Tanzania offers a wide range of unique accommodation options that cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences. One of the most extraordinary choices is the luxurious treehouse lodges located within the Serengeti National Park. Here, guests can wake up to breathtaking views of the African savannah while indulging in world-class amenities. For those seeking a more authentic experience, staying in a traditional Maasai boma can provide an immersive cultural encounter. These circular huts are made of mud, cow dung, and grass, offering an opportunity to learn about Maasai traditions and way of life. For adventure enthusiasts, camping in the Ngorongoro Crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, surrounded by the magnificent wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Whether it’s treehouses, traditional huts, underwater rooms or camping, all the unique accommodation in Tanzania are sure to leave travelers with unforgettable memories.
Treehouse Accommodation
- Chole Mjini Treehouse, Mafia Island – a unique and secluded experience on a small island in the Indian Ocean.
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Manyara National Park – this luxury tree lodge in the middle of a forest offers breathtaking views of Lake Manyara.
- Serengeti Migration Camp, Serengeti National Park – stay in a treehouse in the midst of the Serengeti Plains and witness the Great Migration.
- Tarangire Treetops, Tarangire National Park – nestled in baobab and marula trees, this treehouse camp provides a luxurious and intimate safari experience.
- Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains National Park – this treehouse on the shores of Lake Tanganyika offers stunning views of the mountains and the lake.
- Serengeti Bushtops, Serengeti National Park – stay in a luxurious treehouse tent and enjoy panoramic views of the Serengeti.
- Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park – treehouse accommodation overlooking the Rufiji River.
- Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area – set in a dense forest, this lodge offers unique treehouse accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding nature.
- Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire National Park – treehouses surrounded by ancient baobab trees, providing the perfect backdrop for an authentic African safari experience.
- Selous Safari Company, Selous Game Reserve – this luxury safari company offers treehouse accommodations overlooking the Rufiji River, providing a unique wilderness experience.
Underwater Room
The Underwater Room on Pemba Island is an extraordinary, unique accommodation in Tanzania, nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This secluded floating suite offers guests a truly unique experience, allowing them to sleep surrounded by the fascinating marine life of the Shimoni coral reef. The room is divided into three levels, with the lower level positioned four meters beneath the surface, providing a mesmerizing underwater view. With its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, guests can spend hours admiring the vibrant coral and playful fish without ever having to leave their cozy and luxurious surroundings. The Underwater accommodation on Pemba Island offers an unforgettable and surreal retreat for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Fly Camping
Fly camping is a unique and adventurous Tanzania safari to experience the wilderness of the country. It involves setting up a temporary camp in a secluded area with minimal facilities, usually in remote areas of national parks or private conservancies. The camps are small and lightweight, allowing for easy setup and dismantling.
Accommodation consists of dome tents or lightweight flysheet tents, and basic amenities such as portable toilets and bucket showers may be provided. Meals are usually prepared by camp staff and enjoyed in a communal dining area. Organized mostly as part of a multi-day safari or hiking expedition, it offers a more intimate connection with nature compared to traditional lodges or camps. These campsites are carefully chosen to offer excellent views and wildlife sightings, and can be a thrilling experience, as you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Fly camping is not recommended for individuals who require extensive amenities or have limited mobility.
Sleep Under The Stars
Many campsites and lodges in the Serengeti National Park offers the opportunity to sleep in tents or open-air rooms, allowing you to enjoy the starry sky while being surrounded by the plains and wildlife. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a World Heritage Site with several designated campsites where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. The crater views and wildlife make it a unique experience. Some campsites in Lake Manyara National Park offer the option to sleep in open-air tents, providing a fantastic opportunity to stargaze. There are several tented campsites in Tarangire National Park where you can witness the night sky while being immersed in the park’s wildlife and natural beauty. Lake Natron is located in northern Tanzania, and is known for its flamingos and stunning landscapes. There are campsites near the lake where you can sleep under the stars and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Traditional Huts
Traditional hut accommodation, also known as “bandas,” is a popular form of accommodation in Tanzania. These traditional huts are typically made using local materials such as mud, thatch, and wood. They reflect the architectural styles of various ethnic groups in the country, offering visitors an authentic experience of Tanzanian culture. Most traditional hut accommodation is situated in national parks, reserves, or rural areas. While this type of accommodation may lack some of the amenities found in modern hotels, they make up for it with their unique charm, affordability, and the opportunity to explore remote areas. Guests can often participate in activities such as cooking traditional meals, learning traditional crafts, or joining in cultural ceremonies and dances.
