Oliver’s Camp
Oliver’s Camp sits in the remote south-eastern reaches of Tarangire National Park, established in 1992 by Paul Oliver and now operated by Asilia Africa. Ten tents make up the camp, set on a sandbank overlooking the floodplain of the Minyonyo Pools, close to Tarangire’s renowned Silale Swamp. As a result, this remains one of the oldest continuously run camps in the park, with a guiding tradition to match.
Design and Setting
Every tent sits raised on a wooden deck, canvas walled with a thatch roof, including a dedicated honeymoon suite and a family tent with two en-suite bedrooms. Interiors run spacious and airy, with a neutral palette lifted by patterned rugs and cushions. Each tent includes a flush toilet, washbasin, step-up shower and a partly enclosed outdoor shower.
The camp’s senior guides have built a particular reputation for walking safaris, widely regarded among the best in northern Tanzania. Silale Swamp, within easy reach of camp, draws high concentrations of elephant and resident lion during the dry season. The guiding team’s depth of terrain knowledge, as a result, shows clearly on a walk through this ground.
Activities and Experience
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and fly camping all feature at Oliver’s, alongside hot air balloon safaris for guests wanting an aerial view of the park. Fly camping in particular has become a signature experience here, sleeping under canvas in a genuinely remote part of Tarangire, with elephant and big cats sometimes passing silently through camp overnight.
Dining runs communally, reinforcing the camp’s old-school, sociable atmosphere rather than separating guests into private tables. For travellers serious about walking safaris and wildlife-first travel, however, rather than spa facilities or polished modern design, Oliver’s Camp remains one of Tarangire’s most respected addresses.
Why Stay Here
- One of Tarangire’s oldest continuously run camps, established in 1992 and operated by Asilia Africa
- Ten tents, including a honeymoon suite and a two-bedroom family tent, on a sandbank above the Minyonyo Pools
- Among the best walking safari guiding in northern Tanzania, with direct access to the Silale Swamp
- Fly camping for guests wanting a genuinely remote night under canvas
- A friendly, old-school camp atmosphere built around communal dining
Accommodation
Ten canvas tents sit raised on wooden decks, including a honeymoon suite and a family tent with two en-suite bedrooms. Each tent includes a flush toilet, step-up shower and a partly enclosed outdoor shower.
Dining
Meals run communally, in keeping with the camp’s friendly, old-school atmosphere, with a lounge, dining room and viewing decks shared among guests.
Experiences
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and fly camping all feature, alongside hot air balloon safaris over the park. The camp’s guiding team is particularly noted for walking safaris near the Silale Swamp.
Best For
Wildlife-first travellers and anyone serious about walking safaris, and couples wanting an authentic, less polished tented camp experience.