Elewana Tarangire Treetops is located just outside the northeastern boundary of Tarangire National Park, set within a private wildlife concession. The lodge is surrounded by ancient baobab and marula trees and offers stunning views of both the Tarangire plains and the Lolkisale Hills. Being just 1.5 hours from Arusha, it’s an accessible yet exclusive destination that forms part of Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit.
Why Stay at Elewana Tarangire Treetops?
1. Unique Treehouse Experience Elewana Tarangire Treetops is renowned for its treehouse-style accommodations, which are elevated among the treetops, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding wilderness. These treehouse suites are perched on wooden platforms, blending the thrill of being in nature with the comfort and luxury of a world-class lodge. The sense of adventure combined with the lodge’s luxurious amenities makes it one of the most distinctive safari stays in Tanzania.
2. Privacy and Exclusivity Situated on a private 77,000-acre conservancy, Tarangire Treetops offers exclusive access to wildlife. The lodge’s location on the concession allows for night drives, walking safaris, and visits to nearby Maasai villages, offering experiences that are not typically allowed within the national park itself.
3. Personalized and Intimate Safari Experience With only 20 luxury treehouse suites, Elewana Tarangire Treetops ensures a personalized experience for all guests. Whether it’s a private bush dinner, a sundowner on the savannah, or an intimate walking safari led by expert guides, the lodge’s small size and dedicated staff provide tailored service and unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation at Elewana Tarangire Treetops
Treehouse Suites
- Description: Each of the 20 treehouse suites is built high in the branches of marula and baobab trees, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. The suites are spacious and beautifully designed, combining natural elements like wood and canvas with luxurious finishes.
- Facilities: The suites feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with indoor showers, and large private balconies. Some treehouses also have outdoor showers, allowing guests to experience the African bush even while bathing. The private decks are perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening sundowner while watching wildlife.
- Highlights: The treehouses’ elevated position provides privacy and seclusion, and guests frequently spot elephants and other wildlife wandering beneath their rooms.
- Best For: Couples, honeymooners, and travelers looking for a romantic, exclusive safari experience.
Dining and Cuisine
At Elewana Tarangire Treetops, dining is an experience in itself. The lodge prides itself on delivering exceptional cuisine that reflects both international influences and local flavors. Meals are enjoyed in a variety of settings, from the main dining area to bush dining under the stars.
- Main Dining Area: The lodge’s central dining room and bar area are designed to make the most of the stunning views of the African plains. The open-air design allows guests to dine while taking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
- Bush Dinners: For a truly unique experience, guests can enjoy private dinners in the bush. A campfire is often set up to accompany the meal, and the night sky provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
- Sundowners: Sundowners are a popular part of the day at Tarangire Treetops. Guests are often taken to scenic spots within the concession to enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun sets over the landscape.
Activities at Elewana Tarangire Treetops
1. Game Drives
Elewana Tarangire Treetops offers morning and afternoon game drives both inside Tarangire National Park and within the private wildlife concession. The park is known for its large herds of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many other species.
- Highlights: Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds, baobab trees, and birdlife, with over 550 bird species in the park. The game drives provide ample opportunities to see a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Night Drives: Unlike in many parks, the private concession allows for night game drives, offering guests the chance to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies, porcupines, and perhaps even a leopard on the hunt.
2. Walking Safaris
For a more intimate experience, walking safaris are available, allowing guests to explore the African bush on foot, led by highly knowledgeable guides. These walks provide a closer look at the flora and fauna that often go unnoticed during vehicle-based safaris.
- Highlights: Walking safaris allow you to learn about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife. The guides share fascinating insights into how the Maasai people utilize the plants for medicinal and cultural purposes.
3. Cultural Visits
The lodge offers excursions to nearby Maasai villages, where guests can interact with the Maasai people and learn about their rich culture, traditions, and way of life. These cultural experiences are immersive, giving insight into Maasai craftsmanship, dance performances, and their herding lifestyle.
4. Sundowners
Elewana Tarangire Treetops is known for its stunning sundowner experiences. Guests are taken to a scenic spot within the private concession to enjoy a drink as the sun sets, often accompanied by a breathtaking view of the Lolkisale Hills or the vast plains below.
5. Swimming Pool
The lodge’s infinity swimming pool is the perfect place to relax between game drives. The pool overlooks a waterhole, where elephants and other wildlife frequently gather to drink, offering spectacular wildlife viewing while you unwind.
Best Time to Visit Elewana Tarangire Treetops
The best time to visit Elewana Tarangire Treetops is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River and the park’s many waterholes. However, the lodge is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.
- Dry Season (June – October): Peak wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Excellent for elephant sightings.
- Wet Season (November – May): A beautiful time to visit, with lush landscapes and migratory birds. The park is quieter, offering more exclusive game viewing experiences.
Unique Features of Elewana Tarangire Treetops
- Treehouse Suites: Few lodges in Africa offer the chance to stay in luxurious treehouses, providing an elevated perspective of the wilderness.
- Private Concession: The lodge’s location on a private concession allows for activities not permitted in the national park, such as night game drives and walking safaris.
- Cultural Immersion: Visits to nearby Maasai villages offer a genuine cultural experience, allowing guests to learn about the Maasai way of life.
- Sundowners: The lodge’s sundowner experiences are legendary, offering stunning views and a magical atmosphere as the day comes to a close.
Getting to Elewana Tarangire Treetops
- By Road: The lodge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha, making it easily accessible for those traveling by car as part of a Northern Safari Circuit itinerary.
- By Air: The nearest airstrip is Kuro Airstrip, located inside Tarangire National Park. The lodge provides transfers from the airstrip, which is a 1-hour drive away.
Final Thoughts on Elewana Tarangire Treetops
Elewana Tarangire Treetops is a truly unique and luxurious lodge, offering an unforgettable safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. The treehouse-style accommodations, exclusive access to a private concession, and close proximity to Tarangire National Park make it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a luxury safari with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or an immersive cultural experience, Elewana Tarangire Treetops delivers it all in an environment of unparalleled beauty and luxurious comfort.