Perfect forA classic East African safari experience.
In the knowVisit towards the end of the dry season, in September or October, to see huge herds of 50 - 100 elephants in Tarangire.
By a waterhole deep in Tarangire National Park.
The 12 tents at Swala are large marquee style pavilions and are absolutely beautiful. They're each on their own deck and have ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. It'd be easy to imagine you're in 'Out of Africa' here, with mosquito nets that billow in the early morning breeze, acacia trees shading you from the equatorial sun, and monkeys occasionally scampering across the roof.
The main bar, library and mess at Swala are built around a huge baobab tree, which the park is famous for.
There's also a pool overlooking a small waterhole. This really draws the game in, and on our last stay we were treated to an endless trail of elephants coming to drink, impala racing through camp, and a lion serenading us throughout dinner.
The focus here is on game drives, both morning and afternoon. As Tarangire's particularly well known for its elephants, this is the best way to get close to them. When the grass is shorter (usually between about June and October), it's also possible to do walking safaris.