Sanctuary Swala Camp, a truly beautiful camp set in an isolated portion of Tarangire National Park, this is arguably the most luxurious camp within the park, and currently our favourite Sanctuary property in Tanzania.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Swala Camp lies on the edge of the Gursi Swamp, a quiet grassland region at the south-western corner of Tarangire National Park. This remote location is shaded by tall baobab and acacia trees, and consequently is very secluded. There are views over a nearby watering-hole popular with wildlife, as well as the plains beyond.
Rooms
Swala Camp comprises 12 canvas pavilions, all situated adjacent to the communal building. Each is propped up by a raised wooden deck that forms a veranda around the structure. This veranda is fitted with a seating area, perfect for game-viewing from the comfort of your own lodge. The interiors are stylish, with clean modern lines and chic monochrome décor. There is additional seating, a writing desk, and even a set of yoga mats. The washroom lies behind a partition, and contains twin washbasins, a flush toilet, and an indoor shower. The pavilion also comes with an additional outdoor shower.
Communal Areas
The main building is a timber, stone and thatch lodge raised on stilts, enhancing its vista over Tarangire National Park. The lounge is furnished with coffee tables and stylish sofas and decorated with contemporary art and African textiles. There are also bookshelves with reading material, and open-sides looking onto the acacia canopy.
The dining area has individual tables and offers English and continental breakfasts, lunches and three-course dinners. Guests are also welcome to dine out on the veranda. Outside, there is a fire-pit used for pre-dinner drinks and sundowners, as well as a swimming pool.
Activities
Swala offers a great range of safari-focussed activities, including day- and night-time guided game drives and daytime walking safaris. The remote vicinity of the camp allows sightings of a great range of undisturbed wildlife.
There is also the option of taking catered bush-breakfasts, lunches or dinners. Bush-dinners are particularly special, as you’ll be treated to a traditional East African meal followed by drinks around a log fire under the setting sun, a perfect end to a long day of safari excursions. Visitors can also take daytrips to Mwika Village to see Sanctuary’s beekeeping project in action, with opportunities to meet with locals who produce acacia honey.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains arrive in late March.
After the short rains, wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation is lush and thick, a combination that makes game-viewing more difficult. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains arrive in late March.
After the short rains, wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation is lush and thick, a combination that makes game-viewing more difficult. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tarangire.
Tarangire is a seasonal park; when the rain arrives it disperses the wildlife, making the dry season far preferable. These wet months can be good too, provided rainfall totals are not too high, and the added bonus is that migratory birds will be present within the park.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tarangire.
Tarangire is a seasonal park; when the rain arrives it disperses the wildlife, making the dry season far preferable. These wet months can be good too, provided rainfall totals are not too high, and the added bonus is that migratory birds will be present within the park.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
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Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
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Tarangire Treetops
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
