Tanzanie is a destination synonymous with adventure in the heart of the bush. Renowned for its national parks, this East African country is home to vast animal reserves. You wish to discover this wild life, but you don't know where to stay during a safari in Tanzanie? From campsites to tented camps to guesthouses and home stays : we tell you all about the different accommodation options available in the savanna !

Campsites: affordable accommodations for a budget safari in Tanzanie

Camping is a simple and authentic form of accommodation that allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of the savanna and experience an unforgettable moment in the midst of nature (only on designated areas established by national park authorities).

The public campsites

Public campsites are large developed sites in the bush ready to welcome your tent. They are equipped with toilets and cold water showers. The facilities, in individual cabins, are shared by all safari-goers (all agencies combined).

For lighting? You will need to fend for yourselves (flashlights or headlamps). Water and food supplies are managed by the agency that organized your safari. Sleeping bags are not provided.

Advantages : This is the least expensive paid accommodation option (between 30 and 40 € /night/person, depending on the parks). The presence of other campers promises moments of sharing and conviviality.

Disadvantages : There is little or no equipment and scarce running water… Going on a safari doesn't always rhyme with comfort !

The special campsites

The special campsites are located in more remote areas of the parks. If you opt for this type of camping, a private plot will be assigned to you. The facilities are as basic as for regular campsites… Remember that you are lodging in the heart of wild life! Note that a local guide will be with you as a safety measure (count between 50 and 60 € /night/person).

Advantages : Safari-goers sleep (almost) under the stars in the savanna, but in complete safety !

Disadvantages : The private plot may give campers a slight feeling of solitude…

The tented camps : luxurious tent camps set in the heart of wild life

Tented camps are large luxury tents. In addition to being set within the bush (sometimes even next to a waterhole, in close proximity to animals), they offer great comfort. Inside? They are veritable hotel rooms, equipped with private facilities, hot water showers, bedding, and a lighting system (gas or oil lamp).

Prices vary depending on the season and level of comfort. The tented camps offer family suites (with adjacent tents for children). Expect a minimum of 400 € and more than double for "super luxury" services.

Advantages : Tented camps (although pricey) offer good value for money, midway between immersion and comfort…

Disadvantages : Luxury campsites come at a very high cost for an experience that can be equally unforgettable under more spartan accommodation conditions… But they deserve to exist !

Lodges: fully equipped accommodations in national parks

Lodges are solid structures located within or bordering reserves and national parks. This type of accommodation can take many forms (ranging from a simple dwelling to a full-fledged comfortable hotel).

All lodges have their own restaurant and provide lunchboxes (packed meals) for picnic breaks during safaris. These services cost between 200 € and 1000 € per night per person (prices are lower in low season (April to June and November). Some have a swimming pool.

Advantages : Lodges offer a high-end stay on the edge of wild life… Ideal for a honeymoon in Tanzanie !

Disadvantages : While they promise good nights of rest (appreciated after a day of safari), lodges are less immersive than more spartan accommodation options.

Hotels - guesthouses (inns): a standard yet convenient accommodation option

The guesthouses are not located in national parks, but in towns. There are three types: the very budget (to be avoided, as they are often dirty and not very reassuring !), the budget (rooms feature hot water showers, with toilets outside the room, for about 20 €) and the mid-range, around 100 €.

Advantages : Hotels and guesthouses are easy to book and accessible to all budgets.

Disadvantages : This type of accommodation lacks any sense of adventure !

Home stays: an ideal place to stay during a safari in Tanzanie

It is sometimes possible to stay with a local family during a safari in Tanzanie (depending on the agencies). The families who welcome visitors typically have a fully equipped space dedicated to guests. Families may reside in town or in a rural village – where homes are quite far from the infrastructure offered in urban areas. In either case, the welcome is always warm.

Advantages : This is an economical accommodation option that offers moments of exchange with the Tanzanian population.

Disadvantages : Although rural inhabitants have running water and electricity, these resources remain scarce – and precious – in the countryside…

Audrey Denjean