Having worked extensively in the Serengeti and traveled frequently to iconic locations such as Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, I’ve naturally developed a list of favorite camps and lodges that stand out over time. I’m not an overly picky traveler, but I do appreciate a touch of luxury now and then—who doesn’t? Yet for me, the true value of any stay lies in the overall experience rather than just one or two aspects of a lodge. Below are ten of my top picks in Tanzania, each offering something special in terms of location, atmosphere, and guest experience.

1. Lamai Serengeti

Perched majestically on a kopje in the northern Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti is arguably the crown jewel of the Nomad portfolio in northern Tanzania. Each spacious and elegantly appointed tent boasts sweeping panoramic views of the endless plains, delivering a sense of freedom and connection with the vast Serengeti ecosystem. While Lamai is one of four premier tented camps in the northern Serengeti, its unique position and distinctive style set it apart. In addition to classic game drives, the lodge offers exhilarating walking safaris, allowing guests to explore the landscape intimately on foot.

2. Alex Walker’s Serian Camp

When it comes to mobile camps in the Serengeti, Alex Walker’s Serian Camp stands out as the pinnacle of simple luxury combined with an authentic safari vibe. This camp relocates twice a year, following the migratory patterns of the wildebeest, ensuring guests are always immersed in the heart of the Great Migration. Offering both walking safaris and game drives, it provides an unmatched, dynamic safari experience that balances comfort and adventure perfectly.

3. Kuro Tarangire

Situated in the heart of Tarangire National Park near the abundant Silale Swamp, Kuro Tarangire is a classic-style tented camp that excels in delivering an authentic safari experience. As part of the Nomad Tanzania group, it offers exceptional guiding expertise both on foot and by vehicle, along with high standards of food and hospitality. The game viewing here is outstanding, with frequent sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, and wild dogs making each safari exciting and rewarding.

4. Namiri Plains

Located in the remote east-central Serengeti, Namiri Plains is an Asilia Africa camp that guarantees a truly private safari experience, miles away from other camps and lodges. This tented camp sits in an area closed to the public for over 25 years, primarily dedicated to big cat research. As a result, wildlife sightings—particularly of lions and cheetahs—are exceptional. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy both walking safaris and game drives, providing a close and varied connection to this pristine wilderness.

5. Singita Faru Faru

Part of the exclusive Singita portfolio, Singita Faru Faru Lodge redefines luxury in the Serengeti. Combining decadent comfort with world-class guiding, this lodge ensures guests experience the best of wildlife viewing alongside unparalleled service. Beyond game drives, Faru Faru offers unique activities such as horseback safaris, night drives, and walking safaris, setting it apart from most other properties in the region with its variety and depth of experiences.

6. Serengeti Safari Camp

Established in the mid-1980s, Serengeti Safari Camp is one of the first mobile camps in the Serengeti, following the migratory herds each season. A member of the Nomad Tanzania group, it boasts consistently high standards in guiding, food, and service. This camp offers guests a classic and immersive safari adventure that is difficult to match, providing a perfect blend of mobility and comfort.

7. Nasikia Tarangire Ndovu Camp

Centrally located within Tarangire National Park, Nasikia Ndovu Camp serves as an excellent base for exploring the park’s rich wildlife. The camp itself is unpretentious but comfortable, with well-appointed tents, warm hospitality, and hearty meals. It offers fantastic value for money and an adventurous yet accessible safari experience, appealing to travelers who seek authenticity without the frills.

8. The Manor at Ngorongoro

Nestled on the rolling foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater, surrounded by a lush coffee plantation, The Manor at Ngorongoro is a charming colonial-style lodge that transports guests back to Tanzania’s earlier days. Its strategic location offers easy access to both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. Guests can enjoy activities like extensive nature walks and horseback riding. Being outside the park boundaries, it is a more affordable option compared to lodges on the crater rim while maintaining high standards.

9. Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Most lodges in Arusha serve as brief stopovers before or after safari journeys, but Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge breaks the mold with its stunning setting on the slopes of Mount Meru. This classic-style lodge offers a diverse range of activities such as fishing, horse riding, and hiking in Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills. It is an ideal choice for travelers looking to blend adventure with relaxation and a change of scenery from the traditional safari routine.

10. Nasikia Mobile Camp

Moving twice annually to stay close to the migrating herds, Nasikia Mobile Camp offers an adventurous yet comfortable safari experience. With between 8 and 12 tents, the camp retains an intimate, traditional feel, allowing for personalized service and a close connection to the wilderness. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want to enjoy the thrill of the migration without compromising too much on comfort, and who appreciate a budget-friendly yet authentic safari experience.