If you have not been on safari before choosing the right accommodation can be a bit difficult. There are basically three different levels of accommodation; Basic camping, tented camps (Mid range and luxury) and lodges. Here is a brief overview of what you might expect from each type.

This is the least expensive option and the best way to go if you are on a budget. Here is a look at some the camps that we use that fall in this category:

Lake Manyara & Tarangire National Parks:

• Haven Nature Camp
• Fakana Campsite

If you stay at Haven Nature you will be staying in a fixed tent with an attached bathroom. Camping at Fanaka will be in a regular tent although private rooms with a fan and a shower are available on request. We normally use Haven Nature if its available.

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater National Parks:

• Simba Campsite
• Seronera Campsite

As the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater are more remote the camping here is more basic and we make use of the public campsites maintained by the park service. They have shared bathrooms and shower facilities. Nothing fancy here but the setting is amazing. If your safari includes these parks you will also be accompanied by a camp cook who will prepare your meals for you.

Tented Camps offer a degree of luxury and are of several varieties. In general they all have tents that are fixed in location on a permanent base or foundation. They have proper beds and attached private bathrooms. There is normally a large dining area and bar. A variety of food is available and typically served buffet style. We offer both Mid Range and Luxury Tented Camp Safaris. These are some of the typical tented camps we use. Several of these operators have multiple camps.

Mid Range Tented Camps:

• Rhino Lodge
• Kudu Lodge
• Halisi Tented Camps

Luxury Tented Camps:

• Tanzania Wild Camps
• Tanganyika wilderness Camps
• Tarangire Safari Lodge

This is the ultimate luxury safari experience. Safari lodges are beautiful designed and often offer excellent restaurants and wildlife viewing right from your door step. It’s an amazing experience to have your end of day cocktail and watch the elephants graze nearby or even sit at the edge of a hippo pond. Food is buffet style with a large range of options prepared by trained chefs. Here are the lodges we typically use:

• Serena Lodges

You might consider just one night in a lodge and the rest camping if you’re on a budget and want the experience. Talk to one of our consultants about arranging this.

Every one of our safaris whether its camping or lodge based is private with a professional guide and quality safari equipped Toyota Landcruiser.

When to Book

If you’re looking to book a tented camp or lodge based safari don’t wait until the last minute especially if you have a big group. The camps fill up fast and you might not be left with many options. If your spending several days in a large park like the Serengeti it will make sense to move from the central to the northern part of the park.

Fly-in Safaris in Tanzania

The Serengeti is the furthest park from Arusha/Moshi and is a 6 to 8 hour drive. There are several airstrips and regular charter flights that are not as expensive as you might think. Ask about this option if your short on time and determined to see the Serengeti.