Swala Camp is located in a copse of majestic acacia trees at the edge of the Gurusi wetlands in Tarangire National Park, famed for its stands of ancient baobab trees, large family herds of elephants, prolific bird life and dry season concentrations of wildlife.
This picturesque safari hideaway is exclusive in the southwestern corner of Tarangire National Park, offering private gameviewing, wilderness luxury, and a glimpse of an Africa unaffected by tourism. Swala Camp has a low impact on its environment and every detail in the camp gives you comfort, privacy and a high standard of personal service. You are unlikely to come across many other tourists in this area of the park, giving an almost exclusive wildlife viewing experience.
Swala is the only source of water for 20km, so attracts a huge amount of wildlife year-round, ensuring that the safari experience continues throughout the camp. Resident wildlife include impala, waterbuck, lion and elephant, and a leopard makes occasional guest appearances.
The camp has been totally refurbished in 2010 and is a stunning example of eco-tourism with colours blending into the bush and the rooms built around trees. Twelve tents surround the main dining area, deck and library which are lifted on stilts around an enormous and ancient baobab tree. There is also a stunning infinity swimming pool overlooking the water hole.
Each of the twelve luxurious canvas pavilions is shaded by tall acacia trees and all are within sight of the well-frequented water hole which regularly draws lions, leopards and resident bull elephants for which Sanctuary Swala is famed. The tents feature a spacious open plan arrangement with comfortable king or twin beds, chairs and sofas, as well as en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower. Each tent has its own personal attendant who will attend to guests every need. Superb food and wine is served here.
The emphasis is on providing a ‘country house under canvas' atmosphere, and there are personal tent attendants and safari guides, and Masaai askaris (warriors) who escort guests to their tent at night.
Activities include game viewing in open vehicles, guided bush walks, gourmet bush meals, birdwatching, tribal village visits and traditional ‘sundowners'. Swala offers an experience that is both exclusive in its setting and luxurious in its style -the perfect combination of the old colonial-era ambience and wild Africa.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel
As part of their commitment to this forgotten corner of Tanzania, the staff and management team at Swala have initiated a pioneering community conservation project that has recently led to the building of a school for the children of a village that borders Tarangire. Guests at Swala are offered the opportunity to learn more about these projects and become involved as part of their stay.
