East Africa’s safari operator, SafariCo, plans $72 million lodge expansion in Tanzania

SafariCo Group, a leading East African safari operator, has revealed plans to invest $72 million to expand and refurbish its lodges in Tanzania. The move will add 184 new rooms, bringing the company’s total lodging capacity in the country to over 1,000 keys, up from fewer than 900.

The expansion is set to be partially funded by a proposed $50 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support SafariCo’s Explorer brand. Upgrades include Ngorongoro Explorer, which will add up to 110 rooms in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti Explorer, adding 74 rooms in Serengeti National Park.

Tourist arrivals rise in Tanzania

Tanzania’s tourism industry has been gaining pace, with visitor numbers rising 20.3 percent in the first half of 2025 to 798,605 tourists, up from 663,444 a year earlier. The country is also preparing to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Uganda, a development expected to boost hotel occupancy and tourism spending.

Other hospitality operators are also investing heavily in the region. Serena Hotels, run by TPS Eastern Africa, is refurbishing its properties in Dar es Salaam and Arusha to improve guest experiences and capture a larger share of the growing market.

Siringit Collection is converting its semi-permanent Serengeti Camp into a permanent facility with modern, spacious amenities, expected to be ready by June 2026. Taj Hotels, part of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, plans to open a Serengeti property by 2027.

Lodges expand, conservation efforts intensify

SafariCo currently manages 23 lodges across Kenya and Tanzania under brands including Elewana Collection, Explorer by Elewana, and Sopa Lodges, with a combined 844 keys. The group also operates Cheli & Peacock Safaris, a destination management company, and SkySafari, offering bespoke air safaris.

Through its Land & Life Foundation, SafariCo supports conservation, environmental stewardship, and social programs across the region. The company’s $72 million expansion, backed by IFC, underscores its strategy to strengthen its presence in East Africa’s growing tourism market while enhancing sustainability and guest experience.