Tarangire Treetops | Tarangire National Park One Of Tanzania’s Best Safari Lodges

I swing my legs off the edge of our treehouse’s private balcony, feeling like a playful child. We are in one of 20 of these fun guest suites at Tarangire Treetops, a lovely safari lodge on a private concession just east of Tarangire National Park. The treehouses are set under canopies of marula and baobab trees, centred around the main lodge. The lodge itself encases a 1,000 year old baobab tree – home to a colony of bats that keep the camp mosquito free. Beneath me I can see the sparkling swimming pool; ahead, the rolling, baobab-studded hills of the park.

The sound of running water is almost obscured by the trills and chirps of birds, which could any of the more than 550 species that can be found here at Tarangire Treetops. My partner comes out of the en-suite bathroom, excitedly telling me to come see the ostrich-egg soap dispenser, the twin vanities and double shower heads! Our massive room – which is made of timber with polished wooden floors, a high-ceilinged thatched roof and rustic beams – dwarfs the king-sized bed and sitting room, which features oversized armchairs made from Zanzibari dhows. At 65 square metres, it’s apparently one of the largest lodge bedrooms to be found in East Africa … plus it opens up to an expansive private verandah that offers a great view over the waterhole and animal trail in front of the lodge, and panoramas of the African plains. Waking up to sunrise tomorrow is going to be incredible. I can’t resist using the two-way radio to call down to reception – just to make sure it works – and then decide on the spur of the moment to ask about tonight’s table d’hôte dinner menu. My partner proposes that we spend the intermittent time at the swimming pool. Going downstairs is another fun adventure; first we open the trapdoor that keeps out unwanted nocturnal visitors, and then we wind our way down a spiral staircase to the ground. After some happy hours basking in the sun, we join the other guests for drinks at the boma before we’re shown to our romantic, candlelit table. We can’t wait for the real adventure tomorrow – an early morning game drive and an afternoon walking safari.

I loved the romance of staying in a treehouse, and the game drives with our excellent guide, Babu. But it was the walking safari that was the real highlight of our stay – we discovered the intricate and often unseen world of plants and animals, which gave us deeper insight into the unique ecosystem of Tarangire National Park. As night fell, we were guided to Sunset Hill, where we discovered a table dressed with the finest white linen and laden with cocktails and pre-dinner treats. As we watched the sun disappear in a blaze of colour over the endless African sky, I felt that the continent had become rooted in my very soul.

• Luxury safari lodge with 20 magical treehouse tents and a refreshing swimming pool.
• Private concession, private dining and private vehicles available (additional cost).
• Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, bush meals, bush sundowners and cultural visits.
• Children of all ages are welcome, and children’s activities and babysitting available. Two triple rooms, and other rooms can fit an extra bed.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.