Sanctuary Swala Camp

Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, one of the most exciting and least visited parks in the country. In the heart of Maasai country and a remote corner of the Tarangire, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience.

The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.

ROOMS
Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded part of Tarangire National Park and has twelve luxurious canvas pavilions, all shaded by acacia trees and all with views over the waterhole and plains in front of camp. The main dining area, deck and library are lifted on stilts around an ancient baobab tree.

CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN
Sanctuary Swala’s welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Traditional peaked thatch roofs harmonise beautifully with the surroundings bush and keep these areas cool in the hot months.

Set on stilts around ancient towering baobab trees, the elevated dining area, lounge and library, are sound-tracked by the sing-song of the hundreds of species of birds that have their home in the mature acacia trees’ canopy – ornithologists say that 23 are exclusively endemic to this corner of the world. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the guests’ tents.

SAFARI IN STYLE
Twelve spacious canvas pavilions ensure unrivalled tranquillity, overlooking a popular watering hole. The wood-floored open-plan rooms have been staged with elegant neutral-toned interiors, matching safari-chic furnishings with rich African textiles, blending seamlessly with the raw and natural beauty of Tanzania’s cinematic savannah.

King-size beds swathed in neutral linens mingle fresh design with a new take on safari living. Indoor and outdoor bush-view showers ensure more magical moments because connecting with wildlife is key: the floor-to-ceiling 180° views, and the pavilions’ private decks, mean you won’t miss a sight.

Intriguing art has been thoughtfully placed, and each furnishing considered based on its eco-friendly design; from repurposed artefacts to bespoke creations. Sanctuary Swala treads with the lightest of footprints, without compromising on luxury.

BREAKFAST UNDER A BAOBAB
All of the scrumptious meals served at Sanctuary Swala are enjoyed on the main dining deck which is lifted on stilts around an enormous and ancient baobab tree. A full English and continental breakfast is served before your morning game viewing activity.

Lunch can be enjoyed back in camp where the menu might include your favourite meats; or alternatively a picnic basket can be arranged should you wish to stay longer in the park. We have many favourite spots to go to for a quiet lunch in the bush or for special sundowners – toasting to the end of yet another beautiful day in Africa.

DELECTABLE DESSERT
As evening sets in, enjoy drinks around the campfire; followed by a three course plated dinner as you discuss the great game viewing and events of the day. The camp’s signature dish – and a definite favourite amongst guests – is our mouth-watering dessert called “Chocolate Kilimanjaro.”

It resembles the white snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and simply melts in your mouth – but don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself when you visit this very special camp. If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a private dinner under the stars on your tent deck.

GAME DRIVES
Sanctuary Swala is at the heart of Tarangire National Park, where Northern Tanzania’s largest population of elephant makes its home, as does a rare white giraffe. Abandoned termite mounds become the sanctuary of dwarf mongoose.

Drives out from Sanctuary Swala reward you with exciting wildlife encounters, while herds of elephant, and prides of lions all roam within sight and earshot of the camp. The low volume of visitors to the park offers a truly unique and private experience and our customised open safari vehicles offer unobstructed viewing and great photography opportunities.

BUSH BREAKFASTS, PICNICS & DINNERS
You may have decided with your guide to take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you but equally lovely in the evening is to enjoy a bush dinner. A secluded clearing is prepared for a traditional East African meal in the middle of the Tarangire bush.

With a sundowner in hand watch as the sun swiftly sinks and your setting becomes illuminated by a magnificent log fire. Once you have settled into your surroundings let our chef introduce you to traditional Swahili fare and experience a memorable evening under the African night sky.

BEEKEEPING PROJECT
Sanctuary Swala has developed a beekeeping project located in the village of Mwika on the border of Tarangire National Park. Through beekeeping we are able to preserve the natural environment while providing a valuable source of income to the community.

Sanctuary Swala not only provided the village with the materials to make the hives, but with the knowledge and the equipment to keep bees which produce organic acacia honey. The honey that is harvested is sold through Sanctuary Swala with all proceeds going back to the project.

With the success of the first harvest of honey in August 2010 the project has plans to develop and grow to over 100 hives, providing more families with income from a traditional foodstuff. While at Sanctuary Swala you have the opportunity to meet with the beekeepers on a visit to Mwika village and learn firsthand how the project operates.

GAME DRIVES AT NIGHT
Experience the wonders of a safari at night in Tarangire. As dusk falls, relax in the comfort of Sanctuary Swala’s customised safari vehicle as you venture into the park transformed by night.

Search for nocturnal animals rarely seen as this is one of the few places in northern Tanzania where you can enjoy a safari by moonlight. At night, you may encounter an African wild cat, the elusive leopard or feel the round eyes of a bushbaby peering down at you as the moon rises into the sky.

With specialised lighting you will be able to look for lion and hyena, as well as smaller creatures such as spotted genet, serval, bat eared foxes, owls and nightjars. (Maximum 5 people, additional cost)

WALKING SAFARIS
Put on your walking shoes and experience beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective with a walking safari at Sanctuary Swala. With our professional walking guide and armed ranger, guests can now explore the grassland around camp in one of the most secluded areas of the park.

Our qualified guide has a wealth of knowledge and will explain how to understand animal behaviour while tracking a variety of game. You may encounter zebra, waterbuck, impala, ostrich, elephant as well as a number of birds. Sanctuary Swala is one of only a few camps within Tanzania’s Northern Park that is able to offer walking safaris. (Maximum 6 people per walk, additional cost).

Rooms: 12

Price: from 744 EUR per night

Source: www.sanctuaryretreats.com