Tanzania is East Africa's premier safari destination, home to the legendary Serengeti plains, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Experience the Great Migration, explore ancient Stone Town, and discover incredible wildlife diversity.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Serengeti Wildebeest Camps
Mobile tented camp following the Great Migration with comfortable tents, en-suite bathrooms, and authentic bush experience. Excellent value for Serengeti safari.
Check rates on Booking.comJambo Guest House
Budget-friendly Stone Town guesthouse with clean rooms, rooftop terrace, and helpful staff. Walking distance to all major attractions and Forodhani Night Market.
Check rates on Booking.comMigombani Campsite
Popular backpacker campsite near Ngorongoro Crater with camping and basic bungalows. Social atmosphere, affordable meals, and easy crater access.
Check rates on Booking.comMamas Paradise Beach Bungalows
Simple beachfront bungalows on Nungwi Beach with direct beach access, friendly atmosphere, and unbeatable location. No-frills but clean and comfortable.
Check rates on Booking.comSafari Hotel Arusha
Budget hotel in central Arusha with clean rooms, helpful staff, and good restaurant. Perfect base for organizing safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs.
Check rates on Booking.comSlipway Hotel
Affordable hotel at Slipway shopping center in Dar es Salaam with harbor views, pool, and multiple dining options. Safe location with ATMs and shops.
Check rates on Booking.comDar YMCA Hostel
Central Dar es Salaam hostel in a safe compound with dorms and private rooms. Popular with backpackers, with a cafeteria serving cheap local food and helpful staff for city orientation.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Well-established lodge built into hillside overlooking Serengeti plains. Traditional African design with modern comfort, infinity pool, and excellent game-viewing location.
Check rates on Booking.comNeptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa
All-inclusive beachfront resort on Zanzibar's east coast with spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, water sports, and spa. Family-friendly with kids club and entertainment.
Check rates on Booking.comNgorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Perched on crater rim with stunning views, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to crater floor. Built from local stone to blend with environment. Good value for location.
Check rates on Booking.comZanzibar Palace Hotel
Boutique heritage hotel in Stone Town featuring restored Arab mansion with traditional carved doors, antique furniture, rooftop restaurant with sea views, and authentic Swahili atmosphere.
Check rates on Booking.comTarangire Sopa Lodge
Comfortable lodge on the edge of Tarangire National Park with traditional round rondavels, pool, and sunset views over savannah. Excellent for elephant viewing and relaxation.
Check rates on Booking.comKarambezi Cafe Sea Front Lodge
Charming boutique hotel on Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam with ocean views, excellent seafood restaurant, and personalized service. Great value for seaside location.
Check rates on Booking.comMatemwe Lodge
Intimate beachfront lodge on Zanzibar's northeast coast with bungalows overlooking ocean, private beach, infinity pool, and excellent diving access. Adults-only retreat.
Check rates on Booking.comArusha Coffee Lodge
Boutique lodge set in coffee plantation on outskirts of Arusha. Perfect pre/post-safari base with luxurious rooms, excellent restaurant, and tranquil garden setting.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Ultra-luxury safari lodge in the heart of Serengeti with infinity pool overlooking watering hole, spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and exceptional service. Year-round game viewing from your room.
Check rates on Booking.comSingita Grumeti Reserves
Collection of three exclusive lodges in western Serengeti offering unparalleled luxury and privacy. Located on the Great Migration route with exceptional game viewing, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
Check rates on Booking.comandBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the crater rim with breathtaking views, featuring baroque-style decor, chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The most luxurious base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Residence Zanzibar
Five-star beachfront resort on Zanzibar's southwest coast featuring Moroccan-inspired villas with private pools, pristine white-sand beach, spa, and exceptional service in a serene setting.
Check rates on Booking.comMnemba Island Lodge
Exclusive barefoot luxury on private island with only 12 beachfront bandas. World-class diving and snorkeling, gourmet cuisine, and complete privacy. No phones, no TVs, pure paradise.
Check rates on Booking.comZuri Zanzibar
Contemporary luxury resort on Kendwa Beach featuring stylish bungalows, multiple pools, spa, and exceptional dining. Adults-only section available. Perfect blend of modern comfort and tropical paradise.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Dar es Salaam The Kilimanjaro
Premier business and leisure hotel in the heart of Dar es Salaam with harbor views, multiple restaurants, rooftop pool, and modern amenities. Perfect for city stays before safari adventures.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Tanzania with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Ultra-luxury safari lodge in the heart of Serengeti with infinity pool overlooking watering hole, spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and exceptional service. Year-round game viewing from your room.
Check rates on Booking.comSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Well-established lodge built into hillside overlooking Serengeti plains. Traditional African design with modern comfort, infinity pool, and excellent game-viewing location.
Check rates on Booking.comSerengeti Wildebeest Camps
Mobile tented camp following the Great Migration with comfortable tents, en-suite bathrooms, and authentic bush experience. Excellent value for Serengeti safari.
Check rates on Booking.comSingita Grumeti Reserves
Collection of three exclusive lodges in western Serengeti offering unparalleled luxury and privacy. Located on the Great Migration route with exceptional game viewing, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
Check rates on Booking.comNeptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa
All-inclusive beachfront resort on Zanzibar's east coast with spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, water sports, and spa. Family-friendly with kids club and entertainment.
Check rates on Booking.comJambo Guest House
Budget-friendly Stone Town guesthouse with clean rooms, rooftop terrace, and helpful staff. Walking distance to all major attractions and Forodhani Night Market.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book safari lodges 6-12 months in advance for peak season (June-October) - top Serengeti and Ngorongoro lodges sell out completely by February for the following summer.
Beach hotels in Zanzibar at Christmas and New Year require bookings up to 12 months ahead and often enforce minimum stays of 3-5 nights.
Low season (March-May, November) offers 30-50% discounts at most lodges and hotels with smaller crowds and lush green landscapes.
Check direct booking discounts - many Tanzanian lodges and hotels offer 5-15% off their Booking.com price for direct reservations.
Budget travellers should look at Arusha's Boma Road guesthouses for clean, cheap rooms ($20-40) as a safari base before heading to the parks.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.