Accommodations and service are unpredictable, and it's best to book in deluxe accommodations whenever possible to minimize hassles. At the top end of the scale, there are some very good tented camps and lodges in the parks, and for some, such as the Selous, these are the only option. The larger and older lodges near the Ngorongoro Crater and in the Serengeti tend to be dated and impersonal, but some of the newer tented camps offer luxury in the bush with impeccable service. For example, the Serena Kirawira Camp in the Serengeti has luxury tents decorated with antiques, and each has its own valet. Reserve accommodations in the wildlife parks as far in advance as possible. At the cheaper end of the market, there are many safaris to the parks that utilize the public camping sites, and camping equipment and a cook are usually supplied. Accommodations on Zanzibar are varied—from upscale all-inclusive beach resorts and thatch bungalows to hotels in the old Arabian houses in Stone Town. These places have a lot of character and are usually decorated with Persian rugs, antiques and ornate four-poster Zanzibar beds. Dar es Salaam has the usual chain hotels found all over the world. Around Arusha there has been a recent flourish of lodges opening on the coffee estates at the foot of Mount Meru. It is far nicer to stay at these than at the dreary town hotels.
