11 Most Sustainable Eco-lodges in Tanzania
Meet Tanzania, one of the most culturally diverse countries bordering Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, and even the DRC. Tanzania is world-renowned for its natural attractions like the Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate, and Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater. But rugged terrains aren’t its only specialty; Tanzania is also lined with white sandy beaches and pink lakes.
Luckily, Tanzania recognizes the importance of its delicate nature, so most of its lodges and campsites are sustainable and eco-friendly. These eco-lodges consider the environment and participate in initiatives to protect the animals, like the largest lion population in Africa. If you’re heading to the country soon, you will love these sustainable eco-resorts and eco-lodges:
What are eco-lodges?
Eco-lodges are accommodations in undisturbed, remote natural areas where both construction and operation have the lowest impact possible on the environment. They are not only part of the local community, but they are active participants in protecting nature and culturally sensitive areas.
Green Camps
Green Camps is a collection of local campsites across popular destinations in Tanzania, such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Green Camps feature locally made, mobile, open tents perched upon designated campsites, allowing tourists to embark on exhilarating safaris close to the area and crash under the stars at night.
Green Camps reduces its ecological footprint by utilizing natural products in furnishing and manufacturing. It also powers through solar panels, has a drinking water system to reduce plastic consumption, and is 100% plastic-free. It offers unique activities like following the Great Migration (on foot and through cycling.)
andBeyond Kigelia Ruaha
Featuring spacious safari camp tents, Kigelia Ruaha brings a quintessential charm you won’t find anywhere else. Kigelia Ruaha is a majestic project by andBeyond, which includes other camps like the Klein Camp at the Serengeti, Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas and Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Kigelia Ruaha lies in Ruaha National Park, where the campsite lies just a short distance from the main safari area and ancient baobabs. Kigelia Ruaha serves complimentary African breakfasts and dining and even offers photo walks.
Kigelia Ruaha Safari is one of the most iconic experiences, exploring local wildlife and flora with impeccable style. All this is done without harming the environment because the camp is sustainable and eco-friendly.
Little Chem Chem
Located in Kwa Kuchinia, Little Chem Chem is a family-friendly campsite by Chem Chem Safari. Chem Chem Safari manages 50,000 acres of open wilderness and promotes sustainability through eco-friendly lodges and campsites.
Chem Chem Safari specializes in providing guests with an exhilarating safari experience and a relaxing place to lie down. Little Chem Chem offers 5 luxurious vintage tents and one vintage family suite. All tents feature an outdoor and indoor shower, which runs through water-saving methods. It also provides a relaxing onsite spa.
Don’t worry about it being unfenced; Little Chem Chem has protective Askari guards who are always on patrol. Little Chem Chem even has WiFi, despite being in the open ruggedness.
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park lies on Chumbe Island and has been working to protect the island’s delicate coral reefs ever since its inception. Chumbe Island Coral Park offers an exclusive island experience, exploring the fragile and beautiful blessings of the island.
Here, you can stay in wooden bungalows erected in a secluded part of the island to ensure privacy. All accommodation comes with basic amenities and was designed sustainably. They run through sustainable and eco-friendly power systems.
The resort also actively contributes to the Sustainable Food Systems Programme by One Planet and encourages sustainable tourism. Since the area is a biodiversity hotspot, all tourist activities like coral exploration and hikes are guided to maximize conservation and protection.
Gibb’s Farm
If you love the countryside, wait till you get to Gibb’s Farm, where the luscious green landscape and genuine hospitality make you forget about the rest of the world. Gibb’s Farm is a secluded safari lodge designed to maximize customer satisfaction while still knocking on Mother Nature’s door.
Gibb’s Farm may be in the middle of the wilderness, but it is a 5-star eco-hotel. It offers cottages and houses, both catering to adults and children. Gibb’s Farm also offers a delectable farm-to-table experience, delighting guests with mouthwatering delights when they step foot in the area.
Gibb’s Farm follows a sustainable and environment-friendly design; it uses solar energy, runs an organic farm, and has active community engagement.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge offers a combination of camps and lodges, all dressed with velvety and comfortable bedding that makes every night feel like home in heaven.
Jabali Ridge’s interior takes inspiration from its roots; every camp and lodge features authentic African decor. Some overlook the vast African grasslands, while others provide a clear view of the sky, so sleeping in feels like bliss. Jabali Ridge’s lodge features an onsite infinity swimming pool, a private outdoor sunken lounge, a private verandah with a hammock, and a spa.
The lodge and camps open during specific times throughout the year to avoid disrupting local wildlife. Jabali Ridge offers guided tours, safaris, and excursions that explore Tanzania’s landscapes. It’s completely eco-friendly and runs through sustainable means.
Manta Resort
Manta Resort lies in the heart of Pemba Island, one of Tanzania’s finest and most beautiful destinations. The eco-resort overlooks the ocean, so guests staying in can dine at a magnificent sunset and wake up to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
One of the many redeeming features of Manta Resort is its hospitality; the staff isn’t only available at your call and beck, but the onsite eatery caters to every dietary requirement. It offers garden rooms and villas, with one villa even designed to accommodate families.
But its most attractive accommodation is the underwater room; the bedroom lies in the basement, which is literally submerged with glass panes showing the view. The resort actively ensures the protection of designated areas, participates in terrestrial conservation, and supports sustainable fishing practices.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
From lodges to private villas, Singita Faru Faru Lodge brings you vacation housing like never before. Singita Faru Faru Lodge is an ecotourism and conservation brand, working to protect and preserve the environment since the 1990s.
The lodge is an almost hundred-year-old property. The same family runs it but accommodates many excited tourists every year.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge has an active biodiversity conservation model that protects the wilderness, wildlife, and local flora. It’s using a solar PV plant to replace all diesel generator systems and is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint.
Siringit Villa
Part of the Siringit Collections, the Siringit Villa is designed to enhance satisfaction and support. Siringit Villa’s hospitality and blissful experience has even landed it a nomination for the World Travel Awards.
The villa offers stunning rooms, all leading to a gorgeous deck with an infinity pool. If that wasn’t attractive enough, some rooms at the Siringit Villa also provide breathtaking views from the private balconies.
Tourists can enjoy many activities, from adventurous excursions like safaris and hiking to relaxing nature walks. The villa isn’t only sustainable; it’s also an active investor in the education of young citizens, ensuring everyone grows up to love and give back to the environment.
Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops is part of the Elewana Collection, which spreads its branches throughout Africa to provide highly accommodating lodging. Tarangire Treetops lies in the Tarangire National Park, making it an ideal destination for any nature-loving tourists who want to spend their holiday learning about Tanzania’s natural bounties.
The main lodge at Tarangire Treetops is actually built in a thousand-year-old Baobab tree; it comprises 20 rooms, all offering sweeping views of baobabs and marulas. The rooms may be built in a tree, but they come with the finest luxuries; they even have double showers and ensuite bathrooms. Naturally, high up in the air in the middle of a baobab forest makes it quite sensitive, so the lodge is eco-friendly.
Fundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon offers standard rooms and superior suites, all dressed head to toe in exemplary taste and comfort. The resort has a fusion spa, allowing exhausted travelers to soak and wash their stress away literally.
Fundu Lagoon has an onsite pool, dining area, and bars, accommodating travelers wanting fun. The lodge also offers tours and activities, which include snorkeling, dolphin safaris, kayaking, village treks, river safari, Jumbangome ruin explorations, and if you’re a lucky bride, even hair and henna traditional ceremony.
Fundu Lagoon was created with the support and collaboration of the local community, which ensured the resort would be completely sustainable. It is constantly working to minimize environmental impact and maximize conservation.
Map of these Tanzanian Eco Lodges
BROWSE THROUGH our directory for the most sustainable eco-lodges around the world if you want to experience something unique, authentic, and exciting.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.