One of the most frequently asked questions I receive: "Which accommodation should we book?" The answer depends on three things: your budget, your comfort level and what you want to experience. Here is my honest overview after 15 years of booking trips.
Category 1: Budget camping (€30–80 p.n.)
Public campsites in and around the national parks. You sleep in your own or rented tent, using shared facilities. Advantage: you are deep in nature and pay the lowest fees. Disadvantage: you need serious camping experience, it is not comfortable and I don't recommend it for first-time safari-goers or people with sleep issues.
We only book this for specific adventurous itineraries. It is genuinely hardcore camping — including the knowledge that animals can freely walk through the camp.
Category 2: Tented camp — the ideal middle ground (€80–250 p.n.)
This is by far the most popular choice with our travellers, and my personal favourite too. A tented camp is a permanently furnished tent camp with real beds, linen, electricity, and often an en-suite bathroom — but with canvas walls.
The advantage? You hear nature. A hippo grazing past. The hyena laughing at 3am. Rain on the canvas. It is the most authentic way to experience the Serengeti.
Well-known names: Serengeti Migration Camp, Lemala Ewanjan, &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas. Prices range from €120 (simple) to €250+ (high-end semi-permanent).
Category 3: Lodge (€150–400 p.n.)
A lodge is a permanent building — stone, wood or thatch — with all the comforts of a good hotel. Wifi, restaurant, bar, pool. Ideal for travellers who go on safari during the day but want to relax in comfort in the evenings.
Disadvantage: you lose part of the safari feeling. But if you cannot do without good wifi or if you are bringing young children who need a bath and a real bedroom, a lodge is the right choice.
Examples: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge.
Category 4: Luxury camp/lodge (€400–1,500+ p.n.)
This is the top of the market — think Singita, &Beyond, Nomad Tanzania. Private plunge pools, butler service, gourmet dining, exclusive game drives. You pay not only for comfort but also for exceptional guides and minimal guest numbers.
When is it worth it? For honeymoons, for people with a health condition requiring comfort, or simply when you know you are doing this once in your life and want the maximum.
My practical advice
For most travellers I recommend: tented camp for the parks, lodge for transit nights (arriving and departing Arusha). Budget approximately €150–200 per person per night all-inclusive — this covers all meals, game drives and transfers in most tented camps.
Avoid the cheapest options if you sleep poorly or if it's your first safari. A bad night means missing the next game drive — and that is a waste of your Tanzania adventure.