Did you know that safari means ‘long journey’ in Swahili? Well, you do now. A top contender on almost everyone’s bucket list – treetop lodges! elephants! – safari lodges in Tanzania are an incredible experience.
As for when to go? June to October is your best bet for a great safari season. And of course, you’ll want to stay somewhere just as beautiful as the scenery outdoors.
With that in mind, we’ve narrowed it down to the very, very best safari lodges across the country. These are the lodges that you’ll never forget.
The best safari lodges in Tanzania
How do these rankings work?
1. The Highlands
The spectacular Asilia Highlands has a cutting-edge design, with dome suites that strike a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style, contemporary escape. Domes have wood-burning stoves and mountain views.
Adventures include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, community and cultural visits, hiking along Maasai cattle trails or talks with a lion researcher.
2. Gibb’s Farm
Once a coffee farm in the late 1920s, Gibb’s Farm was one of the first guesthouses in Northern Tanzania. Now, the lovely old building still has a colonial feel with beautiful gardens to stroll through.
Feast on organic produce straight from the lodge’s farm, explore centuries-old waterfalls and elephant caves or take a mountain bike day trip to Rotia, spotting wildlife along the way.
3. Faru Faru Lodge
Yet another incredible lodge on Singita’s private reserve, this is an easy-going lodge in the heart of the Serengeti. A natural watering hole attracts predators and prey right up to the lodge, so you don’t even have to leave the camp.
There’s two swimming pools, a fire pit under the stars for evening chats and classic rooms with comfy beds. The perfect safari getaway.
4. Kirawira Serena Camp
This charming camp is in an ideal location in Serengeti National Park – prime spot for the ‘Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest.
Each tent has its own personal valet, and is in antique Edwardian style. There’s steamer-trunks, writing desk, brass lamps, rugs, sepia photographs and four-poster bed with patchwork quilt. This is easily one of the best safari lodges in Tanzania.
5. Sasakwa Lodge
From infinity swimming pools that appear to float out over the plain, to guided equestrian tours and balloon safaris, this lodge is an Edwardian manor house with nine private cottages and a villa, each with a private infinity pool,
The butler-serviced suite includes its own game vehicle, Field Guide, “bar-deli” and exclusive in-room dining. What more could you possibly need?
6. Sabora Tented Camp
This intimate 1920s-style explorer’s camp is full of old world charm yet has all the modern touches you expect from a five-star lodge. This is one of the best safari lodges in Tanzania.
The nine lavish tents are air-conditioned and have a spacious bedroom with reading area. There’s also a bathroom with bath and outdoor shower, viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope. Oh, and a library lounge tent lined with antique and rare volumes of African books. Pure luxury.
7. Mkombe’s House
This beautiful place is a bush home-from-home designed specifically with little children in mind, as well as being a great place for groups of friends. It’s the only private lodge in the Serengetti.
There’s a choice of two swimming pools, private chefs, babysitters (yes!) and family game activities aplenty. And a cute rooftop day bed. This is one of the best safari lodges in Tanzania.
