Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Fabulous colonial-style tented camp within the game-filled Tarangire National Park, specialising in walking safaris
Tarangire National Park lies in the floor of the Great Rift Valley,
an area fringed by pastoralists living from the land, mainly the
famous Maasai. The vegetation is denser than the Serengeti, with
baobab trees, acacia and mixed woodland. It's well known for its
elephant population, its tree-climbing lions and over 550 varieties
of birds.
Oliver's Camp is in the heart of Tarangire, further south-east from
the main entrance to the park than most other camps, and close to
the famous Silale Swamps and the Minyonyo Pools, one of the very
best game viewing locations. It feels wonderfully remote and is the
only camp where walking safaris can be taken in the park, and the
guides here specialise in tracking animals on foot. Walks range
from an hour around the camp to a full day exploring the
'wilderness zones', or even overnight-ers, using fly-camps.
The camp itself is made up of 10 tents, linked by sandy
paths, and a colonial-style canopied dining area and lounge set
amongst a stand of umbrella acacias. It's utterly lovely - plus you
get peace and tranquility, open skies and fires, and proximity to
the wildlife you came to see. Our favourite Tanzanian camp.
Reviewed by Guy Hunter Watts
Last updated 14 May 2012
Highs
- The Tarangire is heart-achingly beautiful and nowhere in Tanzania has the same density of elephant herds - you’ll see masses of animals but far fewer vehicles than you would in the Serengeti
- The camp has an utterly authentic ‘Out of Africa’ feel about it - we loved sitting in leather armchairs to pore over black and white photography books
- Staff and guides are first-class - friendly, informative, kind
- Excellent food - restaurant quality, yet somehow magicked up in a tent
- Comfortable tents with comfy beds, great views and outdoor showers - a giraffe walked past as I bathed
- Opportunities for fly-camping under the stars, and amazing night drives inside the park (we saw leopards during ours, then a herd of 1500 buffalo ran in front of our Jeep!)
Lows
- The ‘one’ table philosophy means you're obliged to be sociable, unless you opt to eat meals back at your tent or request a private table
- The ideal season for walking safaris is quite short (Aug-Nov)
- Be prepared for a 4-hour drive down from Arusha. But the last 2 of these are through the park, and utterly stunning
