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, a gateway to Tanzanian safaris
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: Nestled in the 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.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Features: Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge features 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 luxurious comfort, unbeatable views, and access to one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations.
Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
Location: West Kilimanjaro
Features: Offers a 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.
And now for Kenya…
Lodges in Kenya that are not Tented
Kenya, known for its diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife, has a selection of lodges to stay at that aren’t tents.
Whether nestled in the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara, or set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, these lodges provide comfort and convenience while keeping guests close to nature.
Giraffe Manor
Location: Nairobi
Features: A boutique hotel where giraffes wander onto the property and poke their heads through windows during breakfast.
Why Stay Here? Unique and memorable—a great place to begin or end your safari adventure, but you MUST book far in advance as rooms are limited and they get fully booked.
ol Donyo Lodge
Location: Chyulu Hills, between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks
Features: Stone-built suites with plunge pools, large verandas, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Why Stay Here? Offers a combination of safari and cultural experiences, plus incredible views.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Location: Situated on a hill overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Features: Modern, Maasai-inspired rooms with private balconies offering sweeping views of the Mara plains.
Why Stay Here? Perfect for stunning views, abundant wildlife, and a front-row seat to the Great Migration.
LOIRIEN Mara
Location: A sanctuary within the private Partakilat Conservancy, inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Features: As a guest you will enjoy elegant villas with private decks, fine dining, and personalized game drives, all set in the heart of the breathtaking Maasai Mara.
Why Stay Here? LOIRIEN Mara is deeply committed to conservation, protecting endangered species like white rhinos, supporting local communities, and practicing regenerative farming — including raising beautiful Ankole cattle. By staying here, guests directly support wildlife protection, sustainable agriculture, and community initiatives in the Maasai Mara.
Final Word
While tented camps might dominate the safari scene, these solid-structure lodges prove you can experience the wild without truly roughing it.
If you’re a selection of lodges to stay at that aren’t tents, you should consider booking early, especially when the Great Migration is expected to be in the area!