Best Tanzania Safari Accommodation Guide: Top Lodges & Camps for an Unforgettable Experience

1️⃣ Tanzania Bush Camps Ndutu (P1-P5, Mid-range Mobile Tents)
Nestled in the southern Serengeti, Ndutu is a seasonal paradise from December to February when the Great Migration arrives. Lush grasslands attract herds of wildlife, making it the perfect time to witness adorable newborn animals. Most accommodations here are mobile tents that relocate with the seasons, offering an authentic wilderness experience.

We absolutely loved staying here! The camp overlooks Lake Ndutu, where flocks of flamingos 🦩 paint the shoreline pink. At dusk, zebras 🦓 casually grazed right through our camp, and the haunting calls of hyenas lulled us to sleep—truly immersive!

Heads up: The tents lack raised flooring, so watch out for curious insects. Hot showers require advance booking, and the water has a slight slippery feel, likely due to the lakeside location.

2️⃣ Into Wild Africa (P6-P9, Mid-range Permanent Tents)
This gem in central Serengeti was our home for two nights. We stayed in a spacious, elevated tent with all the comforts—so cozy, we forgot we were in the wild! Solar-powered showers offer unlimited hot water, a major upgrade. Opt for the raised tents if possible; the ground-level ones feel more cramped.

The camp sits in a vast clearing where elephants 🐘 sometimes wander nearby, their loud branch-snapping echoing through the air. Distant buffalo 🦬 blend into the golden grass. Being a permanent camp, wildlife keeps a respectful distance—perfect for those who want nature close but not *too* close.

3️⃣ Ngorongoro Simba Campsite (P10-P11, Budget Tent Camp)
A no-frills camping experience: just a basic plot with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. Your safari crew handles everything—pitching tents, cooking meals (including picnic lunches), and providing gear like sleeping bags.

Fine for a night, but don’t expect wildlife encounters here. The fenced-off site feels more utilitarian than wild.

4️⃣ Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (City Hotel, No Photos)
Booked independently for post-flight recovery, this Arusha hub delivered. After landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer dropped us at this centrally located 4-star retreat. Rooms are standard but comfortable, and the sprawling tropical garden overwhelms (in a good way) with its perfume.

Cash rates are steep, but at 10k-15k points/night, it’s a solid redemption—ideal for resetting before safari adventures.