Luxury in Tanzania: 10 of the top safaris & beach holidays
No matter if you are looking for an exclusive, high-end safari or an indulgent beach retreat, Tanzania has a good selection of standout luxury accommodation.
For more luxurious beach retreats, see our 'best for luxury in Zanzibar' suggestions.
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$9,280 - US$14,680 per person
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Renowned for its unique tree houses, the Tree Lodge blends perfectly into the verdant forest which envelopes it. The design is sensitive to its surroundings; the rooms are exceedingly comfortable; and service and food are excellent. It all adds up to a truly luxurious forest hideaway.
Crater Lodge
Crater Lodge offers impressive interiors where gilded mirrors, chandeliers and sumptuous Persian rugs complement intricate wood paneling and traditional artwork. The result is a grand, opulent, theatrical atmosphere – all on the edge of one of Africa’s iconic landscapes.
Klein's Camp
Klein’s Camp provides a beautiful mix of tantalizing experiences ranging from exceptional night game drives to exploring the Maasai culture. It perfectly captures the spirit of Africa without compromising the level of comfort – truly an impeccable African luxury safari.
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$11,410 - US$16,860 per person
Olakira Camp
Olakira has undergone a recent refurbishment, and the tents now have a luxurious star gazing deck, allowing guests to wheel the bed out to the front of the tent and sleep out under the stars. Quite a special experience!
The Highlands
With futuristic dome tents nestled amongst the trees, The Highlands is a unique and contemporary option for the Ngorongoro Crater. Expect these spacious wood-paneled domes to come complete with sumptuous furs, kingsize beds and fabulous bathoorms.
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri has recently undergone a full refurbishment and reopened as a contemporary, luxury safari camp – worlds away from its traditional tented beginnings. The camp is now made up of a series of futuristic tented structures.
The Highlands
With futuristic dome tents nestled amongst the trees, The Highlands is a unique and contemporary option for the Ngorongoro Crater. Expect these spacious wood-paneled domes to come complete with sumptuous furs, kingsize beds and fabulous bathoorms.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge is an elegant retreat with beautiful views from every part of the property – a luxurious take on an African safari. This is easily one of the smartest properties ever built in Ruaha National Park!
Topi Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$6,540 - US$6,870 per person
Jongomero Camp
Jongomero Camp is perfect for those seeking a luxurious African adventure. The rooms are rustic, yet stylish with sumptuous sofas, huge four-poster beds and Persian rugs. This idyllic camp blends in beautifully with its surroundings and its location guarantees a remote getaway.
Superb Starling Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$8,300 - US$11,720 per person
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge is an elegant retreat with beautiful views from every part of the property – a luxurious take on an African safari. This is easily one of the smartest properties ever built in Ruaha National Park!
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person
Beho Beho
Staying at Beho Beho is a peerless way to spend a few nights. Spacious open-fronted bandas ooze low-key style with sumptuous four-poster beds, antique safari treasures and classic furniture. But the real luxuries here are a very thoughtful service, superb food and expert guiding.
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$10,130 - US$14,810 per person
Greystoke Mahale
Perfectly placed at the edge of a lush forest, the open-fronted rooms at Greystoke Mahale have unrivalled views of the white sandy beach and the lake beyond. From exclusive chimp tracking to eating sushi on a dhow – experiences at this luxurious lodge are as unique as its setting.
Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person
Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp is renowned for offering a remarkable wildlife experience in the Northern Serengeti, whilst also spoiling its guests. Their incredible attention to detail, combined with natural interiors aim to help you to make an authentic and meaningful connection with nature.
The Highlands
With futuristic dome tents nestled amongst the trees, The Highlands is a unique and contemporary option for the Ngorongoro Crater. Expect these spacious wood-paneled domes to come complete with sumptuous furs, kingsize beds and fabulous bathoorms.
Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person
Lamai Serengeti
Perfectly blending with its surroundings, Lamai is a haven of understated luxury. Natural materials, neutral tones and elegant design combine with fantastic, personal service to give one of the most tranquil and high-quality stays in the Serengeti.
Honeyguide Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$9,190 - US$10,770 per person
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge is the place for a luxurious stay in Arusha, perfect for an overnight stop at the beginning or end of your safari. With sumptuous four-poster beds draped in Egyptian cotton, open fireplaces and private verandas, it provides an exceptional level of comfort.
The Manor
The Manor blends a Cape-Dutch homestead with classic architecture and luxurious Afro-European décor. Expect high ceilings, large fireplaces, Persian rugs and sumptuous soft furnishings. The tranquil surroundings and views over the coffee plantation make this an elegant choice.
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Luxury elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Luxury in other countries.

Botswana
Botswana’s tourism policy aims for high value, low impact tourism. This results in high prices, ...

Kenya
Kenya is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes, wildlife and culture – but there’s an ...

Malawi
There are only a small number of high-end lodges in Malawi, but these are small, intimate and very ...

Mozambique
Mozambique is off the beaten track. The tourism industry is currently still developing and many ...

Namibia
Wide-open spaces, seemingly endless wilderness and a sense of solitude almost guaranteed: Namibia ...

Rwanda
Rwanda offers striking scenery, diverse wildlife and great cultural experiences – but until recently, ...

Seychelles
With the sun reflecting on the deep blue Indian Ocean, palm-fringed beaches and lush forests, the ...

South Africa
South Africa is an amazing place to experience a luxury holiday. Here you can relax on incredible ...

Zambia
Zambia has plentiful wildlife across huge areas and many very experienced guides. Although as its ...

Zanzibar
With endless palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and accommodation built with world-class comfort ...

Zimbabwe
With great game viewing, vast national parks and some stunning scenery, Zimbabwe is fantastic to ...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
2,402 sightings from 2,970 observations

Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
46% SUCCESS
1,537 sightings from 3,315 observations

Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
31% SUCCESS
787 sightings from 2,530 observations

Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
701 sightings from 2,214 observations

Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
53% SUCCESS
1,670 sightings from 3,145 observations

Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
66% SUCCESS
1,950 sightings from 2,933 observations

Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
82% SUCCESS
2,020 sightings from 2,459 observations

Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations

Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
47% SUCCESS
1,110 sightings from 2,368 observations

Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
90% SUCCESS
2,884 sightings from 3,193 observations

Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,067 sightings from 1,523 observations

Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
78% SUCCESS
74 sightings from 95 observations

Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
85% SUCCESS
2,764 sightings from 3,235 observations

Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,095 sightings from 2,358 observations

Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
22% SUCCESS
369 sightings from 1,666 observations

Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
21% SUCCESS
355 sightings from 1,669 observations

Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
17% SUCCESS
46 sightings from 276 observations

Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
16% SUCCESS
103 sightings from 663 observations

Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,044 sightings from 3,625 observations

Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
64 sightings from 2,717 observations

Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
42 sightings from 2,656 observations

Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
477 sightings from 1,590 observations
