A renowned natural haven fantastically enhanced
Tarangire National Park’s majestic landscape of floodplains, grasslands, hills and giant baobab trees draws an astonishing cast of animals, and nowhere more so then at the transformed Sanctuary Swala Camp, in the heart of this animal kingdom. At the start of June, Sanctuary Swala was reborn as an even more sophisticated luxury camp, the latest to be announced in Sanctuary Retreats’ extensive investment programme.
High design with the lightest of footprints
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 selected and each furnishing considered; some created especially by Dunia Designs, an eco-friendly design company in Arusha which thoughtfully repurposes artefacts into beautiful, bespoke creations. Sanctuary Swala treads with the lightest of footprints, without compromising on luxury.
Plenty of space and a strong sense of place
Sanctuary Swala’s welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. Traditional peaked thatch roofs harmonise beautifully with the surrounding 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. Take full advantage of the lack of light pollution with candlelit dinners and stargazing. Scrumptious cuisine offers an insight into local flavours with expertly prepared dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients and spices alongside the continent’s finest wines.
Sanctuary Swala’s enhancements at a glance
- All twelve tents have been replaced with brand new canvas pavilions.
- Fully refitted interiors in the pavilions, with stylish new furniture and contemporary décor.
- Yoga and gym bags in all rooms encourage a more mindful and healthy state.
- Brand new restaurant with ample outdoor dining space, serving delicious cuisine.
- Chic new gin bar offering refreshing cocktails and incredible views of the watering hole.
- New wooden-decked boma boasting a canopy of stars at night.
- For those who can’t quite disconnect, wifi in each pavilion.
Immersed in nature
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 Big Five encounters, while herds of elephant, a crash of hippos and prides of lions all roam within sight and earshot of the camp. Listen out for the calls from the family of tree hyrax which lives in the camp. Explore the bush by foot: expert guides navigate you through grassland, to the top of rocky hills and past ambling oryx, then venture to the midst of the gully’s vegetation in search of sleepy kudu. After-dark drives allow for exclusive sightings of nocturnal creatures which include the elusive leopard, the bush baby, bat-eared foxes and the African wildcat.
Philanthropy and the environment
Philanthropy projects supported at Sanctuary Swala are chosen based on their potential to create long-lasting benefits for neighbouring communities and the local environment. Sanctuary Swala backs community development at the Ilboru Secondary School, for example, where children with impaired hearing or mental and physical challenges are given access to innovative educational tools to enable them to thrive. Environmental care is high on the agenda too, illustrated by Sanctuary Swala using biodegradable cleaning products to keep the areas’ waterways and soil free of chemicals.
To view the full range of Sanctuary Swala images, please click here.