Accommodation in Tanzania

Overview of the Offer

Several types of accommodation exist in Tanzania, ranging from camping or modest guesthouses to luxurious safari lodges. The choice is logically more abundant in tourist regions. In principle, there is a "local or resident" rate and a more expensive "visitor" rate.

For lodges and high-end options, a surcharge may be applied during peak season, specifically in July and August as well as over the Christmas period. In low season (March-May), however, discounts of up to 50% may be offered. In almost all cases, mid-to-high-end accommodations are paid directly in US dollars or occasionally in euros (but be mindful of exchange rates).

Hotels and Lodges

Hotels and Guesthouses

Hotels and other guesthouses are numerous in cities and tourist areas, offering a wide range of prices and comfort levels.

Generally, it’s best to avoid the "cheapest possible" category, where many establishments can sometimes be gloomy or even pose some risks. Even if you can sleep for just a few euros, it’s worth spending a little more for better value. Typically, the 15–25 € range for a double room offers a good starting point with a bathroom (private or shared) and at least a fan. For 30–40 €, you’ll get more comfort or a "tourist-standard" room, and sometimes even charming local establishments like beachfront bungalows. If you want, you can check the room before committing and negotiate prices in low season.

Lodges

These are found in parks and reserves, often in pleasant settings and located in "strategic" spots (near waterholes, for example) to better enjoy the wildlife. They offer full comfort with quality service. Logically, their rates reflect this, so if you’ve chosen this type of accommodation, it’s best to go through an organized package where the provider has negotiated the rates.

All-Inclusive

Most all-inclusive offers are concentrated on the island of Zanzibar. Its most beautiful beaches are on its east coast, and consequently, so are the most luxurious hotels.

Camping

There are no campgrounds in Tanzania like those in Europe or North America, and you can’t pitch a tent just anywhere (which is best avoided anyway). You must use designated sites, which can be found in national parks or elsewhere.

National Parks

Most parks and reserves have camping areas. To avoid disappointments and price surprises, however, it’s important to distinguish between campsites and tented camps. Simply put, the former are basic camping grounds, while the latter are (very) luxurious accommodations—even if presented as large tents, they include all the comforts, including bathrooms. Naturally, the prices are completely different, with a minimum ratio of 1 to 5. A night in a tented camp can thus be more expensive than a lodge at $150 or more.

As for campsites, there are two types: "public" ones open to everyone and "private or special" ones reserved for groups or clients of tour operators. In all cases, the facilities are very basic, with at best a water point and toilets... and astronomical rates of $30 to $50 per person per night. What you’re paying for isn’t the facilities or services but simply the location of the sites, which are more or less close to animals and points of interest in the park. For this reason, the second category is generally better positioned than the first.

This is why, if you plan to visit several reserves, it’s worth opting for agency packages that include transportation, meals, entry fees, equipment if needed, and nights in camping or lodges within the parks. Even if the base cost may seem high, you’ll generally save much more than if you had to add up each expense separately without benefiting from the providers’ negotiated rates.

Elsewhere

Some hotels allow you to pitch your tent on their grounds, sometimes with prior reservation. Generally, you can expect to pay less than $10 for two, though the closer you get to the parks, the higher the price.

Homestays

Which Accommodation to Choose?

If you’re not on a safari, guesthouses are the most interesting option. Otherwise, a safari package with tented nights will always be much more economical than staying in a lodge.