Swala Camp is among the most remote camps in Tarangire National Park. Located in the far south-western corner of the park, it offers a level of privacy not normally associated with Tarangire, which can be crowded in its main northern sector. For this reason, Swala isn’t quite as easily accessible as other camps, making it unsuitable for short one-night safaris. But for those wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy a more exclusive Tarangire safari, Swala Camp is ideal.
Swala Camp is set in a grove of acacia and baobab trees on the edge of the Gursi Swamp, a busy waterhole in southern Tarangire. At its centre is a large, open-air thatched structure, raised on a wooden platform and furnished with comfy armchairs and coffee tables—light and airy, this is a lovely spot to relax in the heat of the day, with the high thatched roof and the shade of the baobab tree making for a cool environment. It opens onto a raised viewing deck that overlooks the waterhole in front of the camp, where elephant and a mix of other game are frequently sighted. Separate to the main communal area is a pool deck with sun loungers.
Swala Camp is a remote retreat. It’s possible to drive to the camp (approx. 3 hours from Tarangire’s main northern gate), but it can be more practical to fly. For this reason, we usually only recommend Swala for a long stay—it doesn’t work well for a brief one or two night stay, which we find is often all clients want from Tarangire NP, preferring to spend more time in the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Serengeti. A few nights at Swala, however, can be a marvellous experience—the game-viewing in southern Tarangire is consistently good, and you’re unlikely to see many other vehicles as you explore this region of the park.
Accommodation
Swala Camp’s twelve rooms are constructed of stone and canvas, and raised on wooden platforms with terraces overlooking the Gursi Swamp. The tents are beautifully-appointed, with large double beds made up with crisp white linen and comfy armchairs on polished wooden floorboards. The bathrooms are equipped with double basins and both indoor and outdoor showers.
The proximity of the tents to the waterhole means that wildlife often passes through the unfenced camp. Elephant in particular frequent the waterhole regularly. This allows for great game-viewing, but families travelling with children should exercise some caution.
Dining
Swala Camp strives for a “country house under canvas” dining experience. Meals are typically taken around the shared table in the dining tent. Breakfast is a light buffet with cooked dishes to order, while lunch and dinner are fixed three-course menus, always beautifully presented.
Facilities
- Dining room
- Lounge
- Library
- Viewing deck
- Swimming pool
Activities
- 4x4 game drives
Child Policy
Swala Camp only accepts children over the age of twelve.
