The best hotels in Tanzania
Tanzania has 200+ safari camps and beach resorts on Booking.com. Most are overpriced for what they deliver. We found the 10 that actually earn their price tag.
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· + Others Our Top Picks in Tanzania
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Meliá Serengeti Lodge member of Meliá Collection
Serengeti
Gran Melia Arusha
Arusha
Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World
Ngorongoro
Johari Rotana
Dar Es Salaam
Toa Hotel & Spa
Zanzibar
One Nature Nyaruswiga
Serengeti
Kerama Silent Lodge
Arusha
The Manor at Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro
Golden Tulip Dar City Center
Dar Es Salaam
Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel
Zanzibar
$177/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison of location, price, and vetted score.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meliá Serengeti Lodge member of Meliá Collection | Serengeti | $118/night | 9.8/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+6GymRestaurantBarShuttleParkingKids |
| 2 | Gran Melia Arusha | Arusha | $237/night | 9.6/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+7GymRestaurantBarShuttleParkingSaunaKids |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World | Ngorongoro | $1592/night | 9.6/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+6GymRestaurantBarShuttleParkingSauna |
| 4 | Johari Rotana | Dar Es Salaam | $177/night | 9.4/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+7GymRestaurantBarShuttleParkingSaunaKids |
| 5 | Toa Hotel & Spa | Zanzibar | $134/night | 9.4/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+5GymBeachRestaurantShuttleParking |
| 6 | One Nature Nyaruswiga | Serengeti | $3074/night | 10/10 | PoolBreakfastSpa+5GymRestaurantShuttleParkingKids |
| 7 | Kerama Silent Lodge | Arusha | $82/night | 9.6/10 | PoolBreakfastRestaurant+3ShuttleParkingKids |
| 8 | The Manor at Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro | $2020/night | 10/10 | PoolBreakfastRestaurant+2ShuttleParking |
| 9 | Golden Tulip Dar City Center | Dar Es Salaam | $60/night | 9.2/10 | BreakfastSpaGym+4RestaurantShuttleParkingKids |
| 10 | Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel | Zanzibar | $177/night | 9.6/10 |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Meliá Serengeti Lodge member of Meliá Collection
Meliá Serengeti Lodge sits on the Nyamuma Hills overlooking the Mbalageti River valley, inside Serengeti National Park itself. That location is the whole point. You're not driving to the wildlife. The wildlife is already outside your window. Rooms are styled with Masai and Colonial-inspired decor, complete with four-poster beds and mosquito nets. Every room has a terrace, free Wi-Fi, a minifridge, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add extra bedrooms and separate sitting rooms, which gives you real breathing room after a long day out. Meals are included, so you're not nickel-and-dimed at dinner. There's an outdoor pool, a spa, a children's club, a fitness center, and a restaurant and bar on site. The lodge can also arrange game drives and safaris, though those come at a surcharge. One honest caveat: it sits 31 km from Serorena Airstrip, so factor in that transfer when you're planning arrival logistics.
Address:Meliá Serengeti Lodge member of Meliá Collection, Nyamuma Hills, 01184, Tanzania
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Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Melia Arusha sits on 7 hectares of coffee and tea plantations with Mount Meru as a backdrop, and that setting alone makes it stand out. This is a genuinely posh property, and it feels it. Rooms come with balconies, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgrade to a club level room and you get access to a private lounge. Suites bring separate living rooms, and the top-tier suites include butler service. With 5 restaurants and bars spread across the property, including a poolside spot and a rooftop option, you won't run out of places to eat or unwind. The outdoor pool, spa, 24-hour gym, and running track mean you can stay active or completely decompress, your call. A business centre is on-site, parking is available, and the airport shuttle takes the edge off arrival. The hotel is 10 km from Arusha Airport, so getting here is straightforward. If mountain views matter to you, book an upgraded room and ask for that specifically. Worth every bit of the five-star billing.
Address:Gran Melia Arusha, Simeon Road, Arusha 1184, Tanzania
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Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World
The crater rim location means you're looking down into the caldera before breakfast. At $1,592 a night, you're paying for that view, the Leading Hotels membership, and genuinely attentive service. It delivers on all three. Skip it only if you'd rather stretch that budget across more nights in the bush.
Address:Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World, B144, 1184, Tanzania
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Johari Rotana
Johari Rotana is a sleek, glass-fronted five-star hotel on Sokoine Drive with direct harbor views and a calm, polished character that feels a cut above its surroundings. The building is modern and the rooms match: floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screens, minifridges, safes, and tea and coffeemaking facilities come standard. Upgrade to a higher tier and you get access to a private lounge. Suites, studios, and one-bedroom apartments add kitchenettes, and some include living rooms, which is genuinely useful for longer stays. Four upscale restaurants on-site means you're never hunting for a meal. You can swim in the outdoor pool, work out in the gym, or spend a slow afternoon in the spa. The National Museum of Tanzania is a 15-minute walk, and Coco Beach is 7 km out. Julius Nyerere International Airport sits 11 km away, and parking is available on-site. The overall mood here is unhurried and refined. If you want one honest caveat: this is a no-nonsense luxury hotel, so don't expect quirky local character. Expect consistency and comfort, and you'll get exactly that.
Address:Johari Rotana, Sokoine Drive Dar es Salaam TZ, 14909, Tanzania
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Toa Hotel & Spa
Toa Hotel & Spa sits right on the beach in Pongwe, a quiet stretch of Zanzibar's coastline that feels genuinely unhurried. The five-star rating sets expectations high, and the package here backs that up. You get beach access, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a full spa, so there's no shortage of ways to slow down. Breakfast is included, and all-inclusive options are available if you'd rather not think about a bill. The restaurant and room service mean you can eat on your terms. Practical touches matter too: airport shuttle, local shuttle, parking, and laundry are all on the list. The fitness center is there if you want to stay active between beach sessions. Air conditioning and kitchen access in the rooms add real comfort. Honestly, with a highly rated spa and pool as the standout draws, this place rewards guests who want to do very little, very well. If you need a buzzing nightlife scene, Pongwe probably isn't your base.
Address:Toa Hotel & Spa, PONGWE, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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One Nature Nyaruswiga
One Nature Nyaruswiga sits in Seronera, Tanzania, putting you right in the heart of serious safari country. The feel here is remote and focused, the kind of place where the wilderness is the point. It earns its five-star status with a lineup that covers the essentials well: a spa, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and full-service laundry. Breakfast is on-site, and the restaurant means you're not scrambling for meals after a long day in the field. The spa and pool are consistently what guests talk about most, and we get it. A soak in a hot tub after hours outdoors is hard to argue with. Families are welcome, and the kid-friendly designation matters in a destination this remote. Getting here is easier than you'd expect, with both airport and local shuttle service available. If you need reliable connectivity, Wi-Fi is included. Just know that in a place like Seronera, the draw is what's outside, not inside.
Address:One Nature Nyaruswiga, JQ65+M4, Seronera, Tanzania
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Kerama Silent Lodge
Kerama Silent Lodge sits on Old Moshi Road in Moshono, just outside Arusha, and the name tells you exactly what to expect: calm, unhurried, a little removed from the city's pace. The vibe here is genuinely quiet, and guests consistently rate it among the best-regarded lodges in the area. You'll find a pool on-site, and there's a separate adult-only section if you want to swim without the splashing. Breakfast is available, and the restaurant offers both buffet dinners and table service, so you're not hunting for meals. Room service means you don't have to leave at all if you'd rather keep things low-key. The lodge is kid-friendly with dedicated activities, which is a nice touch. Practical extras are solid: Wi-Fi, laundry, concierge, baggage storage, and a convenience store cover most bases. A social hour adds a relaxed, communal feel to the evenings. The accessible parking and pool make this a genuinely inclusive option. If quiet, well-rounded lodging near Arusha is what you need, this one delivers.
Address:Kerama Silent Lodge, opposite the e-complex, 8696 Old Moshi Road, Moshono, Arusha, Tanzania
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The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro carries a distinctly colonial-era character, set in Karatu, Tanzania, with the wild landscapes of the surrounding region pressing in on all sides. The atmosphere is unhurried and intimate. You get the sense that slowing down here is the whole point. Breakfast is on-site, so you can start your morning properly before heading out. There's a pool, which feels like a genuine luxury after a long day in the field. Wi-Fi is available if you need to stay connected. Full-service laundry is a welcome touch for longer stays or dusty safari itineraries. Getting here and getting around is handled too, with both an airport shuttle and a local shuttle available. Parking is on-site if you're driving yourself. The reviews from guests are glowing across the board, and we think the calm, unhurried mood of the place earns that reputation honestly. If you're planning safari time in the Karatu area, this is the kind of base worth building your trip around.
Address:The Manor at Ngorongoro, MJXR+494, Karatu, Tanzania
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Golden Tulip Dar City Center
Golden Tulip Dar City Center sits in the Kisutu neighborhood, close to the harbour and the buzz of the city. The location is genuinely useful: you're a short walk from the Zanzibar Ferry and the National Museum of Tanzania is also reachable on foot. Rooms feel straightforward and no-nonsense, with flat-screen TVs, desks, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites step things up with whirlpool tubs and lounge areas, while family suites come with kitchens and washer/dryers, making longer stays practical. Views of the sea, city, or harbour give the space real character. The restaurant is bright and colorful, and the lobby lounge has an airy, unhurried feel. There's also a gym, secured parking, and room service when you'd rather not go out. Kids are welcome, and babysitting is available, so families traveling with young children are well covered. We'd say this is a calm, reliable base with enough comfort to feel genuinely well-earned. Just note that Mbudya Island is a significant drive away, so plan that excursion carefully.
Address:Golden Tulip Dar City Center, Jamhuri St, Dar es Salaam 22353, Tanzania
Neighborhood:Kisutu
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Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel
Be Zanzibar sits in Jambiani, a stretch of Tanzania's coastline that tends to attract travelers who want calm over crowds. The "boutique" label signals something intentional here: smaller scale, more considered. We don't have a long list of amenities or room details to dig into, but the hotel carries a strong reputation earned through real guest feedback, and that tells you something meaningful on its own. Jambiani itself is the draw, a quieter corner of Zanzibar compared to the busier north. The feel here reads as unhurried, the kind of place where you slow down whether you planned to or not. Our honest caveat: because verified details on rooms, dining, and on-site services are limited, we'd recommend reaching out directly to confirm what's included before you book. Don't assume. Ask. If the vibe of a low-key, well-regarded boutique in coastal Tanzania sounds right to you, Be Zanzibar is worth a serious look.
Address:Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel, Sesame Street, Jambiani, Tanzania
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Where to Stay in Tanzania
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Planning Your Safari Circuit
The northern circuit covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara and is what most people picture when they think Tanzania. Budget at least 7 nights to do it properly. 5 nights gives you a rushed version where you see everything but remember nothing. Fly between parks if your budget allows, the road from Arusha to Serengeti is 8 hours each way.
Southern circuit camps around Selous (now Nyerere) and Ruaha offer the same wildlife with far fewer vehicles. Peak season prices are 20 to 30% lower than the north. The trade-off is that you must fly in, adding $300 to $500 per person in charter costs. For serious wildlife photographers who hate crowded game drives, go south.
Zanzibar: Which Beach Fits You
Nungwi on the north coast has the best year-round swimming because the tides are manageable and the sand stays dry. It is also the most developed with restaurants, bars, and water sports. Kendwa, 3 kilometers south, is slightly quieter with the same sea quality. Both fill up December to February and July to August.
Paje on the east coast is the kitesurf capital of the Indian Ocean. Trade winds blow reliably June through September. If you do not kitesurf, avoid Paje during that window as the wind is constant and loud. The southern coast around Jambiani is calm, local, and 40% cheaper than Nungwi for similar quality rooms.
Getting Between Tanzania and Zanzibar
Fly time from Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is 20 minutes. Coastal Aviation and Zanair both run multiple daily flights for $60 to $100 each way. Book directly on their websites or via your safari operator. The ferry from Dar es Salaam port to Stone Town takes 90 minutes on fast catamaran and costs $35 to $40 one way.
The ferry is fine in calm conditions. In rough weather from March through May, it gets genuinely unpleasant. Families with young children and people who get seasick easily should fly regardless. Book your ferry ticket at the terminal or online to avoid paying inflated prices to touts outside the port.
What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
Khaki and olive tones, not bright colors. White attracts tsetse flies in some areas. Layers matter more than you think. Serengeti mornings at 6am can be 10 degrees Celsius in July, and noon brings 30 degrees. A fleece and light down jacket both earn their weight. Binoculars are non-negotiable. Rent from your camp if you forget them.
Medical kit essentials: malaria tablets (start taking before departure), DEET 50% insect repellent, sunscreen SPF50, oral rehydration salts, and ibuprofen. Power banks are essential in camps without 24-hour electricity. Most luxury camps have solar power and USB ports. Budget camps often only charge devices during generator hours, roughly 6pm to 10pm.
Eating and Drinking in Arusha
Arusha is your entry and exit city for most northern safaris. The central market area around Clock Tower has cheap Tanzanian food: rice, beans, nyama choma (grilled meat), and chips mayai (omelette chips) for under $3. Arusha Coffee Lodge has the best restaurant in town if budget allows, their breakfast buffet is worth $20.
Street food around Arusha Stadium is safe if busy, busier stalls have faster turnover and fresher food. Supermarkets near the Shoppers Plaza stock snacks for safari. Avoid buying bottled water at airports, prices are triple what you pay in town. Stock up at a supermarket before heading to the parks.
Budget vs. Luxury Safari: Honest Comparison
Budget safaris using tented camps or lodge rooms in the $60 to $150 per night range give you identical game drive access to luxury camps. The animals do not know how much you paid. What you lose is the quality of guiding, the comfort of your vehicle, the food, and your camp atmosphere at sunset.
Luxury camps like andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas at $1,500 to $2,200 per night include highly qualified guides, private vehicle game drives, gourmet meals, and camp positions in exclusive zones with fewer vehicles. For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the upgrade is meaningful. For repeat visitors or tight budgets, mid-range camps deliver 80% of the experience at 25% of the cost.
Explore Tanzania by city
We cover 8 destinations across Tanzania. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Tanzania's best hotel regions
Tanzania splits into three distinct zones: the northern safari circuit around Arusha and Serengeti, the southern parks including Mikumi and Selous, and the coast with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Each zone requires different planning and very different budgets.
Northern Safari Circuit 4 vetted hotels Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the classic Tanzania experience
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the classic Tanzania experience
This is where most Tanzania visitors spend most of their time and money. Arusha is the gateway city with Kilimanjaro Airport 45 minutes away. From here you access Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. The northern circuit has the best infrastructure, the most lodges across all price ranges, and the most reliable wildlife year-round.
Prices spike June through October for the Great Migration season. Book your top-choice camps 6 to 12 months ahead for July and August. Karatu, a small town between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, offers budget lodges like Karatu Simba Lodge ($195 to $250) as an alternative to pricier crater-rim options.
Browse all Northern Safari Circuit hotels → Zanzibar Archipelago 2 vetted hotels Indian Ocean beaches, Stone Town history, and spice tours
Indian Ocean beaches, Stone Town history, and spice tours
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island 35 kilometers off the Tanzanian coast. Stone Town, the old Arab-Swahili trading center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and genuinely worth exploring for 1 to 2 days. The island's north and northeast coasts have the best beaches. Nungwi and Kendwa beat the east coast for swimming conditions outside of April and May.
Zanzibar Coffee House in Stone Town ($130 to $195) is the best value boutique option in town. For luxury beach resorts, the north coast has several Five Star options at $300 to $700 per night. The island is compact enough to day-trip across it in a rental scooter for around $15.
Browse all Zanzibar Archipelago hotels → Dar es Salaam and Coast 2 vetted hotels Tanzania's commercial capital and exclusive mainland beach retreats
Tanzania's commercial capital and exclusive mainland beach retreats
Dar es Salaam is the business center, not a tourist destination in itself. Most visitors spend one night here before flying to safari or Zanzibar. Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Courtyard ($110 to $180) near the Msasani Peninsula is a reliable mid-range option in a safe area with restaurants walking distance away.
Ras Kutani, 35 kilometers south of the city, is a genuine local favorite. This small beach lodge at $180 to $260 per night has only 13 rooms, its own private stretch of beach, and no day visitors. It is the best choice for couples who want privacy without flying to Zanzibar.
Browse all Dar es Salaam and Coast hotels → Southern Tanzania Parks 1 vetted hotel Remote wilderness with fewer tourists and lower prices
Remote wilderness with fewer tourists and lower prices
Mikumi National Park sits 5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam and is accessible enough for a long weekend safari without flying. Mikumi Wildlife Camp ($60 to $90 per night) is the budget benchmark for southern Tanzania, decent food, knowledgeable guides, and reliable lion sightings on the Mikumi flood plain.
Selous (now called Nyerere National Park) is Africa's largest game reserve, covering 50,000 square kilometers. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River are unique in Tanzania. You cannot do boat safaris anywhere in the northern circuit. Budget $300 to $600 per night for decent camps in Selous. The remoteness is the point.
Browse all Southern Tanzania Parks hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
Mnemba Island Lodge off Zanzibar's northeast coast has 12 bandas on a private atoll with snorkeling off your doorstep. No day visitors. No crowds. Starts at $1,200 per night including all meals, diving, and water sports. It is one of East Africa's best honeymoon destinations.
Culture
Zanzibar Stone Town is the culture anchor. The old Arab fort, the House of Wonders, and the narrow alleyways of the UNESCO-listed old town take a full day to explore properly. Forodhani Gardens night market serves freshly grilled seafood every evening from around $3 a plate.
Family
Karatu Simba Lodge outside Ngorongoro is a practical family base. The lodge has a pool, child-friendly meals, and short drives to the crater rim. Park rules require children to be at least 5 years old for crater descents. Karatu sits at 1,400 meters, so evenings are cool and mosquito pressure is low.
Budget
Mikumi Wildlife Camp costs $60 to $90 per night all-inclusive with three meals and two game drives per day. It delivers genuine lion, elephant, and hippo sightings without the northern circuit price premium. Take the overnight train from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi for $15 to save on the road transfer.
Beach
Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar's northern tip has calm turquoise water year-round and a good mix of restaurants and bars. Ras Kutani on the mainland coast is the exclusive option with a private beach and only 13 rooms at $180 to $260 per night.
Foodie
Zanzibar earned the name Spice Island for a reason. Cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg grow here. Rock Restaurant in Michamvi hangs over the Indian Ocean and serves the best seafood on the island. Book a table at high tide for the full effect, the water surrounds the rock completely.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We reviewed 200+ Tanzania properties on Booking.com and cross-checked with on-the-ground reports. Safari camps live or die by their guiding quality and camp positioning. Beach resorts live or die by their coral reef access. We cut everything that coasted on reputation without delivering results.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Tanzania: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Dry Season (June-October)
Peak season and the best time for the Great Migration. Wildlife concentrates at water sources making sightings easier. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Book top Serengeti camps 9 to 12 months ahead. Zanzibar is also excellent in this window with calm seas and little rain.
Short Rains (November-December)
Short rains typically fall for a few hours each afternoon. Game viewing remains very good as animals are more dispersed and easier to approach quietly. Prices drop 20 to 40% from peak season. November is the green season start with lush landscapes and excellent bird watching. Zanzibar gets some rain but remains swimnable.
Hot Season (January-February)
The calving season in the Serengeti's Ndutu region brings thousands of wildebeest calves and the predators that follow them. It is one of the most dramatic wildlife events in Africa and far less crowded than July. Hot and dry on the coast. Zanzibar has calm seas, clear water, and good snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll.
Long Rains (March-May)
Long rains fall consistently throughout the day, not just in the afternoon. Some camps close entirely in April. Roads in Serengeti and Ngorongoro can become impassable even with 4x4 vehicles. The upside: prices drop 40 to 60%, crowds disappear, and the landscape turns dramatically green. Zanzibar gets heavy rain and rough seas. This is the time to avoid the archipelago.
How to Book Hotels in Tanzania
Smart booking strategies for Tanzania.
Book safari camps 9-12 months ahead for peak season
July and August camps in the northern Serengeti sell out by October the previous year. If you want Kogatende area camps for the Mara River crossings, book even earlier. January through March has 4 to 6 months of lead time. Southern circuit camps have more availability but still fill up fast for peak June to October.
Fly between parks, do not drive
Driving from Arusha to Serengeti takes 8 hours each way on rough roads. Charter flights between Serengeti airstrips cost $150 to $350 per person one way but save a full day of travel each direction. On a 7-night safari, that is 2 full game drive days returned to you. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safarilink all operate reliable services.
All-inclusive pricing is standard at safari camps
Most Tanzanian safari camps quote rates that include accommodation, all meals, twice-daily game drives with a guide, park fees, and sometimes laundry. Confirm what is included before booking. Extra charges typically include premium alcohol, spa treatments, and bush walks (if offered separately). Do not compare camp prices to hotel prices without accounting for what is included.
Zanzibar ferry vs. flight: the real trade-off
The 90-minute Azam or Kilimanjaro fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town costs $35 to $40. It works fine in calm seas but can get rough from March to May. The 20-minute flight on Coastal Aviation or Zanair costs $60 to $100 and is far more reliable. For families with children or anyone prone to motion sickness, fly without question.
Budget for park fees separately from accommodation
Park fees are paid in USD cash at entry gates and are not included in most accommodation rates unless specified. Serengeti costs $60 per person per day. Ngorongoro Crater costs $70 per person plus $60 per vehicle per day. A 7-night trip visiting 2 parks costs $700 to $900 per person in fees alone. Factor this into your total budget before booking.
Get yellow fever vaccination before arrival
Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from any of the 42 countries with yellow fever risk, including Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination). If you arrive without it and you have been to a risk country, you may be vaccinated at the airport for $50 to $100 or denied entry. Do not take that risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Tanzania
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
June through October is peak season. The Great Migration crosses the Mara River between July and September, with wildebeest crossings concentrated near Kogatende in the northern Serengeti. Expect to pay $1,500+ per night at top Serengeti camps during this window. January and February offer better prices and excellent predator sightings around Ndutu.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities need a visa. US, UK, EU, and Canadian passport holders get a $50 single-entry visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Airport near Arusha. Apply online in advance at the Tanzania e-visa portal to skip queues that can run 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the best area to stay for Serengeti access?
Stay in Arusha for your pre-safari night. Arusha Coffee Lodge is 20 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport. Then fly into Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti airstrips. Flying saves 8 hours of road transfer each way. Do not drive from Arusha to Serengeti unless you enjoy very long days in a Land Cruiser.
Is Zanzibar worth combining with a safari?
Yes. The classic combination is 5 to 7 nights on safari then 3 to 4 nights on Zanzibar. Stone Town alone needs a full day. Nungwi Beach on the north tip has the clearest water and best swimming. Budget $130 to $195 per night at Zanzibar Coffee House in Stone Town or $300+ for beach resorts.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost per day?
Budget camps like Mikumi Wildlife Camp run $60 to $90 per night with meals included. Mid-range lodges average $200 to $350 per night all-inclusive. Top camps like andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas start at $1,500 per night. Add $60 per day in Serengeti park fees and $70 per day for Ngorongoro. A 7-night safari with quality camps costs $5,000 to $12,000 per person.
What is the Ngorongoro Crater like and is it worth the price?
The crater is 19 kilometers across and holds one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa. You see lions, elephants, hippos, flamingos, and sometimes rhinos all in one day. Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge sits on the crater rim at $160 to $240 per night. Day visitors pay $70 per person plus $60 per vehicle to enter. It is worth it.
Which is better for beaches: Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania?
Zanzibar wins on choice and infrastructure. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have the clearest water. Paje on the east coast has good kitesurfing. Mainland Ras Kutani Beach Resort, 35 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam, offers genuine exclusivity at $180 to $260 per night with only 13 rooms. Zanzibar is better if you want multiple dining options.
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever risk country. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all travelers. Malaria prophylaxis is essential as both the Serengeti and Zanzibar carry malaria risk year-round. Rabies vaccination is worth considering for rural or wildlife work. Consult a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
How is the food and safety in Tanzania?
Arusha and Zanzibar Stone Town have solid restaurant scenes. Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town serves excellent seafood for under $5 a full meal. Tap water is not safe anywhere in Tanzania. Drink bottled water only. Dar es Salaam is generally safe in tourist areas but petty theft is common on crowded streets.
Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro as a day trip?
No. Kilimanjaro requires a minimum of 5 to 6 days for the Marangu or Rongai routes and 7 to 9 days for Lemosho or Machame. Success rates average 65% overall but rise to 85% on longer routes with proper acclimatization. Fees, guide, porter, and equipment rental together cost $1,500 to $2,500 per person. Book at least 3 months ahead for July to October season.
What currency does Tanzania use and can I pay by card?
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), roughly 2,500 TZS per USD. Safari lodges and larger hotels quote in USD and accept major credit cards. Budget guesthouses and local markets take cash only. ATMs exist in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar Stone Town. Stock up on shillings before entering national parks as there are no ATMs in Serengeti.
What is the difference between Tanzania national parks?
Serengeti is best for the wildebeest migration and big cat density. Ngorongoro Crater has the best chance of seeing black rhino, roughly 25 individuals remain. Tarangire, 120 kilometers from Arusha, has the highest elephant concentration in Tanzania plus huge baobab trees. Mikumi, 5 hours by road from Dar es Salaam, is the budget option with lions and elephants without the long northern circuit journey.
Useful links for Tanzania
Government & official sources only. No booking sites, no ads.
