Accommodation in Tanzania's Wilderness

Nomad Greystoke Mahale offers the ultimate luxury experience, set in the remote wilderness of Western Tanzania. Greystoke Mahale is a unique, high-end camp that sits on a white-sand beach overlooking Lake Tanganyika's clear waters inside the remote Mahale Mountains National Park. The lodge is named after the legend of Tarzan and much of the experience here revolves around life in the forest, particularly chimpanzee tracking. With its charismatic Robinson Crusoe atmosphere, Greystoke Mahale radiates an undeniable air of romance and adventure. It is located at the foot of the densely forested Mahale Mountains, home to a thriving population of chimpanzees. The six rooms at Greystoke are entirely in keeping with the setting. Built of thatch and salvaged dhow wood, each of the open-fronted rooms is tucked into the treeline, almost invisible to the passing fishermen in their small canoes. A dressing area leads to an ensuite bathroom with running water and a flush loo. The rich foliage that gives the camp such character can be enjoyed while you are showering in privacy. The rooms all have verandas and an upstairs chill-out lounge with views across the white sand to the vastness of Lake Tanganyika. A ROMANTIC RETREAT SPRAWLED ALONG THE SHORES OF LAKE TANGANYIKA read more read less

Gibbs Farm is located in the Ngorongoro Karatu area of northern Tanzania, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the country and about an hour from the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a beautiful historic coffee estate in the Ngorongoro Karatu area, Gibb's Farm is the original and best accommodation in the area, a genuinely charming boutique hotel, with guest accommodation in 19 rooms and providing access to a good range of cultural and safari activities. Elephants often wander over from the crater to take a sip from the farm’s water reservoir. Gibb’s Farm has been around for quite some time, starting as a coffee plantation, it has now been transformed into one of the country’s best Eco-Resorts. The farm is a relatively large establishment consisting of 17 cottages and about 20 hectares of farmland and magnificent gardens. There is a ‘no tin can’ policy, so all drinks are served from recyclable glass bottles. This is also a working farm where visitors are encouraged to experience life on a farm from observing cows being milked, to bread making, coffee roasting and veggies being harvested, as well as visits to a nearby village or guided walks in the lush surrounding forest. Guests at Gibb’s can also visit ‘Fundiland’ to observe carpenters making the furniture for their rooms, tailors crafting leather items and paper products being made from the farm’s waste paper and elephant dung!   read more read less

The Manor is a luxury lodge located on the Shangri-La Coffee Estate, covering 1,500 acres reminiscent of a Country Farm and boasting quaint Cape Dutch-style architecture. This is a luxurious base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, and perhaps Lake Manyara – with one suite of rooms which is particularly family-friendly. The feel brings you back to a bygone era of elegance and splendour yet mixing it with the traditional East African safari experience. All of the 20 guest cottages have breathtaking views of the estate and are secluded to offer you all the privacy you would want. Each cottage has ensuite bathrooms with claw foot baths and a rain shower. The indoor and outdoor fireplaces are very welcomed in the cooler months of the year. The main Manor House has a lounge and bar area with access to outdoor decks and fire pits. Meals are sumptuous affairs to be savoured in the formal dining room, the dining conservatory or privately in the guest cottages. African-inspired fare is complemented by a selection of Fine Wine from the manor’s own cellar. Harking back in time to a grander age, the ten luxurious family-friendly cottages blend East African hospitality with Colonial European architecture and décor. Intimate and private  Most visitors will probably use this as a place to eat and sleep – while driving into the Ngorongoro Crater during the day for their main activity. The mix of natural tones, classic furniture, polished wooden floors and traditional architecture – not to mention touches like the butler service per five guests, complimentary sherry in every room and a bubble bath awaiting you on your return from the crater – results in a smart colonial style that works perfectly well. The Manor at Ngorongoro provides the perfect environment to relax and take in the outstanding natural beauty of its gardens and the coffee-bush-laden hills. However, the drama that is Africa is but a short distance away. Ngorongoro Crater is famed as being the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, and is a ‘must see’ on anyone’s itinerary. This extinct volcano - with its 18-kilometre-wide crater floor - is home to an abundant and unique ecosystem that encompasses almost all of the wildlife that you would wish to see in Africa. This spectacular setting is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to experience the rawness and beauty of Africa’s natural flora and fauna. read more read less

Nestled within the iconic Kogakuria Kopje in the northern Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti offers unparalleled vistas over the magnificent Mara River valley. The twelve exquisitely designed, family-friendly tents are divided between two exclusive camps: the Main Camp and the more intimate Private Camp. Crafted from a sophisticated blend of canvas, Ferro, and natural poles, each tent features expansive verandas set among the rocks, providing exceptional, uninterrupted views. Prime Location in the Serengeti If you were to visit only one place in the Serengeti, it ought to be here. The area boasts year-round fantastic game viewing, including the Big 5, and between July and November, the wildebeest migration moves through, dramatically crossing the Mara River just 20 minutes from the lodge. Perched atop the Kogakuria Kopje, marvel at the endless plains as over a million wildebeest traverse the landscape on their journey across the Mara River. Nestled within the Lamai Wedge, teeming with wildlife year-round, you will never encounter a dull moment. This exquisite kopje is a revered wildlife sanctuary. Indulge in the lodge's communal areas, dine with fellow travellers, or savour a romantic private table. Enjoy dining under cover or al fresco, with options for picnics, sundowners, and bush breakfasts in the Serengeti, offering close-up wildlife encounters guided by experts. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, offering stunning views and a natural rock deck. After a day in the bush, unwind on the sunbeds and cool off in the serene waters. Located within the Serengeti National Park, the eight rooms feature private verandas seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings. With spectacular views over the Serengeti, witness awe-inspiring natural beauty and wildlife up close. Each room boasts an en-suite bathroom with invigorating hot showers. Every suite is designed to reflect the splendour of the surrounding plains. Drift into dreams of the next day's adventures on plush beds, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature. Wake up to the melodious songs of thousands of birds. Each of the eight rooms is adorned with unique and captivating local African artwork. read more read less

Namiri Plains is an exclusive and unpretentious camp that provides an exceptional wildlife experience and exquisite accommodations. Eight safari tents, including one for honeymooners and one for families, overlook the expansive Serengeti plains, with small rock formations and kopjes adding a touch of interruption. The tents are exceedingly comfortable, and we appreciate how the tent flaps open to offer nearly 360-degree views of the plains. Highlights of the area Namiri Plains is in the once closed Eastern part of the Serengeti. For many years this area of the Serengeti was closed to the public for Cheetah conservation. As a result, the area has an incredibly high population of both Cheetah and Lion with interactions, kills and sightings occurring daily or hourly. The area where Namiri Plains is located, known as Soit Le Motonyi, has historically been a significant breeding ground for cheetahs. After being closed to the public for an extended period, the project has achieved remarkable success, resulting in impressive densities of big cats. Lion prides are large, sightings are abundant, and cheetahs perched on termite hills can be seen around almost every corner. Despite the natural competition among big cats, there is also a thriving population of leopards, with frequent and plentiful sightings. Activities and Experiences in Namiri Plains Game drives track cheetahs across the plains or spy on lions basking atop granite kopjes while walking safaris allow for a closer connection to the wilderness and the opportunity to observe the details unseen from a vehicle. In camp, relax around the pool while keeping an eye open for game approaching a natural spring across the plains, or schedule a massage to take your relaxation one step further. The information centre tracks the fascinating development of this habitat, providing insight into both the landscape and wildlife of Namiri Plains. Accommodation and Amenities Enjoy a luxurious stay in one of our 11 tented suites, including a recently refurbished family suite. Each suite features sliding doors, an expanded viewing deck, and an outdoor standalone resin bathtub. The suite’s stone walls are made of solidified ashes from ancient erupting volcanoes, which naturally provide insulation to keep you cool during the day and warm at night. The spacious and well-appointed interiors create a comfortable and welcoming environment, one that becomes difficult to leave. After returning from a game drive or walking safari, cool off in the refreshing swimming pool, or treat your muscles to a relaxing massage in the Asilia spa. What are the best months to visit Namiri Plains? The period from July to October, known as the dry season, is the optimal time for observing wildlife. However, it can also be a crowded period due to high tourist numbers. The game viewing experience remains outstanding from November to June but with less tourist activity. read more read less

Little Chem Chem, also known as "Sunrise Camp," is a tented camp that accommodates a maximum of 14 guests in a game-rich location. It presents the raw drama of the East African bush in a very private setting. About Little Chem Chem Little Chem Chem is all about getting as close to nature as possible, without sacrificing comfort. This intimate camp offers six elegantly decorated vintage tents, each with a large bedroom (three have king-size beds, two offer twin beds), and 1 larger Family Tent. Each is complete with a rocking chair and study desk, a vanity area with dressing room and an en suite bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet. Embrace the ‘Out-of-Africa’ atmosphere and listen as the sounds of an African night come to life all around to you. The camp is solar powered and unfenced allowing for game to move freely through the area which features a main tent complete with a lounge, viewing areas and magnificent dining. Dining Experience The food at Little Chem Chem was a particular highlight for us – it was all extremely good, with high-quality, well-portioned dishes that were imaginative and beautifully presented – altogether not dissimilar to what you might expect at a top restaurant anywhere in the world. Breakfast is usually eaten in the dining tent or delivered to your own room. There is a small buffet of cereals, cheese, bread, pastries and fruit, and a choice of à la carte hot items including eggs Benedict and crêpes. Lunch is either a three-course set menu of light dishes or eaten out in the bush if you are out for the day. We very much enjoyed our salad of orange, avocado and roasted pumpkin seeds to start, followed by a small pastrami sourdough pizza, and finishing with a white chocolate and coconut mousse. Dinner is à la carte with a couple of options for each course. We chose the apple Waldorf salad to start, stuffed aubergine with coconut rice for a main course, followed by fruit kebabs with a chocolate mint dip. What is the child policy at Little Chem Chem? The lodge welcomes children aged over eight. Younger children are only accepted when the whole camp is booked on an exclusive basis. Minimum age is 8 years. Children under 16 years are not allowed on walking safaris during the big game. Special activities & services There is no child-minding service available. However, the camp offers a specially created children's menu, and meals and mealtimes are coordinated around the family. Children can help staff in the herb and vegetable garden and can get involved in activities such as pizza making or nature walks around camp. NOTE: Little Chem Chem is in the middle of the bush and wild animals stroll through the camp, so children need to be kept under supervision at all times. Sustainability Projects Little Chem Chem is part of the Chem Chem Foundation which manages one of the few remaining sanctuaries for big elephant tuskers in Africa. Guests are charged symbolic conservation and community fees which are reinvested in projects for conservation and protection of wildlife and community development. Contributions have helped implement elephant IDs which monitor the movement of animals in the greater Tarangire area and collect data on the herds’ size, location and welfare. The information gathered is then sent to anti-poaching units that patrol the wildlife reserves in an attempt to prevent and stop criminal activity. Wildlife rangers are divided into on-shore and off-shore teams for better management. Deterioration and loss of habit are two major obstacles that endanger the welfare of elephants. Conservation efforts by Chem Chem include negotiating concession leases with the local communities and the government of Tanzania to gain access to 20,000 hectares in the Tarangire National Park. The new Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is well looked after and kept unfenced to provide additional space for the animals to roam the valleys and transform them into their new home. Much to guests’ entertainment, photography tours are organised to catch glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. Signature Experiences at Little Chem Chem Scenic Helicopter Excursions Feel the thrill as the vast African wilderness opens up before you on a scenic helicopter excursion. Explore otherwise unreachable destinations and see the region’s greatest sights from above — from the Ngorongoro Crater to the flocks of flamingos in the lakes. Kids on safari From fun games to bush skills, we offer plenty of activities to entertain little ones on safari. The activities depend on the property and include guided walks, interactive cooking, marshmallow-toasting, animal tracking, beading lessons with the Maasai and safari-themed baking. Hot air balloon rides Rise with the dawn and glide over the tops of acacias and ancient baobabs as the sun climbs the sky. Witness the region’s abundant wildlife wandering the landscape below before ending the experience with a rustic bush breakfast. Game Drives with your private guides and vehicles Your private guide and vehicle are primed to whisk you off on game drives into the heart of Chem Chem’s exclusive-use protected wildlife area at a moment’s notice. Explore the wilderness at your own pace, enjoying the abundant wildlife that roams the area. This experience is included in your stay. Sundowners at the Sangaiwe Plains Elevated among ancient branches, the baobab lookout deck makes for an unforgettable sundowner spot overlooking a local waterhole which attracts resident wildlife. Sip on your drink of choice and bid the day farewell as you watch the region’s nocturnal wildlife start to stir. This experience is included in your stay. Night Drives Immerse yourself in a world that comes alive under the moonlight with a night game drive. Trace the path of the spotlight as you set off with your private guide and vehicle to seek out the creatures that begin their day at sunset. This experience is included in your stay.   read more read less

Mwiba River Lodge is the latest luxury lodge to take Tanzania by storm and this amazing property not only has a stunning riverside location, but also boasts 51,000 acres of wildlife reserve which is completely private and just for you. The game here is excellent all year round due to 33 freshwater springs which are situated on the property. Every room and mess area is designed to maximize beautiful views. Mwiba is close to the Ngorongoron Crater which makes it the ideal Serengeti choice for those that don’t want to travel for many hours in vehicles or on planes. read more read less

Set on a small peninsula overlooking the water, Roho ya Selous is in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. With our expert safari guides, explore this vast wilderness, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of wild dogs. The real magic of the Selous lies in the variety each day on safari brings. Whether you’re exploring on a game drive in search of leopard lurking in the shady boughs of a fig tree, or out on foot tracking wildlife that’s ventured close to camp during the night, this reserve is full of surprises. Roho ya Selous strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure with just eight canvas tented rooms, each with air-cooling systems over your bed to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep in the hotter months. A newly constructed, high-quality tented camp under the esteemed Asilia brand, Roho ya Selous features eight elegant suites with a natural air-conditioning system, a private bathroom, and a shaded veranda. The guides possess extensive knowledge of the area and lead 4X4 game drives, guided walks, river safaris, and catch-and-release fishing trips, all designed to provide guests with a comprehensive and diverse Nyerere safari experience. Does Roho ya Selous allow children? Absolutely! They welcome families with children five years old and older. The specially designed tent can accommodate up to five people. Wildlife at Roho ya Selous Explore a diverse array of wildlife. Find rare animals such as wild dog, leopard, Pel’s fishing owl, and Colobus monkey, along with African favourites like lion, elephant, fish eagle, hippo, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and crocodile. Best times to visit Roho ya Selous We recommend visiting during the dry season from July to October for optimal wildlife sightings. If you are interested in water-based activities, the best time to visit is in June, and between November and March, when the rivers are at their fullest. Roho ya Selous is closed during the long rains from mid-March to the end of May. Roho ya Selous serves as an excellent introduction to the expansive reserve for safari travelers seeking a new destination or for seasoned Nyerere visitors eager to explore a different area. A three-and-a-half-hour flight from the Serengeti, the camp welcomes families with children over five, although it is better suited for older children. read more read less

Singita Sasakwa Lodge is built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house with nine private cottages, each with its own infinity pool. From the vantage point of Sasakwa Hill, panoramic views of the Serengeti plains merge with the horizon and provide a sense of immense space and freedom. The spacious cottages offer expansive en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, four-poster beds, fireplaces, living rooms and French doors opening onto welcoming verandas. Polished parquet floors, vintage collectables, Persian carpets and comfortable furnishings all add to Sasakwa’s unmistakable elegance, while contemporary interpretations of classic dishes underpin the culinary offerings in the grand dining room. read more read less