Top Luxury Safari Lodges and Tented Camps in Tanzania
Experience Tanzania’s Finest Luxury Safari Stays
Tanzania is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa — and with it, a collection of world-class luxury safari lodges and tented camps that offer unrivaled comfort, exclusivity, and immersion in nature.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the misty rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this guide explores the top luxury safari accommodations in Tanzania that combine authentic safari adventure with five-star hospitality. Each property is chosen for its location, service, design, and wildlife experience — perfect for honeymooners, high-end travelers, or anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Top Regions for Luxury Safaris in Tanzania
Serengeti
Big Five sightings and the Great Migration
Ngorongoro Crater
Dense wildlife, UNESCO site, dramatic scenery
Tarangire
Baobabs, elephants, seasonal wetlands
Ruaha National Park
Rugged, remote, predator-rich
Selous (Nyerere)
Boat safaris, hippos, river landscapes
Explore Luxury safari Experiences
Top 10 Luxury Safari Lodges & Tented Camps in Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Located in the exclusive 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti Reserve, this Edwardian manor-style lodge redefines luxury in the bush. Suites include private plunge pools, canopy beds, fireplaces, and panoramic views across the Serengeti plains.
Why It Stands Out: Exceptional privacy, top-tier wine cellar, equestrian safaris, and one of Africa’s most exclusive game-viewing areas.
Mwiba Lodge – Southern Serengeti
Tucked above a rocky gorge in a private reserve, Mwiba Lodge offers a rare blend of ultra-luxury and total seclusion. With only 10 tented suites, guests enjoy tailored safari experiences, from cultural visits to helicopter excursions.
Key Features: Private guide and vehicle, infinity pool, Maasai experiences, exclusive wildlife sightings
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Built on the edge of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, this baroque-meets-safari lodge offers dramatic architecture, chandelier-lit suites, and uninterrupted views of the wildlife-rich crater floor below.
Best For: Luxury seekers who want one of the most iconic safari settings on Earth.
Serengeti Bushtops – Northern Serengeti
An award-winning tented camp that marries canvas charm with five-star indulgence. Each tent features a private deck with hot tub, en-suite bathroom, and round-the-clock butler service.
Highlight: Positioned near the Mara River, it’s ideal for viewing the Great Migration river crossings.
Chem Chem Lodge – Between Tarangire & Lake Manyara
This “slow safari” lodge focuses on intimacy and connection with nature. Think barefoot luxury, with open-plan suites, outdoor showers, and a spa nestled among baobab trees.
Ideal For: Couples, wellness travelers, and slow-paced luxury enthusiasts.
Jabali Ridge – Ruaha National Park
Set among ancient granite boulders, Jabali Ridge offers minimalist architecture, panoramic views, and incredible solitude in one of Tanzania’s largest — and most untouched — national parks.
Best Feature: Walking safaris, expert guides, and raw wilderness without the crowds.
Lemala Kuria Hills – Northern Serengeti
With glass-fronted tented suites, private plunge pools, and stylish safari-chic interiors, this lodge offers access to the Migration routes while indulging guests in modern comfort.
Great For: Travelers seeking a blend of classic safari and contemporary style.
Namiri Plains – Eastern Serengeti
Located in a former cheetah research zone, this Asilia camp is designed for big cat lovers and serious wildlife enthusiasts. Its sleek, eco-friendly suites provide open-air bathrooms and stargazing decks.
Top Experience: Predator-rich game drives in an off-the-beaten-path area.
The Highlands – Ngorongoro
Offering dome-shaped canvas suites on the forested slopes of the Olmoti volcano, The Highlands is unlike any other safari camp. Wood-burning stoves, wrap-around glass windows, and cultural excursions to Maasai communities define the experience.
Perfect For: Adventurous travelers seeking unique design and high-altitude privacy.
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp – Mobile Luxury Camp
Following the migration path, this mobile tented camp moves between southern and northern Serengeti to position guests near the herds year-round.
Why It’s Unique: It combines the exclusivity of mobile camping with luxury comforts — think Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and gourmet cuisine under the stars.
Lodge vs. Tented Camp – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Luxury Lodge | Luxury Tented Camp |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Permanent buildings (stone, timber, etc.) | Canvas tents with luxury furnishings |
| Amenities | Full spa, pool, wine cellar, electricity | Open-air en-suites, fire pits, plunge tubs |
| Experience | Resort-style, elegant and stable | Immersive, romantic, adventurous |
| Ideal For | Families, comfort-focused travelers | Couples, nature purists, photographers |
When Is the Best Time for a Luxury Safari in Tanzania?
June – October (Dry Season): Peak wildlife viewing, Great Migration crossings in Northern Serengeti.
January – March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti, excellent predator activity and green scenery.
April – May: Long rains, fewer tourists. Some lodges close or offer discounts.
FAQ – Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps in Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is considered Tanzania’s top luxury safari lodge. It offers private pools, personal butlers, horseback safaris, and world-class wine — all within a private 350,000-acre concession in the Serengeti.
Yes, they offer all the amenities of a five-star hotel: plush king-size beds, hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, gourmet meals, Wi-Fi (in many), and even private hot tubs — all while immersed in pristine wilderness.
Expect to pay $800 to $2,500+ per person per night, depending on the lodge, season, and exclusivity. This usually includes full-board lodging, guided game drives, park fees, and transfers.
The most luxurious safari accommodations are found in:
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Ruaha National Park
Tarangire National Park
Selous (Nyerere National Park)
Absolutely. Many lodges offer family suites, kids’ safari programs, and private guides. Properties like The Highlands, Chem Chem, and Sasakwa cater exceptionally well to multigenerational groups.
Luxury lodges are more permanent and have a resort-like atmosphere with facilities like spas and pools. Tented camps are built using canvas and wood, offering a more adventurous but equally luxurious experience closer to nature.
Yes. All camps are well-secured with trained staff, wildlife monitors, and communication systems. Despite the canvas structure, you’re well-protected, and camps are located in safe, regulated conservation areas.
Yes! Most travelers pair a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar (for beach relaxation), or combine it with Kenya for a multi-country Great Migration safari. Private charters and fly-in safaris make logistics seamless.