Oliver’s Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Oliver’s Camp, located in Tarangire National Park, is a place for those who want to experience an adventurous safari with ample comforts.
About Oliver's Camp
Join our knowledgeable guides for a walking safari, soar over the plains in a hot-air balloonor examine leopard tracks along a dusty road. At Oliver’s, you can get to know the landscape from all angles.
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Open: June to March
Closed: April to May -
Closest airstrip: Kuro, 60-minute drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and over are welcome
Accommodation AT oliver's Camp
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Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Our 10-tent camp is relaxed and comfy, imitating the original safari camps. The team at Oliver’s have worked together for years, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Small groups may want to consider staying at Little Oliver's, a 5-tent area of the camp offset about a kilometer away from the main area. Join us for delicious meals and interesting conversation in the main lodge and sundowners under the stars.
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10 tents (including 1 four-sleeper family tent and a honeymoon tent)
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En-suite bathrooms
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Hot-water indoor and outdoor showers
Flushing toilets -
Flushing toilets
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Complimentary laundry service
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In-room lockable box
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Solar and generator power
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Battery-charging facilities
accommodation
Rooms
Our 10 en suite tents overlooking the a floodplain are decorated in earth tones to mirror the landscape. The beds are twin or king-sized. Bathrooms have flushing toilets and both indoor and outdoor showers. Your private deck is the perfect place to sit with a cold drink and enjoy the stillness and serenity of the African bush.
LOCATION
Location of Oliver's Camp
Oliver’s is in the remote south-eastern reaches of Tarangire National Park, in northern Tanzania, close to the game-rich Silale Swamps. In April and May, at the end of the annual rains, the landscape is lush and dotted with wildflowers. From August until October, herds of antelope and zebras pass through Tarangire. At this time, the park has the highest concentration of mammals in the country.
Throughout the year, Tarangire is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo and a high concentration of big cats. There are also animals such as wild dogs, kudu, oryx and gerenuks that won’t be found in the north of Tanzania. And for birders, there are more than 550 species, many of which are attracted to the park’s swamps.
Experiences
Where the safari comes to you
Oliver’s is low-key and comfortable, reminiscent of the safari camps of old. Sink into one of the sofas in the lounge and dining area with a good book or keep an eye out for passing zebras and elephants from your deck. Meals are served communally in our dining room, after which we gather around the campfire for a nightcap and safari tales.
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Oliver's Camp
We head out on game drives or walks first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Exact times differ slightly with the seasons, but we aim to get you out and about when the animals are at their most active. If you have booked a private vehicle, you can discuss your own schedule with your guide.
Start the day with an early morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee. Have some breakfast before you depart for a game drive or walk or opt to take a picnic with you to enjoy in the bush. By mid-morning, you’ll be back in camp with some time to relax and freshen up before lunch.
It’s siesta time for most of the afternoon, when temperatures reach their peak. Take the opportunity to relax with a book or have a nap. Then it’s on to afternoon tea before you depart for a game drive with sundowners. Round off another perfect day in the bush with drinks by the campfire and dinner with good company.
Experiences
Game drives
Our game drives depart first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the temperatures are cooler and animals are more active. We use open-sided vehicles where everyone has a window seat. They even have power points and fridges, to keep your cameras charged and drinks chilled. Please enquire if you are interested in booking a private vehicle, ideal for those who have special interests. Please note that families with children under 12 must be in a private vehicle.
Experiences
Night drives
At Oliver’s, we have the opportunity to head out into the park at night. You can stay out later if you’ve spotted something interesting or head back into the bush after dinner to spot nocturnal animals. Our vehicles are equipped with powerful spotlights to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Experiences
Walking safaris
Our expert guides, accompanied by an armed national park ranger for safety, lead fascinating walking safaris that allow you to stop and examine the small things — ants, termites, dung beetles — often overlooked on a drive. Try your hand at tracking by learning to identify animal spoor and dung. And you might even have the thrilling experience of passing right by some of Tarangire’s larger animals.
Experiences
Hot-air balloon rides
For romance, drama and excitement, it doesn’t get better than a sunrise flight in a hot-air balloon. Sail across the plains, spotting wildlife and watching the dawn light illuminate the grasslands below. Hot-air balloon trips are at extra cost and are weather dependent. Booking is essential.
Experiences
Family safaris
Oliver’s is a great choice for families. We welcome children over 5 years old and have a family tent that sleeps four (kids under 12 should share with an adult). Note that Oliver’s does not have personal guides or special programmes for children, but we will always do our best to welcome your family. Please speak to your agent about hiring a private vehicle.
Experience
Meals and refreshments
Our meals are cooked in-camp and served al fresco whenever possible. Start the day with a continental breakfast or bacon and eggs. Lunch is a light buffet and dinner is a three-course sit-down meal. Every week, we host a big barbecue for all guests. If you’d like to spend more time out in the bush, we can prepare a picnic breakfast or lunch.
We support local communities: Our produce is sourced in Arusha and our honey is from a local women’s project.
We can cater to most dietary requirements. Please let us know before your arrival so we can prepare.
When to go
What to expect during the year
The best months to visit Tarangire are September and October, when the peak season crowds have thinned and the dry conditions are still excellent for wildlife spotting. That said, Oliver’s is a year-round camp, where the wet seasons are great for photography and birding.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
There’s usually a break in the rains in January and February before the long rains begin in March. Migratory birds are in the region and photographic conditions are great, with lush landscapes and clear skies. There are also fewer tourists travelling to the region at this time.
Climate
This is the hottest time of year, with an average high of 29°C/84°F. The average dips to about 16°C/61°F. Expect some showers in January and February. The long rains begin in March.
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Low temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 81mm / 3.2in
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April - June
Why travel at this time
April sees the most rainfall, at the peak of the long rains. They slow in May with afternoon showers that shouldn’t affect your safari too much.It’s a good time to avoid the crowds and have wildlife viewings to yourself. This is also the cheapest time to travel. June is dry and a great month to visit, just before peak season kicks off.
Climate
April is the wettest month of the year with an average high of 27°C/81°F, while May sees less rain and slightly cooler temperatures, peaking at 25°C/77°F with an average low of 16°C/61°F. June is the start of the dry season, with an average high of 25°C/77°F and a low of 14°C/57°F.
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Low temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 5mm / 0.2in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
It’s peak season in Tarangire, but this doesn’t affect Oliver’s Camp, given its location in a private concession. The dry conditions are perfect for spotting wildlife gathering around waterholes.
Climate
The maximum temperature of the dry season ranges from 24°C/75°C in July to 27°C/81°F in September. The low hovers around 13°C/55°F.
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Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 13mm / 0.5in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
This a great time to travel. Peak season crowds have thinned out and the rates are lower. October is still dry. The short rains, which peak in December, revive the parched landscape and the migratory birds begin to arrive from the northern hemisphere.
Climate
The short rains start around November and last for roughly a month, with most rainfall occuring in December. It starts feeling quite humid toward the end of the year, with a high temperature of 29°C/84°F and an average low that ranges from 15°C/59°F in October to 17°C/63°F in December.
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Low temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 71mm / 2.8in
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Guest reviews
A home from home atmosphere which we loved. All the staff were very welcoming, warm, caring, and thoughtful. They couldn't do enough for us. Elizabeth & Victoria, thank you. The food was excellent. Our Guide, Augustino was tops! As his name suggests! Great! Thank you Augustino. I felt particularly sad to leave this camp, it felt warm and intimate. Thank you to all at Oliver's Camp and hope to see you soon.
Staying at Oliver’s was like being transported into a special universe. The camp is perched on a small hillside and each little bungalow is privately set for perfect sunset views and outdoor shower privacy. You’d never know anyone else was around. The lounge and pool are amazing.
We stayed at Oliver’s Camp during our Honeymoon and it was spectacular. The daily game drives were informative, interesting and comfortable. Our guide, Augustino, knew all the animals, sharing interesting facts, could track the animals so well, was super friendly and answered all of our questions. But the service didn’t stop at the drives. Back at camp, the staff was top notch as well. Elizabeth and Godlove were especially incredible, making us feel like family. No ask was too great and they were masters of customer service.
Rates
When would you like to go?
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, TANAPA walking fees, limited laundry service, game drives, guided walks, night game drives, transfers to/from nearest airstrip
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature, private vehicles
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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CLOSED: 16 Mar 2024 - 15 May 2024 Rate: US$0
What to expect
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Camp seasonal closure
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 57mm / 2.2in
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Low season: 16 May 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$740
What to expect
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Great birding with many migratory species
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Green and lush
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 57mm / 2.2in
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Low season: 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$795
What to expect
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Great birding with many migratory species
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Green and lush
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Beautiful landscapes dotted by elephants in June
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Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 5mm / 0.2in
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High season: 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$1093
What to expect
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Incredible time for walking with plentiful sightings of big mammals
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Superb season for cat viewing
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Exceptional elephant sightings
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 13mm / 0.5in
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Low season: 01 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$795
What to expect
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Great birding
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Excellent game viewing with fewer crowds
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Chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 71mm / 2.8in
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High season: 20 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 Rate: US$1093
What to expect
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Great birding
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Excellent game viewing with fewer crowds
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Chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High Temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 110mm / 4.3in
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Low season: 06 Jan 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 Rate: US$795
What to expect
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Great game viewing
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Excellent game viewing with fewer crowds
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Increased potential for afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 81mm / 3.2in
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CLOSED: 16 Mar 2025 - 15 May 2025 Rate: US$0
What to expect
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Camp seasonal closure
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 57mm / 2.2in
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Low season: 16 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$795
What to expect
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Great birding with many migratory species
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Green and lush
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 57mm / 2.2in
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WILDLIFE
Tarangire National Park wildlife
Tarangire National Park is in northern Tanzania, just south of Lake Manyara. This is a protected area of colossal baobabs, grassy plains and huge herds of elephant. The park is one of the most underrated of Tanzania’s attractions, receiving just a fraction of the Serengeti’s visitors, which means more space and exclusivity for those who do make it to Tarangire.
As well as 300-strong herds of elephant, visitors will find big groups of buffalo and healthy populations of lion and leopard. During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of mammals in the country. There are wild dog and rare antelope such as gerenuk, plus more than 550 species of birds to spot throughout the year.
Tarangire is the ideal park for those who want to explore beyond game drives. Walk through the savannah to study the smallest creatures and learn about tracking animals. Soar through the sky in a hot-air balloon at dawn or head out on a night drive to find nocturnal wildlife.
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Elephant
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Lion
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Cheetah
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Wildebeest
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Zebra
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Giraffe
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Spotted Hyena
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Leopard
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African wild dog
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Oliver's suitable for families?
Oliver’s is a great choice for families.
