Tanzania
Where to stay with your family in Tanzania
From luxurious safari lodges and intimate tented camps to mountain hideaways and charming beachfront hotels, the choice of family-friendly accommodation in Tanzania is exceptional. You’ll find everything from simple and homely to genuinely extravagant.
On safari, lodges usually feature individual cottages with a private veranda, set in landscaped grounds, often with a pool. An outdoor bar or boma provides the perfect setting for sundowners and snacks. We favour small-scale lodges as well as encouraging families to spend a few nights in an exclusive tented camp, where you feel closer to the sights and sounds of the African bush. Tented camps in Tanzania are in a league of their own. Think comfortable, spacious tents, proper beds and linen, en suite facilities with hot showers and colourful traditional décor.
After the adventure of Tanzania’s national parks, the island of Zanzibar offers a chance to unwind at a range of gorgeous boutique hotels and luxurious beach resorts – the ideal way to round off a family trip.
Family-friendly hotels in Tanzania
Families love to experience a variety of different accommodation styles from small, remote camps to lively resorts with a multitude of facilities. Here are a few examples.
Lahia Tented Lodge, Serengeti
Considering a Serengeti upgrade? Say no more. Lahia Tented Lodge is wonderful for families craving a touch more luxury. Elevated hilltop views, stylish tents and a pool for cooling off after game drives. Kids love the wildlife, everyone loves the comfort. It’s still wild, still thrilling, but you’ll be that bit more spoiled!
Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha
This peaceful family haven near Arusha is a great ‘jumping in’ point for easing into Tanzania. Set in lush gardens with Mount Meru views, it has comfy cottages, a pool for cooling off and monkeys swinging through the trees. Ideal for kids to blow off steam after a long flight, while parents can relax with a sundowner before the safari adventure begins.
Pongwe Beach Hotel, Zanzibar
This is a barefoot paradise for families and a Stubborn Mule top pick. Set on a quiet stretch of Zanzibar’s coast, it’s all hammocks, swaying palms, and warm turquoise sea. Kids splash in the pool or hunt crabs on the beach, while parents relax with a cocktail. Pongwe is laid-back, charming, and the fabulous end to your safari adventures.
Secret Guesthouse, Karatu
This charming inn is a warm, welcoming base in Karatu, ideal for families exploring the Ngorongoro region. Set in leafy gardens with a pool and plenty of space to play, it’s relaxed and friendly. Rooms are comfy, food is hearty, and the staff go the extra mile to make kids feel right at home. One of our favourites in Tanzania!
Why book Tanzania with Stubborn Mule?
At Stubborn Mule, we know that every family is different. That’s why we don’t squeeze you into the same one or two hotels. Some families will be thrilled by the thought of a remote tented camp with nothing but a tent lining between you and a grunting hippo, but others prefer something a bit more substantial.
During our initial conversation, we will discuss what will suit your family and then suggest accommodation accordingly. We know the camps that combine the best family room configurations with the most alluring setting. We know which are suitable for families with younger children and which work best for teens.
We will also help you tailor your choices according to budget. This is important on safari as it’s an expensive type of holiday and you do get what you pay for. It’s worth paying whatever you can afford but there’s a limit; most families neither want nor need cut glass crystal glasses and sterling silver cutlery! We’ll help you sort the wheat from the chaff and will use our years of experience to recommend places that truly suit your family.
Tanzania in pictures
