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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, Swala Camp 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.
Swala Camp's welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Traditional peaked thatch roofs harmonize 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 singsong 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 tranquility, 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.
Swala Camp
Luxury Tents
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.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Hot Air Ballooning, Kayaking / Paddling, Safaris
Swala Camp 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 Swala Camp 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 customized open safari vehicles offer unobstructed viewing and great photography opportunities.
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.
Put on your walking shoes and experience beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective with a walking safari at Swala Camp. 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 behavior while tracking a variety of game. You may encounter zebra, waterbuck, impala, ostrich, elephant as well as a number of birds. Swala Camp 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 Swala Camp customized 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 specialized 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)
Experience the beauty of Tanzania from a unique perspective on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi. Just a short walk or drive from Swala Camp, 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.
The LifeStraw Filte
Sanctuary Retreats is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships with the rural communities in which we operate. Our Safe Water for Schools Programme has introduced LifeStraw filters to communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, benefiting almost 57,000 individuals. The LifeStraw Filter is a high-volume water purifier designed to deliver safe drinking water.
More information on all our offerings can be found on https://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/philanthropy-projects
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.
