Twelve canvas pavilions around a busy waterhole in the secluded south-west of Tarangire — walking safaris, night drives and Sanctuary Retreats’ attentive service.
Sanctuary Swala is tucked into a copse of acacia trees in the secluded south-western corner of Tarangire National Park, on the edge of the Gurusi wetlands. Far from the busy northern circuits, this is a part of the park where you can drive for long stretches without seeing another vehicle.
The camp is built around the only waterhole in the area, and that single fact shapes the whole experience. Through the dry season, elephants, impala, waterbuck and the predators that follow them come to drink within sight of every tent, so some of the best wildlife viewing of your stay may happen from your own veranda, or from the bar with a gin and tonic in hand.
Twelve canvas pavilions are raised and shaded by large trees, each with a king or twin bed, a sofa and chairs, ceiling fans, a veranda and a bathroom with twin sinks and both indoor and outdoor showers. Personal tent attendants look after you, and Wi-Fi is available in the tents.
The main areas are built on stilts around a baobab: a dining area, a deck and a well-stocked library, with a gin cocktail bar looking out over the waterhole. After dark, Maasai askaris escort guests to and from their tents — a reminder that this is truly wild country.
Built to high eco-friendly standards and run with Sanctuary Retreats’ attentive service, Swala adds walking safaris (for guests aged 16 and over) and night game drives to classic game drives, along with bush dinners, picnics and sundowners out in the park. It is a deeper, slower way to experience Tarangire.
Twelve raised canvas pavilions shaded by large trees, all within sight of the waterhole. Each has a comfortable king or twin bed, a sitting area, ceiling fans and a veranda where you can watch elephants come to drink. Bathrooms have twin sinks and both indoor and outdoor showers, and personal tent attendants take care of the details.
The only waterhole in the area sits in front of camp, drawing elephants, antelope and predators throughout the dry season.
A gin cocktail bar overlooking the waterhole — the perfect spot for an evening drink with wildlife in view.
Dining area and deck raised on stilts around a baobab tree.
A well-stocked library in the main area for quiet afternoons between drives.
Available in the tents.
Escort guests to and from their tents after dark, as wildlife moves freely through camp.
Gourmet meals are served in the main lodge, on the dining deck raised around a baobab tree, with views over the waterhole. The kitchen makes the most of fresh ingredients, and meals are unhurried, social affairs where guides and guests share the day’s sightings.
Swala also takes dining out into the park: picnic lunches under the trees, sundowners at scenic viewpoints and bush dinners by lantern light. Before dinner, the gin bar is the place to be, mixing cocktails as elephants gather at the water in the fading light. Tell us about any dietary requirements when you book and we will pass them to the camp.
Swala is in the south-western corner of Tarangire National Park, on the edge of the Gurusi wetlands. Most guests arrive by road from Arusha in their safari vehicle, entering the park and enjoying a game drive on the way in — it is a long but rewarding drive through the park to reach this remote corner.
We plan the route and timing so that you arrive in time for afternoon tea and a drink by the waterhole. Swala combines well with Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti on a northern circuit safari.
The dry season, from June to October, is outstanding at Swala. As water becomes scarce, wildlife crowds the camp’s waterhole and the Gurusi wetlands, and elephant numbers in Tarangire reach their peak.
The green months from November to May bring a different beauty: lush grass, abundant birdlife — including migrant species from Europe and Asia — and very few visitors. Some animals disperse during the rains, but the south-west remains rewarding, and walking safaris reveal the smaller details of a landscape in bloom.
Built around the only waterhole in the area, so wildlife comes to drink within sight of every tent.
Far from the busy northern circuits of the park, in one of Tarangire’s quietest corners.
Experiences many Tarangire camps cannot offer, for a deeper understanding of the bush.
Intimate, personal and quiet, with tent attendants and Sanctuary’s attentive service.
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara · Zanzibar
Two weeks through Tarangire, three nights in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, then four nights on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Details are provided by the property and can change. We confirm everything in writing before you book.
Have another question about this property? Our team in Moshi can help.
In the secluded south-western corner of Tarangire National Park, on the edge of the Gurusi wetlands, far from the busier northern circuits.
Twelve canvas pavilions, all within sight of the waterhole, each with a veranda and indoor and outdoor showers.
Yes, for guests aged 16 and over, as well as night drives and day game drives in open vehicles.
Children aged six and over are welcome. Walking safaris are for guests aged 16 and over.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the tents.
June to October, when wildlife gathers at the waterhole and the Gurusi wetlands. The green season is quieter and excellent for birds.
Tell us your dates and we will check availability and build a personalised Tanzania itinerary around your stay.
