Hosting the lion’s share of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Tanzania is a safari destination second to none. But while the Serengeti is certainly a must-see, there are plenty of other areas worth visiting. Here are our top-10 safari lodges in Tanzania – from Lake Tanganyika to Ruaha.
Mwiba Lodge | Serengeti
Remote, tasteful and exclusive, Mwiba makes our top-10 safari lodges in Tanzania because it offers a true safari escape in maximum comfort and style. Tucked away in a private concession, Mwiba is a secluded haven set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees and acacias, overlooking a rocky river gorge. As well as many other exciting safari activities, visitors will be able to witness the annual wildebeest calving from January to March. Continue exploring…
-
Truly get away from it all at Mwiba Lodge, which overlooks a river gorge in the southern Serengeti. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Take in glorious Serengeti views right from your king-sized bed at Mwiba Lodge. © Legendary Expeditions
-
The Great Wildebeest Migration passes nearby Mwiba Lodge. © Legendary Expeditions
-
With a pool like this, you might not want to leave Mwiba Lodge. © Legendary Expeditions
-
You can go off road on your game drives from Mwiba Lodge, enabling superb wildlife encounters. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Take the opportunity for a cultural experience at Mwiba Lodge. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Mwiba Lodge’s concession is full of wildlife, like this baby elephant. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Your meals at Mwiba Lodge are served with a side of spectacular scenery. © Legendary Expeditions
Greystoke Mahale | Lake Tanganyika
Chimp trekking is undoubtedly the star attraction at Greystoke Mahale, and with good reason. Daily guided treks into the forest here provide authentic chimpanzee encounters that will leave a lasting impression. That said, there are other activities of interest, including birding, swimming at the waterfalls, fishing, kayaking, cultural visits and sundowners. Plus, the beauty of Lake Tanganyika in itself is a highlight. Continue exploring…
-
The Mahale Mountains behind Greystoke Mahale are home to the biggest population of chimps in the world. © Nomad Tanzania
-
When they're not sleeping, the chimps in Mahale Mountains National Park spend much of their time on the ground.
-
The bandas at Greystoke Mahale are built of thatch and wood from salvaged dhows. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Greystoke Mahale is remote, and only accessible by dhow. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Share stories of your chimp trekking with other guests over lunch at Greystoke Mahale. © Nomad Tanzania
-
End the day with sundowners overlooking Lake Tanganyika at Greystoke Mahale. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Enjoy a shower with a bit of a view at Greystoke Mahale. © Nomad Tanzania
-
The baby chimps in Mahale Mountains National Park stay close to their mothers until they’re about three.
Sand Rivers Selous | Selous
If you’re a river person, then Sand Rivers Selous is for you. This Tanzania safari lodge makes the most of its superb setting on the shores of the Rufiji River. Choose between a hillside suite with private plunge pool, sitting area and river views or get close to the action with a riverside room. Whatever your preference, Sand Rivers will make you feel like you have the world’s second-largest game reserve to yourself. Continue exploring…
-
Take a boat ride on the Rufiji River from Sand Rivers Selous.
-
The hillside suites at Sand Rivers Selous have enormous beds. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Enjoy a picnic on the riverbank at Sand Rivers Selous. © Nomad Tanzania
-
The Rufiji River winds its way across the Selous Game Reserve. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Look out for zebra on your game drives from Sand Rivers Selous. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Walking safaris are a great way to explore the Selous. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Elephant reside in the Selous Game Reserve. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Catch up on some reading when staying at Sand Rivers Selous. © Nomad Tanzania
Sabora Tented Camp | Serengeti
In a word, Sabora Tented Camp is resplendent. An elegant 1920s-themed lodge with a swimming pool, tennis court, spa and Jacuzzi, visitors here will experience the glamour, sophistication and romance of yesteryear. (We’ve included it in our 10 best romantic safari lodges for this very reason). Its setting on the plains of the Serengeti simply can’t be beat, especially when the Great Wildebeest Migration passes by. Continue exploring…
-
Sabora Tented Camp offers true luxury. © Singita
-
Elephant live in the Grumeti Reserves, so you’ll likely see them when on game drives from Sabora Tented Camp. © Singita
-
You’ll see spectacular Serengeti sunsets when sitting around the evening campfires at Sabora Tented Camp. © Singita
-
The daybeds at Sabora Tented Camp are perfect for afternoon reading or naps. © Singita
-
Serengeti safari | Get up early and have a dip in the pool while the sun rises at Sabora Tented Camp.
-
Expect exclusive wildlife sightings while on game drives from Sabora Tented Camp, like of this lion. © Singita
-
You simply must have a luxury picnic in the Serengeti when staying at Sabora Tented Camp. © Singita
-
Dine under the African sky at Tanzania's Sabora Tented Camp. © Singita
Jongomero | Ruaha
Jongomero makes our top-10 safari lodges in Tanzania because it’s the best remote accommodation in the country. Situated in the most isolated southern sector of Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, along the banks of a seasonal river, here you can really get away from it all. The landscapes and wildlife are diverse; when not simply enjoying the peace and quiet, visitors can seek out 560 species of birds, the elusive wild dog, several rare antelope and four of the Big Five. Continue exploring…
-
Jongomero is situated along the banks of a seasonal river. © Selous Safari Company
-
You can see wildlife on foot at Jongomero. © Selous Safari Company
-
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Ruaha at Jongomero. © Selous Safari Company
-
Jongomero is situated in one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas. © Selous Safari Company
-
The elusive wild dog can be seen in Ruaha National Park. © Selous Safari Company
-
Jongomero is a jewel in remote Ruaha. © Selous Safari Company
-
You might spot a kingfisher in Ruaha National Park. © Selous Safari Company
-
You can enjoy bush dining right on the riverbed at Jongomero. © Selous Safari Company
Mkombe’s House | Serengeti
We love private safari houses and villas for group travel, as they allow friends and family the space to spread out and relax completely uncurbed by other guests. Mkombe’s House, perched halfway up a koppie with wonderful views out over the Serengeti plains, includes two adult and two interleading kids’ rooms to sleep a total of ten. With complete flexibility over mealtimes and activities, it’s deal for multi-generational travel. Continue exploring…
-
Mkombe’s House has a commanding position on a koppie overlooking the Serengeti.
-
With a private vehicle at Mkombe’s House, your kids won’t be restricted from game drives. © Nomad Tanzania
-
The bedrooms at Mkombe's House have sweeping views. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Mkombe's House has both a kiddie and an adult pool. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Mkombe’s House is all about quality time. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Mkombe's House has a private chef. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Unwind in the comfy lounge at Mkombe's House. © Nomad Tanzania
-
Dine alfresco at Mkombe's House. © Nomad Tanzania
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Manyara
Designed with the environment in mind, this luxury Tanzanian safari lodge in Lake Manyara National Park is a wonder to behold. Its 10 stilted suites are best described as luxury treehouses, cradled in the branches of a mahogany forest. Their interiors are a combination of muted, natural colours, distressed floorboards and minimalist furniture, making this a lodge where you can really breathe. Continue exploring…
-
At certain times of year, Lake Manyara is covered with pink flamingo. © &Beyond
-
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has 10 stilted treehouse suites for guests. © &Beyond
-
You’ll see plenty of birds at Lake Manyara, including yellow-billed stork. © &Beyond
-
The calm interior of the guest area at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge invites relaxation. © &Beyond
-
Gaze into the forest while soaking in a bubble bath at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. © &Beyond
-
End your day at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge with sundowners in the bush. © &Beyond
-
It’s quite possible that elephant will cross your path during game drives from Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. © &Beyond
-
Have dinner al fresco in the boma at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. © &Beyond
Chem Chem Lodge | Tarangire
Chem Chem Lodge’s claim to fame is its focus on the slow safari – the concept of pressing pause on rushing from one safari activity to the next and taking time to just enjoy being in the bush. Think lazy days by the pool, unhurried picnics, indulgent spa treatments and lakeside sundowners. A stay here makes a wonderful end to a safari holiday, where you catch your breath before heading home. Continue exploring…
-
There are just eight tented suites at Chem Chem Lodge. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
When staying at Chem Chem Lodge you can go for sundowners next to Lake Manyara. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
The natural and earthy feel of the tented suites at Chem Chem Lodge is emphasised by the use of canvas, lava stones and wood. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
As it’s on a concession, you can walk among the wildlife at Chem Chem Lodge. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
The guest-suite bathrooms at Chem Chem Lodge feature lovely lava stones. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
You can choose to explore as much or as little as you like when staying at Chem Chem Lodge. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
You can even get poolside foot massages during your slow safari at Chem Chem Lodge. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
-
Toast to your dream safari when staying at Chem Chem Lodge. © Chem Chem Safaris Tanzania
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp | Serengeti
Some might argue that a mobile camp is the purest expression of a safari. We’ve included Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp in our top-10 safari lodges in Tanzania because it really does allow for an authentic safari experience. Moving between north, south and west Serengeti, sightings of the Great Wildebeest Migration are guaranteed, whether the animals are crossing rivers, dropping calves or simply spreading out on the grassy plains. Continue exploring…
-
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp has just 11 guest tents, set well apart for privacy. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Serengeti Mobile Camp blends wonderfully into the Serengeti wilderness. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Imagine sleeping in a bed like this while camping! You can, at Serengeti Mobile Camp. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Dine right on the savannah at Serengeti Mobile Camp. © Legendary Expeditions
-
While away lazy evenings in the guest area at Serengeti Mobile Camp. © Legendary Expeditions
-
There are roughly 2,000 elephant living in Serengeti National Park; look out for them on game drives from Serengeti Mobile Camp. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp is split across two independent sections, each with their own dining and lounge areas. © Legendary Expeditions
-
Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp moves between three locations in the Serengeti, depending on where the Great Wildebeest Migration is. © Legendary Expeditions
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Ngorongoro Crater
A Tanzania safari would be incomplete without visiting the glorious Ngorongoro Crater. This veritable Eden is unlike anywhere else on the planet, and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a worthy base from which to explore it. Perched on the very edge of the crater rim, its three intimate camps offer every luxury, from rose-petal picnics to Champagne tastings and private wine-store dinners, all with butler service. Continue exploring…
-
Go all out with a private rose-petal dinner at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. © &Beyond
-
Stop for a scenic drinks break on your game drives in Ngorongoro Crater.
-
The rooms at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge open out onto private balconies. © &Beyond
-
Have something to celebrate? What better way than with drinks overlooking the caldera at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge? © &Beyond
-
Sipping a glass of wine in a rose-petal-infused bubble bath … this is the sort of experience (and service) that sets Ngorongoro Crater Lodge apart. © &Beyond
-
Your private balcony at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge overlooks the (sometimes misty) caldera. © &Beyond
-
Roaring outdoor fires will keep you warm while you sip on evening drinks, and take in the view, at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. © &Beyond
-
Ngorongoro Crater is teeming with wildlife, including elephant. © &Beyond