GUIDE ON SWALA CAMP IN TANZANIA

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Sanctuary Swala Camp presents a perfect balance between subtle luxury and nature in a quiet, secluded, woodland setting of baobab and acacia trees close by Gursi Swamp in the remote south west section of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. Swala Camp aims to leave a minimal footprint, disturbing the ecology as little as possible and contributing to the welfare of wildlife and indigenous people by supporting projects such as Mwika Village beekeepers initiative and Gijedabung Primary School.

Furniture and other supporting needs for school operation are handmade and carved on site at Swala Camp’s back of house workshop. This small, exclusive camp can be reached by road, a trip through Tarangire lasting more than 3 hours, with wonderful game viewing opportunities en-route. You are sure to pass herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and impala, the odd ostrich and giraffe, and inquisitive families of Olive Baboons.



Alternatively, light aircraft fly from Arusha to Kuro, a private airstrip only 30 minutes away by air is also appreciated by AfricanMecca guests who prefer flying in. The proximity of the swamp ensures prolific bird and game populations right on your doorstep, including, zebra, kudu, oryx, and their stalking predators, leopard, lion, and cheetah all parading within yards of your verandah, with flights of brilliantly hued lovebirds close enough to feed.

But it also means you need to time your Swala Camp safari outings to avoid possible tsetse fly areas in the middle of the day when it is the hottest. Use lots of repellent lotion and avoid wearing blue or dark colored clothing – stick to natural and light earth tone, which are standard sartorial advice for travelers in Africa (read more on best time to visit Tarangire).

Accommodation At Swala Camp

12 beautifully furnished, elegant, and luxurious double canvas pavilions, dressed in cream and white, occupy secluded positions on wooden decking with separate sitting and dressing areas, running hot water in en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, fantastic panoramic views from king-size beds swathed in dreamy mosquito nets, and large, private verandahs with solid tables and comfortable chairs. Complimentary, high quality toiletries are provided.

Each canvas suite is attended by your own butler, and in the evening, vigilant camp guards accompany you to and from: the main lodge, bar and dining areas; the bar beneath a baobab tree thought to be hundreds of years old! A picturesque waterhole, attracting elephant, impala and waterbuck are visible from the decking of an infinity swimming pool, whilst monkeys and mongooses are regular camp visitors.



This exciting development makes for a very special African holiday, with genuine connection between AfricanMecca guests and ambient wildlife. Wi-Fi is available in the reception area. A small library offers information on local wildlife and culture while local craft items and project honey are sold in the gift boutique.

Sanctuary Swala Camp is reportedly one of the top Tanzanian tour accommodation choice for exclusivity, style, comfort, service, luxurious quarters and intimate wildlife interaction (read more on where else to stay in Tarangire). It is also highly acclaimed for its responsible and imaginative attitude towards the fragile ecological system it occupies and the emerging entrepreneurship of the local community.

Safari At Swala Camp

Possible Tarangire activities to enjoy on your AfricanMecca safari in Tanzania include an optional add-on early morning hot air balloon trip, visits to local villages, schools and the beekeeping project, guided walks, and early morning and afternoon game viewing drives, from the comfort and safety of custom-built observation transport, with 4WD, on-board cool box and refreshments, and 2 way radio contact to keep up to date and share astuteness of the latest game movements, tracks and sightings.



The low incidence of visitors to this particular park area ensures a truly private wilderness experience, alone at the beginning of the world, in a vast and varied wildlife population which varies throughout the year, but is always heart-stoppingly impressive. Most visitors expect to see more game on tour in Africa in the dry season from July to October, but from November to March is the breeding season for over 500 species of birds and for thousands of hooved and horned denizens of the grasslands with their attendant predators.

This is when you may catch sight of threatened African wild dogs, rare striped hyena, cheetah, and wild cat, apart from the more canine lion, cloistered leopard and giant python. The area is well known for its spectacular baobabs trees, rapidly gaining favor as a food source, and its herds of thousands of elephant and wild game, but is increasingly popular with naturalists and photographers on Tanzanian vacations, following the revival of the handsome Bat-eared fox, appealing bush baby, Marsh mongoose, serval, and caracal which have all recently been recorded around the Gursi Swamp.

Dining At Swala Camp

Fresh foods, attractively presented in predominantly modern African and intercontinental cuisine style make the most of locally produced fruit, dairy products, vegetables, meats and fish. An international selection of fine wines and beverages is available, and preferential dietary needs can be met with prior notice.



Indulgently aromatic early morning Tanzanian tea, coffee or cocoa is brought to your tent early in the morning, in good time to set out for a day tour of Tarangire, after a hearty breakfast of fresh bread baked in a bush oven, fruit, cheese, oats, and cooked dishes such as red beans, fried potatoes, eggs made to order. A delicious packed lunch basket is available, or lunch can be served in camp. Enjoy a midday snooze before home-made cakes and biscuits for high tea followed by a late afternoon or evening AfricanMecca game drive with savory pre-dinner snacks and sundowner drinks in the bush, on the main bar deck, or around a traditional African safari campfire.



A three-course dinner can be served on your own balcony, at a romantic outdoor venue hung with lanterns, or on the exquisitely presented grand dining table beneath a vaulted thatched roof in the main dining hall, which is raised on stilts for outstanding views of the plains and waterhole, and furnished in contemporary African style. Keynote dishes have included popular duck pancakes, asparagus quiche, and "chocolate Kilimanjaro", a creamy confection resembling snow-capped mountain peaks.

Related Pages

1. Tarangire Safari Park Guide	2. Best Time & Weather To Visit Tarangire
3. Tarangire Map	4. Safari Lodges, Camps & Hotels In Tarangire