Oliver’s Camp

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Set in the game-rich Tarangire National Park, Oliver’s Camp embodies the romance of the glory days of African safari camps.

Accommodations at the camp consist of ten luxury tents with thatched roofs. Each tent has the option of two twin beds or one double with one being able to convert to a triple upon request. The en suite bathrooms features plenty of running water heated by solar power, flush toilets, and both an indoor and a romantic outdoor shower with amazing views but complete privacy. A large private deck furnished with comfortable daybeds overlooks the stunning bushveld. There is one larger family tent that can house up to two adults and two children without feeling cramped.

Established by Paul Oliver in 1992, the safari camp is located in Tarangire, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania occupying 1,096 square miles southwest of Arusha. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees, tree climbing lions, resident zebra, and wildebeest. Plus, the park is a bird lover’s heaven with over 550 species. The swamps are concentrated with the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world and great place to see the yellow-collared lovebirds. A place of widely diverse landscape and vegetation, it encompasses hills dotted with baobabs, dense bush, and high grasses. This varied landscape is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape.

Twice daily game drives are conducted in open-sided 4×4 vehicles and led by expert guides and trackers. All vehicles have power points for recharging devices, and are fitted with fridges for a nice cold drink. Night-time drives show what life is like when the bush comes alive after dark and what nocturnal animals roam the bush. Walking safaris with an experienced guide are a great way to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as understanding the true majesty of the indigenous peoples that live on the land. For an additional cost, hot air balloon safaris provide an aerial view of the plains and teeming wildlife below. For a full wilderness adventure, guests can sleep out in a lightweight fly camp with nothing more than a tent, a guide, and a small team of staff.

The main area of camp features deep leather sofas inviting guests to relax. Communal meals are enjoyed in the dining room. Breakfast includes cereals, muesli, fruit, yogurt, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and occasionally a cheese board. The buffet lunch is accompanied by a variety of salads followed by dessert. While dinners are a delectable three-course affair. A local women’s project will soon be supplying all the camp’s honey.