Lodge Overview
If you are looking for an authentic safari experience under traditional
canvas showcasing spacious views and enriching culture, all at a
reasonable value, look no further! Tarangire River Camp might be
just the answer you are looking for.
Tarangire River Camp is a relatively new lodge just outside Tarangire
National Park. It is made up of 21 Safari Tents within a large concession
area (25,000 hectares) set aside for conservation by the local Maasai
community of Minjingu, which borders Tarangire National Park in
its north-western limit. Included on the land is a branch of the
Tarangire River itself, which the camp overlooks. The property is
in a great location for game viewing since it is only a mile and
a half outside the main park gate. Walking safaris into the bush
with a Maasai guide are also allowed here since the camp is situated
on a private concession. Because of its location, value, atmosphere,
views and activities, this venue is a wonderful celebration of Tarangire
National Park and all the unique features this park offers.
Accommodations here consist of spacious tents constructed of timber
and canvas on elevated platforms. A lazy daybed adorns each tent’s
generously proportioned private veranda. A pristine forest of baobab
and acacia groves surround the camp, and several of the tents offer
stunning views of the river which morphs to a dramatic sand bed
in the dry season. When the clouds are cooperating one can even
spot Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro on the distant horizon.
Each private tent is elegantly appointed with simple furniture,
which includes a gauze-draped four-poster bed, simple writing desk,
bedside tables, and classic wooden trunk. An en suite bathroom boasts
proper plumbing, flushing toilets and a simply constructed but fully
functional shower. A large mirror hangs over a single sink vanity
that is well stocked with plush towels. Convenient outlets provide
24/7 electricity and lighting as needed, and are great for charging
those camera batteries.
The Lodge’s common facilities are simple but stylish. Traditional
grass thatching adorns the roof of the main lodge structure which
is set off the ground on an elevated deck. A breezy lounge boasts
ample seating through numerous couches and chairs in a relaxing
open-air environment that is adorned by authentic Maasai artifacts.
The lounge is linked to the dining area by a short set of stairs.
The dining area consists of wooden dining tables and simple safari
style seating, all situated around a main pillar and coffee bar
in the center of the space. Large awnings shield the sunshine, and
the elevated position allows for excellent views over the river
bank and forests below.
Both the dining and lounge areas are married into a proper bon-fire
area and game viewing deck that also overlook the same stunning
views. A smaller, secondary game viewing deck, accessed by a staircase,
rises above the ceiling and offers a high, intimate perch above
it all. A set of his and her bathrooms are in a separate hut just
a few feet away from the dining and lounge areas, offering guests
convenient use of the facilities without having to walk all the
way back to their rooms during dinner or fireside chats. A small,
informal gift shop resides underneath the elevated platform of the
dining hall, offering the families of the nearby Maasai villages
a chance to sell some of their handmade wares.
Location
Tarangire River Camp is located about 1.5 miles to the north-west
of Tarangire National Park. The Camp is located on a 25,000-hectare
private concession which is also home to the Maasai people.
Accommodations are set high on an elevated river bank overlooking
a branch of the river; a position that offers stunning views of
the river itself and acacia forest beyond. The river flows with
an ample water supply during the heart of the green season, however
it dries to an arid sand-bed at the peak of the dry season, obviously
traversed by a multitude of animals as evidenced by the many paw
prints and hoof prints that are left behind.
The advantage of being located outside the park is that various
activities are allowed that are not permitted within any of Tanzania’s
northern National Parks including walking safaris.
Accommodations
Accommodations at Tarangire Safari Camp consist of 21 simple but
elegant tented cottages. There are 7 doubles (1 king-size bed),
8 twins (2 twin beds), 4 triples (3 twin beds) and 2 family tents
(four beds). The living space is enclosed by a traditional and spacious
canvas safari tent, which are elevated above the ground and built
upon wooden stilts. There is a large chalet-style roof over each
tent that provides extra shade and protection from the elements.
Each tent is accessed via a short set of stairs, which leads to
a beautiful private veranda. The verandas are well appointed with
a day bed and safari chairs. The attractively appointed tents are
stylishly furnished with inviting writing desks, hand-carved wooden
trunks, and canopy beds draped in gauze. At the back of each cottage
is an en suite bathroom with a proper flushing toilet, shower and
vanity with sink and mirror.
The main Lodge at Tarangire River Camp is quite nice and includes
the lounge, coffee bar, dining area, fire pit and nicely situated
game viewing deck that offers fantastic views over the riverbank.
The walls of the lobby and dining area are a combination of canvas
“curtains”, timber partitions, and open air ambience.
The roof is comprised wooden beams covered by thatching to make
a charming sunshade. The timber walls are decorated with delightful
safari artifacts. One side of the main Lodge houses the dining room,
and the other side contains the lounge area. There is a fantastic
game-viewing deck and fire pit area in front of the main Lodge that
offers an especially pleasing atmosphere in the evening, as guests
can gather around a roaring bonfire underneath the stars.
Food and Drink
The quality of food at Tarangire River Camp is quite fine. Please note that you will be escorted to and from dinner each evening to assure your safety. Breakfast consists of a mixed buffet with orders taken for eggs, omelets, toast, etc. The buffet consists of yogurt, nuts, cereal, breads, fruit and juice. Lunch is served fixed course and not buffet. Breakfast and lunch boxes are available for those wishing to enjoy their meals in the bush and on game drives.
Special Features
- Private game drives into the famous Tarangire National Park
Picnic lunches - Full housekeeping services
- Walking safaris
- Cultural interactions with a local Maasai village
- Visit to a local school
- 24/7 electricity powered by solar inverter and generator
- Laundry service at an additional fee (cash only)
- No credit card service
- No hairdryers
- Selection of beverages including soft drinks, beer, wine, & spirits at an additional cost (cash only)
