Best Midrange Safari Lodges in Tanzania

Best Midrange Safari Lodges in Tanzania (2026–2027)

Handpicked midrange lodges across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, Selous, and Mikumi offering comfort, value, and adventure for every traveler.

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations homes to world-famous parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. While luxury camps grab a lot of attention, there’s an amazing selection of midrange safari lodges that offer comfort, great locations, and authentic experiences without breaking your budget. These lodges give you the best of both worlds’ quality accommodation, good food, and access to incredible wildlife at a price most travelers find reasonable.

Here’s a look at some of the best midrange safari lodges in Tanzania for 2026–2027, ideal for couples, families, and small groups.

1. Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Heritage Camp

Located right in the heart of the Serengeti, this camp offers you front-row seats to one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles the Great Migration. The camp blends traditional safari style with modern comforts. Spacious canvas tents come with en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered lights, and cozy beds covered in soft linen.

Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the open-air dining area, watch sunsets by the campfire, and listen to the sounds of lions roaring in the distance. It’s a true bush experience but with enough comfort to relax after a long day of game drives.

Estimated price:

• Although I didn’t find a solid published rate for this exact lodge, as a mid-range camp in the Serengeti you could expect around US$200-350 per person per night in high season (perhaps less in low)

Travel tips:

• Being inside or very near the park is a big plus less driving means more time with wildlife.
• High season (June-October, December) will cost more; the off-peak (March-May) may offer discounts.
• Confirm exactly what’s included (meals, game drives, park fees) so you’re comparing apples to apples.
• Bring layers for early-morning drives (it’s cold in the vehicle at dawn).

Why it’s great: Excellent location, warm hospitality, and close wildlife encounters without luxury prices.

2. Karatu (near Ngorongoro Crater) - Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge is a peaceful retreat located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s surrounded by green hills and coffee plantations, giving guests a calm and refreshing atmosphere. The lodge features spacious cottages with fireplaces, private verandas, and beautiful views of the valley.

After a day exploring the crater or nearby villages, guests can swim in the pool, enjoy local dishes at the restaurant, or relax with a drink by the fireplace. The staff are known for their friendliness and attention to detail.

Estimated price:

• A source lists around US $250-275 per night in high season.
• In low season (March-May) you might see rates closer to US $150-165 per night.

Travel tips:

• It’s slightly outside the crater rim, so you’ll allow more driving time to reach the crater floor (approx. 25-30 mins) still very good, just not as immediate as rim-lodges.
• Book ahead for low season you might get good value with fewer crowds.
• Consider including cultural visits (coffee plantation, village tour) as the lodge offers these.

Why it’s great: Perfect base for visiting Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, lovely gardens, and affordable comfort.

3. Tarangire National Park - Tarangire Simba Lodge

Set just outside Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire Simba Lodge combines adventure and relaxation. The lodge is built with natural materials that blend beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Each tented room sits on a raised deck and comes with an en-suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the plains.

Guests can cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, or watch animals visiting the nearby waterhole. You can even hear the calls of hyenas and lions at night

Estimated price:

• One listing: US $187.50 per person per night (full board) at time of writing.
• Another indicates standard room US $250-300 per night in peak season.

Travel tips:

• Because it’s outside the park but close to the gate, you benefit from wildlife nearby while paying less than park-rim options.
• Check whether the park/concession (WMA) fees are included in the rate (some extra fees apply).
• Use this lodge as a chance to see large elephant herds at Tarangire the big plus of this region.

Why it’s great: Close to the park gate, comfortable tented rooms, and great value for money.

4. Lake Manyara - Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

This lodge sits on the escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, offering some of the best views in northern Tanzania. Rooms are spacious with large beds, private balconies, and beautiful bathrooms. The infinity pool, spa, and lush gardens make it feel almost luxurious while still being midrange in price.

It’s an excellent base for day trips to Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro, and local cultural visits in Mto wa Mbu village. The food is fresh and delicious, combining African and international flavors.

Estimated price:

• One source: From US $137 per person per night (low season) for a standard room.
• Another for a 2-bedroom villa lists US $600-850 per night (higher end).
• A travel review quotes US $730 per person per night for a double.

Travel tips:

• This lodge seems to straddle upper mid-range due to strong amenities (spa, views) so if you want purely mid-range, double-check the room category.
• Good option for mixing game drives (Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro) and restful evenings in scenic surroundings.
• Ask about included meals, and whether transfers to parks are included.

Why it’s great: Stunning location, great facilities, and excellent service at reasonable prices.

5. Karatu - Eileens Trees Inn

Eileens Trees Inn is one of the most loved midrange options by travelers who want a homely atmosphere. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it has simple but comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a lovely restaurant serving fresh, home-cooked meals. The owners and staff are friendly and make you feel like part of the family.

It’s a great stopover between safari destinations, especially before or after visiting Ngorongoro Crater.

Estimated price:

• I didn’t locate a reliable current published price for Eileens Trees Inn in the sources I found. However, as a homely mid-range lodge in Karatu, you might expect US $150-250 per night depending on room and season.

Travel tips:

• Great for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, homey feel than large safari lodges.
• Since it’s in Karatu, plan for driving to parks each day (e.g., Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara).
• Confirm that full board (all meals) is included, and check transfer costs if arriving late from a park.

Why it’s great: Warm hospitality, peaceful garden setting, and very fair prices.

6. Tarangire Area - Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

Perched on a hillside with views over Tarangire National Park, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers stylish tented rooms built on wooden platforms. Each room has a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, and solar lighting. The lodge uses eco-friendly materials and supports the local community, making it a sustainable choice.

The open-air dining area gives panoramic views perfect for watching sunsets. Guests love the quiet, natural atmosphere and the chance to see wildlife right from the lodge.

Estimated price:

• One listing: US $190 for double (half board) and US$320 for double (full board)
• Another: $165 – $210per person per night (full board) for low/mid-season.

Travel tips:

• Because of its strong value, this is a smart pick for mid-range that doesn’t feel too basic.
• The tented style gives an adventure feel while still offering comfort.
• Always check season, whether meals and pool access are included, and whether game drives are separate cost.

Why it’s great: Eco-friendly, community-run, peaceful, and perfectly located for exploring Tarangire.

7. Central Serengeti - Baobab Tented Camp

This mobile-style camp offers comfort with an authentic bush feel. The tents are large, with real beds, private bathrooms, and solar lighting. Because it’s located in central Serengeti, you’re always close to wildlife especially during migration seasons. The campfire in the evening is the perfect place to share stories about your safari adventures.

Estimated price:

• We did not locate a current reliable nightly rate for Baobab Tented Camp in my search. Mid-range tented camps in Serengeti generally fall into the US $200-350+ per person per night bracket in peak season (see general mid-range pricing guidance below).

Travel tips:

• Being in central Serengeti is a major plus you reduce transit time between game drives.
• Since rates may vary significantly, especially with tented mobile camps, ask about inclusions (meals, vehicle, guide, park fees).
• Choose a camp with solid client reviews for guiding and comfort tented does not always mean basic.

Why it’s great: Wild yet comfortable, great for adventure lovers who want value and closeness to nature.

8. Ruaha National Park - Mdonya Old River Camp

Located in the wild heart of Ruaha National Park, Mdonya Old River Camp gives travelers a true taste of untouched Africa. Ruaha is known for its dramatic landscapes, huge baobab trees, and impressive numbers of elephants, lions, and even rare wild dogs. The camp sits along the dry Mdonya riverbed a favorite spot for animals coming to drink, especially during the dry season.

The camp keeps the classic safari spirit alive. Guests stay in spacious canvas tents with comfortable beds, solar-powered lights, and private bathrooms with safari-style bucket showers. The simplicity here is part of the charm you fall asleep to the sounds of the African night, from roaring lions to laughing hyenas.

Meals are served under the stars or in the open mess tent, and evenings often end around the campfire as guides share stories from the bush. It’s peaceful, authentic, and deeply connected to nature.

Estimated price

• Around US $250–350 per person per night (including meals and game drives).
• Lower rates may be available in the green season (March–May).

Travel tips:

• Ruaha is best visited between June and October for excellent wildlife viewing and dry weathe
• The park is remote you’ll likely fly in from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, so plan transfers in advance.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and warm clothing for early mornings and evenings.
•  Electricity is solar-powered, so charge devices during the day.
• Don’t miss a guided walking safari it’s one of the highlights of southern Tanzania.

Why it’s great:
Untouched wilderness, excellent guiding, and real bush atmosphere all at a fair midrange price. Perfect for travelers who want authentic adventure with comfort and personal service.

9. Nyerere National Park (Selous) - Selous River Camp

Situated along the banks of the Rufiji River, Selous River Camp is one of the best midrange safari lodges in southern Tanzania. The setting is peaceful and full of life hippos grunt in the river, monkeys swing through the trees, and colorful birds fly overhead. It’s a place where you can truly feel close to nature while still enjoying comfort and good service.

The camp offers two main types of accommodation: comfortable mud huts with en-suite bathrooms and thatched roofs, and more affordable tented rooms for travelers on tighter budgets. All are designed to blend naturally with the surrounding forest. The open-air restaurant and bar overlook the river, offering incredible views during meals and sunsets.

Days here are filled with adventure you can explore Nyerere National Park on a game drive, take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, or walk with an armed ranger to learn about tracks and wildlife behavior. Evenings are relaxed, with campfire chats and the sounds of the wild all around.

Estimated price:

• Around US $150–250 per person per night (including meals and some activities).
• Tented rooms are often cheaper, starting from about US $120 per person per night
• Prices vary by season and activity inclusions (boat safari, park fees, etc.).

Travel tips:

• The best time to visit is during the dry season (June–October) when wildlife gathers along the river.
• You can reach the lodge by a short flight from Dar es Salaam or a 5–6-hour road trip both scenic in different ways.
• Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a good camera for photographing river wildlife like crocodiles, elephants, and hippos.
• Ask about combining your stay with a boat safari and walking safari both are special highlights of Nyerere.
• If you visit in the green season (November–March), expect fewer tourists and lush, green scenery.

Why it’s great:
Selous River Camp offers one of the most authentic and affordable safari experiences in southern Tanzania. With river views, great food, and access to unique water and walking safaris, it’s ideal for travelers who want nature, adventure, and comfort all at a midrange price.

10. Mikumi National Park - Camp Bastian Mikumi

Nestled just a few minutes from the main gate of Mikumi National Park, Camp Bastian is one of the best midrange lodges for travelers exploring southern Tanzania. It combines comfort, nature, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a real safari experience without luxury prices.

The lodge offers a choice of cozy stone cottages and safari tents surrounded by trees and gardens. Each room has comfortable beds, mosquito nets, private bathrooms with hot showers, and verandas where you can sit and enjoy the sounds of birds and crickets. The swimming pool and open restaurant area provide a great place to cool off and unwind after a day of game drives.

Guests love the friendly staff and homely feel it’s a place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and still be close to the wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, and elephants often wander close to the park borders, so nature is never far away.

Estimated price:

• Around US$120–180 per person per night (including meals).
• Budget travelers can find slightly cheaper rates for tented rooms, especially in low season.

Travel tips:

• Mikumi is about a 5–6-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, making it one of the most accessible national parks in southern Tanzania.
• The best wildlife viewing months are June to October, during the dry season when animals gather near water sources.
• If you have extra time, you can easily combine Mikumi with Udzungwa Mountains National Park for hiking and waterfalls.
• Bring binoculars the park is great for birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded
• Nights can get cool, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

Why it’s great:
Affordable, charming, and close to the park gate Camp Bastian offers real value for money, delicious local and international meals, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s the perfect base for discovering the wildlife of Mikumi without needing luxury rates or complicated travel plans.

Here is Our Quick Comparison of the Best Midrange Safari Lodges in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a wide range of midrange safari lodges that combine comfort, adventure, and authentic African charm. Whether you choose the open plains of the Serengeti, the baobab-filled landscapes of Tarangire, or the quiet wilderness of the southern parks, each lodge brings you closer to nature without luxury costs. For 2026–2027, booking early is wise, as midrange properties fill up quickly during peak months. With the right lodge, your Tanzanian safari will be both affordable and unforgettable.