Tanzania Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Mwanga Moto Mobile Camp: Luxury on the Serengeti

by Texas_Monica

My husband and I are members of Exclusive Resorts, and we participated in their Once-in-a-Lifetime trip to Tanzania in June 2011. The tour was operated by Tanzania by Firelight, and Mwanga Moto was their property in the Serengeti. We spent three nights there and were impressed by its luxury.

We were greeted upon our arrival by the staff, champagne in hand, and given a nice lunch. Our tent was equipped with two king-sized beds, down comforters, lights, writing desk with snacks, hot showers and a flush toilet. This is how I like to camp!

In addition to our private tent, which included a zipped-in porch, there was a dining tent and a game tent for the kids. But the main gathering area (besides the open bar!) was the campfire, also known as “Maasai TV.” Every evening before and after dinner we would sip our beverage of choice (South African cabernet, ice cold Kilimanjaro or Cola Light) and talk about the day with the 19 other folks in the group, plus the guides and staff.

We had game drives each morning and again after lunch, and we saw so many amazing animals. Our professional guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very experienced in tracking and sighting animals, and in repelling the mock charge of an elephant, in fact.

In the evening we dined either in the main dining tent or al fresco on the plains as a Maasai warrior explained the finer points of his culture. Before one dinner we each cooked our own bread over the campfire! The meal was fabulous, ranging from traditional African dishes to continental cuisine, and we sat out long after dark. At one time we could see the shiny eyes of a passing herd of wildebeest. Later the hyenas would sing us to sleep with their whooping cries.

I highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a luxury safari experience.

This camp offers first class bush luxury in a great location - the middle of the Serengeti! From large comfortable tents equipped with flush toilets and hot showers to the terrific dining and open bar, all my needs were met here and then some.

Lupita Island Resort and Spa: Private Island on Lake Tanganyika

by Texas_Monica

We came here in June 2011 at the end of a safari vacation through Exclusive Resorts. After several days in the Serengeti, this resort was a welcome respite, especially the hot baths and showers.

It was a three-hour flight from Seronera to the airstrip at Kipili, stopping once to refuel in Tabora. Once we landed at Kipili, we had a ten-minute walk to the shore, then a ten-minute boat ride across to the island.

The property has only 13 cottages so it will never feel crowded, and the staff were very friendly and attentive. The entire property including the cottages is open-air so you can maximize your exposure to fabulous views and balmy breezes. The food was also excellent, ranging from traditional African dishes to more continental fare. Before dinner, as usual, the campfire was the gathering point of choice, and a terrific vantage from which to view the spectacular night sky full of stars while sipping Amarula.

Remote, private and exclusive, the resort at Lupita Island was truly amazing. All open-air African style with a bar, dining room, pool area, campfire, spa, gym, game room and decks for taking in the beautiful lake views. Each area was decorated with local African art and furniture, and there were many places to lounge and lots of big coffee table books to peruse.

Our room… wow. We were three and so we scored one of the two large suites. 2400 square feet, two bedrooms, completely open-air without even a front door to bother with! We would awaken in the morning to a magnificent sunrise over the lake, then doze off again to the sound of singing birds.

Activities included snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking, lounging on the beach or by the pool, taking a sundowner's cruise on the lake, hiking, etc. I took in a massage at the spa perched high on the island with an amazing view. There is a game room with pool, ping pong, darts, and foosball. We were able to visit a local fishing village and interact with the people there; others chose to take a helicopter tour of nearby Kalambo Falls.

ELCT Bukoba: Good Price For An Even Better Stay

by PryanoFiore

The ELCT Bukoba was a great place to stay.
The rooms are very nicely sized, especially for such cheap prices. The bathroom is large, with hot water for showers. The beds are comfortable and every room has a TV. They also have a great selection of food, all of which is delicious. Also, an internet room is available for use.

There are multiple buildings of rooms, creating cute little pathways on the grounds of the hotel. The hotel is gated, however, and very safe. A guard is on-duty at all times to ensure further security (though it's not in a dangerous area).
Also, the gift shop is very nice. You can purchase Tanzania flag shirts (the green, black, blue striped ones that are often seen on calendars, yet are nearly impossible to find!) and other Tanzania-themed items for very reasonable prices.

The location is also very agreeable, as it is in a quiet section of Bukoba and very close to Bukoba airport. It's about a 5 minute walk to the shores of Lake Victoria, and equally about a 5 minute walk to the busier section of Bukoba.

Also, it's very cheap. You can get a single room for as little as $13 USD.

Delicious buffet-style food, internet room, and just a 5 minute walk to Lake Victoria!

The New Acropol Hotel: The New Acropol Hotel - the best in Morogoro!

by HDFrog5

This past summer I spent two months in and around Morogoro, and the New Acropol Hotel was by far, my favorite discovery! I couldn't believe I spent nearly a month without stumbling into the friendly atmosphere, the greatest food in town, and the full bar.

Located an easy walk from the mountains and city center, you can do almost anything while staying here. The wonderful hotel owner will help offer suggestions and make arrangements for your free time in Morogoro. Mikumi National Park is an easy 1.5 hour drive from the Hotel, making for a delightful day trip to catch some scenery and wildlife!

The kitchen and wait staff are extremely friendly, always working with smiles on their faces. There is plenty of seating outside on the lovely veranda for those looking to enjoy the peaceful view of the mountain or the stars at night.

Just inside the front door is an amazingly fun bar area, with lounge seating and historical decor on all the walls- old African pictures, trophies, and large paper mache animals to name a few! Such a fun place to have a drink (or casual dinner) and imagine the stories the decor holds! This is the only place in town I could find to have a proper cocktail!

Step into the dining room for a more formal dinner or catered group meal and enjoy the high ceilings and, decorations and African materials.

The rooms are in the back, away from the road with another patio for relaxing on. The rooms are very clean with nice western toilet & hot water shower, mosquito nets, A/C, fan, TV with cable, mini-fridge, and desk in case you need to work! (and free wifi around the hotel for customers!)

You can also have a massage or pedicure/manicure while staying at the New Acropol Hotel! Although I didn't have time to take advantage of the opportunity myself, I heard great reviews from other customers!

The owner really topped the experience. Laughter can be heard throughout the lounge areas and customers are happy as the hotel provides a fun "home away from home" in Morogoro. I will definitely be returning!

Family Suite
Dog Friendly
Full Bar
Great Views
Best Food in town
Homemade Ice Cream for dessert!
Friendly staff and amazing owner

Udzungwa Mountain View Hotel: No running water

by Dolevm

We stayed in this hotel 2 nitghts. We arrived to the hotel after a hard day in the raods and mountain of the area, and in spite of the promise of warm water- most of the time there was not water at all. The staff tried to help , but they were useless. According them it's a fault of the municipal administration.

Mikadi Beach Camp: Kigamboni Best Place

by adlytamer

It was me and a friend of mine and after we got off the Mjimwema ferry we jumped on a couple of bikes behind locals and asked the guys to show us around the island, we went to almost all the beaches and hotels.
The first one we went to was the Mikadi Beach Camp we then left to take a look at the rest of the island, but eventually we returned to Mikadi Beach Camp, it's a very laid back with very hospitable staff, owned by a very nice lady and her very nice husband, considerably cheap, you can camp there use the beach or rent a Banda (hut) for a less than 30 dollars, they have a very nice bar, good food and a small pool, security is very good inside the camp but outside the camp you're on your own, clean bathrooms and nice clean showers.
Definitely gonna go back next time I'm there.

Great beach.
Nice bar.
Good food.

Ilboru Safari Lodge: A Good Rest Stop

by easterntrekker

The Ilboru Safari Lodge – Arusha P.O. Box 8012, Arusha, Tanzania

Located about 4 km from the city center this is a nice quiet retreat and just what we needed after our long trip. Our room has lots of wonderful wood, a comfortable tented king size bed and a hot shower. We looked the fact it is locally owned and has a real Tanzania atmosphere. The staff is helpful and friendly with a quick check-in. We were served a special Swahili dinner the first night. It consisted of about 7 different dishes ,all delicious and reminded us of Indian food. Breakfast was served from 6-10AM. Free Internet and huge pool.
$120.00 for two (including breakfast and dinner)

Tented Camps: Visiting Kenya

by Suet

Just don't mention that you live in the States at present. Follow your host's lead and greet staff with Habari yako or jambo As long as the fees have been paid you should be fine. Beware that the drinks are expensive and separate from the amount you have already paid for the tnt and park fees. Tips to the waiters if they bring drinks to your tent should be 50 shillings (50p) which is very generous. If you tip your tent attendant at the end of your stay 500 shilling (£5.00) would be exceedingly generous. He/she may be the only wage earner for up to 30 people back at his home village. Certainly don't be high handed with them.

The best way to avoid any problems, is to act and speak quietly, relax and enjoy the animals and the superb service and don't make jokes about the *help* because if you were living in Kenya as a resident, you would indeed have about 6 staff. I am sure your friend's house will show you the lifestyle.

I wish you a wonderful trip.

Rhino Lodge: The Cheaper Lodge Option

by hayward68

Rhino Lodge is located by the Ngorongoro Crater, a must on the safari itinerary if in Tanzania. If you'd rather not camp on the crater rim, it can get cold and damp, but can't afford the more expensive lodges, then this lodge is a good alternative.
It's located across the road from the rim so you don't get the views down to the crater but at night you're not going to see anything anyways.
We'd just finished camping in the Serengeti and the thought of being warm and dry in a lodge with our own bathroom was uppermost in our minds. We got a triple bed room, only needed two beds, and it was simple and clean, warm and comfortable. The rooms have balconies which overlook the grounds. There are some lovely views of the surrounding countryside.
The hot water in the bathroom is shut off for part of the day so that's the only inconvenience but you just have your shower later.
Our room cost us $160US for the two of us, so $80 each and this included dinner and breakfast. It costs more to have a lunch included but our guide and cook provided those for us.
The meals are served in a large dining room with balconies running along two sides, a great place to sit and wait with a drink from the bar before dinner is ready. There's also a few couches in front of a log fire that is wonderful when it's cold and/or damp outside. The altitude of the crater rim means it gets foggy and cold at night, at least, it did in February.
Meals are served buffet style and are fairly basic but filling, unless you're really picky you shouldn't have a problem.
There are notices in the room to be aware when leaving your room as wild animals do wander through the property on occasion. So peek out your door to make sure a buffalo or a lion hasn't taken up residence on your doorstep.
It's not a huge lodge, only 24 rooms but I highly recommend it.

The couches in the front of the fireplace are a great place to sit and chat with other guests at the lodge. We met a lovely family who were on holiday from England.
Note there is another fireplace in a lounge near the front reception.

Hotel Tansoma

by evliyasems

Normal price. Friendly stuff.
Lift is not working properly.

Friendly peoplle, reasonable price.

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Questions and Answers

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