Best campsites & lodges in Tanzania
Based on our own experience that of many other off-roaders, we’ve out together an overview of our favorite and best accommodation and camping sites in Tanzania, catering to all budgets.
Accommodation prices in the Northern Safari Circuit are quite steep if you’re not pitching your own tent, but standards are high. Expect to pay the following:
- up to US $ 150 for a budget double room
- up to US $ 350 for a mid-range room
- beyond US $ 400 for deluxe accommodation
Add around $100 per price range if you’re staying at a Mobile Camp inside a National Park.
Best accommodation and camping in tanzania when Travelling Tanzania on a budget
Not want to break the bank? You will find plenty of decent budget and mid-range accommodation at a much lower price range in the Usambaras, Udzungwa Mountains and along the coast between Pangani and Dar es Salaam.
Public campsites in the national parks do not require any advance arrangements – most of them can’t even be booked in advance. Read more about preparing for your camping safari in Tanzania, at the camping section.
You’ll probably begin or end your road trip in Arusha. For first time visitors to Africa, Arusha is an agreeable introduction to urban Africa. It is an organized, green town, with a skyline dominated by the imposing Mount Meru. There are plenty of coffee bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and it’s nice to walk around. Many Tour Operators treat Arusha as an overnight staging point en route to the safari parks in the West, but the area is well worth exploring on its own right, with Arusha National Park, Moshi town, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru at its doorstep. Check out the best places to stay in Arusha below.
2 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport & surroundings
Kilimanjaro Airport Lodge- $$
Kilimanjaro Airport Lodge is located 5 minutes away from Kilimanjaro International Airport. KIA lodge is ideally located for travelers arriving and departing from the airport and provide a shuttle service for in-house guests. The friendly service, Zanzibar style reception, typical African decorations, and tropical restaurant offer a warm welcome to into the Tanzanian culture.
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Airport Planet Lodge- $$
Airport Planet Lodge is conveniently located about 5 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Located between Arusha and Moshi, the lodges offers great views of both Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. The lodge provides free transfers to / from the Kilimanjaro Airport for guests as well as shuttles to Arusha.
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6 accommodations in Arusha & surroundingsHide
Outpost Lodge – $
Outpost Lodge is a lively travellers’ hub conveniently located in a quiet residential area, just 500m from the city centre. The rooms are basic, yet clean, comfortable and affordable. There is a restaurant, bar, small swimming pool and small garden.
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L’Oasis Lodge – $$
L’Oasis Lodge is a good lodge in the budget to mid-range price category. It is set in large green gardens about 500m north of Arusha. There is a range of accommodation options on offer, including stilted bungalows, cottages and a dormitory backpacker rooms. There is a small pool.
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Karama Lodge & Spa – $$
Karama Lodge & Spa is an eco-friendly lodge located just southeast of Arusha town, with great views on Mount Meru. Accommodation is wooded cabins on poles with en suite bathrooms, scattered across a nice garden on a mountain slope, surrounded by peaceful forest. Onsite there is a small swimming pool, spa and yoga, and a cosy restaurant.
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Mount Meru View Lodge – $
Only a stone’s throw away from Arusha National Park at an altitude of 1400m, the no frills, yet comfortable bungalows at Meru View Lodge serve as an ideal start or end point for your visit to Tanzania. Mid-way JRO airport (45 min drive) and Arusha town ( 45 min drive).
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African View Lodge – $$
African View Lodge, nestled at an altitude of 1400m serves as an ideal start or end point for your visit to Tanzania, as it is strategically located mid-way from JRO airport (45 min drive), Arusha town ( 45 min drive), and next to Arusha National Park. Inviting pool, large grounds and confortable bungalows. Recommended mid-range option.
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Rivertrees Country Inn – $$$
Rivertrees Country Inn is nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, between Arusha, JRO Airport and Moshi. This luxurious country estate combines colonial countryside décor with African warmth, gourmet farm cuisine and personal service. If you want to spoil yourself, do it here. It’s a 40 min drive from JRO airport.
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7 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Tarangire & surroundings
Campsites -$
There are two basic campsites close to Tarangire where you can pitch your own tent. Wild Palm Campsite (068 6255655) and Zion Campsite (0754318414), next to the gate.
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Baobab Tented Camp- $$
Boabob Tented Camp is located in a secluded area inside Tarangire National Park- arguably one of Tanzania’s best national Parks. With only 10 guest tents including a family unit, each guest tent has en suite bathroom with shower, vanity desk and flush toilets. The lodge offers activities such as game drives, walking safaris, night game drives and balloon safaris.
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Lake Burunge Tented Lodge- $$
Enjoy the beautiful view of Tarangire National Park from the wooden platform terrace of your room at Lake Burunge Tented Lodge. The lodge is located in the natural corridor between Lake Manyara and Tarangire so wildlife viewing is almost guaranteed. Burunge Tented Lodge offers relaxing accommodation and great service after a day on safari. Standard and family rooms are available as well as a restaurant and pool. The lodge is located 10 minutes outside Tarangire National Park.
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Sangaiwe Tented Lodge- $$
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge is situated across forty acres of hillside wooded with beautiful trees, including indigenous African hardwoods. Located near the new Sangaiwe gate to Tarangire National Park with stunning views over Lake Burunge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers travelers to Tanzania luxury tented accommodation, great service and fresh food. The large common area comprises reception, bar, dining, lounge, swimming pool and large outdoor viewing patio.
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Whistling Thorn – $$
Whistling Thorn is a small-scale tented camp in the mid-range price category. It’s a 30 minute ride to Tarangire Park. Accommodation is in spacious safari tents with en suite bathroom. In the evening they make a nice campfire.
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Maramboi – $$$
Maramboi is a luxury lodge operated by the highly regarded Tanganyika Wilderness Camp. It is ideally situated to explore both Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park.
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Tarangire Safari Lodge- $$$
Tarangire Safari Lodge is a luxury owner-managed lodge boasting a prime location inside the park on a cliff overlooking the Tarangire river. You can spot the hundreds of elephants in the park from your private veranda. Overnight in a cosy bungalow or permanent tent.
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2 accommodations in Lake Manyara National ParkHide
Campsites – $
Lake Manyara is one of the most accessible national parks in Tanzania, and as such there are many accommodation options to suit all budgets. Our favourite pick of the bunch in the budget range is Panorama Safari Camp and Twiga Campsite & Lodge.
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Migombani Camp & Campsite- $
Migombani Camp is located in the Great Rift Valley and conveniently located near the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The camp offers camping facilities and furnished safari tents. Enjoy the spectacular views of the rift valley and into Lake Manyara while relaxing by the pool after a day on safari.
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7 accommodations in Karatu & surroundingsHide
Kudu Lodge & Campsite- $- $$
Kudu Lodge and Campsite is nestled in eleven acres of rolling countryside in Karatu. The lodge is surrounded with trees and gardens providing a shady and tranquil oasis for travelers. The lodge offers three types of bungalow rooms as well as camping facilities. There is a restaurant, bar, gift shop, spa and swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
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Eileen’s Trees Inn – $$
Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater & Highlands, is set in quiet leafy suburban grounds that feature an inviting swimming pool with sun deck, homely stilted restaurant & bar and spacious, stylish bungalows with private verandas. Good value for money.
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Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge – $$
Run as a social enterprise, Rhotia Valley is an intimate eco-lodge set on a hilltop on the Mto Wa Mbu side of Karatu. Accomodation is in comfortable tented rooms. There is a small swimming pool with a view.
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Bougainvillea Safari Lodge – $$
The restaurants and bungalows are set in a large flowering garden 1 km outside of Karatu, close to the main road towards Ngongongoro Conservation Area. It’s nothing extraordinary, but a good price-quality ratio.
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Country Lodge- $$
Country Lodge is nestled on the edge of Karatu town, midway between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge has a country, simple comfort feel surrounded by garden paths and the rolling hills of the Ngorongoro highlands. There are 22 cottage rooms available, a dining and lounge area. Take a coffee tour around a coffee plantation nearby.
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Marera Valley Lodge- $$
Marera Valley Lodge is a beautifully landscaped lodge located in Karatu, about 20 minutes from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area park gate. The lodge has 18 spacious cottages each with their own private deck and viewing area. There is a lounge, bar, dining room and swimming pool.
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Ngorongoro Farm House – $$$
Ngorongoro Farm House is an upmarket lodge, situated on a large coffee farm about halfway between Karatu and the Ngorongoro Crater. This stylish lodge evokes the ambience of an old English farmhouse and offers accommodation in luxurious cottages.
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4 accommodations in Ngorongoro Conservation AreaHide
Simba Public Campsite- $
Simba Public campsite is the only public campsite located on the Ngorongoro crater rim. Pitch your tent and cook your meals in the heart of nature with beautiful views of the crater floor. Camping facilities include toilets, showers and a dining area. Animals are known to wander through the campsite in the evenings.
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Rhino Lodge- $
Rhino Lodge is conveniently located inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is the perfect base to explore the Ngorongoro crater and surrounding area. The lodge has 24 ensuite rooms, a cozy shared communal area and a restaurant. A good budget accommodation option inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but lacking a clear view of the crater floor.
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Ndutu Safari Lodge- $$
Ndutu Safari Lodge is a traditional and authentic safari lodge located inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the edge of the Southern Serengeti plains. The lodge is comprised of thirty four stone and thatched roof en-suite cottages. While the lodge is a great option year-round, it is well known for its superb location during mid- December through April when the two million migratory animals are known to be around the area.
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge- $$$
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is located on the highest point of the Eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with unparalleled views into the crater floor. The lodge was designed after traditional circular African houses and is warmly decorated offering a cozy and luxurious ambiance for guests. Enjoy a sundowner at the Crater View Bar or by the pool after a day on safari.
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3 accommodations in Lake EyasiHide
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge- $$
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge offers stunning views over the seasonal soda lake and up to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sixteen tastefully furnished spacious rooms are located within the large property, each with a private verandah overlooking the lake. The décor blends elements from the surrounding landscape with modern comfort. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The lodge can assist guests to visit the culturally diverse tribes in the area, including the Hazabe and Datoga people.
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Tindiga Tented Camp – $$
Tindiga Tented Camp is a no frills yet charming and welcoming tented camp, set up amidst a bushy shrubland of the Eyasi Ecosystem, some 1.5 kilometers from Lake Eyasi.
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Kisima Ngeda – $$$
Kisima Ngeda is a high-end lodge at a location that will wow you. It is set up at the shores of Lake Eyasi, a dry and hostile environment, but there is a natural hot spring at the heart of the property, creating a lush oasis of doum palms. Accommodation is in luxury and tastefully decorated tented safari rooms, with en suite bathroom and lounge area.
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5 accommodations in Serengeti National ParkHide
Public campsites – $
The best budget option is camping at the public campsites. You pay for these campsites at the entrance gate, with credit card only. There are a cluster of seven campsites close to Seronera Wildlife Lodge, and two at the Northern section, close to Lobo Wildlife Lodge.
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Serengeti View Mobile Camp – $$$
Serengeti View Camp is a small scale mobile eco-camp inside the Serengeti, and one of the more simple and affordable tented camps in the Central Serengeti near Seronera.
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Kati Kati Camp – $$
Kati Kati Camp is a one of the more simple and affordable tented camps located in the Central Serengeti, near Seronera. Accommodation comprises of 10 tents with en suite facilities and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp, where the meals are served.
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Wayo Green Camp – $$$
The pick of the bunch for those who can afford it is undoubtedly Wayo Green Camp. Superlatives are needed to describe the seup, personalised service and ambiance of this intimate little eco-camp in the bush. If you booked deluxe car rental and accommodation, you’ll be staying in Wayo Green Camp.
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Thorn Tree Camp- $$$
Thorn Tree Camp is a classic safari tented camp located in Seronera in Serengeti National Park. The camp is open year round for travelers as wildlife is always drawn to the area due to water sources. The camp has ten en-suite safari tents, solar powered lighting, a lounge tent and dining tent.
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3 accommodations in Lake NatronHide
Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge- $
Located in Engaresero, Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge is a unique place to stay near Lake Natron. Guests are able to enjoy the presence of giraffes and zebras each morning as they pass by outside of the Lodge as they head to the lake for water – hence the name Maasai Giraffe. The lodge offers camping facilities, furnished lodging, a swimming pool and restaurant.
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Lengai Safari Lodge- $
Since 2014, Lengai Safari Lodge has been hosting guests in both their furnished accommodation and at their campsite in Engare Sero Village near Lake Natron. Lengai Lodge has a swimming pool, solar power, charging stations in the main building and a restaurant.
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Lake Natron Camp- $$$
Lake Natron Camp is a unique, ecological camp set in a stunning location near Lake Natron. Enjoy beautiful views of the 1 million seasonal flamingos while sitting in the natural pool after a day on the road. The intimate camp has ten tents, designed with camouflaged shade netting to keep you cool, a mess and dining tent equipped with wifi. Feeling active? Ask the camp about trekking up Mount Lengai or taking a walk to the waterfalls nearby. The camp has a 2 night minimum stay.
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2 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Moshi & surroundings
The TPC Club- $
Located within the oldest sugar plantation in Tanzania, TPC Club is a great accommodation option 20 kilometers south of Moshi. Enjoy a couple of nights relaxing with excellent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and plenty of activities to keep you busy. The TPC Club has a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, mountain biking and a swimming pool. The club has 9 cottages overlooking the fairway with single, double and triple room options.
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Honey Badger Lodge- $
Honey Badger Lodge is a family-run lodge located 6 kilometers outside Moshi town. The lush spacious grounds provide guests with a relaxing environment. The lodge offers a range of accommodation options, a restaurant and a large swimming pool. Be sure to ask about other activities, such as village or forest walk, a hike to the nearby waterfalls or a coffee tour.
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3 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Usambara Mountains
Irente Farm – $
If you are a camper, stay at Irente Farm. It doubles as an orphanage, organic farm, biodiversity reserve and retreat. They are known, far beyond Lushoto, for their scrumptious farm breakfast.
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Swiss Cottage Farm – $$
This is another peaceful retreat, on a working farm in Magamba Forest area. The family house is especially lovely, with wooden furniture, kitchen, and very Swiss interior with an amazing view over the green rocky hills and bright gardens. Between $100 – $200 for a cottage sleeping up to four people.
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Mambo Viewpoint Ecolodge – $$
If you go to the Northern Usambaras, stay in either Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge or the adjacent cheapy sister Mambo Cliff Inn, both situated on a cliff at an altitude of 1,900m on the outskirts of Mambo village.
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3 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Morogoro / Mikumi / Udzungwa Mountains
Udzungwa Forest Camp -$
Known as Honda Honda camp, this friendly camp is located on a large private area bordering the tropical forested slopes of the Udzungwa Mountains. There is a choice of staying in comfortable tented rooms, basic traditional thatched bandas, or pitching your own tent. Highly recommended!
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Tan-Swiss Lodge – $
Tan-Swiss Lodge is 17 km from Mikumi National Park main gate, along the Tanzam highway. The bungalows are clean and comfortable and all have A/C. There’s an option to pitch your own tent, an attractive pool and large restaurant.
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Simbamwenni Lodge & Campsite – $
Simbamwenni is a lovely owner-managed lodge, set in 2.5 ha of tropical gardens along the Ngerengere River 3 km northwest of Morogoro town. You can stay in en suite chalets, furnished standing tents or pitch your own tent.
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5 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Pangani / Ushongo beach
Peponi Holiday Resort – $
Camping next to the Indian Ocean! Peponi is a friendly, owner managed place, right on the beach and great value for money. Pitch your own tent, or sleep in a banda. There’s a pool and good seafood restaurant. 8-9 hours drive from Arusha, 6 hours from Dar.
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Beach Crab – $
The Beach Crab is a laid back place, offering a range of budget accommodation options – camping, simple beach huts or coconut bungalows with en suite bathroom, located at a beautiful long, deserted stretch of beach in Ushongo Bay. Don’t miss out on their breakfast, one of the best we had in Tanzania! 8-9 hours drive from Arusha, 6 hours from Dar.
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Capricorn Beach Cottages – $$
This welcoming, owner-managed place offers a small number of stylish, self-catering beach bungalows, neighbouring Peponi Holiday Resort. Set in palm and baobab studded gardens sloping down to an attractive white sandy beach. They are known far beyond Pangani for their fantastic pizzas. We would dare to say, it’s the best pizza in Tanzania!
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Emanyani Beach Lodge – $$
Spaced out along a beautiful, deserted, white sandy beach, south of Pangani, after the river crossing, you find Emanyani Beach Lodge. Accommodation is in spacious and airy beach bungalows, made from local materials and tastefully decorated. 8-9 hours drive from Arusha, 6 hours from Dar.
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Mawimbi Villa & The Tides Lodge
Looking for ”barefoot-chic” relaxation? You will find it at the Tides Lodge and Mawimbi villa, owned and managed by the same couple. They offer airy and stylish ocean front bungalows with inviting pool and restaurant, set on the idyllic, palm fringed and secluded Ushongo Beach. Also many interesting activities are on offer.
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3 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Dar es Salaam
Trinity airport hotel / Airport Guesthouse – $
Friendly priced, clean, quiet yet very close to the airport. These two guesthouses are the best place to stay if you arrive late and / or have to catch your flight from Dar es Salaam International airport.
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Kipepeo – $
Very Roadtrip-proof, Kipepeo ( meaning butterfly) caters to all budgets. You can pitch your own tent, although the campsite is rather cheerless, sleep in a basic quirky beach hut or stay in a more comfortable two-storey banda. At most times of the year, the waves are quite substantial, providing great fun for body surfing. There is a good restaurant & bar. Note it is far away from the international airport.
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Slipway Hotel – $$
Hotel Slipway is located on the Msasani peninsula, the most upmarket neighbourhood of Dar es Salaam, right on the Indian Ocean overlooking Msasani Bay.The hotel is integrated into the Slipway complex, an outdoor shopping mall with various shops, supermarkets and nice restaurants. There is secure parking and guests can use the gym and swimming pool of the complex. Great value at US$ 150 for a double on the basis of Bed & Breakfast.
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4 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – in Ruaha
Camping or park bandas – $
The park bandas are the only affordable option (except for camping) when you want to stay inside Ruaha NP. There are old and new banda’s. Accommodation is basic, but the scenery is luxurious. Prices for the bandas vary from US$ 20 to US$ 50 per person. For the ultimate wilderness feel, pitch your tent at one of the public campsites. The best of the bush, and you will probably only have to share the campsite with wandering wildlife…
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Tungamalenga Lodge and campsite – $
Tungamalenga Lodge and campsite is located 35 km away from the Ruaha National Park gate, in Tungamalenga village. There are simple cottages, or you can pitch your own tent. Pricing is US$ 10 per person for camping and US$ 60 for a double cottage. The place is popular with groups and has a bit of a backpackers’ feel.
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Ruaha Hilltop Lodge – $$
About 30 km from the Ruaha National Park gate, you’ll find the friendly Ruaha Hilltop Lodge. It’s set on a hill overlooking the outskirts of the park. It is a bit of a rustic place, but commands great views and is reasonably priced.
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Tandala Tented Camp – $$$
Tandala is an intimate, luxury tented camp situated 13 km outside Ruaha National Park. The stylish stilted safari rooms are spread out far from each other, overlooking a seasonal river. There is a comfortable lounge area and swimming pool. The camp is managed by its owners and, as the lady is Greek, you can enjoy authentic Moussaka… in the bush!
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3 Best accommodation and camping in tanzania – Nyerere National Park
Selous River Camp – $
The naming of lodges in Selous does not seem to be very creative… This is another camp owned and managed by a couple. It also has an idyllic location on the river bank, close to Mtemere Gate. Accommodation is in simple tents with shared showers or attractive en suite mud huts. It has a very atmospheric lounge area next to the river.
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Selous Riverside Camp – $$
This camp is set on the south bank of the Rufiji river, about 5 km east of the Mtemere Gate. It has a large thatched dining & bar area, leading to a small swimming pool overlooking the river. Accommodation is in large, stilted, furnished tents.
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Sable Mountain Lodge – $$$
Situated 1km outside the park’s western boundary and 12km from Matembwe Gate, Sable Mountain Lodge sits high up, north of the Beho Beho hills, and offers lovely views across the surrounding dense brachystegia forest. It is a good base to explore the northern section of the Selous Game reserve.
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