Tanzania is a country of superlatives, home to some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences on the planet. From the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, from the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar to the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers an unparalleled array of luxury safari experiences for discerning travelers.
The Serengeti: The Ultimate Safari Destination
No luxury safari in Tanzania would be complete without a visit to the Serengeti, one of the most iconic and wildlife-rich national parks in the world. This vast expanse of savanna, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops, is home to an astounding array of animals, from lions and leopards to elephants and wildebeest.
Stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge for something that will make you feel like royalty. It’s a stunning property perched on a hill overlooking never-ending plains. Nine private cottages sit atop it all; colonial elegance at its best with four-poster beds that are fit for kings (and queens), private infinity pools ripe for any water escapee’s entrance. If that doesn’t seem luxurious enough then try asking about their extensive cellar filled with wine along with other special activities like private game drives and win tastings.
Another top pick is Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti which sits right smack dab in there National Park itself (talk about prime real estate). The lodge boasts 77 rooms and suites with private terraces, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views that could make your heart stop. Some other amenities the Four Seasons Serengeti include a full-service spa to relax in after a long day as well as a fine dining restaurant overlooking an active watering hole.
The Ngorongoro Crater: A Wildlife Wonderland
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique and breathtaking wildlife destinations in the world. This ancient volcanic caldera is home to an astounding concentration of animals, from black rhinos and lions to elephants and flamingos.
You have two options here if you want luxury on top of luxury (which is what I think everyone wants) so let’s dive into both. First up we have andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge which just oozes romance. Its location? Right on the rim of the crater. The lodge’s thirty suits are broken down into three different camps each with their own styles inspired by local Maasai culture. Each suite features antiques from days past; furnishings, chandeliers made of hand-beaded pieces, and even though it may sound excessive each suite also comes with its own personal butler who will take care of whatever you need (within reason). Other exclusive experiences guests can partake in range from guided game drives on the crater floor to visits to Maasai villages for cultural enrichment.
Now let’s transport over to The Highlands which offers not only amazing views but also some cutting-edge design mixed with traditional Maasai culture. Only eight domed suites are available at this new property making for an intimate stay all around perfect for anyone looking for peace away from other people! Each suite comes complete with its own wood-burning stove, floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unrestricted access to those stunning views mentioned earlier, and private deck. Other exclusive experiences that The Highlands offers include guided hikes in the nearby forest and visits to local Maasai villages for more cultural enrichment.
Zanzibar: The Perfect Safari and Beach Combo
Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a tropical haven that is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. It’s also a great place to combine with an extravagant safari in Tanzania, giving you the chance to unwind after exploring the bush.
Stay at Zuri Zanzibar if you want to experience beachfront paradise. This beautiful resort on the northwest coast of the island offers 56 stunning villas and bungalows that are surrounded by green gardens. Each villa has its own private terrace, outdoor shower, and direct access to the white sandy beach. If you’re in need of relaxation, the full-service spa will take care of that. Plus, there is a water sports center and a fine dining restaurant serving fresh seafood dishes.
For another luxury option on Zanzibar Island, consider Mnemba Island Lodge. This private island retreat is located off the northeast coast and features 12 cottages hidden amongst lush forests that offer privacy like no other. Each cottage comes with its own private veranda and unobstructed views of the beach. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding.
Tarangire National Park: A Great Place for Luxury Safaris
While it might not be as familiar to many safari-goers as Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park offers just as much beauty — if not more — than those popular destinations.
Tarangire Treetops takes luxury to new heights – literally! The elevated treehouse suites offer breathtaking views of both wildlife and landscapes from their spacious balconies. All treehouses have everything you need for a comfortable stay including an elegant interior design, indoor/outdoor showers ,and a personal butler service.
If you’d prefer something closer to solid ground then choose Chem Chem Lodge.. Located on a private concession that borders the park, this stylish lodge offers eight tented suites that will make you feel at one with nature. Each suite has its own deck and outdoor shower, as well as views of Lake Burunge. Exclusive experiences include hot air balloon safaris and visits to local Maasai communities.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park may not be a household name, but it’s the kind of place that once you know what it is, you’d never forget. This vast and remote wilderness area in southern Tanzania offers a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience, with incredible wildlife diversity, stunning scenery, and an authentic back-to-nature vibe. It’s also one of the best places in Tanzania to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly exclusive and luxurious safari.
One of our favorite lodges in Selous is Sand Rivers Selous, an ultra-luxe property set on the banks of the Rufiji River in the heart of the reserve. The lodge has eight open-fronted cottages hidden among the trees, each with its own private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and views of the river and surrounding wilderness. In addition to traditional guided game drives, Sand Rivers Selous offers a range of exclusive experiences like walking safaris and fly camping under the stars.
Another top pick in Selous is Beho Beho, an elegant camp set in a very remote part of the reserve. The camp has eight spacious bandas (cottages) spread out along a hillside overlooking the Kipalala River, each with its own private veranda, indoor and outdoor showers, and views of all kinds. In addition to traditional guided game drives, Beho Beho offers boat safaris on Lake Tagalala and bush picnics by Hippo Pool.
Luxury Lodges in Tanzania
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations elsewhere in Tanzania (or just want more inspiration), we’ve got plenty more options up our sleeve! Here are four additional properties that we love:
Jabali Ridge: This brand-new lodge in Ruaha National Park features ten luxurious suites tucked into rocky outcrops. Each suite has its own private deck with unobstructed views over elephant-filled plains as far as your eyes can see.
Greystoke Mahale: This iconic lodge on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park offers a unique blend of beach and jungle luxury. There are six open-fronted bandas hidden among the trees, each with its own views of the lake or the crystal-clear waterfalls behind.
Mwiba Lodge: Lodges don’t get much more stylish or intimate than this. On 50,000 acres of private wildlife reserve, there are ten luxurious suites set into rocky outcrops. And when we say “stunning views,” we mean it…each suite has panoramic vistas over wildebeest- and giraffe-filled grasslands.
Arusha Coffee Lodge: As lovely as Tanzania’s safari lodges may be, sometimes you just want a good night’s sleep. Arusha Coffee Lodge is a working plantation with 30 chalets spread across its lush grounds. Each chalet features a log fireplace and private veranda overlooking one of Tanzania’s largest coffee estates.
Cultural Experiences and Community Visits
While spotting game from an open-top Land Rover is always exciting, one of the most rewarding aspects of modern luxury safaris in Africa lies outside national park boundaries. Many top-tier camps offer guests opportunities to learn about local culture through guided visits to nearby villages, schools, cultural centers…and even hands-on activities like cooking and crafting.
At Mwiba Lodge in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, for example, community engagement is a core part of their mission. The lodge offers guided visits to nearby villages where guests can interact with locals and learn about traditional customs — before returning for dinner under the stars that were shining above them all afternoon!
Tanzania is the world’s leading country in conservation and sustainable tourism. Most of its top lodges and camps are committed to preserving its natural and cultural heritage, as well as supporting local communities. If you stay at one of these places, you can help maintain Tanzania’s wildlife and wild areas for future generations.
One example of this sustainable luxury is Chem Chem Lodge. Built with locally sourced materials on a private concession that serves as a wildlife corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, the lodge employs eco-friendly practices like solar power and water conservation. It supports several community initiatives, too, such as a school lunch program and women’s empowerment project.
When to Go on a Luxury Safari in Tanzania
You can visit Tanzania all year round for a luxury safari, but each season has its own rewards and challenges:
June to October (Dry Season): Clear skies, mild temperatures, excellent wildlife viewing. The Serengeti hosts the famous wildebeest migration during this time.
November to May (Wet Season): Fewer crowds, lower prices. Rain makes some activities more challenging but brings lush landscapes filled with birds and baby animals.
December to March (Calving Season): Thousands of wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti every year during this time. Predators follow the herds closely for easy prey.
April to May (Shoulder Season): Moderate rainfall causes fewer crowds. Great for birding because vibrant colors emerge from fresh vegetation.
Planning Your Luxury Safari in Tanzania
Planning your luxury safari in Tanzania can prove complex if you don’t know where to start. Many aspects must be taken into account when crafting an itinerary tailored specifically to your needs: transportation, accommodation, permits — the list goes on.
To avoid any stress or confusion during your trip, we recommend working with an operator or travel agency familiar with luxury travel in Tanzania. They’ll be able to take care of all the logistics for you, letting you focus on enjoying your holiday.
When choosing a service, it’s important to consider these factors:
Your travel dates and length of stay
Your preferred destinations and activities
Your budget and level of luxury
Your travel style and pace
Your health and fitness level
Your dietary and medical needs
