Arguably northern Tanzania’s most interesting park, yet one of its least visited, Tarangire National Park is renowned amongst safari cognoscenti for its diverse habitat and vast herds of elephant and zebra.
And for the savvy traveller looking ahead of the curve, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy an authentic safari experience according to Michael McCall, Sanctuary Retreats’ Director of Sales Australia, NZ & Asia.
Located in a remote and secluded corner of Tarangire National Park in the heart of Maasai country, the boutique luxury safari operator’s recently refurbished Sanctuary Swala Camp offers just that.
Set in total seclusion amongst ancient baobabs and giant acacia trees, the Camp’s location close by the Tarangire River overlooking a busy waterhole and the picturesque savannah beyond ensures that sightings of wildlife are plentiful. Says Michael, “It’s not uncommon to sight leopard resting by day in the shady trees nearby, as well as kudu and oryx grazing beneath them.”
Game drives out from Sanctuary Swala will also reward guests with plenty of ‘Big Five’ encounters. “Herds of elephant, crashes of hippos and prides of lions all roam within sight and earshot of the Camp, Michael says, “and our expert driver-guides are adept at getting guests close without disturbing them.
“The low volume of visitors to Tarangire guarantees a truly private experience and our customised open safari vehicles provide unobstructed viewing and great photography opportunities,” he adds. “But our guided walking safaris probably offer up the most unique perspective of the bush, allowing the more adventurous to explore the natural surroundings in a much more intimate setting and to really see the Park through the eyes of the wildlife that live there.
“After-dark drives also allow for exclusive sightings of more elusive nocturnal creatures including leopard, the bushbaby, bat-eared foxes and the African wildcat.”
Sanctuary Swala has been voted by Tripadvisor guests as the number one camp in the park for several years running, and it’s not hard to see why. The Camp reopened earlier this year after an an extensive refurbishment. Twelve new spacious open-plan pavilions feature wooden floors, beautiful bespoke furniture and artworks, along with plush king-size beds swathed in neutral linens guaranteed to deliver a peaceful night’s sleep. Indoor and outdoor bush-view showers deliver floor-to-ceiling 180° views, and each pavilion’s’ expansive private terrace looks out over the waterhole, putting wildlife almost within touching distance.
Prices at Sanctuary Swala start from USD500 per person per night, twin share, for 1 – 3 nights, including all meals and drinks (excluding premium brands) and transfers to and from the airstrip to the Camp plus a choice of two daily shared game viewing activities.
And for even better savings, Michael encourages guests to take advantage of Sanctuary Retreats’ extended stay offer when they stay at one or more of its African camps and lodges including Sanctuary Swala, saving up to 30% for 4 – 6 nights or up to 40% for 7+ nights depending on the season of travel.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
