Overview
Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobabs, massive elephant herds, and seasonal migration, is a top destination on the northern Tanzania safari circuit. Located just a few hours from Arusha and often combined with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti, Tarangire offers a wide range of accommodation: riverside lodges, tented camps inside the park, and authentic eco-camps in the surrounding wildlife areas.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Tented Camps
Top-tier amenities, stunning settings, gourmet dining, and exceptional guiding—perfect for honeymoons, special occasions, or those wanting the best.
- Tarangire Treetops by Elewana: Iconic luxury lodge built in the trees, open-sided rooms with private decks, infinity pool, private conservancy for walking and night drives.
- Sanctuary Swala Camp: Exclusive camp deep inside the park, elegant canvas tents with decks, infinity pool, gourmet food, excellent guiding.
- Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge: New, stylish, perched high on a ridge, panoramic Tarangire views, private plunge pools, spa.
- Little Oliver’s Camp: Intimate and secluded, five tented suites, private guides, wild bush experience, off the beaten path.
- Oliver’s Camp by Asilia: Authentic classic tented camp, superb walking safaris, big game focus, outdoor showers.
- Chem Chem Lodge (outside park): Eco-luxury, huge suites, spa, private wildlife concession, top-tier service.
- Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge: Contemporary luxury, treehouse suites, open-air bathrooms.
- Baobab Tented Camp & Lodge: High-end section with luxury tents, beautiful setting, great guiding.
2. Classic Safari Camps & Mid-Range Lodges
Great comfort, warm service, and authentic safari atmosphere—ideal for families, couples, and groups.
- Tarangire Safari Lodge: Classic thatched cottages and luxury tents on a bluff, famous for views over the river and elephants, swimming pool, family-friendly.
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge: Modern tented chalets, great food, pool, scenic location at the park gate, excellent value.
- Lake Burunge Tented Lodge: On Lake Burunge, views of water and wildlife, pool, mid-range rates, great for birders.
- Ecoscience Science Center & Luxury Lodge: Suites and tents, strong eco-credentials, science outreach, unique design.
- Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge: Spacious tents, swimming pool, gardens, close to park gate, affordable.
- Maramboi Tented Lodge (Tanganyika Wilderness Camps): Overlooks Lake Manyara, wildlife walks, pool, family-friendly.
- Balloon Camp Tarangire: Permanent tents, close to river, ideal for hot air balloon safaris.
- Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge: Simple, charming tented camp, local staff, immersive experience.
- Ang’ata Tarangire Camp: Seasonal camp, good value, friendly team.
- Whistling Thorn Tented Camp (outside park): Authentic, community-based, Maasai cultural activities.
3. Eco-Lodges, Community & Conservation Stays
Low-impact, conservation-minded, supporting local communities—ideal for green travelers and those seeking authenticity.
- Tarangire Treetops by Elewana: Solar, community projects, local staff.
- Chem Chem Lodge & Little Chem Chem: Conservation focus, works with local villages.
- Whistling Thorn Tented Camp: Maasai community-run, wildlife corridor location, eco-practices.
- Ecoscience Science Center & Luxury Lodge: Green building, local employment, education.
- Baobab Tented Camp: Eco-friendly, nature walks, community involvement.
4. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Large rooms, swimming pools, flexible meals, and activities for all ages.
- Tarangire Safari Lodge: Family cottages, pool, kids’ menus, lawns for play.
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge: Family tents and cottages, child-friendly staff.
- Maramboi Tented Lodge: Family suites, pool, wildlife walks.
- Lake Burunge Tented Lodge: Group rooms, pool, birdwatching.
- Sanctuary Swala Camp: Family tent available, pool, children’s activities.
- Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge: Family suites, pool, spa.
- Oliver’s Camp: Family tent, flexible dining, great guiding.
- Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge: Family tents, pool, affordable.
- Baobab Tented Camp & Lodge: Spacious tents, kid-friendly.
- Ang’ata Tarangire Camp: Family tents, campfire evenings.
5. Budget Camps, Guesthouses & Camping
Simple, affordable, safe—great for backpackers, overlanders, or adventurous travelers.
- Tarangire Simba Lodge: Affordable, tented rooms, pool, near park gate.
- Migunga Tented Camp (near Manyara): Budget tents, forest setting, communal meals.
- Baobab Camp Budget Tents: Affordable, close to park, shared facilities.
- Whistling Thorn Tented Camp: Budget tents, communal dining, Maasai hosts.
- Tarangire Public Campsite (KWS): Inside park, bring your own tent/gear, basic facilities.
- Sunbright Campsite & Lodge: Outside park, basic rooms, tent pitches.
- Twiga Campsite & Lodge (Manyara): Popular overland stop, camping, simple rooms, pool.
- Lilac Campsite (near park): Simple, cheap, local hosts.
- Mto wa Mbu Guesthouses: Budget rooms, self-cater, ideal for day trips.
6. Self-Catering, Private Villas & Airbnb Stays
Perfect for groups, long stays, or travelers who want to cook and enjoy privacy.
- Maramboi Tented Lodge: Some units with kitchenettes, group dining on request.
- Lake Burunge Tented Lodge: Private dining, can arrange self-cater for groups.
- Private homes/villas: Growing number of listings near Tarangire and in Mto wa Mbu/Manyara areas on Airbnb/Booking.com.
- Ecoscience Science Center: Suites with basic kitchen, ideal for long stays.
Tarangire Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Inside Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarangire Treetops Elewana | Private Consv. | Luxury Tree Lodge | $500–$1200 | Treehouses, infinity pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sanctuary Swala Camp | Deep inside park | Luxury Tented Camp | $600–$1200 | Infinity pool, gourmet, secluded | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lemala Mpingo Ridge | Park ridge | Luxury Lodge | $500–$1000 | Plunge pools, spa, migration views | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Oliver’s Camp | Inside park | Classic Tented | $350–$800 | Walking, guiding, wild location | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tarangire Safari Lodge | Inside park | Lodge/Tents | $180–$400 | River views, family cottages | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Sangaiwe Tented Lodge | Gate area | Tented Lodge | $150–$300 | Family suites, pool, views | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Maramboi Tented Lodge | Lake Burunge | Lodge/Tented | $200–$350 | Family suites, pool, wildlife | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Roika Tarangire Lodge | Near park gate | Tented Lodge | $120–$250 | Pool, gardens, affordable | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Whistling Thorn Camp | Maasai land | Eco Tented Camp | $90–$180 | Community-run, budget tents | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Baobab Tented Camp & Lodge | Outside park | Tented Lodge/Budget | $80–$200 | Luxury & budget tents, guiding | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tarangire Simba Lodge | Near park gate | Budget Tented | $90–$150 | Pool, simple, affordable | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Tarangire Public Campsite | Inside park | Camping | $20–$40 | BYO gear, wild, basic facilities | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Sunbright Campsite & Lodge | Outside park | Budget Lodge/Camp | $10–$40 | Camping, basic rooms | Yes | No | No | No |
*pppn = per person per night, prices are estimates and vary by season/inclusions.
Conclusion
Tarangire offers a wide spectrum of accommodations:
- Luxury travelers can enjoy treehouse suites and secluded tented camps with all the extras.
- Families and groups will find classic lodges, large tents, and swimming pools.
- Eco-conscious travelers have community-run camps and green lodges.
- Adventurers and budget travelers can camp or find affordable tented stays just outside the park.
- Self-caterers and long-stay guests have flexible villa and cottage options.