Before you go, check out our Ultimate List of Best Hotels in Tanzania for recommendations that include rates, locations, and great reviews. This article will definitely help you with your stay! Browse through our best hostel finds in these top cities that cover: Serengeti | Moshi | Arusha | Zanzibar | Dar Es Salaam | Karatu.

Enjoy Mother Earth’s finest in an adventure to Tanzania. From the splendor of Mount Kilimanjaro to the wildlife in the Serengeti and the crystal clear waters of beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania is definitely the best place for anyone who wants to experience nature at its fullest.

Best Hotels in Serengeti

The Serengeti hosts an expansive wildlife reserve with large populations of lions, elephants, gazelles, zebra, wildebeests and many more in their natural habitat. The annual migration is breathtaking to behold as thousands and thousands of wildebeests and other herbivores march together in the search for new sources of pasture and water. Various endangered species also thrive in this area such as the world’s fastest animal – the cheetah – and the black rhinoceros.

Ikoma Tented Camp

Price: Private double rooms start at around $191

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Serengeti?

FAMOUS FOR: Experience Tanzania’s wildlife at its fullest when you book in the Ikoma Tented Camp. Situated just a few kilometers from the Serengeti Nation Park, this place offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for walking safaris. Guests can take advantage of the on-site bar and have a drink while appreciating the beauty of nature. The camp offers packed lunch to fuel your daily activities. Ikoma Tented Camp attendants also speak English for seamless communication.

Seronera Wildlife Lodge

Price: Private double rooms start at around $407

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Serengeti?

FAMOUS FOR: Seronera Wildlife Lodge is situated in one of the best spots in the Serengeti National Park, allowing you to witness nature first hand. Strategically placed on the migratory route, it provides a premium view of the annual wildebeest migration. The lodge offers 75 spacious guestrooms overlooking the stunning Serengeti savannah. All rooms boast authentic African design with modern amenities like King-size or twin beds, bathrooms, and central heating among others. The in-house Chui Restaurant, Pango and Ikoma Sundowner bars meet international standards and give a taste of African culture.

Mbuzi Mawe Camp

Price: Private double rooms start at around $285

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Serengeti?

FAMOUS FOR: Mbuzi Mawe Camp lies at the heart of the Serengeti National Park, providing easy access to the prime wildlife spots. The camp’s location is along the migration route of the wildebeests allowing guests a scenic view of one of the greatest natural spectacles. Experience safaris, game drives, bush walks, hot-air balloon rides and other nature-oriented adventures arranged by the accommodating hostel staff. Hostel restaurants serve breakfast, lantern-lit bush dinners and campfire roasts for all guests. The convenience and one-of-a-kind Serengeti experience the Mbuzi Mawe Camp offer make it an ideal choice for families.

Best Hotels in Moshi

Moshi is a municipality in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania which prides itself for being the cleanest town in the country. Situated in the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a prime location for climbers to prepare for their expedition up the highest peak in all of Africa.

New Siesta Inn

Price: Private double rooms start at around $21

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Moshi?

FAMOUS FOR: New Siesta Inn offers affordable accommodation along the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The property has WiFi, 24-hour security, comfortable living spaces, and a fully functional bathroom. The inn can arrange safari trips and tours to Tanzania’s magnificent national parks for a full wildlife experience. The in-house restaurant serves reasonably priced meals every day. Breakfast is served early in the morning before your daily adventures and a well-stocked bar welcomes guests back in the evening. No other proper can give guests the friendly service and competitive prices of the New Siesta Inn.

Kilimanjaro Grand Hostel

Price: Private double rooms start at around $14

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Moshi?

FAMOUS FOR: The Kilimanjaro Grand hostel is situated in the heart of Moshi by the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The place is equipped with nine spacious rooms with air conditioning. A rooftop restaurant and bar offers a majestic view of Mount Kilimanjaro and the rest of Moshi. The hostel is provided with modern amenities like hot water, WiFi, TV and easy access to neighboring banks and supermarkets. Property attendants will be more than happy to plan local tours and hikes up the tallest peak in Africa.

Rafiki Backpackers & Guesthouse

Price: Private double rooms start at around $19

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Moshi?

FAMOUS FOR: Rafiki Backpackers & Guesthouse is an ideal place for a group of backpackers. The roof terrace offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding neighborhood. The property has 12 rooms fully-equipped with showers, wifi, laundry service, complimentary breakfast, and security. A common kitchen and lounge area allows guests to prepare their own meals and encourages them to mingle with each other. Various establishments such as bars, local stores, and restaurants are within walking distance of the hostel.

Best Hotels in Arusha

Located in Northern Tanzania, Arusha is a city that offers tourists accessibility to many of the country’s main attractions. Arush is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru, making it the ideal spot for discovering wonderful Tanzania.

Rena Lodge & Hostel

Price: Private double rooms start at around $33

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Arusha?

FAMOUS FOR: Rena Lodge & Hostel is a welcoming western-style house ideal for budget travelers. Located near Morovian Daladala station about 300 meters from Namanga/Arusha Road, guests will get to witness the typical life of Arusha people during their stay. The property offers different accommodation types, from private to shared rooms, depending on your preferences. The in-house lounge is equipped with books, magazines, WIFI, and a TV. The friendly hostel staff will be happy to assist guests in finding a safari group to join as well arrange tourism activities and trekking to Mt.Kilimanjaro and Meru.

Villa Poa

Price: Private double rooms start at around $19

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Arusha?

FAMOUS FOR: Villa Poa is conveniently located 10 minutes from the Arusha town center. The hostel offers top-quality accommodation in the beautiful and peaceful neighborhood of Njiro. Guests have the option of a private double room, twin room or shared dormitories, all of which are comfortably furnished with a nice view of the garden. Nearby, guests can take part in local life in a small shopping strip selling fruits, vegetables, and local crafts. Villa Poa’s friendly staff offers the complete package so that our guests can focus on their purpose or just relax.

Nyumbani Hostel

Price: Private double rooms start at around $31

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Arusha?

FAMOUS FOR: Nyumbani Hostel offers cozy and affordable accommodations where guests can experience local life in Arusha, Tanzania. The hostel is fully equipped with modern amenities such as a hot shower, filtered water, fully-functional toilets, and refrigerators. Only a 10-minute walk from the city center, Nyumbani Hostel gives guests an authentic taste of African culture. The property’s ideal location allows guests to walk around the streets and go to local street markets and restaurants. The hostel attendants will be more than happy to arrange safaris, hikes and other adventures for guests.

Best Hotels in Zanzibar

Dive into the marine ecosystem of Tanzania on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. The archipelago boasts dazzling beaches surrounded by Africa’s most lush coral reefs. At the city center is Stone Town, with a preserved old architecture of a time long past.

Sagando Bungalows

Price: Private double rooms start at around $35

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Zanzibar?

FAMOUS FOR: Sagando Bungalows is located in the east coast part of Zanzibar and is only 3 minutes away from the beach, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the famous sand and seas of Zanzibar. The property offers 12 individual private rooms and a one open area with cozy swings, couches, and hammocks. The property is close to a local bar and a grocery store right across Sagando. Take it easy after your daily adventures with a cold drink in your hand, surrounding a bonfire and some reggae music playing in the background.

Amira’s Roomz

Price: Private double rooms start at around $17

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Zanzibar?

FAMOUS FOR: Amira’s Roomz is a simple yet cozy guesthouse conveniently located near the Zanzibar International Airport. Take part in the island’s culture with local shops selling fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. Beachside walks are one-of-a-kind in the area as guests can enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful Zanzibar sunset and sunrise. Stonetown is also just a 15-minute taxi ride away from the property. Amira’s Rooms offers guests an ideal place to stay for those who want to experience local life.

Baby Bush Lodge

Price: Private double rooms start at around $34

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Zanzibar?

FAMOUS FOR: Baby Bush Lodge is a cozy property located one of the most beautiful coastlines in East Zanzibar, Tanzania. Hostel facilities include bungalows and 5 bedroom beach lodges with a terrace that captures the breathtaking view of the Zanzibar beach sunset. Head out to the ocean on a traditional wooden boat with local fishermen and catch your own fish to be served for dinner. The area is also a hotspot for snorkeling in the Kiwengwa reef. Immerse yourself in aquatic life and go diving in the nearby Mnembe Island where you can swim with the dolphins or just relax on the white sands.

Best Hotels in Dar Es Salaam

Formerly a humble fishing village, Dar Es Salaam has risen as Tanzania’s premier metropolis serving as the country’s commercial and cultural hub. The thriving city is filled with fish markets selling only the freshest seafood from the previous night’s catch. The city architecture is a vibrant mix of African, Arab, German and Indian designs, making it the ideal stop-over for cultural exposure.

On the Way Hostel

Price: Private double rooms start at around $60

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Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Dar Es Salaam?

FAMOUS FOR: On the Way Hostel offers travelers cheap accommodation and comfortable living spaces during their stay in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The property has 2 bedrooms, a four-bed dormitory style room, and twin private rooms, all with basic amenities. The ground floor serves as a common area where guests can mingle while enjoying a movie. The hostel is located on the main road, giving guests easy access to a bus station that can take them to other cities. Around the area is a local mall and handicraft markets that will help guests immerse themselves in African city culture.

Alemap House

Price: Private double rooms start at around $40

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Dar Es Salaam?

FAMOUS FOR: Alemap house is a humble private property located in a quiet residential area of busy Dar Es Salaam. They offer clean, comfortable guest bedrooms, equipped with modern amenities like ceiling fans, hot water, and air conditioning. All guests can enjoy the common area with a flat-screen TV, free WIFI and a DVD player. Alemap House serves authentic Tanzanian cuisine that allows guests to taste the country’s culture at its most pure. In the area are supermarkets, malls, cinemas, local restaurants, and food markets, giving guests a feel of the Dar Es Salaam everyday life.

Mara Courtyard Lodge

Price: Private double rooms start at around $30

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Dar Es Salaam?

FAMOUS FOR: Mara Courtyard Lodge is a favorite for international travelers who want to stop over and experience Tanzanian city life in Dar Es Salaam. It is 3.5km away from the airport, making at an ideal bed and breakfast spot for travelers. The property offers 12 comfortable private bedrooms cleaned by the friendly staff every day. Each room has a large bathroom with hot and cold water. Tha patio provides chairs made in African traditional style. Get a taste of Tanzanian city life in the Mara Courtyard Lodge

Best Hotels in Karatu

Take a refreshing break from the African Safari experience without sacrificing the cultural experience in the cozy countryside of Karatu, Tanzania. The city is often visited as a gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands and offers travelers a taste of peaceful Tanzanian rural life.

Crater Rim View

Price: Private double rooms start at $71

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Karatu?

FAMOUS FOR: Crater Rim View Inn is a favorite among adventurers as it is located in a scenic spot between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. The property is an ideal place for anyone who wishes to explore rural Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands and Lakes Manyara and Eyasi. The place’s accommodations include spacious rooms with either single, double or triple bed, private hot showers, and a television set. All rooms have a spectacular view of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. Enjoy the peaceful vibe of Karatu under the comfort provided only by Crater Rim View Inn.

Jambo Rooms

Price: Private double rooms start at $21

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You can also read the recent reviews on Booking.com or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Karatu?

FAMOUS FOR: Jambo Rooms is located in midtown of rural Karatu, Tanzania. The property offers 15 rooms all equipped with private bathrooms and a balcony that overlooks the scenic countryside. The area is close to the most famous nature parks in the country such as the Ngorongoro and Serengeti making it an ideal base for safari-goers. Other Tanzanian attractions like Lake Manyara, waterfalls, elephant caves, coffee plantations, and indigenous tribes are also accessible through the property. Just ask the friendly hostel staff for assistance in planning your adventure.

Octagon Lodge

Price: Private double rooms start at $42

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You can also read the recent reviews on Agoda or Tripadvisor.

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Karatu?

FAMOUS FOR: Located in scenic rural lands of Karatu, Tanzania, the Octagon Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for travelers. The property has an array of facilities, including meeting and common rooms, bicycle rental, a fitness center, and a tour desk. Octagon Lodge private rooms are all equipped with private showers for guest convenience. Guests can also enjoy the lodge’s garden which is an ideal place to relax and inhale fresh, rural Karatu air. Those staying at Octagon Lodge can enjoy an authentic Tanzanian dining experience at the in-house restaurant and enjoy evening drinks at the bar.

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