Where you sleep on safari can change the character of the trip. Some travellers want solid walls and a swimming pool; others want to hear lions from a canvas tent. Tanzania offers a wide spectrum, from lodges on the rim of a crater to camps that move with the wildlife. This page explains the main types so you can choose with confidence, without naming particular properties, since availability and standards change.
Lodges
Safari lodges are built structures with rooms, a main dining area and often a pool and viewing deck. They suit travellers who want dependable comfort, hot water and a sense of permanence. Many have views over plains or valleys, and some are set outside park boundaries.
Location is as important as the style of building. A lodge on a crater rim offers views, while a camp inside a park may offer closer wildlife encounters. Lodges outside the boundary reduce fees and bring different noise levels. Think about whether you prefer a lively dining room or a small, quiet camp, and whether you want to walk to your room alone or with an escort.
Permanent tented camps
These camps use large tents set on platforms, often with proper beds and ensuite bathrooms. They feel closer to the bush than most lodges, with sounds of the night nearby. Standards range widely, so ask what facilities to expect.
- Canvas walls rather than brick
- Often smaller in scale
- Generator or solar power may be limited at night
Mobile and basic camping
Mobile camps are set up for the group and moved between areas. They are more basic, but they offer immersion and are well suited to travellers on a tighter budget or who love the outdoors. Our budget camping tips give practical advice.
Remember that the best place to sleep is not always the most expensive. A simple camp with a thoughtful guide and good food can beat an elaborate lodge with a hurried schedule. Think about what you want your evenings to be like: stargazing and a campfire, or a bar and a terrace. Once you know, choosing becomes easier, and we can suggest suitable options.
Choosing between them
Think about comfort, budget, location and how you feel about wildlife near your tent. Families with young children, older travellers and honeymooners may weigh these differently.
We tailor accommodation to your dates and budget; ask us for a current quote.
Be realistic about facilities. Remote camps may have limited Wi-Fi, patchy power and simple menus, which many guests find part of the charm. Others offer polished service that compares with a boutique hotel. Tell us what you cannot live without, such as a bath, a warm shower or a quiet room, and we will match your needs to the available options, as far as availability allows.
Related pages on our site
Frequently asked questions
Are tented camps safe?
Reputable camps follow safety routines, such as escorts to your tent after dark. Listen to the staff's advice and follow their rules. Ask us how a camp handles night-time safety. Camps usually escort guests after dark, and staff will explain the routine, so follow their instructions and keep your torch handy.
Do all camps have electricity and hot water?
Not always. Many offer power for charging at set times and hot water on request. Ask what is provided at each place. Many camps run generators or solar systems at certain hours, so charge cameras and phones when power is on.
Which is best for a honeymoon?
That depends on your taste. Many couples prefer a lodge or a refined tented camp for privacy and comfort, and we can match this to your wishes. Privacy, views and quiet matter to couples, so tell us what you imagine and we will suggest a suitable style of stay.
