The Tranquillity and Joy of a Low Season Stay in Tarangire

Our CEO Cliff D’Souza visited Tarangire National Park over Easter to experience two of Savannah Tours’ favourite properties within this magnificent park. Read about his experience and recommendations as you plan your dream safari.

The secret of low-season safaris

In Tanzania, April and May are considered the low season. The rains arrive, and Tarangire’s rolling landscape becomes lush and verdant — grasslands dotted with magnificent baobabs, acacia and palms beside the fast-flowing Tarangire river. The rain usually lasts only a couple of hours before the sun returns.

The tall grasses give cover to predators, so herd animals like zebra and wildebeest migrate towards Lokisale. You will still see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboons, colourful birds, and perhaps lions or hyena — but what makes this time truly special is that when you do encounter animals, you can observe them in peace, often as the sole vehicle.

We spent unhurried moments watching hyrax play in a tree, a herd of elephants and calves munching through green grasses, and a stunning Marshall eagle perched in a treetop. A young male impala stood completely still, less afraid of our vehicle than the big cats hidden in the tall grass — I took my best photo. On our final day, a black-backed jackal sprinted alongside us for several hundred metres, a rare chance to study this shy animal.

Conserve Safari Tarangire: Immerse yourself in nature

Just 40 minutes from the main gate, Conserve Safari Tarangire is a luxury tented camp and a true haven for nature-lovers. Ten spacious tents are spaced along a riverbed, each with locally crafted furnishings, ensuite bathrooms and unimpeded bush views. Falling asleep to crickets and waking to birdsong is a joy. The airy main tent houses dining, lounge and bar, and the resident chef produces exceptional meals — including vegetarian and gluten-free options — all from fresh ingredients, remarkable in the middle of the bush. Evenings at the firepit, with aperitifs and fellow guests, were a highlight. The team strike the perfect balance: professional and attentive without being overbearing. The camp is solar-powered, draws water from a borehole and avoids single-use plastics.

I highly recommend Conserve Safari Tarangire for an authentic bush experience with subtle style and quiet comfort. Next stop, Serengeti Conserve! Stay tuned for my thoughts on what I have no doubt will be another spectacular Conserve property.

Elephant Springs: Dine, dip and relax overlooking the savannah

Around 1.5 hours from the main gate, Elephant Springs — run by Karibu Camps — is a different style entirely. Built from local Tanga stone, wood and canvas, the lodge has 19 rooms including double rooms, family rooms and two new villas, each with a four-poster bed, open bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower and private deck. The main buildings sit on a hillside linked by a long deck with beautiful park views. A dipping pool in front of the bar is a special touch — we witnessed the delight of children arriving to discover it. Food is excellent with choices for every dietary need; we dined outside on the deck, watching darkness spread across the landscape and stars appear. The two new family villas each have their own pool, kitchen and exclusive access to the Pavillion — perfect for larger groups seeking privacy and space.

I recommend Elephant Springs for families and groups who will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and creature comforts.

My personal recommendations

Two nights in Tarangire works beautifully — either on route to the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti, or as a short break from Arusha (2–2.5 hours away). Whether you opt for an all-day game drive or two shorter ones, I suggest returning to camp around 4pm to relax before aperitifs and dinner. If visiting in the low season, do wear long clothes and apply insect repellent — more mosquitoes and flies come with the rains.

Please get in touch with me or the Savannah Tours team to discuss how we can combine Tarangire with other destinations to create your tailored safari experience.

Post Tags: