Tanzania Safari Lodges & Zanzibar Hotels
Hand-picked safari lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara — plus Zanzibar beach resorts by star rating — booked at direct local rates with zero markup.
QUICK ANSWERTanzania hotels fall into two very different groups. On the mainland you stay in safari lodges and tented camps chosen by location — Serengeti (e.g. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge), Ngorongoro (e.g. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge), Lake Manyara and Arusha/Moshi — where star ratings matter less than being close to the wildlife. On Zanzibar Island you choose beach resorts by star rating, from 5-star Melia Zanzibar and Essque Zalu Zanzibar to 4-star The Z Hotel Zanzibar.
The classic plan is 5–7 nights on safari followed by 3–5 nights in Zanzibar. Our Tanzania safari & Zanzibar packages start from €1,192 (6-day Zanzibar) and €2,550 (11-day safari + beach) per person. The peak safari season is June to October, with calving season in January–March.
Mainland Safari or Zanzibar Beach?
Tanzania has two travel worlds: mainland safari country in the north, and the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Pick one — or combine both, as most of our travelers do.
Mainland Tanzania Safari Lodges & Hotels
On safari, location beats star rating: the best Tanzania safari lodges are the ones that cut hours off your game-drive transfers. That’s why mainland properties are grouped by park and gateway town, following the classic northern circuit route.
Lodges & Hotels in Serengeti National Park
Tented camps and safari lodges inside the Serengeti put you close to the Great Migration and the Big Five — the heart of every northern Tanzania safari. Plan 2–3 nights.
Lodges & Hotels in Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu
Crater-rim lodges and farm lodges in nearby Karatu are the base for an early game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to black rhino, lions and flamingos. One night is typical.
Lodges & Hotels in Lake Manyara
Escarpment lodges and campsites near Mto wa Mbu overlook Lake Manyara — famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos, and a natural first or last stop on the safari circuit.
Hotels in Arusha, Moshi & Kilimanjaro
Arusha and Moshi are the gateway towns near Kilimanjaro International Airport, ideal for your first night before the safari and for Mount Kilimanjaro views.
Hotels in Dar es Salaam
City hotels in Dar es Salaam suit international arrivals, business travel and ferry connections to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Hotels & Beach Resorts
Zanzibar hotels are classified by star rating, so compare them the classic way. The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) has the best all-day swimming beaches, the east coast offers quieter lagoons and boutique resorts, and Stone Town is ideal for a night of history, markets and sunsets.
5-Star Hotels in Zanzibar
4-Star Hotels in Zanzibar
3-Star Hotels in Zanzibar
Sample Tanzania Route: Where to Stay Each Night
A typical 10–11 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip follows the northern circuit before flying to the island. Here is where to sleep at each stop.
| Nights | Stop | Where to stay | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha / Moshi | Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro | Arrival night near Kilimanjaro Airport |
| 1 | Lake Manyara | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Twiga Campsite & Lodge | First game drive, tree-climbing lions |
| 2–3 | Serengeti | Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Osupuko Camp | Great Migration & Big Five |
| 1 | Ngorongoro / Karatu | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Karatu Tented Lodge, Tanzanice Farm Lodge | Crater descent at sunrise |
| 3–5 | Zanzibar | Melia Zanzibar, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds Mapenzi Beach, Gold Zanzibar Resort | Beach recovery after safari |
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Packages
Want lodges, game drives, domestic flights and your beach resort in one price? See our Tanzania safari tour packages — built with local operators, with no middleman markup.
🦁 Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
11 days / 10 nights: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and a Zanzibar beach finale, with lodges, game drives and transfers.
🏝️ Zanzibar Luxury Tour
6 days / 5 nights on Zanzibar Island with a hand-picked beach resort, airport transfers and optional Stone Town and spice tours.
Tanzania Attractions & Travel Guides
Read our guides to Tanzania’s parks, Zanzibar and practical safari planning before you book.
Tanzania Hotels & Safari Lodges: FAQ
Where should I stay on a Tanzania safari?
Stay as close to the parks as possible. On the northern circuit most travelers spend a night in Arusha or Moshi, one night near Lake Manyara, two to three nights in the Serengeti (for example at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge) and one night on the Ngorongoro Crater rim or in Karatu (for example at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge).
Why aren't Tanzania safari lodges listed by star rating?
Safari lodges and tented camps in mainland Tanzania are not rated with a consistent hotel star system. Location, wildlife access, meal plan and camp style matter far more than stars, so we group them by park and gateway town instead.
What are the best hotels in Zanzibar?
Top 5-star choices include Melia Zanzibar, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds Mapenzi Beach and Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort. For stylish 4-star value, The Z Hotel Zanzibar in Nungwi and Sandies Baobab Beach are popular options.
Which part of Zanzibar is best to stay in?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have the best beaches for swimming at all tides and great sunsets. The east coast is quieter with wide lagoons, while Stone Town is ideal for one or two nights of history, markets and food.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
Yes — it is the most popular way to visit. After the safari, a short domestic flight takes you to Zanzibar for 3–5 nights on the beach. Our 11-day Tanzania safari & Zanzibar package starts from €2,550 per person.
How many days do I need for a Tanzania safari?
Five to seven days is ideal for the northern circuit (Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro). Add three to five nights if you want to finish with a Zanzibar beach stay.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
June to October is the peak dry season with excellent wildlife viewing. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti, while April and May are the green season with lower prices and fewer visitors.
How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
A fast ferry takes around two hours, and flights take about 20 minutes. If you arrive late, Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel is a convenient overnight option before crossing to the island.
Is Tanzania better than Kenya for a safari?
Both are excellent. Tanzania offers the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and an easy beach extension to Zanzibar, while Kenya’s Masai Mara is more compact and quicker to reach. Many travelers choose Tanzania for the combination of safari and Indian Ocean beaches.
Why book Tanzania lodges and Zanzibar hotels with Zero Markup Trips?
We work directly with local safari operators and contracted hotel rates, without adding a middleman markup. You get free itinerary advice, transparent quotes and 24/7 WhatsApp support before and during your trip.
Plan Your Safari & Zanzibar Stay
Tell us your dates, budget and wildlife wishes — our team will match the right lodges on the safari circuit with the best-fit Zanzibar resort and send a transparent, zero-markup quote.
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