Sanctuary Swala, a remote haven in the heart of the elephant populated Tarangire National Park

Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and spectacular skyline of majestic ancient baobab trees. The 2,850 km2 landscape of floodplains, grasslands and savannah draws an astonishing cast of diverse wildlife, from the elusive leopard and tree climbing lions to banded mongoose and the fringe-eared oryx.

Sanctuary Swala, meaning 'antelope' in Swahili is home to a resident herd of impala, found close to camp at night seeking safety from the multitude of predators.

Nestled amongst giant baobab trees, Sanctuary Swala offers unparalleled views over the newly formed Lake Gursi, stretching 12km by 4km.

The camp’s close proximity to Lake Gursi and the watering hole located outside the main area means wildlife action around the camp is in high definition through throughout the year. Watch as herds of up to a hundred elephant come to the lake to bathe and cool down from the midday sun.

Sanctuary Swala's twelve spacious luxury canvas tents offer unrivalled tranquillity.  The wood-floored, open-plan rooms have been staged with elegant neutral-toned interiors, blending seamlessly with the raw and natural beauty of Tanzania's cinematic savannah. Heavenly king-size beds swathed in neutral linens with billowing white curtains mingle fresh design with a new take on safari living.

Indoor and outdoor showers ensure more magical moments while the floor-to-ceiling 180° views mean you won’t miss a sight. Each luxury tent's private deck boasts views over the dramatic plains onto the lake, allowing prime game viewing from your bedroom with a freshly made cup of tea or coffee to hand.

Sanctuary Swala’s welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Set on stilts around towering ancient baobab trees, the elevated dining area, lounge and library, are sound-tracked by the song of the hundreds of species of birds that have their home in the acacia trees’ canopy.

Sip on a cocktail while watching the African sun set over the magical landscape and listen to stories of the bush from your expert guide.

Come evening, head to the boma to sip on freshly-made cocktails from the bar and unwind by the glow of the fire before sitting down to an expertly prepared meal abundant with African spices and flavours. Take full advantage of the lack of light pollution with candlelit dinners and stargazing.

Three-course meals offer an insight into local flavours with expertly prepared dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients and spices alongside the continent’s finest wines.

Drives out from Sanctuary Swala reward you with Big Five encounters, while herds of elephants and prides of lion roam within sight and earshot of the camp. Located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, enjoy exclusive access to some of nature’s most thrilling actions. Drive for hours across the red earth without another vehicle in sight.

Put on your walking shoes and experience the beautiful Tarangire National Park on foot, explore the landscape around camp and encounter zebra, waterbuck, elephant and ostrich. This is a chance to see the park from a different perspective, close up and personal, learning about the surrounding environment.

Experience Tarangire on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi. Paddling through the water is a magical experience, seeing elephants swimming and game drinking at the shore shows the natural world from a totally new angle.

As dusk falls, venture into the park in search of nocturnal animals. Encounter an African wildcat, the elusive leopard or feel the round eyes of a bushbaby peering down at you. With specialised lighting on the vehicle, you’ll also be able to look for lion and hyena.

At Sanctuary Retreats, a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism has been an integral part of our operations. The Safe Water for Schools programme in Tanzania delivers clean water to over 10,000 pupils through LifeStraw filters, high-volume water purifiers designed to convert contaminated water into safe drinking water by removing a minimum of 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoan parasites.