Swala Tented Lodge
Uncover Tarangire’s best-kept secret. With just nine luxury tents tucked into a remote corner of the park, Swala offers unrivaled "in-camp" wildlife viewing. Watch processions of elephants at the waterhole from your private veranda in total, five-star seclusion.
Details
“Swala” is the Swahili word for impala, and these graceful animals set the tone for this intimate sanctuary. Tucked in the remote southwestern corner of Tarangire National Park, Swala Lodge is a “fantasy turned reality” for those seeking the ultimate in seclusion. With the nearest neighbor a two-hour drive away, you aren’t just visiting the park; you own this slice of heaven.
The camp consists of just nine luxury tents, balancing an authentic “under canvas” soul with the sophisticated service of a world-class hotel. It is a place where the organic aroma of ancient forests and the reverberation of lions roaring in the night create an intangible ambiance that gets under your skin and stays in your heart.
The Remote Southwest Swala is situated in a pristine, low-traffic zone of Tarangire, far from the busier northern gates. Surrounded by towering acacia tortilis trees and ancient baobabs, the lodge overlooks a private waterhole that serves as a magnet for the park’s famous elephant herds.The Tactical Advantage:
- Zero-Traffic Safaris: The remote location ensures that your game drives are private and uninterrupted by other tourist vehicles.
- The 24/7 Safari: Because the waterhole is just feet from the guest tents, the wildlife viewing never stops—even when you are relaxing in camp.
The Tarangire Menagerie Your journey through this ancient landscape explores six distinct ecological zones:
- Tarangire River: The park’s life-giving artery and home to the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania. In the dry season, it becomes a “smorgasbord” for predators as thousands of animals file to its banks.
- Burungi Circuit: An adventurous off-the-beaten-path loop where you can spot the strikingly beautiful Lesser Kudu and the massive Eland—Africa’s largest antelope.
- Silale Swamp: A giant ecological sponge. Look for great rock pythons curled in the branches and “battleships” of elephants wading through the emerald grasses.
- Matete Woodlands: An exquisite land of tall elephant grass and the park’s premier location for consistent leopard sightings.
- Lemiyon Triangle: A northern sanctuary dominated by colossal, silvered baobab trees that haunt the horizon with their surreal, gnarled branches.
Kitibong Hill: Acacia parklands teeming with magnificent buffalo herds and the rare, calico-patterned African Wild Dog.
Luxury Under Canvas Each of the nine private tents is a masterpiece of elegant simplicity, raised on heavy wooden platforms with permanent backing and canvas walls that breathe with the savanna.
The Guest Experience:
- The Private Veranda: Our favorite feature. These raised platforms allow you to continue your safari in total privacy, watching impala, waterbuck, and elephants frolic just yards away.
- The Swahili Scroll: Discover a delicate quail feather tied to a parchment scroll of Swahili translations on your nightstand—one of many deliberate, thoughtful details.
- Highland Comfort: Tents feature spacious en-suite bathrooms, plush cotton robes, fragrant soaps, and cozy duvets to keep you warm as the night wind whistles against the canvas.
- Intimate Seclusion: With only nine tents, the service is deeply personalized, ensuring every need is met with a gracious, attentive smile.
Delectable Seclusion Dining at Swala is a production that appeals to all the senses, blending the romance of the bush with gourmet excellence.
- Candlelight Feasts: Delectable four-course gourmet meals are served by candlelight, featuring fresh ingredients and international flair.
- The Acacia Bonfire: The heart of the evening. Gather under the canopy of towering acacia trees to share stories as the dancing light of the fire illuminates the night.
- Bush Breakfasts: For early starts, enjoy a packed picnic breakfast as you track the big cats along the Tarangire River banks.
- Sundowners: Celebrate the African sunset with curated cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a scenic spot miles from the reach of civilization.
- Night Game Drives: Explore the hidden world of nocturnal predators (available at an additional cost; must be booked in advance).
- Walking Safaris: Experience the “Garden of Eden” on foot for a truly intimate encounter with the wilderness.
- Waterhole Proximity: Unrivaled “in-camp” viewing of elephants digging for clean water in the sandy beds.
- Boutique Elegance: A well-stocked safari gift shop featuring unique Tanzanian treasures.
- Full Service: 24-hour electricity, internet access, and full housekeeping services ensure a seamless stay in the wild.
Nearby Attractions
Seasonal Highlights
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Sightings | Rec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Feb | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Mar | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Apr | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
- - - - - | No |
| May | Northward Migration | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
- - - - - | No |
| Jun | Beginning of Dry Season | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Jul | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Aug | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Elephant, Wildebeest Migration, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Sep | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Oct | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Nov | Southward Migration | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
| Dec | Beginning of Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors | Yes |
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31244 Palos Verdes Dr. West, Suite 239 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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