with running water, a toilet and a shower.

It is quite common for giraffes and zebras to wander through the camp at night and remain there for the morning. If you’re lucky, you can say good morning to one of them when you get up.

The restaurant affords a scenic view of the area, which is on the migration route. The area is also home to large herds of different antelope species, buffaloes and elephants as well as flocks of flamingos and other birds.

The camp’s day spa offers massage, which is warmly recommended after a long day on safari.

Read more about what a “wild camp” actually is here.

Rivertrees Country Inn

Situated between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport is the cosy Rivertrees Country Inn.

The property was originally a coffee farm, and its 38 rooms of varying sizes are spread between the different buildings on the expansive natural plot. In the large, green garden, the birds chirp merrily in the trees and the USA River trickles past at the back. Charm, cosiness and a peaceful atmosphere prevail here. The garden is also where you will find the pool and small nooks where you can enjoy a good book and a nice cup of coffee.

The rooms are all spacious and tastefully appointed with wooden furniture and old pictures on the walls, and freshly cut flowers often adorn the table. All bedrooms have their own veranda and chairs and tables.

The restaurant is partially open, overlooking the garden, and its pizza oven is a hit with everyone. The restaurant is open to guests not staying at the hotel, creating a lively, cosy atmosphere.

Bicycle rental is available if you feel the need to get moving. Lake Duluti is located about 10 km from Rivertrees and is a nice little excursion.

Villa Maua

It feels like coming home.

You step in through the door of good friends, sit on their sofa and relax

That’s Villa Maua.

A few hundred metres from the centre of Arusha is where you will find this gem of “hotel”. We say “hotel” because it is, in fact, as the name suggests, a villa. The stunningly beautiful Cape Dutch-inspired building was originally a family home, which has now been converted into a boutique hotel.

The 9 spacious rooms are all decorated in light, natural colours and all have a private balcony. The rooms offer air conditioning, a safe, a flat screen TV and fabulous toiletries.

The cosy living room is made for an afternoon with a good book, and the covered terrace is the perfect place to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the excellent Wi-Fi. The small garden offers a pool with sun loungers, and in one “wing” of the house, you’ll find the well-stocked bar.

When hunger strikes, you simply make your way into the dining room, which, in the best restaurant style, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Villa Maua is the perfect place to start or end a Tanzania tour!

Karatu Simba Lodge

With views of the forest on the outside of the Ngorongoro Crater, the feeling of being at one with nature is omnipresent at Karatu Simba Lodge.

In the fields outside the fence of the lodge, you might be lucky enough to see hyenas, buffaloes and elephants. The drive here takes you along small roads through local villages, underscoring the feeling of calm, peace and nature.

The lodge consists of 23 tents, which are more of a cross between a tent and a cabin. They have fixed floors and proper bathrooms – while parts of the other walls of the “room” are made of canvas. All rooms have their own veranda overlooking the area, and there are paths and green areas between the tents, giving you the feeling of plenty of space.

Enjoy a cool dip in the small pool after the safari – and a drink around the campfire in the evening. Look forward to dinner: the food comes from the fields around the lodge, and it goes without saying that the coffee is local!

There is Wi-Fi in the communal areas, and it should be noted that all power in the tents comes from solar cells, which is a big plus when it comes to sustainability. However, this does also mean that there MAY be a shortage of power in the tent at night, so we recommend that you bring a battery torch with you if you need light at night.

Acacia Farm Lodge

Situated on a peaceful hilltop, close to the bustling centre of Karatu is the charming, Acacia Farm Lodge. As the name suggests, it is a working coffee farm with 32 rooms spread between 16 “cabins”. All rooms have their own large veranda or terrace, and all have air conditioning, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV, a safe and Wi-Fi. The rooms are large in size, modernly appointed with a touch of romance and have large windows which allow the light to flood in.

In the pleasant, lush garden, you’ll find the lodge’s pool, where you can relax under a parasol or enjoy the warm rays of the sun on your skin. Book an appointment for a massage and look forward to dinner in the evening. The farm has its own kitchen garden, where most of the ingredients used in the kitchen are picked. Naturally, you’re welcome to go for a walk in the kitchen garden if you’d like to!

In the evening, a bonfire is often lit in the garden, where you can share your travel experiences with the other guests over a drink before dinner.

Dinner is usually served in the restaurant, but if you’d rather eat in the garden or on your own balcony, it’s no problem at all – just let your personal butler know.

Acacia Lodge is our “classic” 5-star upgrade option in Karatu.

Osiligilai Maasai Lodge

Get right up close to the Masai culture at this charming, authentic lodge, which is nestled in the most stunning scenery of Masai country – and midway between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is owned and run by the Masai, and a stay here is a unique opportunity to really get close to this semi-nomadic people.

There are 11 huts, all built in traditional Masai style – though with the exception that they have every conceivable convenience such as electricity, a toilet, running water and a hot shower.

All of the huts are charmingly appointed in Masai style with lovely, colourful, handmade beads hanging from the ceiling, beautiful baskets on the walls and bedspreads in the most beautiful Masai colours. The huts are available in various sizes, offering room for the couple who want their own cabin or for the family that wishes to sleep together in the same hut.  All the huts are positioned so that you can enjoy the sunrise over Kilimanjaro early in the morning.

The communal areas include a cosy restaurant overlooking Kilimanjaro and a lovely pool with sun loungers, where you can lie in the sun or shade while enjoying the views of Africa’s highest mountain. The food served in the restaurant is organic and almost all the ingredients are grown locally.

A wide range of activities is offered at the lodge, but you can also choose simply to loosen your muscles after a safari or trekking in the lodge’s sauna.

Wi-Fi is available on most days in the communal areas.

Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat

Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat is located on a hilltop with the most wonderful views of Mkomazi National Park’s only permanent waterhole.

The tent camp consists of seven luxury tents, all of which are located on their own platform with a balcony, from which you have the most beautiful view of the Dindira plain below you. The tents are large and spacious and extremely well furnished. They have a private bathroom – which is, however, best suited for couples travelling together – and really comfortable beds.

In the morning, you are served freshly made coffee on the balcony, so you can take your time to enjoy the sunrise before heading to the restaurant, where a rich breakfast is served.

Food and beverages are given pride of place here. Everything is local and organic, in as far as at all possible. There is generally great focus on sustainability in the camp. All materials are from Tanzania, and the camp is 100% solar cell driven.

There is Wi-Fi in the communal area – but, to the best of our conviction, you will not need it. Sit down at the camp’s vantage point, order a cup of coffee (excellent!) or a drink (also excellent!) and take advantage of the opportunity to borrow binoculars – and then see what you can spot below you.

There are not many camps where you think: “I could sit here all day – without moving”.

But that is what Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat is like.

If you still feel like doing something, the camp offers a number of different activities – other than normal game drive – that you do not normally associate with a national park: walking safari, bush dinner, night game drive etc. It can all be organised in the camp.

Tarangire Simba Lodge

The cloak of heat which has enveloped Tarangire like a heavy duvet all day slowly lifts. The shadows are getting longer and even the wind is calming. The pool has just cooled you down after the day’s safari, and the waiter is on his way, bringing you a cold beer to enjoy as you lie on the sun lounger. You’re watching the bushbucks approaching the waterhole a few hundred metres from the pool. It has become vacant now that the elephants have had their shower.

The views from the raised deck at Tarangire Simba Lodge are phenomenal. You almost don’t need to go on an actual safari. The permanent water hole attracts animals throughout the day – right in front of you, sitting there in your first-row seat.

The smell of food wafts across, and you feel hunger creeping up on you. The fire is crackling, and the sun has turned the sky almost blood red. Dinner is ready.

After dinner, the security guard accompanies you to your tent – the lodge is not fenced in, and even in the dark, all elephants are grey.

From your bed in the tent, you can hear the sounds of the African night outside. The wind is whistling gently through the canvas. You fall asleep to the sound of two bickering impalas.

The 24 tents at Simba Lodge are all spacious and pleasantly appointed. The bathrooms are large and there is hot water in both the indoor and outdoor shower. There is electricity in the tents, but as it is solar powered, we recommend that you only charge your mobile and your camera in the tent. Larger items should be  taken to the reception to be charged.

All tents have their own terrace overlooking the beautiful nature around you.

From the restaurant, the bar and the pool, there is a view of the water hole – and dinner is often eaten on the pool deck under a million stars.

Springlands Hotel

Springlands Hotel is located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro close to the town of Moshi. It’s an ideal base for mountain rambles and safaris on Kilimanjaro.

The hotel provides high standards of service with a modern swimming pool, beautiful gardens bars indoors and outdoors and spacious rooms with showers and mosquito nets.

Springlands Hotel is named after the local freshwater springs. The springs are fed by rain and melted snow from Kilimanjaro.

Tent camp on Kilimanjaro

During the hiking trip to the summit of Kilimanjaro you sleep in a tent in different camps.

There is a primitive shared public toilet at the camp. It is possible to rent a toilet tent.

Price for rental of a toilet tent: USD 100

Huts on the Marangu route

The huts can house 6-8 people and are equipped with bunk beds and plain mattresses. You must bring your own warm sleeping bag. (You can rent a sleeping bag at the Springlands Hotel, if you don’t want to bring one yourself.) You will share a dining area and toilets with the other mountaineers.

Note that conditions at these huts are very primitive.  The Mandara huts and Horombo huts have running water, but the Kido huts do not.

Each camp can house up to approx. 120 guests at a time.

No private huts are available.

Hotel Slipway

You will find the delightful 4-star Hotel Slipway on Dar Es Salaam’s Msasani peninsula, where many of the city’s embassies and international hotels are located.

The hotel has 70 rooms, all with private bathroom, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safe, minibar and Wi-Fi. The hotel is connected to a small shopping centre, so there are several restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity.

The hotel is located right on the coast, with nice views of Msasani Bay with its cooling sea breezes. A ferry berth lies just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, from where you can take a boat out to Bungoyo, a small island which is perfect for sunbathing on the beach, swimming and snorkelling.

The hotel has a pool, and also offers massage – and there is also a small gym.