swala safari camp

Sanctuary Swala

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Sanctuary Swala

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• Excellent 329
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• All languages ( 364 )
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" Arrange a sundowner dinner - a fantastic 5-star meal by lantern in a private alcove. Consider the 2-hour night safari drive too (pre book). "

" Dinner under the baobab tree was enchanting! "

" Be sure to stay more than one night to really enjoy this beautiful and special camp! "

" The only suggestion ia to stay at least 3 days "

" Be aware there is no pool "

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SANCTUARY SWALA - Updated 2024

• Where to go
• Northern Tanzania
• Tarangire National Park

Swala Safari Camp

Chic luxury in the very south of tarangire.

Facilities tabs

One of two Sanctuary properties in the northern part of Tanzania, Swala Safari Camp is consistent with their standards across Africa. Vying with Tarangire Treetops for the accolade of “bush-chic” property of Tarangire, its location inside the park probably just gives them the edge. With a central watering hole bringing in the game and white washed interiors it is probably not for the aficionado, but it ticks plenty of boxes.

Set right over on the south western corner of the park, close to Gursi Swamp, Swala is probably about as far from modern life as is possible in northern Tanzania these days…this is an area where you will only see the vehicles from the property and nothing else. Within an hour’s drive is the excellent game viewing of Silali swamp.

The vast rooms are spread out well, all looking out to the central watering hole although, for our money, there is not really enough undergrowth to give them total privacy from each other but, at he end of dry season, this is to be expected somewhat.

As mentioned above, the rooms are a good size, based on a permanent plinth with verandah and spacious tent. The rooms provide a welcome and comfortable sanctuary from the day’s activities and, during the heat of the day, a great place to see what can be seen down at the watering hole.

As with Oliver’s, Swala is one of the only properties in the park allowed to walk and to also conduct night drives inside the park borders. Along with standard game driving, they offer the whole range.

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Swala Safari Camp Facilities:

• ROOMS - 12 tented rooms
• SAFARI ACTIVITIES - walking, night driving, driving
• OTHER ACTIVITIES - visiting beekeeping project
• CHILD POLICY - 12+ with 16+ allowed to walk
• PRIVATE DINING - yes
• AIRCON - no
• INTERNET - wifi in main areas

utter seclusion, great game viewing, photo-perfect accommodation

needs a couple of nights at least due to the distance to get here and probably loses the “wilderness” aspect of Tarangire a little.

When to stay at Swala Safari Camp:

  = Yes   = No   = Maybe

More top lodges recommended in the Tarangire National Park region:

Oliver's Tented Camp

Chem Chem Safari Lodge

Maramboi Tented Camp

Tarangire Treetops

Balloon Camp Tarangire

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Sanctuary Swala Camp

$450 per person per night.

• Tanzania , Tarangire

The exquisite Swala Camp is nestled in a beautiful acacia forest enclave at the edge of the gently rolling savannah in a remote corner of southwestern Tarangire National Park.

• Southwest Tarangire National Park
• Fully inclusive
• 12 permanant tents
• Intimate dining and lounge tent
• Closed 01 April-15 June
• Game drives
• Minimum age 9 yrs

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

This luxury camp has twelve private, permanent tents with en suite shower bathrooms, complemented by fittings and fixtures crafted from local materials to mirror the understated elegance of the time-honoured safari style.

A genuine highlight of the camp is the waterhole which attacts wildlife all your round, and since the elevated terraces on the tents are appointed towards the waterhole, the wildlife can be enjoyed whilst relaxing outside your tent.

Meals are taken in the comfortable dining tent, with full silver service; Pan-African cuisine and fine wines add to the “country house under canvas” ambience.

Swala’s accomplished hosts, personal tent attendants, safari guides and the Masai askaris that accompany you to your tent at night, enhance your stay with their own personalised African affability, professionalism and knowledge.

A genuine luxury safari camp option that goes out of its way to maintain the highest of standards.

Perfect for some whilst a bit too much for others – we have always had nothing but excellent feedback from our customers who have stayed here.

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Below are similar places to stay. If you require any assistance please call 01548 854125 or email [email protected]

$290 per night

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Get in touch

Why choose us, plan an unforgettable trip with our support, knowledge and holiday protection throughout the journey., knowledge&expertise, luxury&value, care&protection, read our testimonials.

I am just back from Tanzania and wanted to thank you very much for a fantastic itinerary. I loved all the accommodation choices made, all the connecting flights worked well and the guide was superb. I had a great time and let me know if you want to get some more feedback on any of the properties suggested by you and also Pongwe Beach which excellent.

Many thanks for a truly great holiday! Nyerere National Park was a great success as we saw the wild dogs on 2 occasions and some great lion kills. In fact we saw a pride of 10 lion including cubs within 10 mins of landing in the Nyerere National Park! Zanzibar was wonderful! The sunshine hotel was beautiful and the staff were lovely.

Andrew Morton

The welcome and kindness and generosity we have received, in all of our camps and stops has been tremendous. Although we have both travelled a lot over our years together, we both agree this holiday has been outstanding, and one of the best experiences of our lives.

Tanzania Northern Parks & Zanzibar, August 2019

Thank you for organising a fabulous holiday for us – memories of which will last a lifetime. We have arrived back completely awed by Tanzania and Zanzibar. We saw the all the wildlife we could possibly wish to see. Our driver was charming and looked after us brilliantly. Lodges were excellent and food fantastic.

Safari & Beach does “exactly what it says on the tin”. We organise safari and beach holidays to Africa. We believe our expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm for organising travel to Africa is unrivalled. We are no frills so you get what you pay for. No fancy marketing gimmicks just our pure honesty. We are so confident in our prices, we have a price guarantee.

We want you to find planning your holiday an enjoyable experience and leave you excited about your forthcoming trip. Give us a ring. 01548 854125 . Let’s start planning.

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Sanctuary Swala Camp

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

PROPERTY FACILITIES

Eco-Friendly

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Laundry Service

Airstrip Transfer

Ready to plan a tailor-made safari with this safari lodge?

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Is the Sanctuary Swala Camp for Me?

In the heart of Maasai country and a remote corner of the Tarangire, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience. The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.

Sanctuary Swala’s welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Traditional peaked thatch roofs harmonise beautifully with the surroundings bush and keep these areas cool in the hot months. Set on stilts around ancient towering baobab trees, the elevated dining area, lounge and library, are sound-tracked by the sing-song of the hundreds of species of birds that have their home in the mature acacia trees’ canopy. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main area and in guests’ tents.

Twelve spacious canvas pavilions ensure unrivalled tranquillity, overlooking a popular watering hole. King-size beds swathed in neutral linens mingle fresh design with a new take on safari living. Indoor and outdoor bush-view showers ensure more magical moments because connecting with wildlife is key: the floor-to-ceiling 180° views, and the pavilions’ private decks, mean you won’t miss a sight.

Sanctuary Swala Camp Photo Gallery

Sanctuary swala camp rooms.

The Sanctuary Swala Camp has 12 rooms. Select a room for more details.

Luxury Tented Room

Twelve spacious canvas pavilions ensure unrivalled tranquillity, overlooking a popular watering hole. The wood-floored open-plan rooms have been staged with elegant neutral-toned interiors, matching safari-chic furnishings with rich African textiles, blending seamlessly with the raw and natural beauty of Tanzania’s cinematic savanna. King-size beds swathed in neutral linens mingle fresh design with a new take on safari living. Indoor and outdoor bush-view showers ensure more magical moments because connecting with wildlife is key: the floor-to-ceiling 180° views, and the pavilions’ private decks, mean you won’t miss a sight. Intriguing art has been thoughtfully placed, and each furnishing considered based on its eco-friendly design; from repurposed artefacts to bespoke creations. Sanctuary Swala treads with the lightest of footprints, without compromising on luxury.

Room facilities

Mosquito Net

Outside Shower

Pure Cotton Linen

Activities offered by Sanctuary Swala Camp

Activities on site, night game drives.

Game Drives

Bird Watching

Activities off site

Hot-Air Balloon

Sanctuary Swala Camp Restaurants

Sanctuary Swala dining

As evening sets in, enjoy drinks and canapés around the camp fire; followed by a three course plated dinner as you discuss the great game viewing and events of the day. The camp’s signature dish – and a definite favourite amongst guests – is our mouth-watering dessert called “Chocolate Kilimanjaro.” It resembles the white snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and simply melts in your mouth – but don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself when you visit this very special camp. If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a private dinner under the stars on your tent deck.

Sanctuary Swala Camp Videos

More about sanctuary swala camp.

• Activities Offered
• Spoken Languages

Sanctuary Swala is at the heart of Tarangire National Park, where Northern Tanzania’s largest population of elephant makes its home, as does a rare white giraffe. Abandoned termite mounds become the sanctuary of dwarf mongoose. Drives out from Sanctuary Swala reward you with Big Five encounters, while herds of elephant, a crash of hippos and prides of lions all roam within sight and earshot of the camp. The low volume of visitors to the park offers a truly unique and private experience and our customised open safari vehicles offer unobstructed viewing and great photography opportunities.

Bush Breakfasts, Picnic & Dinners

You may have decided with your guide to take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you but equally lovely in the evening is to enjoy a bush dinner. A secluded clearing is prepared for a traditional East African meal in the middle of the Tarangire bush. With a sundowner in hand watch as the sun swiftly sinks and your setting becomes illuminated by a magnificent log fire. Once you have settled into your surroundings let our chef introduce you to traditional Swahili fare and experience a memorable evening under the African night sky.

Walking Safari

Put on your walking shoes and experience beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective with a walking safari at Sanctuary Swala. With our professional walking guide and armed ranger, guests can now explore the grassland around camp in one of the most secluded areas of the park. Our qualified guide has a wealth of knowledge and will explain how to understand animal behaviour while tracking a variety of game. You may encounter zebra, waterbuck, impala, ostrich, elephant as well as a number of birds. Sanctuary Swala is one of only a few camps within Tanzania’s Northern Park that is able to offer walking safaris. (Maximum 6 people per walk, please note that our Walking Safari activity is currently unavailable and will restart at the beginning of the next dry season (15th July 2018)).

Experience the wonders of a safari at night in Tarangire. As dusk falls, relax in the comfort of Sanctuary Swala’s customised safari vehicle as you venture into the park transformed by night. Search for nocturnal animals rarely seen as this is one of the few places in northern Tanzania where you can enjoy a safari by moonlight. At night, you may encounter an African wild cat, the elusive leopard or feel the round eyes of a bushbaby peering down at you as the moon rises into the sky. With specialised lighting you will be able to look for lion and hyena, as well as smaller creatures such as spotted genet, serval, bat eared foxes, owls and nightjars. (Maximum 5 people)

Canoe Safari

Experience the beauty of Tanzania from a unique perspective on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi. Just a short walk or drive from Sanctuary Swala, guests will participate in a safety and skills briefing before departing the lake shore in 2-man Canadian canoes for their 2-3 hour water based adventure. Paddling through the water is a magical experience, seeing elephants swimming and game drinking at the shore from your canoe shows the natural world from a totally different angle.

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Sanctuary Swala Camp

Set amongst mature acacia tortillis trees around an active waterhole in the remote south of Tarangire in northern Tanzania, Sanctuary Swala Camp is a very comfortable and stylish place, with guest accommodation in 12 rooms and providing access to good range of safari activities. Minimum age 12.

Sanctuary Swala Camp is located in the Tarangire area.

Sanctuary Swala Camp is located in the Tarangire area of northern Tanzania.

At 2850 square kilometres, Tarangire is a substantial national park, lying at the heart of a vast conservation area of around 20,000 square kilometres which extends northwards past Lake Manyara and on to Lake Natron and the border with Kenya.

The reserve itself is critical to this ecosystem because it contains a number of permanent year-round water sources. The most significant of these is the Tarangire River itself, which arises at the foot of the nearby rift escarpment, flows out into the park and then evaporates from its terminus at Lake Burungi on the western border of the reserve.

The landscapes are largely comprised of gently undulating wooded hills, interspersed by the occasional hill or kopje. 

The northern sector of the park contains many superb baobab trees, some of which are reckoned to be more than 2000 years old. One particular specimen of note is the well known Poacher's Baobab, whose hollow trunk reputedly provided shelter for hunters right up to the gazetting of the park. Let your guide go in first as a local leopard is sometimes found inside.

The main wildlife feature is the Tarangire migration, in involving around 250,000 large mammals including giraffes, buffaloes, oryx, ostriches and lions.

During the Jun-Nov dry season animals migrate in towards the Tarangire River, where they congregate in great numbers. The wildlife viewing can be extremely strong.

During the converse Dec-May green season, the animals to disperse into the vast hinterland and are much more difficult to find. Although this in and out movement is common between species, different animals tend to move on different routes at different times. Wildebeest and zebras mainly move northwards towards Lake Manyara and on towards Lake Natron. The main bulk of the wildlife, including buffaloes, gazelles, elephants, kongonis, elands and oryx move out onto the plains to the east and southeast. Other herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes and elands also move in a more southerly direction.

The most significant component of this migration is the elephant population, which is thought to now involve 5000 to 10000 animals. We have personally counted over 1000 elephants in a single day, in a mix of breeding and bachelor herds.

Resident species which remain within the park throughout the year include lions, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, dikdiks, giraffes and lesser kudus.

There are also chances for some particularly unusual animal sightings here, such as the enormous African pythons that hang out in the trees around Silale Swamps.

This is also the only part of the northern parks where you might see greater kudus, fringe-eared oryx, bohor reedbucks and gerenuks.

Set amongst mature acacia tortillis trees around an active waterhole in the remote south of Tarangire in northern Tanzania, Sanctuary Swala Camp is a very comfortable and stylish place, with guest accommodation in 12 rooms and providing access to good range of safari and cultural activities.

Getting there

The property is usually accessed as part of a 6 to 12 night private guided overland safari through the region.

It usually features in between the Arusha and Ngorongoro areas.

It is also possible to access by scheduled air services into Kuro Airstrip, from where it is a safari drive of around 30 minutes, with daily flight connections with Kigali (for gorillas in Rwanda) Manyara, Serengeti, Ruaha and Selous (for more safari), Zanzibar (for tropical coastline), Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi (for international arrivals and departures).

The camp is situated in the remote southwest corner of the reserve, about 3km from a little-used gate. It is approach from central areas of the reserve along a rather long and tedious road through dry scrub and forest, with occasional views, but which decends down to an interesting seasonal Gursi Swamp before pulling into camp.

We usually include all the connecting transport for your trip unless  you specifically ask us not to.

The camp is centred on a thatched main building, leading out to a campfire area.

Sanctuary Swala Camp is operated by Sanctuary Retreats, which is the property owning cousin of tour operators Abercrombie and Kent.

They are very reliable operators, with a long safari pedigree, managing an interesting range of largely high-end properties across Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya.

Their properties include ...

Botswana : Kasane : Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Botswana : Okavango Delta : Sanctuary Baines Camp Botswana : Okavango Delta : Sanctuary Chiefs Camp Botswana : Okavango Delta : Sanctuary Stanleys Camp Kenya : Maasai Mara : Sanctuary Olonana Camp Tanzania : Ngorongoro : Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Tanzania : Serengeti : Sanctuary Kichakani Camp North Tanzania : Serengeti : Sanctuary Kichakani Camp South Tanzania : Serengeti : Sanctuary Kichakani Camp West Tanzania : Serengeti : Sanctuary Kusini Camp Tanzania : Tarangire : Sanctuary Swala Camp Uganda : Bwindi Forest : Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Zambia : Livingstone : Sussi and Chuma Lodge

Sanctuary Swala Camp is commonly combined with others from the same stable. We generally prefer to mix it up a little and combine lodges of different ownership, since that tends to provide a much broader range of experiences. However there can be major camp combination discounts which sometimes steer us back in the other direction.

The camp is set under impressive and shady acacia tortillis trees, with an outlook over grassy plains.

From the vehicle turnaround we first approach a small arrival building, which serves as a reception and giftshop. Beyond that, the public areas are comprised of two open-sided thatched structures arranged either side of a very gnarled baobab tree, one side being a lounge, the other a dining area. Out front is a small campfire area, with a small but very pleasant swimming pool area a little further away to the left.

Guest accommodation is in twelve tents, which is a lot for a camp of this high standard. The rooms are gorgeous, widely spaced one of the next, with broad private verandahs, large sleeping area, conventionally fitted indoor bathroom and an outdoor shower. 

Animals in camp

A particular feature of Swala Camp is that there is often good wildlife viewing in camp, with animals being attracted to the shade of the acacias and a small pumped waterhole. The elephant viewing here can be particularly good and tends to be a daily feature, particularly during the Jul-Dec dry season.

Of course with the rooms being so widely spaced and the camp so often being full of wildlife, especially elephants, getting to and from your room can be a bit of a challenge and you do need to take close heed of the safety advice offered by the camp management.

Dining options

The food service at Sanctuary Swala Camp is usually very good quality. Meals are usually served at a single shared table, which is the classic safari experience, either in the main dining area or out by the campfire.

However, private tables and special meals are usually no problem. Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and other variations should not be a problem, so long as you let us know at the time of booking.

Power and connectivity

Child policy

The minimum age in this camp is 12 years old.

All guests are charged at the full adult rate. There is one triple tent in camp. Parents with more than one child under 15 will need to separate to share with the children.

The camp is not specifically geared up for children, is unfenced and could be potentially very dangerous. Adult supervision is essential at all times.

Although the staff and guides will naturally try to tailor the experience to suit all guests, there are no special facilities for children, who are obliged to behave with due consideration for other guests.

The camp's swimming pool is in quite a prominent location and often with elephants around, so is not particularly suitable for fun and games.

Tipping guide

In Africa tipping is definitely not obligatory, but it is commonplace. If you feel that the service provided has been excellent, then you may consider giving tips as follows ...

Lead guide : USD 10 per guest per day Assistant guide or tracker : USD 5 per guest per day Camp staff : USD 5 per guest per day

Staff understand that guests of different nationalities come very different tipping cultures and adjust their expectations accordingly, so you really should tip as you feel comfortable.

Tips are usually given in cash, USD, EUR, GBP and ZAR being the most common currencies. If you are running short of cash or prefer not to carry so much currency, it is often possible to settle tips by bank card.

Guest accommodation is in twelve large Rooms with indoor bathrooms.

Activities are focused on daytime vehicle safari, with options for walking safari and modest night vehicle safari.

Sanctuary Swala Camp provides access to a good range of safari areas.

Different ways to book the camp

There are two ways to book this camp. Which one you choose will define how we build the your safari and how the various activities are operated during your stay.

The inclusive option usually works out a little bit more expensive. Often it is best for us to build the safari both ways to that you have all the information you need to compare and make your decisions ...

1. Drive in

The vast majority of visitors spend 6 to 12 nights travelling through the fabulous cluster of parks in this region. The usual best way to do this is to travel overland, in the company of an expert driver-guide in a private safari vehicle.

If you arrive at this camp this way, then we can book it on a 'drive in' rate, which covers the accommodation, meals and drinks only. Your safari activities will continue to be carried out by your driver-guide. Any additional activities which your guide cannot do, such as walking safari, you can pay the camp directly if you choose to do them.

The advantages of this approach are the continuity of having the same guide throughout your safari and the fact that you will inherently have a private vehicle and not have to share with other guests.

2. Game package

The other way to visit this camp is for us to book 'game package', which means that all of the safari activities are provided by the camp.

If the camp is at the start or end of your safari, then you can visit this way and still combine it with a private overland section, your driver-guide either picking you up from here at the start or dropping you to this camp at the end.

The advantages of this approach are that the camp guides inherently have greater knowledge of the animals in the immediate vicinity and they use open-sided vehicles, which makes a change from the closed-sided vehicles which are needed for the overland segments.

Vehicle safari

Vehicle safari is usually the best method for viewing wildlife in the bush. The majority of your up-close animal experiences are likely to come about in this way, since the animals are quite habituated to the presence of vehicles and do not feel threatened.

During the Jun-Nov dry season the wildlife is mainly focused along the main river and around the swamps to the south.

There can be significant vehicle traffic in these core areas during high season months, but they can be avoided. We suggest you make it clear to your guide from the outset whether or not you are happy to join clusters of vehicles on big sightings and plan your routes accordingly.

Walking safari

Walking safari is often offered out of this camp.

Generally we expect walks to be quite gentle excursions, a chance to get slightly more immersed in the bush and to learn about the finer points of flora and fauna.

Walks usually last 2-3 hours.

Night vehicle safari

On a night vehicle safari a guide or specialist spotter uses high-powered torches to find  animals.

It is a good chance to see some of the nocturnal animals in the area, including bush-babies, genets, civets and porcupines.

If you are lucky, then you may catch up with lions, hyenas or leopards out hunting, which can be a truly extraordinary experience.

At this particular camp, night safari is usually only operated only for an hour or so on the way back to camp from sundowner drinks.

We would usually prefer to do a proper night drive after dinner, since we believe that this delivers a much better chance of properly following hunts, we expect that the guides will be willing to do this if you ask.

Do bear in mind that a proper night drive can be a real hit or miss affair, they can be incredible, but they can also be incredibly tiresome. It's a gamble.

The primary activity is vehicle safari inside the national park during daylight hours.

The best conditions are generally Jun-Oct, although there are good reasons to visit during other months.

The main potential downsides are the high prices, the inaccessible location, no off-road driving,  visitor traffic, lower wildlife numbers  and adverse weather conditions Nov-May.

Sanctuary Swala Camp, like all properties, has a long list of potential downsides. Please do not be unnecessarily put off by this section. Our only intention in raising these issues is to ensure that you get to the best and most appropriate places and that your expectations are met and hopefully exceeded ...

High prices

The main problem with this property from most people's perspective are the high prices during the main safari seasons.

It is important to realise that Tanzania is not a wealthy country and tourism is the main industry. The park fees that are produced enable a large proportion of the total land area to be maintained under conservation. The taxes go to subsidise infrastructure, education and other government projects across the country.

Relative to other properties in this area, this camp is actually towards the middle of the range, but remains pricey in absolute terms.

Rates during low seasons may be considerably lower, so that may be worth considering. Check the seasonality section above for more details.

It is worth noting that there are sometimes long stay discounts available, as well as discounts for combining with other camps under the same ownership. Please ask us for more information.

Lack of availability

Shortage of room availability is often a major issue when planning a safari. These premium Tarangire camps are heavily over-demanded during the main Jun-Oct safari season. It really is best to book a year ahead if you want to be sure to get space in the very best properties.

Remote location

Swala Camp is located in the deep southwest of the area, which means a rather long and tedious drive up and back along one of the ridge roads on arrival and departure, as well as when heading back in to central wildlife viewing areas. There tends to be relatively little wildlife on these ridges, other than some batchelor herds of elephants and groups of kudus.

Open access camp

This camp is open to vehicles of all safari companies. So guests on overland safaris arrive in their private vehicles and undertake all their vehicle safari with their own guides.

This is in stark contrast with 'closed access' camps, which only accept vehicles from their parent company and all safari is carried out with the lodges guide and vehicles.

Closed camps tend to have a much more intimate and authentic atmosphere, as well as delivering more reliable and high quality safari experiences.

We generally lean towards closed camps where possible, but there are locations and instances where open access camps are the better solution.

Shared safari

When this camp is booked on a game-package basis (refer to the activities section) separate groups of guests are often obliged to join together when out on safari. This is not necessarily a negative, sometimes it can be a great chance to get to meet some very interesting people and the best camp managers usually work hard to ensure guest compatibility. But some guests do find it to be a considerable negative.

The issue can be officially side-stepped by paying a private safari supplement, but this bumps the cost considerably.

Alternatively the camp can be booked on the drive-in rate, in which case you arrive with your own private guide and vehicle and do your activities separately from the camp vehicles.

Traffic issues

It is a common misconception that Tarangire is a busy reserve. Actually this is not true, the park is very large and visitor densities are not particularly high.

The problem is that vehicle traffic becomes highly focused on a few key areas, meaning that a high proportion of guests get a bad impression of the place because they too are caught up in these hot spots.

The traffic mainly emanates from the North Gate and is the whole northern sector of the reserve can become relatively busy. This is particularly true of the main Tarangire River valley, which is the prime easily accessible wildlife area during the May-Nov dry season. Another hotspot is the Silale Swamps further south, which has a popular picnic site.

If you are sensitive to vehicle traffic, then you should be able to work with your guide to plan routes to more remote locations and only raid into these core areas at quiet times of the day.

These traffic issues are only a feature of the peak Jun-Oct dry season and possibly a week or so over Christmas and New Year. At other times Tarangire is usually lovely a quiet.

Fortunately this camp is located in a relatively remote position away from this northern sector, making it relatively easy to avoid this traffic, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

So long as you are aware of all these issues, then you should be able to work with your guide to match your experience to your expectations.

No off-road driving

Unfortunately off-road driving is not permitted within Tarangire. This vastly reduces the amount of skill a guide can deploy in tracking animals and makes it difficult to get the most out of major sightings.

Of course overall this is definitely a good thing, since uncontrolled off-roading could severely damage the landscape.

Weaker seasons for wildlife

Outside the main Jun-Nov dry season, the wildlife which has concentrated here in the reserve, disperses into a vast hinterland and safari becomes a lot more challenging.

Conventional wisdom dictates that during the Dec-May green season Tarangire is not worth visiting, but we tend to differ, the park is beautiful, there are lots of flowers and baby animals. Most importantly there is much lower vehicle traffic, so you should be able to enjoy the landscapes in blissful isolation.

Adverse weather

There is the potential for significant rainfall, which can really hamper safari activities.

The short rains are centred on November and are usually enough for the landscapes to turn from ochre to green and start to become filled with flowers and baby animals. There is an outside chance that the rains will be torrential and run right on through December, causing significant disruption, something which tends to happen about one in seven years.

The long rains are centred on April and are usually strong and reliable, occasionally spilling significantly into March and May. Although the prevailing conditions remain warm and sunny, heavy rainfall is likely to have significant adverse effects on safari operations most years.

Major compensating factors at these times are the very low visitor numbers (perhaps as low as 1% of high season) and slightly lower camp prices.

During May to August temperatures can drop significantly. This this is rarely a major issue in the safari areas, but can be much more serious in the surrounding highland areas.

Tsetse flies

In parts of Tarangire there can be significant numbers of tsetse flies.

About the size of house flies, these aggravating insects pack a painful sting, to which some people react and need antihistamines. There is a very small risk of sleeping sickness.

Tsetse flies are mainly looking for buffaloes. They tend to follow and attack slow moving vehicles and hone in on black and blue clothing.

If you are on a private guided overland safari, then your vehicle will be closed sided and you will be able to close it up when needed.

If you are doing your safari in an open-sided camp vehicle, then you will need to rely on the guide to avoid such areas.

Insect repellant may have some deterrent effect.

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Popular safaris, east & central africa, southern africa, set departures, top destinations, indian ocean islands, sanctuary swala camp, "retreat to a quiet corner of tarangire national park at sanctuary swala camp”.

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Experience the beauty of Tanzania from a unique perspective on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi, or from the sky in a hot air balloon over Tarangire National Park, where you gaze down upon towering baobab trees and spot leopards and herds of elephants from the sky.

Experience & Activities  

Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, one of the most exciting and least visited parks in the country. In the heart of Maasai country, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience. The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.

Drives out from Sanctuary Swala reward you with exciting wildlife encounters, while herds of elephant, and prides of lions all roam within sight and earshot of the camp. The low volume of visitors to the park offers a truly unique and private experience. Fly in a hot air balloon and gaze down upon towering baobab trees and spot leopards and herds of elephants from the sky.

Put on your walking shoes and experience beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective with a walking safari at Sanctuary Swala. With a professional walking guide and armed ranger, guests can now explore the grassland around camp in one of the most secluded areas of the park. You can also experience the wonders of a safari at night in Tarangire and search for nocturnal animals rarely seen.

Accommodations

Canvas Pavilion: Twelve luxurious canvas pavilions, all shaded by acacia trees and all with views over the waterhole and plains in front of camp, feature indoor and outdoor bush-view showers.

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Privacy Overview

Sanctuary Swala, in the remote western region of the Tarangire National Park , is a tightly run property with comfortable accommodation and good game-viewing. The area’s abundant wildlife can be viewed while on open-vehicle game drives, night drives, walking safaris , or from your private deck at camp. Guests also have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary Beekeeping project run in conjunction with the local community.

Swala’s spacious canvas tents provide comfortable accommodation and contemporary décor. Thatched main areas include a relaxing lounge and dining areas. A lovely infinity pool provides respite during the midday heat, and sipping a sundowner around the open campfire with fellow guests while listening to birds and nocturnal animals is the perfect way to end your day on safari. We think that Sanctuary did a fabulous job with Swala; it really is one of the few tented camps in Tarangire that has all the modern comforts (such as a plumbed shower).

Our Favorite Tarangire Accommodation on a Map

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Tarangire National Park

Tarangire river, lemiyon triangle, matete woodlands, silale swamp, burungi circuit, kitibong hill, what style of lodging are you looking for.

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Swala Tented Lodge

Tarangire treetops lodge, kikoti tented lodge, lemala mpingo ridge lodge, maramboi tented lodge, mount meru resort, arusha coffee lodge, lake duluti lodge.

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Tarangire National Park near the Tarangire River , Lemiyon Triangle and Matete Woodlands

Best Months to Visit

January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

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• Top lodging pick in Tarangire region
• Thrilling in-camp wildlife viewing
• Waterhole viewable from every tent
• Exciting night game drives & walking safaris

Private Game Drives, Night Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Bush Dinners

Elephant, Wild Dog, Kudu, Lion, Oryx, Giraffe, Reedbuck, Hyrax, Dik-Dik, Leopard, Buffalo, Python

Elephants frequent the lodge waterhole just a few feet away from your tent. This intimate property offers unrivaled 'in camp wildlife viewing' and is the best kept secret inside Tarangire National Park. The property consists of just 9 luxury tents, and offers the ultimate in seclusion, personalized service, and authentic safari ambience. "Swala" is actually the Swahili word for "impala", and there is no shortage of these graceful animals flitting through the nearby trees.

Lodge Overview

Accommodations, food& drink, special features.

The gnarled branches of majestic acacia tortilis trees suspend an overhead sunshade of knotted twigs and draping vines; the dense canopy filters all but a few stray beams of the sunlight above. Spotted shadows slink in the undergrowth and beady eyes glint from the trees. Moods shift with the play of light through beards of moss and lichen. This ancient forest, full of charm and mystique, plays host to one of the most enchanting lodges in Northern Tanzania - Swala Tented Lodge. Gursi Swamp lies nearby; rich with precious resources during the dry season, this marshy refuge lures the animals of Tarangire with a promise of life-giving moisture. The intimate Swala Tented Lodge, also known as Swala Camp, is the best kept secret inside Tarangire National Park.

This property consists of just twelve (12) luxury tents, and offers the ultimate in seclusion, personalized service, and authentic safari ambience under canvas. As you gaze upon a procession of lumbering elephants to the waterhole just a few feet away from your tent, it will not take long for you to realize that the wildlife viewing alone is superb here as well! "Swala" is actually the Swahili word for "antelope" or "impala", and there is no shortage of these graceful animals flitting through the nearby trees. Upon your arrival at Swala, you will be escorted to your own private tent. Enclosed in authentic canvas, each tent has a permanent backing and is raised on a heavy wooden platform.

There is an elegance in the simplicity of the furnishings here; nothing is complicated or fussy at Swala, but it is obvious that every thoughtful detail is deliberately placed to bring pleasure and comfort. A delicate quail feather is tied to a parchment scroll of common Swahili translations and placed on your nightstand. A plush cotton robe hangs outside the shower. Delicate soaps are situated with care on your washbasin. Impala frolic outside your private veranda, the warm wind whistles outside your cozy canvas walls, and civilization itself seems worlds away.

Pictures and words alone cannot do this Lodge justice. Swala fosters an intangible ambience, appealing to all the senses, which must be experienced as a whole to be fully appreciated. Maybe it is the herd of giant elephants milling right next to your tent, or the organic aroma of an ancient forest, or the ancient air of a forgotten time. Maybe it is the dancing light of bonfire underneath the towering acacia totilis trees, or the delectable four-course gourmet meal by candlelight, or the intimacy of being miles from civilization. Maybe it is the gracious service, or the authentic ambience of sleeping under canvas, or the reverberation of lions roaring in the night. MAYBE it is the pleasure of having all this PLUS all the luxuries of a five star hotel! But one thing is certain...the safari experience we call "Swala" will surely get under your skin and into your soul. No matter what other fabulous safari stories you accumulate throughout the duration of your time in Tanzania, you will never forget your stay here at Swala Tented Lodge.

The elegant Swala Camp offers the ultimate hideaway inside Tarangire National Park . The camp is tucked in the remote southwestern corner of Tarangire far from the larger tourist Lodges, including Tarangire Sopa Lodge and Tarangire Safari Camp. This area of the park offers the perfect safari hideaway and excellent wildlife viewing! The next closest lodge is Mawe Ninga Camp at about a one-hour game drive away, which means you will likely have this slice of heaven all to yourself.

Swala Camp looks east over the Gursi Swamp. The Gursi Swamp acts as a giant sponge soaking up water in the green season and then slowly releasing it during the dry season. The Gursi Swamp is one of the few sources of permanent water in the Tarangire ecosystem besides the Tarangire River , Silale Swamp and Lormakau Swamp. Massive concentrations of wildlife migrate to these few water sources during the dry season allowing for spectacular game viewing.

The Swala Lodge consists of just nine, well-appointed luxury tents with en suite bathrooms tucked under several magnificent acacia trees. The small size of the Lodge provides for a very intimate and personal experience. Each tent is spaced throughout the acacia trees to ensure complete privacy. Describing the rooms as tents is probably misleading and a better description might be luxury cabins under canvas. Regardless, the tents are elevated on a wooden foundation and each is tastefully decorated with hardwood furnishing in grand safari fashion. The back of the tent includes the en-suite bathroom, which consists of a separate flush toilet and shower on either side of the washbasin.

The nicest feature about Swala compared to some other tented lodges in Tarangire is that each tent does contain a proper flushing toilet and shower (bladder showers or thunder box toilets are not employed as there is normal plumbing). Our favorite aspect of the Lodge is the raised private veranda at the front of each tent. It is possible to continue your safari experience after your game drive and enjoy the landscape and resident animals from the comfort and privacy of your own veranda.

The main Lodge structure is centrally located among the twelve luxury tents. This area includes the dining tent, campfire, bar and main viewing deck. The campfire and lounge area offer a great place to mingle with other guests and share the safari highlights for the day. Water is pumped into a waterhole near the main Lodge and is a major reason why wildlife viewing is so great from camp during the dry season.

For your safety, Askaris (Masai warriors) will accompany you at night when walking to and from the main Lodge. Though it is a very short walk to the main Lodge facilities, it is important that you have an escort at night when going to and from dinner.

Swala Camp (altitude of 3,522 feet) and Tarangire are usually incorporated into our signature fly in and drive back safaris at the conclusion of your itinerary. It's certainly a great spot to unwind, relax and enjoy your last couple nights with the elephants of Tarangire. Typically you will be arriving at Swala Camp after either a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to the Lake Manyara park gate. The Tarangire park gate is another 1.5 hours past Lake Manyara. From the Tarangire park gate to your accommodations at Swala will take approximately 2 hours at a leisurely game drive speed as you head south through Tarangire. Swala Camp is approximately 21 miles south of the main Tarangire gate, which is at the northern tip of the park.

Excellent food and superb service are two of the hallmarks at Swala Camp. Steaming hot coffee or tea and cookies will be delivered to your tent each morning at an agreed upon wake up call time. You may quietly enjoy the African morning from your private veranda before heading up to the main tent for breakfast. Breakfast is quite a spread and is served mixed buffet style. There is a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, cheeses and juices. Orders will be taken for eggs, pancakes, bacon etc. and made to your liking.

There are two choices for lunch. You can either drive back to the Lodge for a hot lunch or have a private picnic lunch while on safari. The lunch picnics are well catered to and include an assortment of pasta, sandwiches, cheeses and fresh fruit, bundled in authentic picnic baskets with genuine tableware.

Dinner is the main event at Swala Camp and it is quite a feast indeed! Served by the warm ambience of candlelight in open air dining, dinner consists of four delicious courses. The meal is paired with fine South African wines. The soups at Swala are especially delectable! The menu varies daily on a 7-day rotation, and vegetarian dishes are available. There is a good variety of beer, wine, and spirits available, and most are included in your safari package. Just before dinner on each night, a roaring campfire is set up where you can enjoy appetizers and drinks as the colors of sunset fade to stars.

• Sleeping accommodations consist of 12 luxury safari tents
• Swala Lodge was completely renovated in 2009
• Common areas consist of a main dining area with outdoor terrace, lounge/library with outdoor deck and campfire area
• Waterhole (pumped with water daily) for animals to drink from, viewable from each private tent
• Infinity Swimming Pool overlooking water-hole
• Complimentary Internet service (2 community computers at reception)
• Complimentary Laundry service
• All beverages including soft drinks, beer, house wine, and spirits are included in your safari package
• Proper picnic lunches with baskets and real tableware
• Exceptional wildlife viewing from Lodge
• A full library of books on Africa and board games are available in the lounge
• Optional visit to a local school
• Walking Safaris (at additional cost)
• Night game drives (at additional cost)

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31244 Palos Verdes Dr. West, Suite 239

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Hours: Daily 8AM - 8PM PST

P.O. Box 2189

Arusha, Tanzania

+255 752 225 554

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Lodging at Sanctuary Swala Camp

Tarangire safari accommodation is offered in  12 luxurious canvas pavillions , placed to offer maximum privacy and tranquility. Each has been exquisitely designed to a spacious open plan basis, with large living area, complimentary Wi-Fi, king bed and en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.

Floor to ceiling canvas windows lead onto large private lounge decks that overlook the main waterhole which regularly draws lions, leopards and resident bull elephants for which Sanctuary Swala is famed.

The main dining and lounge area as well as deck and library at each of the tents is built on stilts around a baobab tree . Enjoy chic, contemporary African design below traditional thatched roof structures. The extensive decked area provides the perfect setting for leisurely sundowners and elegant al fresco dining whilst enjoying outstanding views over the waterhole and valley beyond. Guests at this Tarangire safari accommodation in Tanzania can also relax in the stunning infinity pool .

Fine fixtures and fittings crafted from local materials and wooden floors and furniture, create the atmosphere of understated elegance in time-honoured safari style. Your accomplished hosts, personal tent attendants, safari guides and Maasai askaris (guards that accompany you to your tent at night), enhance your stay with their African affability, professionalism and knowledge.

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• Tales from the Coral Tree

Destinations

Itineraries

Experiences

First safari?

• South Africa

Indian Ocean

• Conservation
• African safari packages

Sanctuary Swala Camp

An oasis of a camp in the southern part of this pretty national park

Elephants congregating under massive ancient baobab trees are one of Tarangire’s iconic sights.

The drive to the southern part of the park, where Sanctuary Swala Camp (one of Tarangire’s most upmarket camps) is found, will showcase these sights for you, and many more besides.

This part of the park is even less visited than the rest of it, meaning that you and your family are likely to have most of it to yourselves, whether you are on foot , or in a vehicle.

This peaceful and elegant camp is not only an ideal base from which to explore this very pretty park, it also makes a great spot to sit and soak it all in. We recommend the raised deck in the main area for a spot of birdwatching, and contemplation of this lovely wilderness area, perhaps with a pot of tea on hand, or even a G&T? 

The more active members of the family can enjoy a full day game drive complete with bush breakfast or lunch, all while being back in camp in time for a drink round the fire before dinner.

Coral Tree luxury rating

Number of rooms.

12 canvas guest pavilions

Tarangire National Park

Child Policy

Age 6 and above (16 for walking safaris). Children under 16 are required to share with parents.

Why we love it

“Airy rooms and a high density of local wildlife make this a beautiful camp to spend time in. We have had many a lovely elephant encounter here”

Tess, Coral Tree founder

Key Highlights & Amenities

• In a secluded area of the little-visited Tarangire National Park
• At the right time of year (when the grass is short) this is an excellent base for walking safaris
• Beautiful main area with wildlife viewing deck, elephants frequent the waterhole directly below camp
• Night game drives are possible
• Open and spacious canvas tents, with indoor and outdoor showers

Talk to us about your next big adventure.

Image gallery.

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Accommodation Type: Hotels

Elewana arusha coffee lodge, location: arusha.

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Legendary Lodge

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Accommodation Type: Beach Resorts

Baraza resort & spa, location: zanzibar islands.

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Zuri Zanzibar

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Why travel with Coral Tree?

We are the specialists in luxury africa family safari holidays.

We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.

Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed

We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.

Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind

No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.

Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects

You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.

Get in touch

Talk to tess & mike about your next big adventure, begin your adventure.

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Privacy Overview

Swala Camp is a small, luxury tented safari camp situated in a remote part of Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park.

Set in the deep south of the park, a good few hours drive away from the most commonly visited central river valley, this camp really does feel rather remote.

Of the higher end facilities in the area, Swala Camp perhaps offers the highest levels of conventional comforts.

Most excitingly it is set around a small marsh which attracts elephants throughout the dry season. This might make getting to and from your tent a bit of an adventure, but it is great for up-close interaction from your verandah.

Accommodation Swala Camp’s nine private, permanent tents feature en-suite bathrooms with showers, complemented by fittings and fixtures crafted from local materials to mirror the understated elegance of the time-honoured safari style.

The elevated terraces on the tents are appointed towards the waterhole that attracts wildlife year-round to ensure that your African wildlife experiences do not finish when you leave your vehicle.

Throughout your stay, you will be serenaded by the resident wildlife, including impala (after which the camp is named), waterbuck, lion and various elephant groups. There is even a resident leopard that puts in the occasional guest appearance at the waterhole during dinner.

Dining Meals at Swala Camp are taken in the comfortable dining tent, with full silver service, Pan-African cuisine and fine wines adding to the ‘country house under canvas’ ambience.

Swala’s accomplished hosts, personal tent attendants, safari guides and Masai askaris that accompany you to your tent at night enhance your stay with their own personalized African affability, professionalism and knowledge.

Wildlife Throughout your stay, you will be serenaded by the resident wildlife, including impala (after which the camp is named), waterbuck, lion and various elephant groups. There is even a resident leopard that puts in the occasional guest appearance at the waterhole during dinner.

Activities Bush breakfasts, picnics & dinners: You may have decided with your guide to take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you but equally lovely in the evening is to enjoy a bush dinner. A secluded clearing is prepared for a traditional East African meal in the middle of the Tarangire bush.

Visit to a school: As part of their commitment to the local community, the staff and management team at Sanctuary Swala have initiated a pioneering community conservation project that included building the Gijedabung Primary School in the nearby village of Mamire, which borders Tarangire National Park.

Beekeeping Project: Sanctuary Swala has developed a beekeeping project located in the village of Mwika on the border of Tarangire National Park.

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