Accommodation in Tanzania

Finding a place to stay in Tanzania is a bit like picking the vibe for your whole trip. The options stretch pretty wide, from laid-back guesthouses in Arusha to luxe lodges near Ngorongoro Crater that make you feel like you’re right in the wild. And don’t overlook the little boutique spots down in Stone Town on Zanzibar, where you can sip spiced chai on a balcony with creaky old wood and ancient Persian doors.

Hotels are a solid choice if you want some extras like pools and WiFi, but if you’re heading to Maasai Mara (actually, that’s Kenya, but Serengeti Park is close enough in Tanzania), many camps let you sleep under the stars with only canvas between you and the wild. I’d always recommend booking ahead for the high season around July to October when the Great Migration packs the parks.

And if you want to feel like a local, renting an apartment in Dar es Salaam’s Oyster Bay or Mikocheni neighborhoods can give you a glimpse into city life,plus access to some seriously good street food. Pro tip: check how far your accommodation is from the stuff you want to do – roads can be slow and bumpy, so saving travel time goes a long way toward relaxing.