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Sanctuary Swala

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Traveler (464)
Room & Suite (128)
Dining (35)

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About

#5 of 25 campgrounds in Tarangire National Park
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
The main area is situated right under a big baobab tree, a common sight in these parts of Tanzania. The dining area, lounge and deck all feature a chic, contemporary African design with a traditional thatched roof. This main area is lifted on stilts allowing a wide view of the grasslands of the Tarangire right in front of the camp. Each of the twelve canvas pavilions is shaded by tall acacia trees. They are exquisitely furnished but still close enough to nature to permit an exciting night under canvas. The tents feature a spacious open plan arrangement with comfortable king or twin beds, campaign chairs and plush sofas and boasts an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower for that extra bit of luxury. Sip cocktails or enjoy scrumptious dinners on your own private veranda and watch the waterhole which regularly draws lions, leopards and resident bull elephants. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in guests' tents.
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Property amenities
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Airport transportation
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Luxury

Location

Arusha, Tarangire National Park Tanzania
Sanctuary Swala
364Reviews14Q+A73Room tips
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WHdeL wrote a review Feb 2024
The Netherlands378 contributions77 helpful votes
+1
Sanctuary Swala felt like the Garden of Eden, no fences around the park so all kinds of animals near the lodge and near the restaurant. Monkeys, elephants, impalas. Very luxurious 'tents' at the front, with a more solid building at the back with toilet, bathroom and outdoor shower. Coffee is served in the morning. An incredibly sweet, attentive staff, good food, including vegetarian options (we are not vegetarians but eat very little meat). Cocktail bar with bush television (park and wildlife views). Incredibly beautiful photos taken. On the first day, on the way to the camp, we saw more wildlife and up close than in three trips to South Africa.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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mk4343 wrote a review Nov 2023
Jersey City, New Jersey42 contributions40 helpful votes
+1
Really enjoyed a stay here. Beautifully maintained property and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Dinner overlooking the watering hole with elephants was the highlight. Rooms were really superb and the open shower was the best. Would highly recommend staying here!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LAlvaradoBenson wrote a review Oct 2023
Boulder, Colorado15 contributions5 helpful votes
+1
Wow. Just Wow. A heart-stopping sight greets you upon check-in: literally 30 large bull elephants jockeying for position around the man-made watering hole just steps from the main bar/dining area. We had never experienced anything like being able to watch the raw beauty of these amazing animals so close, safely, and with great cocktails in hand. Just epic. And if that weren’t enough of a draw, the chef is first-rate and the safari tent lodge was the finest we enjoyed along a 12-day safari from north to south. The outdoor shower is a special treat - private and yet positioned so you can hear the animal bugling just yards away. A super special property that you SHOULD spoil yourself with while in Tanzania!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Arrange a sundowner dinner - a fantastic 5-star meal by lantern in a private alcove. Consider the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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letsgo1084 wrote a review Sep 2023
Saint Paul, Minnesota34 contributions14 helpful votes
This is a stunning tented property in Tarangire park. The common spaces overlook a watering hole that is frequented by elephants and lions so even when you're not on a drive you can enjoy wildlife. The tents are permanent with large decks, and wonderful outdoor showers, double sink vanities, and spaced well enough apart that you feel as if you're all alone. The staff is very welcoming and efficient. Somehow, they make the magic happen seamlessly. I would absolutely stay here again, and would recommend to anyone who can, to spend at least 2 nights here- you won't be disappointed!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Dinner under the baobab tree was enchanting!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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FamilyLuvs2Travel wrote a review Sep 2023
Fallbrook, California126 contributions119 helpful votes
+1
We booked our very first safari for an 8-day adventure in Tanzani with Gosheni Safaris in September 2023. The itinerary included the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarangire National Park. We chose two Sanctuary camps for some of our accommodations, Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater and Sanctuary Swala Camp in the Tarangire National Park. Unfortunately, we only reserved Sanctuary Swala for our last night. But they always say to save the best for last! Honestly, please be sure to book at least three nights at this beautiful resort. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Moses, Honest and Emmanuel. They escorted us to their incredible wood deck with a nice refreshing drink. The ambience of this resort is over the top! Besides the incredible layout of the camp, they have a special waterhole that they filter water to for the elephants. There were so many elephants around the property. In fact, two bull elephants were feeding on trees nearby so we needed to keep our distance. Besides elephants, there were buffalo, impalas, Thompson’s gazelles, zebras, wildebeest, etc… After our orientation on the dining and bar facilities, we were escorted to our room (#6). OMG…a beautiful tented camp with views galore. We had a large deck with comfortable cushioned lounge chairs to sit on and enjoy our glass of wine. There were no bugs to speak of … anywhere! After relaxing and enjoying our room, we headed back to the bar area and sat at the wood deck watching all the animals. We were mesmerized. The staff were all so friendly, personable and genuine. We felt so at home here. When it was time for dinner, we were escorted away from the dining area and lead to a special intimate area of the resort set up just for us! The space was surrounded by dimly lit lanterns, casting a romantic ambience to our evening. We were so surprised! Gosheni Safari must have informed Sanctuary Swala that we were celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary. We were not in the very least expecting this. The special dinner they served was the very best we have had in a very long time! They have a very talented chef! To top it off, the entire staff serenaded us, circling us with song and dance and then presenting a special baked cake for us! I was in tears for how just how special they celebrated our anniversary for us! We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and then it was time to depart. Too short of time to spend at this spectacular property and the most hospitable staff. Again, as we were about to load into our safari jeep, the entire staff came out again to sing the same lovely Hakuna Matata Swahili song, to wish us good-bye. Again, tears came once again. Sanctuary Swala Camp, you will always be dear to our hearts and I can only hope we will return someday! Please choose to stay here for your accommodation in the Tarangire National Park!!!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Be sure to stay more than one night to really enjoy this beautiful and special camp!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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lulunamibia wrote a review Aug 2023
Pavia, Italy11 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
We spent only 2 days unfortunately I want to be back and stay more days The camp has a beautiful location, you are always sorrounded by the elphants, velvet monkeys, impala They are all the time around and inaide the camp!!!! The service is excellent The food is excellent The activotoes are amamzing We had a really competent and nice guide Sigfried The tents are very spacious and comfortable The furniture of the camp is contemporary African The Tarangire National Park is spectacular Nothing more to deserve......
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: The only suggestion ia to stay at least 3 days
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Bob D wrote a review Aug 2023
Portland, Oregon8 contributions3 helpful votes
A tip of the hat to Moses and the team at Sanctuary Swala. We stayed for 3 nights and loved the experience. This beautiful camp is embedded in the wildlife community. Elephants abound, and we could hear lion calls at night. We saw leopards, cheetahs, lions, lots and lots of elephants, giraffes and so much more. Our guide Idriss was so much fun and knowledgeable about plants, birds, animals, community, and culture. Spending the day with him was like a college course in safari. We did a night drive and a walking safari. The accommodations are very comfortable and private. We stayed here at the end of a 10-day trip through Kenya and Tanzania. It was a perfect cap for a great holiday. Because this is a national park, game viewing is only from the main roads. This was not a problem because animals are plentiful but some are better sighted with binoculars, which the camp provides. All our best to Moses and his great team at Swala on a job well done!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Kirsten R wrote a review Aug 2023
Clemmons, North Carolina163 contributions72 helpful votes
We stayed here for three nights and would have been happy to stay more nights. The staff are fantastic as was the food and the morning coffee service. Our rooms were really nice and had all the needed amenities including places to power devices. We felt very safe here and it was a great location as we headed out each day with a picnic lunch to enjoy Tarangire. A must stay when in the area.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ladiesmom wrote a review Jul 2023
Brooklyn, New York89 contributions60 helpful votes
+1
We stayed in three Sanctuary properties during our time in Tanzania. All had amazing staff, excellent food, and were exceedingly well appointed. That said, Swala is the one NOT to miss! It has all of the above, plus a fantastic location right by a watering hole frequented by many animals. The bar and lounge area is just delightful. And they have a wonderful gift store. The rooms are permanent - no tents - and very spacious. We wished we could have stayed longer. And hope to be back again!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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jiudicello wrote a review Jul 2023
4 contributions7 helpful votes
Very secluded resort of top-notch quality. Has a rustic-African Architectural feel, but very stylish and comfortable. The views of the wildlife and landscape from the bar, restaurant, library, common area, and personal rooms are stunning. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Plus, Tarangire park is fantastic to explore on safari. Would highly recommend this resort! We stayed at 5 different lodges on our 2-week safari, and Sanctuary Swala was our favorite in Tanzania, and a close 2nd place overall.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
sanctuary swala hotel tarangire national park
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionTarangire National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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SANCTUARY SWALA - Updated 2024 Campground Reviews (Tarangire National Park, Tanzania)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sanctuary Swala
What are some of the property amenities at Sanctuary Swala?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, airport transportation, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Sanctuary Swala?
Top room amenities include a desk, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Sanctuary Swala?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Does Sanctuary Swala have airport transportation?
Yes, Sanctuary Swala offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.