Accommodation in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most exciting travel destinations, home to vast savannahs, turquoise coastlines and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro. But choosing the right accommodation for your adventure can be tricky for first time visitors.
As adventure travel experts, the team at Kandoo are often asked what the types of accommodation in Tanzania are like. From the expansive plains of the Serengeti to the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a range of accommodation to suit every type of traveller.
In this guide, we’ll explore where to stay in Tanzania as well as various types of accommodation in Tanzania to give you a better idea of what to expect. Depending on your budget and preferences, there’s an option to suit you.
Where to stay
• Tanzania national parks
• Arusha
• Moshi
• Zanzibar
Tanzania national parks
Tanzania is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the world, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro National Park to name a few. Not only does Tanzania boast one of the broadest ranges of wildlife on the continent, but all the country’s national parks exist without any boundary fences, making the Tanzania safari experience an utterly authentic adventure.
If you’re visiting Tanzania to embark on a safari, chances are you’ll be spending most of your time in or near one of these protected areas. Staying inside a Tanzania safari park is an unforgettable experience – you’ll wake to the sounds of lions calling in the distance, sip coffee as giraffes wander by and end your day under starlit skies beside a campfire. Tanzania offers an unforgettable safari experience and its national parks are a wonderful place to make your base.
Tanzania is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the world, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro National Park to name a few. Not only does Tanzania boast one of the broadest ranges of wildlife on the continent, but all the country’s national parks exist without any boundary fences, making the Tanzania safari experience an utterly authentic adventure.
If you’re visiting Tanzania to embark on a safari, chances are you’ll be spending most of your time in or near one of these protected areas. Staying inside a Tanzania safari park is an unforgettable experience – you’ll wake to the sounds of lions calling in the distance, sip coffee as giraffes wander by and end your day under starlit skies beside a campfire. Tanzania offers an unforgettable safari experience and its national parks are a wonderful place to make your base.
Arusha
Most people heading to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park who are not trekking to the summit stay in the city of Arusha, which is just over two hours away by car from the southern entrance of the park. It’s also a great place to spend a night or two before or after visiting one of the other widely popular Tanzania safari parks of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Accommodation in Arusha, Tanzania, ranges from cosy safari lodges to affordable guesthouses. Whether you're stopping over before or after a trek or safari, the city offers plenty of options to suit different tastes, budgets, and travel styles, in both central and suburban areas.
Moshi
Moshi is a vibrant town located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is the primary base for those preparing to climb Africa’s highest peak due to its proximity to the southern entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Smaller and more laid-back than Arusha, Moshi has a friendly atmosphere with plenty of cafés, markets and views of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Accommodation in Moshi ranges from budget backpacker hostels to mid-range hotels with a range of facilities that are good value for your money. If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll likely spend at least one night in Moshi before and after your trek. It’s a great place to relax. Enjoy its natural beauty and experience the culture.
Zanzibar
One of the best things to do after climbing Kilimanjaro or embarking on a Tanzania safari is to spend a few days relaxing on white sand beaches in Zanzibar. Situated in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the mainland Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is a tropical paradise only a short journey by plane from any of the country’s domestic airports.
If you are looking for a peaceful escape, Zanzibar is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Whether you want to dive, explore local markets or just unwind on the beach, there’s a perfect place for you on Zanzibar. The island offers a wide selection of accommodation to suit all kinds of travellers but to truly pamper yourself, stay in one of the many luxurious beachfront resorts here.
Types of accommodation in Tanzania
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Camping
- Tented camps
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Safari lodges
- Guest houses
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Beach resorts
Camping
Camping in Tanzania offers an incredibly rewarding way to connect to the landscape, whether you’re exploring the national parks or climbing to the continent’s highest peak.
One of the most exciting parts of a Kandoo adventure is camping, and camping on Kilimanjaro stands out as one of the most iconic ways to experience Tanzania. After a day of trekking through lush rainforest, alpine desert or rocky terrain, you’ll arrive at your designated camp to find your tent already pitched by your support team. Meals are served in a larger tent and porters carry your gear, leaving you free to focus on the climb and scenery. Only the Marangu route offers dormitory-style mountain huts while all other routes rely exclusively on campsites along the trail.
You can find more detailed information on camping in Tanzania in our guide to sleeping on Kilimanjaro.
Tented camps
Not to be confused with traditional camping, tented camps are a very popular accommodation choice within national parks in Tanzania. These tents are made of canvas and offer spacious interiors comparable to a hotel room, spanning a range of comfort levels. These rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and private bathrooms with showers and toilets.
Tented camps are an ideal option for nature enthusiasts and eco-conscious travellers seeking a unique experience in the heart of Africa, without sacrificing modern comforts. These camps heavily rely on renewable energy sources, contributing to a more natural atmosphere and energy conservation.
Safari lodges
Tanzania safari lodges take the concept of tented camps and elevate it to the highest levels, with some offering spas, swimming pools and fine dining restaurants. Located both inside or just outside national parks, many offer panoramic decks overlooking waterholes, savannahs, or riverbanks, allowing for excellent wildlife viewing directly from your room.
What makes safari lodges appealing is the combination of comfort and location. You can enjoy all the amenities of a hotel while being surrounded by nature. This is a great option for families, couples or anyone looking for a balance between adventure and relaxation.
Guest houses
Guesthouses are widely available in cities and towns like Arusha and Moshi, and they offer an affordable and friendly option for budget-conscious travellers. These establishments are usually family-run and provide a more personal touch than larger hotels. Rooms are typically simple but clean, and meals are often homemade and include local dishes.
Staying in a guesthouse is also a great way to experience Tanzanian culture, and many hosts are happy to share tips about the area and help arrange excursions.
Beach resorts
Zanzibar is home to some of East Africa’s most beautiful beach resorts, ranging from intimate boutique hotels to large, all-inclusive luxury properties. These resorts typically offer a range of activities including diving, snorkelling, spa treatments, yoga classes and cultural tours.
To truly pamper yourself, choose one of Zanzibar’s luxury resorts featuring overwater bungalows, private plunge pools, and gourmet cuisine. Whether you’re wrapping up a safari adventure or enjoying a romantic getaway, Zanzibar’s beach resorts offer an idyllic setting for sun, sea, and serenity.
How to choose the right accommodation in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a wide range of accommodation options, from simple camping to luxurious tented lodges, and many categories in between. It’s important to remember that star ratings don’t really exist in Tanzania, so tour operators categorise establishments into different price ranges such as budget, mid-range and luxury. Ultimately, choosing where to stay in Tanzania depends on what type of traveller you are, your location, the facilities you need, your budget and the accommodation type you prefer.
Whether you’re embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Kilimanjaro, a Tanzania safari or a relaxing beach holiday, Tanzania offers an incredible range of accommodation suitable all kinds of travellers. On Kandoo’s Tanzania excursions, we stay in several of the types of accommodation in Tanzania listed in this guide and you can find more information on our Tanzania itineraries pages. If you’re wanting to extend your travels in Tanzania after one of our trips, get in touch with our team of travel experts who can offer advice and book accommodation for you.