What to expect on a luxury safari in Tanzania

Embarking on a luxury safari in Tanzania is an incredible experience, offering up-close encounters with iconic wildlife and some of the best accommodation the continent has to offer. Staying at a luxury safari lodge or camp is an experience in itself, with a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none. Imagine beautifully designed accommodation and five-star amenities, coupled with breathtaking views across the African plains.

So if you’re craving your very own “Out of Africa” experience when only the best will do, here’s what you can expect on a luxury safari in Tanzania.

Exquisite accommodation

One of the main allures of a luxury safari in Tanzania is the indulgent accommodation, with no expense spared in creating spaces that are inspiring and most definitely Instagram-worthy! Picture four-poster beds and claw-foot baths, not to mention wrap-around balconies for soaking up the incredible views across the savannah. Most luxury camps and lodges boast all the creature comforts you’d expect of a five-star hotel, including infinity pools, pampering spas and personalised butlers to attend to your every whim.

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Remote settings

Adding to the exclusivity of luxury lodges and camps is their remote settings, with the feeling that you (and a handful of other discerning travellers) have the never-ending African plains or Serengeti migration all to yourself. They offer intimate encounters with wildlife and the opportunity to spot animals from the comfort of your private balcony. Forget about jostling for an up-close view with other safari vehicles and savour the knowledge that every experience is the best that money can buy.

Customised vehicles for the best safari in Africa

Something that first timers often overlook regarding the safari experience is the vehicle they’ll be travelling in and how this might impact their adventure. Most luxury safari lodges and camps will invest in the best jeeps available, with customised features such as large sliding windows for photography and front or roof window hatches for enhanced visibility. They’ll also be fitted with inverters for charging your camera gear and electronics while out and about, ensuring you’re never left with a flat battery. But more importantly, they’ll be regularly serviced and in top condition, meaning you won’t be left stranded in the middle of nowhere due to mechanical issues.

Africa’s best guides

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and that couldn’t be more true for the experience level of guides when on a Tanzania safari. Luxury safari lodges and camps attract some of the best guides in Africa who’ve honed their wildlife-spotting and customer service skills over years in the industry. They’ll know all the insider secrets for finding even the most elusive of animals and will take you to all the best vantage points for incredible photos. As skilled drivers, they’ll navigate even the trickiest conditions with ease and will know how to keep you safe if curious wild animals get a little too close for comfort.

Flexible schedules

Unlike staying at a budget lodge where daily activities have set times and if you miss the jeep, you miss the experience, a private safari in Tanzania means that you are in charge of your daily itinerary. While the best wildlife spotting will still be during the early morning and late afternoon hours, the rest of the day is yours to plan as you wish. Head out on a guided birdwatching safari with an expert ornithologist or visit a local conservation initiative to learn about the vital work being done to ensure the survival of wildlife species. Alternatively, just take advantage of the luxurious amenities on offer at your lodge and the opportunity for a mid-afternoon siesta.

Outstanding dining experiences

Staying at a luxury lodge on a Tanzania safari package comes with incredible gourmet experiences, comparable to what you’d expect in a five-star hotel. Begin the day with freshly brewed coffee and a light continental breakfast before heading out on your first game drive, then return for a more generous morning spread once you’ve worked up an appetite. Enjoy lunch at your leisure during the heat of the day and a mid-afternoon high tea featuring sweet treats. After your late-afternoon game drive, return to the camp to freshen up for a gastronomic evening under the stars fusing Western and African cuisine, complete with fine wines and craft beers.

Sundowners

“Sundowners” are all part of the African luxury safari experience, with these alcoholic beverages either served during your late afternoon game drive or back at the camp while watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon. Don’t be surprised if there’s a herd of elephants or a tower of giraffes in the background, making sundowner time one of the most photogenic parts of the day.

You’ll be supporting local conservation and community initiatives

Safari lodges and camps that aren’t trying to cut costs at every corner are much more likely to be supporting local conservation and community initiatives. They understand the importance of the long-term survival of wildlife species and that they are nothing without their local communities. By booking a luxury safari, chances are that some of your money is going directly to support projects that will impact the lives of the local people and ensure they can live in harmony with the area’s wildlife for generations to come. Most lodges and camps are upfront about the projects they support, so always check their website or ask directly to learn more.

You’ll still get an “African massage”

While a luxury Tanzania safari tour will immerse you in the finer things in life and offer a bespoke holiday, you’ll still get the experience of being out and about in the wilds of Africa and all that entails. Bumping along on unsealed roads will give you the true “African massage” experience, with sometimes dry and dusty conditions to contend with. It’s still important that you have all the necessary vaccinations before leaving home and that you’re well prepared with lightweight clothing and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin against the sun. Remember that it can get chilly during early morning and late-afternoon game drives, so bring a few warm layers that can easily be slipped on and off. Some luxury lodges and camps will provide sunscreen, hand sanitiser and insect repellant for guests but it’s a good idea to bring your own if you have a preferred type or skin sensitivities.

The animals are still wild

You didn’t come all the way to Africa to see tame animals in cages but signed up to the “wild” experience. While this makes for an incredible adventure in itself, it’s important that you exercise caution and always listen to your guide, no matter how exclusive or private your Tanzania safari is. Fearsome lions and curious cheetahs could be waiting around any corner, not to mention elephants and hippos who are prone to charge when threatened. Your guides are there to keep you safe both on safari and back at the camp, so follow their knowledgeable instructions at all times.