Tanzania Travel – Top Lodges in Tanzania
Tanzania is a country endowed with a diverse selection of Game reserves and National parks and as such is one of the leading safari destinations of the world receiving a numerous number of visitors annually and as a result creating quite a demand for accommodation to host the visiting tourist who come from different walks of life.
The country is proud to have some of the finest accommodation this side of the Sahara, beautifully crafted and superbly situated in areas across Tanzania’s vast yet inspiring landscape ranging from forest-covered volcanic peaks to the dusty savannah. Below is a sample of some of the top end lodges on offer:
Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge:
This splendid hotel is perfectly perched between Mt.Meru and Mt.Kilimanjaro amidst lush coffee plantation watered by a constant flow of natural streams running across the property. The area if flanked by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains not to mention the beautiful grounds covered by lush vegetation.
The lodge boasts of an awe-inspiring architecture comprising of a blend of African and modern crafts whose end result is a luxurious lodge fit for royalty. The twin reception areas which cater for both groups and individual visitors simultaneously are stylishly furnished giving a feel of what is to be expected throughout the rest of the lodge. The sound of water gashing under the floor boards only adds to its charm.
The lodge comprises of 139 rooms including 30 chalets with 60 rooms, 72 rooms in the main building, 7 presidential suites. Combined they have a holding capacity of up to 350 guests. All rooms are stylishly appointed and fitted with spacious en suite bathrooms, telephones, mini bars, satellite TV’s, tea/coffee making facilities, safe deposit lockers with most of them having Jacuzzis.
The lavish rooms comprise of spacious beds, with some rooms enjoying a glorious view of both Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. Provisions have been made in some of the rooms in order to comfortably accommodate disabled guests and are close to the reception and public areas.
With natural splendor all round this mountain lodge serves as the African paradise for nature lovers seeking to enjoy a special occasion or just relax and unwind in the serenity of a place that is truly African.
Mnemba Island Lodge
This luxurious lodge is located as the name suggests in Mnemba Island surrounded by the azure waters of the magnificent Indian Ocean boasting of a splendid tropical beach forest flanked by a soft white sand beach. Adding charm to this island is the protection zone which surrounds the island, conserving splendid coral reefs where giant turtles, ghost crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons.
It comprises of 10 bucolic palm-frond bandas, beautifully crafted in the traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting style. All have a spacious veranda, palm covered walk way, en-suite bathroom with shower and basin and overhead fans. The bandas are furnished with elegant furniture designed using detailed woodcarvings for which Zanzibar is famous for, they include scrolled headboards adorning the beds created by some of the Island’s most skilled artisans.
Notable is the thatched dining and sitting/bar areas which enjoy a beautiful open view of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish and lobsters are brought by traditional outriggers to Mnemba’s shore, to be prepared as exquisite and exotic delicacies. For souvenirs the island craft shop offers plenty of options from which to choose from allowing you to take a piece of this island home.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:
Ngorongoro Crater lodge is a luxurious lodge is superbly nestled within the Ngorongoro conservation area on the edge of the renowned Ngorongoro crater, an area described as a pristine African wilderness which enjoys views of the magnificent volcanic calderas world over. The lodge is built using a Maasai inspired design resembling manyatta which is a Maasai homestead but with luxurious modern flare to it which when combined gives the most architecturally impressive safari lodge in Africa.
The area offers a variety of options for the guests to indulge in such as visits to the surrounding sceneries which include a famous archeological site nearby known as the Olduvai Gorge, not to mention game viewing at the bottom of the crater, a haven to a vast array of wildlife and host to the most spectacular of flora comprising of forests, grasslands, fresh springs and a large soda lake. Bush walks are a popular activity with the guests who want a change from the usually game drives.
The lodge comprises of 30 exquisitely crafted rondavel rooms spread across three camps (North, South and Tree camp), all with an inspired interior decor and assorted design which make it the perfect location for a romantic getaway on that exceptional occasion.
North and South Camp have 12 suites each, while intimate Tree Camp has six suites. All have an en suite bathroom and chandelier-lit bathtub and shower. A personal butler is at hand to tender to each lavish suite providing services such as tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and draw your bath and scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your pleasure. North and south camps also play host to large groups as they can provide group activities and meals upon request.
The three camps are exclusive and operate independently. They each have a central living area and viewing decks overlooking the crater. Ancient African nights are evoked by the large fire bowls that flank the entrance to each of the living and dining areas.
There is a communal curio shop and gallery displaying African artifacts for sale. The out door dinning area serves Pan-African cuisine with evening log fires flickering between silver screens. The arched dining room, with its convivial fireplace of crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, allows you to enjoy every meal as though it was a special occasion.
Kinasi Lodge:
This is an intimate lavish resort perfectly situated in an old cashew and coconut plantation, fringed by a stupendous natural surrounding of the protected marine park. It boasts of a tasteful décor which is a mix of elements from coastal Tanzania, African, Indian and Arab cultures creating what is known as “shirazi” style, exclusive only to Kinasi.
Each cottage is en-suite with hot water, very spacious and furnished with a desk, chairs for both indoors and the veranda, a table for the veranda, full length mirror, ceiling fan, mosquito nets and power outlets used for hair dryers and electric shavers.
The lodge has a variety of amenities to help make your stay more relaxing and enjoyable and they include: the Isis spa with a Thai therapist, PADI dive and snorkel center, swimming pool with al fresco bar and dinning, free WIFI and business center, wine cellar and sunset bar, library and music system, satellite television, gift shop, conference and professional workshops.
They also have various services such as laundry services, morning room service where tea or coffee is brought to your room, online flight booking services, individual personalized services, catering and many others.
Kinasi endeavors to give you a feel of a home away from home thus the atmosphere is informal and homely. The amenities and services ensure that you are never lacking anything and thus are only left with the option of relaxing and get pampered in utmost luxury.
Check out our other Tanzania lodges and camps and contact us for hassle free bookings
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Kinasi was our last stop in Africa and we had been lucky enough to stay in some great places before we got there but it was as good as anywhere we stayed. Beautiful grounds, lovely rooms, a good pool, excellent trips and a spa my life loved with fantastic Thai massages. The staff were superb and made everything just right.