Whether you’re heading to the Serengeti, Zanzibar, or Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. While booking hotels in Tanzania online might seem easy, it often leads to frustrating surprises and unnecessary expenses.
Here are seven common mistakes to avoid when booking hotels in Tanzania—and how to avoid them.
- Booking a Hotel Far From Your Activities
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when booking hotels in Tanzania is choosing a hotel or lodge that looks great online but is nowhere near your planned activities.
Example: You book a hotel in Nungwi (northern Zanzibar), but most of your tours such as Jozani Forest, Stone Town, or dolphin swimming at Kizimkazi—are in the south. This means long daily drives, early departures, and extra transport fees.
Tip: Let our travel consultants who understand the layout of each destination place you near your activities to save time, reduce transport costs, and avoid exhaustion.
- Ignoring Road Conditions and Real Travel Time
Maps can be misleading in Tanzania. What appears to be a short distance may actually take hours due to unpaved roads, park entry procedures, or even wildlife crossing your path.
If you book accommodation based on location alone, you may end up spending more time driving than enjoying your safari or beach holiday.
Travel Expert Insight: Our travel consultants understand not just where things are but how long it takes to reach them. They’ll optimize your route and hotel locations for a smoother experience.
- Choosing Hotels with Limited Flexibility
When you book online, you’re stuck with the options shown usually standard room types and rigid dates. Need a triple room? Want to combine two bookings? Many platforms don’t allow that flexibility.
But our travel consultants can:
- Request an extra bed or family unit
- Adjust check-in/out times
- Shift your dates if flights change
- Combine bookings into one reservation
That flexibility can be crucial when traveling in a group or with kids.
- Overlooking Hidden Costs and Missing Inclusions
A hotel may look cheap at first, but are meals included? (meals inclusion is very important especially for safari).
What about airport transfers? Is there a daily conservation fee? Many travelers only discover the true cost of their booking upon arrival.
What can go wrong:
- Paying out of pocket for every meal
- Booking a room only stay far from restaurants
- Missing transfers or guides due to location confusion
Solution: We recommend full-board options or all-inclusive stays where needed. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Booking in Unsafe or Inconvenient Areas
Some budget hotels may be located in unsafe neighborhoods, poorly lit streets, or isolated areas where walking around at night is not advisable. This is especially true in cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
What the internet doesn’t tell you:
- Is there 24/7 security?
- Is the area well-patrolled?
- Are you close to medical services or police?
Solution: At Chiefs Tours, we physically inspect the hotels and we create trusted relationships with hotels.
- Paying More for Transport Without Realizing It
If your hotel is far from pickup points or main roads, it may cause your transfer charges to increase.
For transfers. Over a multi-day itinerary, this adds up fast.
This is especially problematic if:
- You’re doing daily game drives with different entry gates
- You’re based far from mainland ferry terminals or domestic airports
- You’re staying in Zanzibar but planning most activities far from your hotel zone
When you let our travel consultants book accommodation for you, we save you money by placing you strategically—minimizing transfer distances and maximizing your time on activities, not on the road.
- No Support When Things Go Wrong
If your booking is messed up for example, room unavailable, hotel overbooked, or taxi doesn’t show you’re on your own if you booked online.
With Chiefs Tours:
- You have a 24/7 contact on the ground
- They can rebook you instantly or offer alternatives
- They speak the local language and can escalate issues fast
That backup can be the difference between a ruined night and a smooth rescue.
Our conclusion on the Mistakes to avoid when booking hotels in Tanzania
A perfect accommodation during your Tanzania trip will make a difference hence you need to ensure that this is given a proper attention. When you avoid these common mistakes and let our travel consultants handle your accommodation, your trip becomes smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions: Booking Hotels in Tanzania
1. Is it safe to book hotels in Tanzania online?
A: While many reputable hotels can be booked online, some budget listings may lack accurate details, be located in unsafe areas, or exclude important costs. Booking through a trusted local expert gives you verified options and peace of mind.
2. What’s the most common mistake travelers make when booking accommodation in Tanzania?
A: Booking a hotel or lodge far from their planned activities especially in large areas like Zanzibar or the Serengeti. This leads to longer transfer times and higher transport costs.
3. Can I save money by booking my own hotel in Tanzania?
A: Not necessarily. While some online prices look cheap, they often exclude meals, park fees, or transfers. Local operators often get better rates and know where hidden costs can be avoided.
4. Why is location so important when booking hotels in Tanzania?
A: In Tanzania, being close to your daily activities is key. A lodge that seems nearby on a map might be hours away due to rough roads or park entrances. Booking strategically reduces travel time and saves you money.
5. Are triple rooms or family rooms easy to find online?
A: No. Most booking platforms show only standard room types. A travel consultant can contact hotels directly to arrange extra beds, room upgrades, or connecting rooms for families or groups.
6. What should I check before booking a budget hotel in Tanzania?
A: Always verify the location, security, nearby transport, and what’s included in the price. Some cheap hotels may be in unsafe areas or lack basics like 24/7 reception or meals.
7. Do hotels in Tanzania offer flexible cancellation policies?
A: Many do not, especially if booked online under non-refundable deals. Booking through a local travel agent gives you more flexibility with date changes, room adjustments, or emergencies.
8. What if my flight is delayed or I miss my hotel check-in?
A: If you booked directly online, you may lose your reservation or payment. But if you booked through a local operator, they can call the hotel, rearrange your arrival, or move you to an alternative option quickly.
9. Are airport transfers usually included in Tanzanian hotel bookings?
A: Not always. Many online bookings don’t include airport pickup or drop-off. A travel expert will clarify this in advance—or include it as part of a smoother package.
10. What’s the best way to ensure I book the right hotel in Tanzania?
A: Work with a local travel consultant who understands distances, logistics, safety, and quality. They’ll recommend the best hotel based on your route, budget, and interests—saving you from costly mistakes.