Safari Lodges in Tanzania That Aren’t Canvas Tents

Summary

This guide explores lodges to stay at that aren't tents, providing comfortable and scenic accommodations in Africa’s top safari destinations in both Tanzania and Kenya. Whether you prefer a more budget-friendly stay or a luxury retreat, these lodges offer solid structures with modern amenities while keeping you close to nature.

If you’re heading out to Tanzania or Kenya for a safari, and are looking for lodges to stay at that aren’t tents, then you’re in the right place.

There aren’t many to be honest, and one of the reasons is probably because a safari is traditionally to have been in a tent. But I’m guessing other reasons are costs and the footprint that a lodge building leaves on the area.

However, some people prefer a solid structure to a canvas tent, no matter how luxurious that tent is.

The benefits of staying in a lodge is that during winter when it’s cold, there are fireplaces and other things available, to keep the room warmer. In summer, the opposite. A solid structure that is on the grid’ and help to keep you cool.

Another reason people might choose to stay in a lodge and not a tent, is because they don’t like the thought of a lion on the other side of their canvas wall. However, a tent is perfectly safe, just follow the rules of the camp and you’ll have the best time!

Anyway, enough about that, lets jump in.

Lodges in Tanzania That Are Not Tented

Tanzania has a range of lodges to stay at that aren’t tents, ranging from more budget-friendly options to high-end retreats.

These lodges provide comfortable stays with varying amenities, often set in scenic locations near, or in, national parks and wildlife reserves.

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Location: Arusha town
Features: A charming lodge set in the middle of a coffee plantation, offering stylish rooms and access to nearby parks like Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Why Stay Here? Perfect for a relaxing start or end to your safari.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Location: Central Serengeti
Features: A luxury lodge with stunning views of the Serengeti plains, an infinity pool overlooking a watering hole, and spacious, beautifully designed rooms with private terraces.
Why Stay Here? Perfect for those who want luxury and comfort while being in the heart of the wildlife action. It’s also warmer during the winter months, and cooler during summer.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with panoramic views of the plains.
Features: Traditional, rondavel-style rooms with thatched roofs, stone walls, and private decks overlooking the Serengeti.
Why Stay Here? A blend of cultural design and modern comfort in a prime location for witnessing the Great Migration when they are in the area).

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Features: Built on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge is beautiful with its opulent suites with chandeliers, fireplaces, and breathtaking views of the crater.
Why Stay Here? It’s one of the most iconic and unique lodges in Africa, offering a mix of luxury and incredible wildlife viewing.

Ngorongoro Serena Mountain Lodge

Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Features: Stone-built lodge with ivy-covered walls, offering cozy rooms with private balconies and stunning views of the crater.
Why Stay Here? Perfect for comfort, unbeatable views, and access to one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations.

Entamanu Ngorongoro Lodge

Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Features: Wooden chalets with gas heaters. A ‘living’ roof is growing to try and hide away into the forest. and Stone-built lodge with ivy-covered walls, offering cozy rooms with private balconies and stunning views of the crater.
Why Stay Here? Beautiful natural surroundings, lots of walking with the Maasi, built decks for a sundowner or meal. Beautiful private lunch set up with a view into the Crater.

Kiba Point

Location: Nyere National Park (near Selous)
Features: Open-fronted cottages with beautiful rooms, each with their own private plunge pools. So, the rooms are not tented, but they are not fully enclosed structures. But absolutely amazing.
Why Stay Here? With only 4 rooms its perfect as a private camp, where you can enjoy activities on foot, by boat or by vehicle.

Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort

Location: West Kilimanjaro
Features: Basic but comfortable lodge come hotel experience with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Great for combining a safari with a Kilimanjaro adventure.
Why Stay Here? Ideal for those looking for a quieter safari near Amboseli National Park’s Tanzanian side.