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The Top 10 Best Luxury Lodges in Tanzania

Matthys van Aswegen

Author: Matthys van Aswegen - 11 April 2023

Last Update: 20 February 2024

Part of the Travel To Tanzania & Serengeti National Park & African Safari Collection

A safari wonderland, Tanzania is home to a few of the continent’s most incredible wonders, from the Serengeti National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

With landscapes ranging from sun-beaten savannahs to leafy forests, white-sand beaches, and tropical islands, the diversity of accommodation here is fantastic and features a wide choice of tented camps, chic eco-lodges, and honeymoon escapes.

Get inspired with our list of the top 10 best luxury lodges in Tanzania.

Lake Manyara National Park

1. Chem Chem Lodge

Situated on the eastern edge of Lake Manyara, the lush Chem Chem Lodge is owner-run and owner-operated, offering a deep sense of personal attention and hands-on service.

Giraffe walking past lodge pool, Tanzania | Photo credits: Chem Chem Lodge
Giraffe walking past lodge pool, Tanzania | Photo credits: Chem Chem Lodge

Spectacular views of African sunsets and wild nature are complemented by lavish exclusivity and luxury, while natural materials like wood, canvas, thatch, and lava rock create an effect of blending into the surrounding wilderness. Wake up to zebras grazing on the lawn right outside your suite, or cool off on the swimming pool while giraffes stroll by.

This is an African safari at its finest.

Highlights include:

  • A private concession for unmatched exclusivity and privacy
  • Hot-air balloon rides
  • Access to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks
  • Bush breakfasts and picnics
  • Walks with Maasai warriors
  • Luxurious tented accommodation
  • Private guides and vehicles

Ideal for: 

Family vacations and safari-lovers

Activities:

  • Bush dining
  • Day tours
  • Game drives
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Helicopter flights
  • Hot-air ballooning
  • Spa treatments
  • Sundowners

2. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Tucked away in the limbs of Lake Manyara National Park’s primitive forest, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge brings to mind a treehouse built in dense African woodlands packed with wildlife.

Luxury lodge lounge | Photo credits: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Luxury lodge lounge | Photo credits: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Constructed from timber and makuti palm fronds, each majestic stilted suite provides jaw-dropping panoramic views of the canopy surrounding you and is kitted out in the chicest decor. 

Highlights include:

  • The renowned local tree-climbing lions
  • Guided bike rides around Lake Manyara
  • An exclusive location in Lake Manyara National Park
  • Excellent game viewing and birding
  • Exciting day and night drives
  • Spacious and intriguing tree-house suites
  • Tasty food from the interactive kitchen

Ideal for:

Romantic getaways and honeymoons

Activities:

  • Game drives
  • Local village visits
  • Night drives
  • Private game-drives
  • Specialist guides
  • Bird watching
  • Picnics
  • Biking
Serengeti National Park

3. Sasakwa Lodge

Singita’s Sasakwa Lodge exudes old-world glamour and opulence thanks to its timeless decor and Edwardian architecture. Polished parquet floors are decorated with Persian rugs that complement a four-poster bed and wood-burning fireplace.

Luxury lodge in Tanzania | Photo credits: Sasakwa Lodge
Luxury lodge in Tanzania | Photo credits: Sasakwa Lodge

The decor is eclectic, with vintage collectibles and silver candelabras sitting alongside tribal cushions and local artifacts. The overall effect is one of being transported back to the indulgent lifestyle of the 1800s while still retaining modern-day creature comforts.

Highlights include:

  • A visit to one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
  • Located on the Great Migration route
  • A butler service
  • Kids program and babysitting service
  • A tennis court
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Jacuzzi
  • Year-round Big Five sightings
  • Internet connectivity
  • Archery
  • Private cottages with plunge pools
  • Guided safari walks

Ideal for:

Family vacations

Activities:

  • Biking
  • Bird watching
  • Game drives
  • Hot-air ballooning
  • Specialist guides
  • Star gazing
  • Tennis  

4. Mwiba Lodge

With spectacular views of the Arugusinyai River from a rocky outcrop between ancient acacia and coral trees, Mwiba Lodge brings to mind a primitive lost city. This destination oozes a sense of majesty, seamlessly blending luxury contemporary design with traditional elements of Africa.

Plunge pool at luxury lodge, Tanzania | Photo credits: Mwiba Lodge
Plunge pool at luxury lodge, Tanzania | Photo credits: Mwiba Lodge

While the location itself will leave you feeling like royalty, the level of service backs it all up. Guest satisfaction is guaranteed with an expert guide and private safari vehicle per booking. 

Highlights include:

  • Authentic cultural experiences with the local tribes
  • Elevated location for excellent views of the Serengeti
  • A luxury hideaway offering unmatched exclusivity and privacy
  • Private vehicle and guide for the ultimate in tailor-made safaris
  • Incredible scenic helicopter flights over the reserve
  • Swimming pool and hot tub
  • On-request dining in various al fresco settings
  • Children’s safaris and junior ranger club
  • Set in a private concession far from the crowds

Ideal for:

A family vacation or romantic getaway

Activities:

  • 4×4 drives
  • Bush dining
  • Game drives
  • Night drives
  • Private game-drives
  • Sundowners
  • Guided walking safaris

5. Faru Faru Lodge

With its neutral color palette, a sublime mix of stone and canvas, and open, airy design, Faru Faru lodge leaves its guests calm from the get-go.

Luxury lodge viewing deck, Tanzania | Photo credits: Faru Faru Lodge
Luxury lodge viewing deck, Tanzania | Photo credits: Faru Faru Lodge

Let the tranquil energy of the surrounding wilderness embrace you from every direction while you soak up the spectacular views of the sparkling Grumeti River.

The tranquil atmosphere of Faru Faru lodge is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed on your African safari experience.

Highlights include:

  • Jaw-dropping views of wildlife congregating at the Grumeti River
  • An awesome location in the private Grumeti Game Reserve
  • Hot-air ballooning
  • Visit one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
  • Biking and archery range
  • Great Migration sightings in season
  • Just 8 air-conditioned suites
  • 2 swimming pools
  • Wi-Fi and satellite TV
  • A spa
  • 2-bedroom Villa Suite

Ideal for:

Family holidays

Activities:

  • Biking
  • Bird watching
  • Game drives
  • Specialist guides
  • Star gazing

Nyerere National Park (Previously Selous Game Reserve)

6. Sand Rivers Selous

Sand Rivers Selous is situated high among the rocky riverine bush overlooking the calm waters of the Rufiji River. The lodge’s remote setting is complemented by stone walls topped with wooden beams and thatched roofs.

Luxury lodge room, Tanzania | Photo credits: Sand River Selous
Luxury lodge room, Tanzania | Photo credits: Sand River Selous

The interior decor and design elements work harmoniously to calm guests from the moment they arrive, while soft neutral tones and white walls work with the surrounding wilderness to deliver an unprecedented feeling of natural tranquility. 

Highlights include:

  • In-suite panoramic river views
  • Fly-camping
  • Boat excursions
  • Animal tracking
  • Access to a private guide and vehicle

Ideal for:

Romantic getaways and safari-lovers

Activities:

  • Animal tracking experience
  • Bird watching
  • Boat excursions
  • Bush dining
  • Game drives
  • Guided walks
  • Specialist guides
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Fishing
Zanzibar

7. Kilindi

There’s nothing quite like a beach holiday after a hot and dusty safari, and Kilindi is the ultimate barefoot luxury destination. White sand beaches and dreamy sunsets over the tranquil, crystal clear waters of Zanzibar await you here.

Kilindi pavillion, Zanzibar | Photo credits: Kilindi
Kilindi pavillion, Zanzibar | Photo credits: Kilindi

After a day kicking back on the beach, retreat to your luxury domed suite with its open and airy ambiance. Take in spectacular views of the Indian Ocean while the soft sea breeze wafts through your room, or cool off in your own private plunge pool.

Highlights include:

  • Personal butlers
  • Unique architectural style
  • Jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean
  • Boat excursions
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Scuba diving
  • Excellent snorkeling
  • Water bar
  • Infinity pool
  • A spa
  • Complete privacy and luxury
  • Outdoor dining
  • Private plunge pools

Ideal for:

Romantic getaways and honeymoons

Activities:

  • Boat excursions
  • Day tours
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Dhow cruises
  • Game drives
  • Guided walks
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Sundowners
Ruaha National Park

8. Jabali Private House

Constructed around three gigantic baobabs in the untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park, Jabali Private House is an elegant retreat and sophisticated base camp from which to explore this slice of safari paradise.

The remote location lends you the feeling of having this spectacular natural area all to yourself.

Exterior of luxury lodge in Tanzania | Photo credits: Jabali Private House
Exterior of luxury lodge in Tanzania | Photo credits: Jabali Private House

Experience unmatched levels of privacy and luxury while you connect with nature in a way you never have before. Jabali is close to the game-packed Mwagusi River, virtually guaranteeing great sightings of elephants, giraffes, impalas, leopards, lions, and cheetahs.

Each room’s open-front style offers you uninterrupted views of all the majesty that Ruaha has to offer.

Highlights include:

  • Sophisticated and stylish family accommodation
  • Spectacular game viewing in an uncrowded national park
  • Night drives and walking safaris
  • Private guiding and dedicated private team
  • The remote location guarantees exclusivity and privacy
  • Spa treatments

Ideal for:

Family getaways

Activities:

  • 4×4 drives
  • Bird watching
  • Bush dining
  • Full-day safaris
  • Game drives
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Guided walks
  • Night drives
  • Picnics
  • Private game-drives
  • Spa treatments
  • Specialist guides
  • Star gazing
  • Sundowners
  • Private guides
Ngorongoro Conservation Area

9. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Situated on the rim of the world’s biggest volcano caldera, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers spectacular views of the encircled grasslands. The crater floor boasts healthy populations of elephants, buffalo, zebras, black rhinos, cheetahs, and other large mammals.

Luxury lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater | Photo credits: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Luxury lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater | Photo credits: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Inspired by the structural style of a traditional Maasai mud and stick manyatta, each suite’s architecture is authentically African. A scattering of baroque elements like glittering chandeliers and Persian rugs adds a touch of refined class to the accommodation.

Highlights include:

  • Jaw-dropping views of the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Access to the Cradle of Humankind at Olduvai Gorge
  • Dining on the crater floor
  • Your own private butler
  • Glamourous and opulent decor
  • A dramatic and breathtaking location
  • Excellent Big Five game viewing all year round
  • Decadent bush picnics and fine dining with superb wines
  • An exclusive and exceptional experience for discerning travelers

Ideal for:

Romantic getaways and family vacations

Activities:

  • Bird watching
  • Game drives
  • Local village visits
  • Picnics
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Bush dining
  • Day tours
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Guided walks
  • Hiking 
  • Spa treatments
  • Sundowners
  • Wine tasting

10. The Highlands

An architectural wonder, The Highlands embodies contemporary opulence at its location above the Olmoti crater. Inspired by traditional Maasai bomas (homesteads), each igloo-shaped suite rests up high between the canopy of trees on all sides.

Lounge dome at luxury lodge, Tanzania | Photo credits: The Highlands
Lounge dome at luxury lodge, Tanzania | Photo credits: The Highlands

Floor-to-ceiling bay windows offer panoramic views of the majestic landscape. This unique safari destination’s locale offers activities exclusive to the area, like the Ngorongoro Crater descent, Empakaai Crater hike, and Olmoti nature walk.

Highlights include:

  • Spectacular views of the Ngorongoro region right from your room
  • A secluded location
  • Exclusive activities like hiking in Olmoti and Empakaai Crater
  • Unique suite architecture
  • An incredible setting on Olmoti Crater
  • High-tech tents with full en-suite bathrooms
  • Only eight tents, including honeymoon and family units 

Ideal for:

Honeymoons and romantic getaways

Activities:

  • 4×4 drives
  • Birdwatching
  • Full-day safaris
  • Game drives
  • Guided walks
  • Hiking
  • Nature drives
  • Specialist guides
  • Star gazing
  • Sundowners

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Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | The Top 10 Best Luxury Lodges in Tanzania | Last Updated: 20 February 2024