Where to Stay: Best Eco-Lodges Around the Serengeti You Shouldn’t Miss
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for its endless savannahs, abundant wildlife, and the dramatic Great Migration. But beyond the game drives, your choice of accommodation can elevate your entire experience. For travelers seeking comfort, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature, eco-lodges in and around the Serengeti offer the perfect balance. These lodges blend eco-friendly practices with luxury, ensuring you leave a minimal footprint while enjoying unforgettable views and experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best eco-lodges around the Serengeti—places that combine sustainability, comfort, and the raw beauty of the wild.
1. Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp – Luxury in the Heart of the Central Serengeti
Nestled in the game-rich Seronera Valley, Lemala Ewanjan offers a front-row seat to wildlife action year-round. The lodge is built with sustainability in mind, using solar power for electricity and hot water. The canvas tents are spacious and luxuriously furnished, but their minimal environmental footprint ensures you can enjoy comfort without compromising nature.
Why it’s special:
- Solar-powered lighting and water heating
- Locally sourced building materials
- Incredible year-round wildlife viewing
Best for: Travelers who want to stay in the center of the action without sacrificing eco-friendly values.
2. &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas – The Ultimate Mobile Eco-Experience
If you want to follow the migration without impacting the environment, this luxury mobile camp is a perfect choice. The camp moves five times a year to track the herds, ensuring minimal permanent infrastructure and preserving the ecosystem.
Why it’s special:
- Low-impact, mobile setup
- Uses biodegradable cleaning products
- Gourmet dining under the stars
Best for: Adventure seekers who want an immersive, close-to-nature safari while still enjoying five-star comfort.
3. Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – Eco-Friendly Meets Panoramic Views
Overlooking the endless plains, Kubu Kubu blends modern comfort with a strong commitment to the environment. The lodge runs primarily on solar power and incorporates water-saving systems to minimize waste. Its elevated position gives guests spectacular sunset views.
Why it’s special:
- Solar energy-powered operations
- Spacious tents with eco-friendly amenities
- Close proximity to migration routes
Best for: Couples and honeymooners looking for romance with a conscience.
4. Serengeti Pioneer Camp – Step Back in Time, Sustainably
Part of the Elewana Collection, Serengeti Pioneer Camp is styled like a 1930s safari camp, combining vintage charm with green technology. The camp emphasizes waste reduction, uses solar energy, and supports local conservation projects.
Why it’s special:
- Old-world safari feel with modern eco-practices
- Commitment to local community development
- Positioned for excellent game-viewing
Best for: History lovers and classic safari enthusiasts who also care about sustainability.
5. Sayari Camp – Award-Winning Eco-Luxury in the North Serengeti
Sayari Camp is one of the most eco-conscious lodges in Tanzania, boasting a state-of-the-art solar energy system and the first solar-powered microbrewery in the Serengeti. Its location near the Mara River makes it a prime spot to witness the dramatic river crossings during the migration.
Why it’s special:
- 100% solar-powered
- Supports anti-poaching and conservation efforts
- Stunning infinity pool with sweeping plains views
Best for: Travelers wanting luxury with a strong conservation mission.
6. Nomad Lamai Serengeti – Hidden Among the Kogakuria Kopjes
Located in a remote corner of the northern Serengeti, Nomad Lamai blends seamlessly into its rocky surroundings. Built with natural stone and thatch, the lodge uses renewable energy and focuses on minimizing waste. The wildlife viewing here is superb, especially from July to October.
Why it’s special:
- Natural building materials that blend with the landscape
- Supports local schools and community projects
- Exclusive and private atmosphere
Best for: Guests looking for privacy, exclusivity, and authentic eco-luxury.
7. Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp – Seasonal and Sustainable
Operating in both the Ndutu area (December–March) and the northern Serengeti (June–October), this mobile camp follows the herds while ensuring minimal environmental disruption. The camp uses solar power and emphasizes locally sourced materials and food.
Why it’s special:
- Mobility ensures low environmental impact
- Authentic safari atmosphere
- Excellent migration access in both seasons
Best for: Photographers and migration chasers.
Why Choose an Eco-Lodge in the Serengeti?
Choosing an eco-lodge isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about making a real difference. Here’s why it matters:
- Conservation Support – Many eco-lodges directly fund anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration.
- Lower Carbon Footprint – Solar power, water-saving systems, and sustainable building materials reduce environmental harm.
- Community Impact – Eco-lodges often employ and train local staff, source food locally, and invest in community development.
- Closer to Nature – With a low-impact design, these lodges bring you closer to wildlife while preserving their natural behavior.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Eco-Lodge
- Check sustainability credentials – Look for lodges certified by recognized eco-tourism organizations.
- Consider location – Proximity to migration routes or year-round wildlife hotspots can enhance your experience.
- Match to your style – From rustic tents to luxury suites, eco-lodges come in all styles and comfort levels.
- Book early – The best eco-lodges in the Serengeti are often small and fill up quickly, especially during migration season.
Final Thoughts
The Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and staying at an eco-lodge ensures your adventure supports the land, wildlife, and communities that make it so magical. Whether you prefer a mobile camp under the stars or a luxurious solar-powered suite overlooking the plains, these lodges prove that sustainability and comfort can go hand in hand.
By choosing one of these Serengeti Lodges and Camps, you’re not just booking a bed—you’re contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. And when the sun sets over the endless grasslands, you’ll know you’ve made a choice that benefits both you and the Serengeti’s future.
