Sanctuary Swala, Tarangire

Sanctuary Swala  is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, arguably northern Tanzania's most interesting park, famous for the large herds of elephants and spectacular baobab trees - a fantastic choice for a Tanzania safari holiday.

Twelve tents surround the main dining area, deck and library which are lifted on stilts around an enormous and ancient baobab tree. There is also a stunning infinity swimming pool overlooking the water hole.

Each of the twelve luxurious canvas pavilions is shaded by tall acacia trees and all are within sight of the well-frequented water hole which regularly draws lions, leopards and resident bull elephants for which Sanctuary Swala is famed. The tents feature a spacious open plan arrangement with comfortable king or twin beds, campaign chairs and plush sofas, as well as en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower. Each tent has its own personal attendant who will attend to guests' every need.

Exquisitely furnished with traditional materials, the tents at Sanctuary Swala are unashamedly luxurious but still close enough to nature to permit an exciting night under canvas.

Game Drives

Tarangire is famed for its large concentrations of elephant and spectacular baobabs of every shape and colour. The river is the park’s lifeline and attracts much of the game to its banks. You may also find some of the many leopard that rest by day in the shady trees. The park is also home to kudu with their immense spiral horns, and oryx with their equally lengthy rapier horns.  These shy, show-stopping antelope are common in Tarangire, where Sanctuary's expert driver-guides can get visitors close to the herds without disturbing them. 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.

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. The camp organised the construction of classrooms and other facilities, paying local villagers to produce the concrete building blocks needed. When school is in term; meet the children and you can also meet the people who live in the village nearby. Learn about the bee-keeping project that provides valuable income while conserving the environment. Sanctuary Swala works closely with the local people, offering employment and buying materials from local enterprises.  We hope that future generations of safari guides, doctors and business leaders will emerge from the school and we continue supporting eco-friendly projects run by the local communities in the area.

Sundowners

Enjoy the warmth of the campfire and sip cocktails as the sun sets in the horizon. Watch as antelope, elephant and rare kudu antelope come right up to the camp to drink at the nearby waterhole. Leopard are also often seen among the massive baobabs nearby.

Bush Breakfasts, Picnics and 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.

Tarangire is serviced by excellent roads and is only 115 kilometres from Arusha. From the entrance of the park it is another 67 kilometres to  Sanctuary Swala. The road winds through the park and offers some spectacular game viewing en route to the camp. Kuro airstrip is approximately 30 minutes drive from Sanctuary Swala. There is a once a day scheduled light aircraft flight into Kuro from Arusha. Private charters are also available. Luggage restrictions of 15kg in a soft sided bag are applicable to all scheduled light aircraft flights.

WALKING SAFARI

Put on your walking shoes and experience the beautiful bush surrounding camp from a different perspective - on foot. Explore one of the most secluded areas of the park with a professional walking guide and armed ranger. Your qualified guide has a wealth of knowledge about Tarangire's flora and fauna which he will share with you as he tracks animals, explaining how to understand animal behaviour. During your walk, you may encounter zebra, waterbuck, impala, ostrich, elephant as well as a variety of birds. Sanctuary Swala is one of only a few camps within Tanzania's Northern Park where walking is possible. This activity is seasonal, July to October.

• Price: $70 per person
  

GAME DRIVES AT NIGHT

Experience the wonders of a safari at night in Tarangire National Park. 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.

• Price: $80 per person