Sanctuary Swala is located in an exceptionally private section of the Tarangire National Park. Offering visitors a luxurious and exclusive safari experience. Elephants in particular love to come to the camp to drink at the water hole. And big cats are often seen among the massive baobab trees.
Tarangire National Park is one of the most exciting and least visited parks in Tanzania. The Tarangire National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants that congregate under the spectacular baobab trees. The park attracts an abundance of zebra. And is home to waterbuck, giraffe, and kudu with their immense spiral horns. As well as oryx with their lengthy rapier horns. The park is also home to over 550 species of bird. With yellow-collared lovebirds a common sight in the trees along the Tarangire River. Key wildlife includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, brown and spotted hyena, kudu, wildebeest, waterbuck, eland, wild dog, and fringe-eared Oryx.
Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint. Sanctuary Swala’s welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Traditional peaked thatch roofs harmonize beautifully with the surrounding bush. Keeping these areas cool in the hot months. Set on stilts around ancient towering baobab trees, are the elevated dining area, lounge, and library. Sound-tracked by the sing-song of the hundreds of species of birds. Ornithologists say that 23 are exclusively endemic to this corner of the world. The camp also features a wooden decked boma that boasts a canopy of stars and a bush boutique.
Sanctuary Swala offers 12 x luxurious open-plan and spacious canvas tents. All shaded by acacia trees and within sight of the waterhole frequented by elephants and big cats. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. They feature a spacious open plan arrangement with elegant neutral-toned interiors, and 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, meaning you won’t miss a sight.
All tents have a hair dryer, ceiling fan, safe, mosquito nets, and a private deck. Each tent has a personal attendant to attend to guests’ every need. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest tents.
Sanctuary Swala accommodation
Tanzania Family Safari
Children of 6 years and older are welcome at Sanctuary Swala. Children aged 15 or younger are not permitted on walking safaris. And must share with their parents. Three triples are available on request.
Kids aged 6 years stay free of charge. One child (7 – 15) staying with two adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. When two children are staying with one adult, one child pays the standard adult sharing rate. The second pays 50% of the adult sharing rate.
Activities
The following activities are included in your stay: Game Drives: This is Big 5 territory! Tarangire is famed for its large concentrations of elephants. The river is the park’s lifeline and attracts much of the game to its banks. You may also find some of the many leopards that rest by day in the shady trees. While the surrounding savanna is a natural playground for majestic lion prides. Abandoned termite mounds become the sanctuary of dwarf mongooses.
GiraffeLion
The low volume of visitors to the park offers a truly unique and private experience and the customized open safari vehicles offer unobstructed viewing. And great photography opportunities.
Game drive safari stop
Activities at an additional cost
Canoe Safari
Experience the beauty of Tanzania from a unique perspective on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi. Just a short walk or drive from Sanctuary Swala, guests will participate in a safety and skills briefing before departing the lake shore in 2-man Canadian canoes for their 2-3 hour water-based adventure. Paddling through the water is a magical experience, seeing elephants swimming and wildlife drinking at the shore from your canoe shows the natural world from a totally different angle. A highly-trained canoeing guide will be present.
Canoe Safari
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunshine. Once aloft, it floats gently over the Tarangire National Park. Gaze down upon towering baobab trees and spot leopards and herds of elephants from the sky. The balloon flight time is around one hour. With breakfast including bacon, sausages, eggs, and pastries awaiting you upon landing. Where you toast to your experience with a glass of bubbly.
Hot Air Balloon safari
Walking Safaris
Put on your walking shoes and experience the beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective. With a walking safari. With a professional walking guide and armed ranger, guests can explore the grassland around camp. Encounter majestic wildlife. Such as zebra, waterbuck, impala, ostrich and elephants. As well as the diverse birdlife. Your guide’s expertise will help you decipher animal behaviour. And offer fascinating insights into the ecosystem.
Tarangire walking safari
Night game drives
Experience the wonders of a safari at night in Tarangire. As dusk falls, relax in the comfort of Sanctuary Swala’s customized safari vehicle as you venture into the park transformed by night. Search for nocturnal animals that emerge only after dusk with the aide of specialized lighting on the vehicles. At night, you may encounter an African wild cat and the elusive leopard. Or see the round eyes of a bush baby. With specialized lighting, you will be able to look for lions and hyenas. As well as smaller creatures such as spotted genet, serval, bat-eared foxes, owls, and nightjars.
Night game drive
Making Your Safari Count ↓
Understanding the Dynamics
Rural African villages that border national parks are impacted hugely by human-animal conflict. Predators, such as lions and leopards are prone to hunting domestic livestock. While elephants trample on crops and raid farmers’ fields. It is essential that these communities maintain their commitment to living with wildlife. To ensure the continued survival of Africa’s animals. How? Through educating and supporting the children of these communities.
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy
A commitment to conservation and responsible tourism is an integral part of Sanctuary Retreats’ DNA. Ever since they began in 1999, they pledged to make a positive impact on the areas in which they operate. And to nurture enduring relationships with the rural communities that live there.
Their goal is to identify and sponsor long term, viable and self-sustaining projects. That will improve the well being of local people. And earn the support of staff and visitors. All of the projects are collaborative. They work closely with the communities to understand their needs. So that they can be sure of delivering impactful initiatives. And meaningful solutions that will improve lives for generations to come. Some of the projects in Tanzania are:
Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs
Tanzanian children with hearing impairments or mental and physical special needs are often left with limited opportunities for a formal education. More than a decade ago, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy funded the construction of the Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs. The first primary school in Arusha designed for deaf and disabled children.
They began an innovative literacy program at the school, in partnership with Worldreader. This gave the children access to a large library of digital textbooks and literature. In both English and their native language of Swahili. Helping to improve reading comprehension and inspire a passion for learning.
Guests are welcome to visit the school, so that they can meet the teachers. And learn about the challenges of delivering special education to children in Tanzania.
Secondary School
The primary school has proven a huge success and a beacon of hope for Arusha’s disabled community. However, upon graduation, students had no choice but to return to regular mainstream education. Where teachers are not trained to deal with their unique learning needs and specialist facilities are lacking. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a high drop-out rate.
Sanctuary has therefore amplified their support at Ilboru with the construction of a secondary school. In partnership with Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, which is providing specially trained teachers to work at the facility. In addition to standard academic courses, the school teaches vocational skills such as sewing. To increase the children’s chances of finding employment upon graduation.
Doffa Bike Shop
The Doffa Bike Shop is an enterprise that provides women with the opportunity to earn a much-needed income. While also giving their community vital access to transportation and helping to address the gender gap.
Part of the Bike Shop Program, it employs four local women who have undertaken extensive training to become bicycle mechanics. And learn the skills necessary to own and operate their own business. What makes Doffa Bike Shop unique is that all the women employed at the shop have HIV. Just a handful of the 780,000 or so women aged 15 and over that live with the virus. In parts of Tanzania, gender inequality and stigma against HIV positive individuals are still issues. Acting as major barriers to HIV prevention. Doffa Bike Shop aims to empower women to live a dignified life. Fighting discrimination and the stigma of HIV.
Stock is made up of used and donated bikes that are sent via shipping container. With new shipments received on a regular basis. All proudly paid for with proceeds of the business. Even the shop itself is part of the story. It is made from the shipping containers that brought over the very first batch of bikes. Not only does this project empower women to learn a new field of skills and support themselves. But it also helps to break down socially constructed gender norms.
Safe Water for Schools Tanzania
Sanctuary Retreats believe creating access to clean drinking water is one vital for quality of life. Not only can it save communities from infectious disease, malnutrition and health complications. But improved water supply and sanitation can also boost economic growth and help to reduce poverty.
Sanctuary Swala Dining
Breakfast, lunch, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in your stay. Experience consistent fine dining throughout your stay at Sanctuary Swala. Every single detail will be considered to ensure that each meal is better than the last. No matter what your food preferences the incredible staff are on hand to provide wine pairing recommendations. Equally, if wine isn’t your drink of choice, they also have specialty coffees and a variety of infused teas.
Don’t forget to try the signature sweet treat, ‘Chocolate Kilimanjaro’. A decadent dessert and guest favorite that resembles the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
For a special occasion, a romantic private dinner under the stars is a must-do.
Breakfast is either before the morning game activity. Or a picnic breakfast can be taken on your morning activity. Lunch can be enjoyed back at the camp. Or as a picnic in the bush. Afternoon game viewing includes classic sundowner drinks and snacks at specially selected spots. Before returning to the camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. With prior notice, Sanctuary Swala is able to arrange halaal meals. However, please note the kitchens aren’t strictly halaal and chefs are not trained in halaal food preparation. Unfortunately, kosher meals are not available.
Dining
Best Time to Visit Sanctuary Swala
Tanzania has a tropical climate which is mainly characterized by warm days and cool evenings. December to March are usually the warmest months of the year. While June to August is the coolest. April and May often see intermittent rains. From September to November, the days are warm with short scattered rains falling in November.
Dry Season (June to October): During the dry season, water sources within the park become scarce. Causing animals to congregate around the water sources making for excellent game viewing. As animals are easier to spot against the drier backdrop. The weather is also pleasant during these months, with lower chances of rain.
Wet Season (November to May): The wet season is characterized by sporadic rains, which can lead to the park becoming lush and green. This season can still offer unique opportunities for bird watching and photography. As well as the chance to see young animals.
How to get to Sanctuary Swala
Kuro Airstrip is approximately a 45-minute drive from Sanctuary Swala.
Flying times: There is a once-a-day scheduled light aircraft flight into Kuro from Arusha. Private charters are also available. Arusha (ARK) to Kuro Airstrip – 25 minutes Kuro airstrip to Serengeti South (SGS) airstrip – 1 hour 30 minutes
Road transfers: Arusha to Sanctuary Swala – 4 hours Kilimanjaro to Sanctuary Swala – 5 hours Sanctuary Swala to Ngorongoro Crater – 5 hours
PLEASE NOTE: The luggage restriction for light aircraft is 15kg / 33lbs per person in a soft-sided bag.
Sanctuary Swala Accommodation Rates
The longer you stay, the less you pay Stay 4-6 nights & save up to 25% Stay 7+ nights & save up to 30%
Below are the game package rates in USD. Full board rates are available should you be driving to camp yourselves / with your own guide. Therefore they don’t include transfers and game drives.
Game package rates, in USD (Luxurious Canvas Tent)
Length of stay (Per Person Sharing)
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
Low: 3rd January – 31st March 2024
$1 250
$1 000
$750
1st April – 31st May 2024
Closed
High Season: 1st June – 31st October 2024
$1 650
$1 485
$1 320
Low Season: 1st November until 20th December 2024
$1 250
$1 000
$750
High: 21st December 2024 – 2nd January 2025
$1 650
$1 485
$1 320
Single Supplement
There is no single supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 x suites in the low season. Further single occupancy bookings in the low season are subject to a 50% single supplement. In high season, singles will pay a 50% single supplement.
Child Rates:
Children aged 6 years stay free of charge. One child staying with two adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. When two children are staying with one adult, one child pays the standard adult sharing rate. The second pays 50% of the adult sharing rate.
Game package rates include: All meals All drinks (excluding premium brands) Laundry, and daily housekeeping Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and afternoon game drives. This can also be a full day safari. Return transfers to and from the airstrip to the camp 24-hour on-site staff and security Emergency medical evacuation.
Excludes: Park, Camping and Concession Fees. Tourism Development Levy. Walking safaris, canoeing and night game drives International and domestic flights, landing fees, Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges. Travel insurance, Boutique purchases, Masai Village contribution, Gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Sanctuary Swala Camp Accommodation Special Offers
Honeymoon Offer
Book at least 2 nights and one partner gets 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
This special offer can be combined with our existing long stay discount for even greater savings.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate Offer does not apply to GK Suite at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp and Sanctuary Olonana. Or the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
Guests celebrating their honeymoon will also receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
Single Supplement Offer
The single supplement is wavered for all Sanctuary camps and lodges in April 2024 and October 2024. This is in addition to the standard waiver of single supplements in low season.
Stay 3 Pay 2 in East Africa
Stay 3 nights at Sanctuary Swala and receive your 3rd night free.
Travel valid from 1st October 2024 – 21st December 2024
Can be combined with the long stay discount.
Family / Group Travel Offer
Experience a family group safari like no other at our camps and lodges across Africa.
For groups of eight full paying guests, one guest travels free For groups of 12 full paying guests, two guests travel free with two private vehicles
Valid for travel from 1st February – 31st May, 1st October – 21st December 2024, 3rd January 2025 – 30th April 2025 Valid for travel to all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa Groups with 6+ full paying adults. Children aged 6+ count towards the min pax Cannot be combined with any other offers Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Sanctuary Olonana and Chief’s Camp. Plus the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
