Why We Built in Tarangire

When we started Conserve Safari, the vision was clear: to create spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, while also supporting local communities and funding conservation along the way.

We first came to Tarangire last summer to explore different locations. It’s a park that’s often overlooked, but it has something special—massive baobabs, ancient elephant paths, and a quieter, slower rhythm that invites presence.

One spot stood out immediately. A huge fig tree overlooking a seasonal river. It was absolutely gorgeous. We started designing the entire camp layout around that tree—it had squirrels darting through its branches and felt like the natural heart of the space.

Then we realized it might not be the best idea. The fig tree was too close to the riverbed. During floods, the water could reach that area, and solving the toilet and greywater systems wouldn’t work properly.

So we moved the main camp up the 7-meter riverbank. It opened up more space and gave us a wider view of the valley. But I still think we’ll build something by that fig tree—a tea house or a wellness tent. It deserves to be part of the story.

Tarangire makes sense for us. It’s just a few hours from Arusha, often the first or last stop on the northern circuit. And with the right experience, it can be a destination in its own right—not just a stopover.

For groups passing through on day trips, we’ll also offer lunches without overnight stays—a chance to rest, recharge, and experience a taste of what we’re building.

We’re excited to bring something meaningful to this landscape. Construction is well underway, and I’ll share more soon.

In the picture: the fig tree overlooking the river, with scores of elephants on the other side.

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