16 May 2023
If you want to get away from the daily grind of life and want to go on a vacation that takes your mind off it, we hear you. There are plenty of ways you can make your safari escape something exciting and meaningful to you.
So, when you return, you feel revitalized and full of stories that you can share, as if you go on a Tanzanian safari, you won’t want to stop talking about your experience there.
But what lodges are going to ensure that you get the best views? And, more importantly, which allow you to partake in the best activities that are great for a group or the family?
In this article, we outline the ten best safari lodges in the region that allow you to see the plains in different ways and see and come face to face with some magnificent animals.
Read on to find out how you can have the best escape imaginable.
Here is an area that is a 40-minute drive from the Seronera airstrip. On the way to this exclusive lodge, you’ll see why this destination is adored and visited by many nature and wildlife enthusiasts – so you’ll be in good company here.
You have an arrangement of nicely placed tents that give you striking views while being slap-bang in the middle of the Serengeti National Park, so brace yourself for some unique encounters with the likes of zebras and hyenas close by.
You can also find some special sunset views, which are a nice way to settle down with á la carte meals. How about a homemade pizza with a side of grilled veggies? No matter what you go for, ingredients are delivered fresh every day. Nice plus: you can get tea and coffee refreshments all day.
Situated near the northeast of the Serengeti and close to the Ikorongo game reserve, you have here a lodge that takes the immersion with nature to a whole new level. So you can take it easy knowing that you have a lot of modern living features with an authentic experience.
This peaceful camp welcomes you with cosy tents and nearby dining areas. Prepare to fall in love with the furnishings, which, by the way, have a minimal impact on the environment.
With national parks, a hippo pool, and balloon tours on offer, you have more ways to see elephants, cheetahs, lions, and so much more, at your own pace.
If you’re a big cat enthusiast, it’s hard to ignore the view of them you can find here. Why? This lodge is tucked into the corner of the Serengeti and with personal game guides that can show you the best picture-taking opportunities, there is plenty to appreciate.
You can also go on walking safaris, where you can navigate the trail, which can be identified by the various animals you’ll see, such as gazelles, antelopes, and buffalo. This way you can get really close to them and feel in the moment – exhilarating, to say the least.
It’s the people here, though, that make this stay worth it, as the boma gathering before dinner gives you a chance to get to know other visitors and staff as you compare your experiences of that day.
From first impressions, we are loving the villa-type design of this lodge. It’s located right on top of the rift valley escarpment, where you’ll catch a stunning view of the Lake Manyara and a glance at Kilimanjaro that towers in scale at a further distance.
You have your pick from silver, golden, and platinum rooms that are designed with the local culture in mind, with a lot of organic-looking and hand-made features that will have you in awe.
You have the lake Manyara treetop walkway and Tanzania zipline adventure center for those who want to go off the beaten track and start their own adventures, so there’s plenty to get involved with.
Adventure awaits at this camp, as you will be situated in the Ruaha National Park, which has plains and national parks for as far as the eye can see. Here, you’ll feel as if you’ve genuinely escaped with just you, the wilderness, mighty baobabs and shrubs.
Whether you’re relaxing in the camp or out for a tour, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a lion, elephant, buffalo, and endangered African wild dogs, which makes for insightful viewing.
You get an en-suite bathroom, swimming pool, spa, and even Wi-Fi, but we’ll doubt you’ll want to be on your devices for too long when you see the variety of activities that are on offer.
We move now to the north of the Serengeti National Park. And if seeing the wildebeest crash across the Mara river as part of the annual migration is something on your bucket list, this camp is the perfect place to see it unfold.
You’ll notice the tents at the camp have a cabin-like aesthetic to them. So make yourself at home with the amenities you’ve come to expect – you can even request a friendly early morning wake-up call with tea and coffee delivered to you.
There is also the opportunity for you to unwind after your game drive at the pool or local spa, and why not take a look at the safari shop, as you can be sure to find something nice?
Here is a camp that is situated at the Ngorongoro crater and gives you a private yet highly placed on the slopes of the Olmoti crater, which is the highest view you can experience in the area. So if you love a good view, you’ll not want to skip past this one.
The suites are perspex and canvas domed, giving you an all-around view at all times, giving you the immersion that you didn’t know was possible.
You can expect activities that range from solo travels, safaris, natural wonders, or maybe a trip to see the local Maasai cultured communities.
Here is an option for those who want to go fully native: the luxury tree-house suites blend in well with the surrounding forest. The sounds and sights of wildlife will surely compliment your stay and give you exclusivity and a sense of rejuvenation.
You will get some unique views of a range of habitats and can catch glimpses of tree-climbing lions and families of elephants, with a chance to see some bright flamingoes near the shores of the nearby lake.
You get a unique safari experience as you’ll have access to fact sheets and binoculars for the best way to learn and see these magnificent animals in both the morning and evening.
Here is an Edwardian-styled manor house that allows you a sophisticated and luxurious experience, with grand entrances and wraparound verandas that offer a good view of the vast landscape and neighboring areas like the Motukeri and Nyakitono villages.
You also get many comforts, including fireplaces, living rooms, and comfortable furnishings, and all this comes with a front-row seat to the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti reserve.
Not only this, but you get a chance to explore the depths of the Serengeti, bush walks, wellness treatments, and some tennis, for more ways to unwind, so where are you going to start?
Our final destination is a camp that is placed by the majestic Mara river and gives you a different type of safari experience as you can explore the 98,000 acres of the nature reserve. With a smaller visitor capacity, you also get a service that feels personal.
You can find excellent views whether you’re lounging on the netted beds or making tracks in the national park, and with a smaller area, you get to observe the animals you desire most.
You can encounter hippos, crocodiles, big cats, giraffes, and wildebeests in a way that doesn’t put too much pressure on the environment and is excellent for those who want an experience that is out of the way.
As you’ve seen, the options are (almost) endless. However, before you settle on one stay, you should be aware that any tours, excursions, and activity centers might require you to book prior to your arrival to avoid any disappointments.
You also get to see these national parks from unique perspectives. Whether you want a panoramic view or a simple spot near a river, you can decide how close you want to be in the midst of the action.
Let us know anytime if you want to know more about (one of) these lodges or if you even want to go there yourself. We’re happy to help 😉
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