16 May 2023
Need a break from the daily routine, a holiday that takes your mind off everything? We understand. There are many ways to turn your safari escape into something exciting and meaningful for you.
The idea is that you come home feeling refreshed and full of stories to share. Once you have been on a Tanzanian safari, you will find it hard to stop talking about it.
But which lodges will give you the finest views? And, more to the point, which ones offer activities that work well for a group or for the whole family?
Below we run through the ten finest safari lodges in the region, places that let you experience the plains from different angles and bring you face to face with some magnificent animals.
Read on to find out how to make your escape as good as it can be.
The 10 Best Safari Lodges In Tanzania
1. Serengeti Sound Of Silence
This spot lies a 40-minute drive from the Seronera airstrip. On the road to this exclusive lodge, it quickly becomes clear why so many nature and wildlife enthusiasts love and return to this destination; you will be in good company.
The tents are thoughtfully arranged to give you striking views, right in the heart of Serengeti National Park, so be prepared for unique encounters with animals such as zebras and hyenas close to camp.
There are special sunset views too, a lovely backdrop for the à la carte meals. Fancy a homemade pizza with grilled vegetables on the side? Whatever you choose, the ingredients arrive fresh every day. A welcome extra: tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
2. Nimali Serengeti
Set towards the northeast of the Serengeti, close to the Ikorongo game reserve, this lodge takes immersion in nature to another level. You can relax knowing that modern comforts and an authentic experience go hand in hand here.
The tranquil camp greets you with snug tents and dining areas close by. You are likely to fall for the interiors, which, incidentally, were chosen to keep the footprint on the surroundings as small as possible.
With parks to explore, a hippo pool and balloon flights on the menu, you have even more ways to watch elephants, cheetahs, lions and much more, at a pace that suits you.
3. Namiri Plains
If big cats are your passion, the sightings here are hard to beat. Why? The lodge sits tucked into a corner of the Serengeti, and personal game guides can point you to the best photo opportunities, so there is a great deal to enjoy.
Walking safaris are also on offer, following a trail marked out by the animals you meet along the way, such as gazelles, antelopes and buffalo. It lets you get genuinely close and feel fully present in the moment, which is exhilarating, to put it mildly.
What really makes a stay here worthwhile, though, is the people. The boma gathering before dinner is a chance to get to know other guests and the staff while you swap stories about the day.
4. Manyara Best View Lodge
On first impressions, we really like the villa-style design of this lodge. It sits right on the edge of the rift valley escarpment, giving you a stunning view over Lake Manyara and a glimpse of Kilimanjaro rising up far in the distance.
Silver, golden and platinum rooms are available, each shaped by the local culture and full of organic, hand-crafted details that will leave you impressed.
Keen to leave the usual routes behind and start your own adventure? The treetop walkway at Lake Manyara and the Tanzania zipline adventure centre are both on hand, so there is plenty to get stuck into.
5. Jabali Ridge
Adventure is waiting at this camp inside Ruaha National Park, where plains and parkland stretch as far as you can see. Here it genuinely feels as if you have got away from it all: just you, the wilderness, mighty baobabs and shrubs.
Whether you are relaxing in camp or out on a tour, you may well catch sight of a lion, elephant, buffalo or the endangered African wild dog, which makes for fascinating viewing.
An en-suite bathroom, a swimming pool, a spa and even Wi-Fi are all included, though once you see what there is to do here we doubt your devices will get much attention.
6. Sayari Camp
Next we head to the northern part of the Serengeti. If watching the wildebeest plunge across the Mara river during their yearly trek is on your bucket list, this camp puts you in the perfect spot to see it happen.
The tents here have a cabin-like feel. Settle in with all the amenities you would expect; you can even ask for a friendly early morning wake-up call, with tea and coffee brought to your tent.
After your game drive you can unwind at the pool or the on-site spa, and the safari shop is worth a browse too, as there is bound to be something nice to take home.
7. The Highlands Ngorongoro
This camp is set at the Ngorongoro crater and offers a private position high on the slopes of the Olmoti crater, which is the highest viewpoint you can experience in the area. If a good view matters to you, this is not one to miss.
The suites are domes of perspex and canvas, so you have a view in every direction at every hour, a level of immersion you may not have thought possible.
Activities range from solo outings and safaris to natural wonders, or perhaps a visit to the local Maasai communities and their culture.
8. Manyara Tree Lodge
For those who want to go fully native, the luxury tree-house suites merge seamlessly into the forest around them. The calls and movements of the animals nearby will surely enrich your stay, offering both privacy and a genuine sense of renewal.
You will enjoy unusual views across a range of habitats, with chances to spot tree-climbing lions and elephant families, and perhaps some bright flamingoes along the shore of the nearby lake.
What makes the safari here special is that you are handed fact sheets and binoculars, the best way to learn about and watch these magnificent creatures at dawn and at dusk alike.
9. Singita Sasakwa
This Edwardian-style manor house offers a refined, luxurious stay, with grand entrances and wraparound verandas looking out over the vast landscape and nearby places such as the villages of Motukeri and Nyakitono.
Comfort is well catered for, with fireplaces, living rooms and soft furnishings, and all of it comes with a front-row seat to the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti reserve.
And there is more: exploring deep into the Serengeti, bush walks, wellness treatments and a game of tennis are all further ways to relax. So where will you begin?
10. Mara River Tented Camp
Our last stop is a camp beside the majestic Mara river, which offers a different kind of safari experience, as you can roam the 98,000 acres of the nature reserve. Because the camp takes fewer guests, the service feels personal.
The views are superb whether you are stretched out on the netted beds or tracking through the park, and because the area is compact, you get to watch the animals you most want to see.
Hippos, crocodiles, big cats, giraffes and wildebeest can all be seen here in a way that puts little pressure on the environment, which is ideal for anyone wanting an experience away from the crowds.
Conclusion
As you can see, the choice is (almost) endless. Before you settle on a stay, however, bear in mind that tours, excursions and activity centres may need to be booked before you arrive, to avoid disappointment.
Each of these places also shows you the national parks from a different perspective. Whether you prefer a panoramic outlook or a simple spot by a river, you decide how close to the action you want to be.
Get in touch anytime if you would like to know more about (one of) these lodges, or if you fancy going there yourself. We are happy to help 😉
