Tarangire Safari Lodge is a family owned lodge in an excellent position in northern Tarangire, overlooking the Tarangire River. This is an inexpensive camp and a decent choice, particularly if you’re travelling with children, as it has game on tap and a great swimming pool.

The lodge sits high on an escarpment overlooking the Tarangire River a short distance from the park’s main gate, and the stunning panoramic views over the deep valley in front are a real highlight. Game regularly comes to drink in the foreground, especially during the dry season and many species can be seen from the large terrace in front of the main lodge itself. The lodge is well placed to access the best game areas of Tarangire, so you’ll be assured of good game viewing while you’re here. If time was short, you could almost dart in and out for one night en route to Ngorongoro and Serengeti with a minimal divert, although Tarangire deserves more than that as its a gem of a park and normally rewards those who spend proper time there.

If you’re on a limited budget and looking for a well run comfortable place to stay in Tarangire, this is definitely one to consider. It’s family owned and run, has absolutely no pretensions and very friendly and efficient staff. Food is uncomplicated and there’s plenty of it; there are superb barbeques some evenings.

There are 36 comfortable and spacious permanent tents with ensuite bathrooms and electricity. They’re a bit close together, spread out in a line either side of the main lodge, but each is only a step away from a view down to the river. In addition, four thatched stone bungalows are available for those who prefer four walls around them instead of canvas.

The size of the lodge means it does attract some small groups and this area of the park can be busy in high season but the density of game here makes up for this. What’s more, Tarangire isn’t huge and if you have your own private vehicle (which we strongly recommend) it’s perfectly possible to head off early with a packed lunch and disappear for the day to other parts of the park, like Lake Burunge on the western side, where you’re likely find fewer other visitors.