In the far southwest corner of Tarangire National Park, under a canopy of umbrella-shaped acacia trees strewn along the edge of the Gursi Swamp, is Swala Camp, an A&K Sanctuary. And what a camp it is. The 12 beautifully furnished tents are really rather glamorous and the setting is idyllically peaceful, but it’s the nearby waterhole that really bowls you over. Here, families of plodding elephant stop to drink whilst lion keep a lazy eye on the clusters of skittering antelope. And with all the action so close-by, we wouldn’t blame you for perhaps missing a game drive or two…




With their contemporary blend of colonial and Afro-chic design and very modern finesse, the rooms at Swala are definitely worth writing home about. Scrubbed white floors and crisp cream linens add a fresh, soothing feel to the tented havens and the large decked verandas are perfectly private and calling out for a G&T accompanied by the sounds of the waterhole below. Bathrooms are just as stylish with twin sinks, polished accessories and indoor and outdoor showers.
Owned by A&K Sanctuary, this property is committed to conservation and responsible tourism. Since 1999, they've aimed to positively impact the areas they operate in, nurturing relationships with rural communities. They sponsor sustainable projects, collaborating closely with communities to understand needs and deliver impactful initiatives. Their goal is to improve local wellbeing and create lasting solutions for future generations.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Sanctuary Swala can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Sanctuary Swala or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Sanctuary Swala start from around $1.4K, or US$1.4K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Battalions of baobabs and mighty herds of elephant make for a superb stop-off on your safari circuit.