SIMBA Portfolio Camps Review | Best Tanzania Safari Lodges
A SIMBA portfolio camps review is useful for travellers comparing safari accommodation across Tanzania because the right camp is determined by more than its room, tent or lodge design. Location, access to wildlife, seasonal conditions, safari activities and the overall itinerary can make a major difference.
The SIMBA Portfolio brings together safari accommodation designed around some of Tanzania’s most important wildlife destinations. For travellers researching SIMBA lodges Tanzania, the key question is not simply which property looks best.
The better question is:
Which SIMBA property fits your destination, travel dates and safari style?
A camp near the Serengeti should be assessed differently from accommodation serving Ngorongoro, Tarangire or another destination.
This guide looks at how to evaluate the SIMBA Portfolio and where its different accommodation styles can fit within a Tanzania safari.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: What Is the SIMBA Portfolio?
The SIMBA Portfolio is associated with safari accommodation in Tanzania, offering properties positioned around key wildlife destinations and designed for travellers seeking comfortable stays during a safari.
The portfolio can appeal to different types of travellers, including:
- First-time safari visitors.
- Couples.
- Honeymooners.
- Families.
- Wildlife photographers.
- Repeat safari travellers.
- Small private groups.
However, accommodation details and operating arrangements can change.
For this reason, travellers should confirm the current property name, location, inclusions and operating status when requesting a quotation.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Why Location Comes First
Location is one of the most important factors when choosing among SIMBA lodges Tanzania because accommodation can influence how much time you spend driving and how much time you spend viewing wildlife.
A beautiful property cannot compensate for an itinerary that spends unnecessary hours on the road.
When comparing SIMBA properties, consider:
- Distance from the park.
- Distance from the nearest gate.
- Transfer time.
- Wildlife areas nearby.
- Seasonal road conditions.
- Game-drive arrangements.
- Position within the safari circuit.
For example, a Serengeti property should be assessed according to which part of the Serengeti it serves.
The Serengeti is enormous, so simply saying that a camp is “in the Serengeti” does not tell you enough.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Serengeti Accommodation
Serengeti accommodation should be selected according to the sector you want to explore and the season in which you are travelling.
The Serengeti can broadly be considered through areas such as:
- Central Serengeti.
- Western Serengeti.
- Northern Serengeti.
- Southern Serengeti.
Each area offers different seasonal opportunities.
Central Serengeti is known for strong resident wildlife populations.
The southern ecosystem becomes particularly important during certain migration periods.
The western and northern regions can become increasingly relevant as the herds move through the wider ecosystem.
This makes a SIMBA portfolio camps review particularly important for travellers planning around the Great Migration.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Great Migration Considerations
The best SIMBA camp for migration viewing depends on your travel month because the Great Migration is a continuous movement rather than a single event occurring in one place.
The movement is influenced by:
- Rainfall.
- Grass availability.
- Water.
- Herd behaviour.
- Predators.
- Local weather conditions.
A responsible safari itinerary should therefore use seasonal patterns rather than guaranteeing an exact migration location.
Travellers should ask:
- Which sector does the property serve?
- What is normally happening there during my travel month?
- How much driving is required to reach wildlife areas?
- Is the camp permanent or seasonal?
- Can the itinerary be adjusted according to conditions?
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Accommodation Style
SIMBA properties should be compared according to accommodation style as well as location because travellers have different expectations of a safari camp.
Some travellers prefer:
- Traditional tented accommodation.
- Permanent safari camps.
- Lodge-style rooms.
- Intimate camps.
- Family accommodation.
- More adventurous camping.
The word “camp” does not automatically mean basic accommodation.
Modern safari camps can provide private bathrooms, comfortable beds, dining areas, electricity and other amenities while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding wilderness.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: What Makes a Good Safari Camp?
A good safari camp combines comfortable accommodation with efficient access to wildlife, professional guiding and an atmosphere that complements the destination.
Look beyond photographs.
Check:
Location
How close is the camp to the wildlife area?
Rooms
Are bathrooms private? What sleeping arrangements are available?
Meals
What is included in the rate?
Electricity
Can guests charge cameras and phones?
Internet
Is Wi-Fi available, and where?
Vehicles
Are game drives conducted in shared or private vehicles?
Guides
What level of guiding experience is available?
Activities
Are walking safaris or other activities available?
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for First-Time Tanzania Safaris
First-time visitors should use SIMBA accommodation strategically as part of a simple northern Tanzania route rather than trying to visit too many properties.
A classic itinerary can include:
Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti
This route provides a strong introduction to Tanzania.
Travellers can experience:
- Elephants.
- Baobabs.
- Crater landscapes.
- Lions.
- Cheetahs.
- Leopards.
- Wildebeest.
- Zebra.
- Giraffes.
- Large bird populations.
The accommodation should support the route rather than create unnecessary transfers.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Tarangire
Tarangire is an excellent addition to a Tanzania safari for travellers interested in elephants, baobabs and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
The park’s landscape is distinctive.
It includes:
- Giant baobabs.
- Open grasslands.
- Woodlands.
- Seasonal wetlands.
- The Tarangire River.
Elephants are one of the park’s major attractions.
For travellers considering SIMBA lodges Tanzania, a Tarangire-area property can work particularly well at the beginning of a northern circuit.
It allows visitors to experience a different landscape before continuing toward Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro accommodation is particularly valuable when it reduces the amount of driving required before a crater visit.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most recognisable wildlife destinations.
A crater safari can produce sightings of:
- Lions.
- Buffalo.
- Zebra.
- Wildebeest.
- Hippos.
- Hyenas.
- Elephants in suitable areas.
- Numerous bird species.
The landscape is equally important.
The crater’s steep walls create a dramatic natural amphitheatre that makes the destination different from the open Serengeti.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Serengeti
Serengeti accommodation should ideally allow you to spend several nights exploring the ecosystem rather than treating the park as a one-night stop.
A longer stay improves the safari in several ways.
You have:
- More game-drive opportunities.
- More chances to find predators.
- More time for photography.
- Less pressure to rush between sightings.
- Greater flexibility around wildlife behaviour.
This is particularly useful for travellers interested in big cats.
A lion pride may be resting for an hour.
A leopard may disappear into tall grass.
A cheetah may suddenly become active.
A longer stay gives your guide more opportunities to work with these unpredictable situations.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Big Cats and Wildlife Viewing
Travellers prioritising big cats should choose the property based on its wildlife location, guide quality and amount of time available for game drives.
The Serengeti is particularly famous for:
- Lions.
- Leopards.
- Cheetahs.
But the experience is not limited to predators.
You may also encounter:
- Elephants.
- Buffalo.
- Giraffes.
- Hippos.
- Hyenas.
- Gazelles.
- Zebra.
- Wildebeest.
The best safari experiences come from observing animal behaviour rather than simply counting species.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for Couples
Couples should look for privacy, atmosphere, comfortable rooms and manageable transfer times when selecting SIMBA accommodation.
A romantic Tanzania safari can combine:
Arusha → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Zanzibar
This provides a natural progression from:
highland → crater → savannah → Indian Ocean
Couples should ask about:
- Private dinners.
- Special room arrangements.
- Private vehicles.
- Honeymoon amenities.
- Transfers.
- Room privacy.
Availability varies by property.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for Honeymoons
A SIMBA safari property can form part of a honeymoon itinerary when accommodation, privacy and wildlife experiences are matched carefully to the couple’s priorities.
A honeymoon does not need to involve changing accommodation every night.
In fact, two or three nights at one property can be more relaxing.
A strong honeymoon structure could be:
Days 1–2
Arusha.
Days 3–4
Ngorongoro.
Days 5–8
Serengeti.
Days 9–12
Zanzibar.
This provides both adventure and relaxation.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for Families
Families should prioritise room configurations, child policies, private transport and reasonable driving distances when choosing SIMBA accommodation.
Before booking, confirm:
- Minimum child age.
- Family rooms.
- Extra beds.
- Connecting rooms.
- Meal arrangements.
- Child-friendly activities.
- Private vehicle options.
A private safari vehicle can be particularly useful for families.
Parents can decide when to leave camp, how long to stay at a sighting and when to return.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for Wildlife Photographers
Photographers should assess SIMBA camps according to wildlife access, light, vehicle arrangements and guide experience rather than accommodation aesthetics alone.
Ask about:
- Private vehicles.
- Extended game drives.
- Early departures.
- Guide experience.
- Vehicle positioning.
- Photography policies.
- Off-road regulations.
A private vehicle can be particularly valuable because photographers often want to spend longer at a sighting.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Best for Repeat Safari Travellers
Repeat safari travellers can use the SIMBA Portfolio to explore a more focused itinerary rather than repeating the standard northern circuit.
Instead of attempting every major destination, consider staying longer in one region.
For example:
Three to five nights in the Serengeti
can provide a more immersive experience than moving every day.
Repeat travellers may also prioritise:
- Photography.
- Birding.
- Predator behaviour.
- Seasonal migration.
- Remote landscapes.
- Walking activities where permitted.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Mobile Camp or Permanent Camp?
The choice between a mobile camp and a permanent property depends on whether you value seasonal positioning or established facilities.
Permanent Camp
Best for travellers who want:
- Predictable accommodation.
- Established facilities.
- Consistent location.
- Easier logistics.
Mobile Camp
Best for travellers who want:
- Seasonal positioning.
- An expedition atmosphere.
- A stronger camping experience.
- Potentially closer access to seasonal wildlife.
Neither option is automatically better.
The right choice depends on the safari.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: What Is Included?
Travellers should request a complete list of inclusions because accommodation rates can differ significantly between properties and safari packages.
Ask whether the quotation includes:
- Accommodation.
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- Dinner.
- Game drives.
- Park fees.
- Conservation fees.
- Transfers.
- Drinks.
- Laundry.
- Airport transfers.
- Activities.
Do not compare accommodation prices until you know what each quotation includes.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Understanding Safari Value
The cheapest SIMBA property is not necessarily the best-value property because location, inclusions and transfer time can have a major effect on the total safari cost.
Imagine two camps with similar room prices.
One requires a long daily drive to reach the wildlife area.
The other is strategically positioned near the area you want to explore.
The second property may provide better overall value even if its nightly rate is higher.
This is why experienced safari planning looks at the complete itinerary.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: How to Compare Properties
Use the following factors when comparing SIMBA properties rather than relying only on online photographs or headline prices.
| Factor | Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| Location | Where exactly is the property? |
| Wildlife | What area does it serve? |
| Season | Does the location work during your dates? |
| Rooms | What accommodation category is available? |
| Meals | What is included? |
| Game drives | Are they included? |
| Vehicle | Shared or private? |
| Transfers | How long are they? |
| Activities | What else can guests do? |
| Children | What are the age restrictions? |
| Fees | Are park/conservation fees included? |
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Common Booking Mistakes
The biggest accommodation mistakes occur when travellers choose a camp based on appearance without checking its location, season and inclusions.
Avoid these common mistakes.
Choosing by photographs
Beautiful photographs do not reveal transfer times.
Ignoring the sector
“Serengeti” is not a sufficiently precise location.
Assuming migration dates are fixed
Wildlife movements respond to environmental conditions.
Booking too many camps
Constant accommodation changes can make a safari tiring.
Ignoring park fees
A low room rate may exclude substantial safari costs.
Assuming all activities are included
Always request a detailed quotation.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: A Sample Tanzania Itinerary
The SIMBA Portfolio can be considered within a classic northern Tanzania safari where each accommodation stop supports the next destination.
Day 1: Arusha
Arrival and overnight.
Days 2–3: Tarangire
Game drives and elephant viewing.
Day 4: Ngorongoro
Transfer toward the conservation area.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
Crater game drive.
Days 6–9: Serengeti
Multiple days of game viewing.
Day 10: Serengeti to Arusha
Final game drive followed by onward travel.
Optional Extension
Continue to Zanzibar for a beach holiday.
The exact number of nights should depend on the traveller’s priorities.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Combining Tanzania and Kenya
SIMBA accommodation can potentially form part of a wider Kenya Tanzania safari when the route is designed around efficient border and flight logistics.
A combined safari could look like:
Nairobi → Masai Mara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Tarangire → Arusha
This allows travellers to experience two of East Africa’s most famous safari ecosystems.
The Masai Mara and Serengeti are ecologically connected, making them a natural pairing for travellers who want a broader East African safari.
See our Kenya Tanzania combined safari guide for more planning advice.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Adding Zanzibar
A Zanzibar extension can provide an excellent finish to a Tanzania safari, particularly for couples and travellers wanting to slow down after several days of game drives.
A popular combination is:
Serengeti → Arusha → Zanzibar
The beach extension provides opportunities for:
- Swimming.
- Snorkelling.
- Diving.
- Stone Town exploration.
- Spice tours.
- Relaxation.
This creates a balanced safari-and-beach holiday.
SIMBA Portfolio Camps: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIMBA Portfolio?
The SIMBA Portfolio is associated with safari accommodation in Tanzania. Individual properties should be checked for their current location, operating status and accommodation offering.
Where are SIMBA lodges in Tanzania?
SIMBA properties are associated with Tanzania’s safari and tourism accommodation landscape. Exact locations and current portfolio details should be confirmed before booking.
Which SIMBA camp is the best?
There is no single best SIMBA property. The right camp depends on your destination, travel dates, budget and safari priorities.
Are SIMBA camps luxury?
Accommodation standards vary by individual property. Travellers should assess the exact camp rather than assuming every property has identical facilities.
Are SIMBA camps suitable for families?
Some properties may accommodate families, but age restrictions and room configurations vary.
Can SIMBA properties be used for a Serengeti safari?
Where a SIMBA property is operating in or serving the Serengeti, it can potentially form part of a Serengeti itinerary. Confirm the current property location before booking.
Are game drives included?
This depends on the specific package. Ask for a complete quotation showing accommodation and safari inclusions separately.
Are park fees included?
Not necessarily. Confirm all park, conservation and concession fees before comparing prices.
Can I combine SIMBA accommodation with other Tanzania lodges?
Yes. A safari does not need to use one accommodation brand throughout the trip.
Can SIMBA accommodation be combined with Zanzibar?
Yes. A northern Tanzania safari can be followed by a Zanzibar beach extension.
Can SIMBA properties be included in a Kenya Tanzania safari?
Potentially, depending on the property’s current location and the logistics of your route.
Conclusion: Finding the Right SIMBA Safari Camp
A SIMBA portfolio camps review shows why travellers should look beyond the name of an accommodation group when planning a safari.
The most important factors are:
location, season, wildlife access, accommodation style, guiding, inclusions and itinerary fit.
For first-time visitors, a northern Tanzania circuit covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti offers an excellent introduction.
For migration travellers, the property should be selected around the seasonal movement of the herds.
For honeymooners, privacy and atmosphere may be more important.
For families, room configuration and private vehicles can make the biggest difference.
For photographers, location, guide quality and vehicle arrangements should be high on the list.
When comparing SIMBA lodges Tanzania, always ask for the exact property location and a detailed quotation.
The right safari accommodation should make the itinerary easier, more comfortable and more rewarding.
Plan Your Tanzania Safari With Odysseys From Africa
Odysseys From Africa can help you build a tailor-made Tanzania safari around the accommodation, destinations and experiences that matter most to you.
We can arrange:
- Serengeti safaris.
- Ngorongoro Crater safaris.
- Tarangire safaris.
- Northern Tanzania circuits.
- Luxury safari accommodation.
- Family safaris.
- Honeymoon safaris.
- Private safari vehicles.
- Great Migration itineraries.
- Kenya Tanzania combined safaris.
- Zanzibar beach extensions.
- Tailor-made safari itineraries.