Tanzania has a range of accommodation from very good, expensive hotels to cheaper hotels which, although adequate, lack comfort. Although accommodation is on the expensive side, it is often possible for two people to share a single room except in top hotels. The less expensive hotels are often fully booked. The island of Zanzibar has a full range of accommodation, from luxury resorts to beach bungalows to budget hotels. For more information, contact Tanzania Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses).

There are wildlife lodges in all national parks. Reservations can be made through specialist tour operators or by contacting the lodges.

These are often offshoots of local bars and provide cheap accommodation, but there may be problems with drunken behaviour and theft. Sharing a room is advisable and special attention to possessions should be paid while staying there. These can not be booked in advance. Prices are higher in the larger towns, but in general the quality can be assessed from the tariffs.

There are public campsites in many of the national parks. Some have standard facilities, including taps, toilets, bivouac huts and firewood; others are more basic. Permits for entry to each park and also for photography and filming must be obtained before arrival. It is advisable to check the prices and site procedure before arrival. A list of public and private campsites is available on the Tanzania National Parks website, and further information on camping can be obtained from Wildlife Explorer Ltd in the UK (see Accommodation Information).

There are youth hostels in Lake Manyara National Park (primarily educational groups) and Mikumi National Park, YMCA hostels in Dar es Salaam and Moshi, and a YWCA hostel, which takes couples as well as women, in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania National Parks
PO Box 3134, Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: (27) 250 3471.
Website: www.tanzaniaparks.com

Wildlife Explorer Ltd
Website: www.wildlife-explorer.co.uk