Visit Olivers Camp
Oliver’s Camp is situated in the remote south-eastern part of the park, in the middle of Tarangire’s unspoilt wilderness. Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania, 120 km southwest of Arusha. The park is named after the Tarangire River that runs through the center of the park from south to northwest and drains into lake Burungi.
Tarangire is known for its large herds of elephant and majestic baobab trees. You can find many of the large African mammals here, including lion, leopard, buffalo, and lesser and greater kudu. The park hosts an enormous variety of birds – more than 500 species.
Oliver’s Camp is ideally placed to access the yearly migrations of wildlife, and to view impressive concentrations at waterholes and in the spectacular Silale swamps. This area offers the best chance of seeing lion, leopard and cheetah and, especially during the dry season, the swamps are filled with elephant, buffalo and zebra. The camp is the perfect base to explore the busier baobab-country in the north of the park, but at the end of the day, guests return to the absolute exclusivity of Oliver’s Camp.
Accommodation
The camp features only 8 beautifully furnished guest tents. Solid wooden furniture, beautiful cloth and gorgeous warm showers that can be taken under the Tarangire sky. Every evening, guests relax or read in the lounge and library tent, or drink sundowners at the fireplace, from which superb views of landscape and sunset can be enjoyed
Oliver’s Camp’s crew has been a team for many years and as a result, a stay in camp feels like joining into a warm family. A family that will not only prepare amazing meals for you, but one that will also share with you a deeper knowledge of this stunning national park and its inhabitants.
Activities
The range of activities on offer at Oliver’s Camp is unique for a camp inside a Tanzanian National Park. Off-road driving makes wildlife drives more intense and interesting and allows you to get closer to the action. Walking and fly camping add another unique element to a safari that is hard to find in other parts of Tanzania. The park’s stunning natural beauty is ideal for wildlife and nature photography.
Game drives from Oliver’s Camp are usually carried out in open vehicles, giving a feeling of absolute freedom. Off-road driving, allowed only in the remote areas of the park, gets you closer to nature and wildlife.
Walking is the absolute specialty of Oliver’s Camp. The privilege of walking in these prime natural areas gives you exhilarating feeling of adventure. Walking safaris are very safe: the experienced naturalist guides of Oliver’s Camp avoid confrontations with animals (watching is not the same as disturbing!) and an armed national park ranger accompanies every walk.
The light weight fly camp is an extension of the main Oliver’s Camp. The fly camp is typically booked as part of a walking safari or simply as a completely private night away from the main camp. Fly camping is about adventure, not luxury: beds are comfortable and the crew cooks amazing meals in the middle of the wilderness, but tents are simple, with outside shower and bathroom facilities.
Seasons
Oliver’s Camp operates from June through to March. Although a visit during any of these months is very rewarding and excellent concentrations of game can be enjoyed year round, the park has distinct seasons. Note that the description of seasons below is of typical seasons: as in any part of the world, weather is unpredictable and in any particular season, the weather deviates from normal weather patterns.
JUNE AND JULY: In June the landscape is decked in wonderful wild flowers. Migrant birds have left for the north and wildlife has dispersed. The days are typically bright with some cloud cover and the mornings and evenings are quite cool.
It is the start of the dry season (or winter). The baobab trees are slowly losing their leaves, and after the wet season of April and May, plant life is at its most beautiful. But the signs of the dry season are starting to show. Some grasses are drying out, and, viewed from a high point, the land is a complex mosaic of green, brown and straw colored grass, with every shade of wildflower imaginable (particularly in June) decorating the landscape. It is very picturesque.
Wildlife viewing is unpredictable, but resident animals such as elephant, giraffe, lion and leopard, dikdik, impala and other smaller antelopes are usually easy to find. The large herds of zebra and wildebeest are now making their way into the park and, depending on the rainfall over the previous two months, are usually within the park boundaries by July.All in all, it’s a beautiful time to visit. Late July is an excellent time for long walks.
AUGUST TO OCTOBER: This is the dry season. The landscape becomes straw colored dotted with green-topped fig and acacia trees. The days are getting hotter and the mornings and evenings less cool. Normally, there is no rainfall during this period. Wildlife concentrations during these months are incredibly high and guests typically stay 3 or more days to enjoy the extraordinary variety. Water sources are shrinking and the grass is trampled down by thousands of hooves. Great herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and elephant stay close to the last surface water. Bird life is also concentrated. Exploring the wilderness areas is easier, and we do just that. Lion prides are more sedentary and easier to find, and elephants are more concentrated. This time is possibly the best time to visit Tarangire and enjoy all the activities around Oliver’s base camp, especially walking, or fly camping near waterholes.
(LATE OCTOBER AND) NOVEMBER: Early October is very dry and wildlife viewing is excellent. There’s a slight humidity in the air, and this indicates that the rains are coming. By mid to late October some light showers typically arrive, and this is a real delight. Fresh new grasses sprout in days and wildlife thinks about moving. But it takes a few good downpours to disperse the herds. This state of flux can extend into November, and even December. Nature is waiting for the rain. It is a time of change, and as the land is refreshed a wonderful transformation takes place. Migrant bird species arrive and, as the grass is short, walking in this period is a delight – the flowers are back!
DECEMBER TO MARCH: It’s more humid and warmer at this time of year. By mid December the short rains have typically slowed; the land is regenerating and greenery returns. This is the start of the breeding season for much of this area’s wildlife, and our safaris concentrate on this spectacle. Elephants have extra energy and young mammals and birds fill the days with joy.
Our Tarangire, Crater & Serengeti safari includes a stay at Olivers Camp.
Olivers Camp Gallery
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Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Currently based in the UK, I'm proud to serve as a Safari Consultant for Gamewatchers Safaris, helping fellow adventurers craft their dream African experiences.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985. Let's bring your African safari dreams to life.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com or reach out to me by telephone at +44 7814 439 232.
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. While my heart lies in India, I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
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Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com, and let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together.
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Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
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Exploring Africa’s Wilderness on foot – Mara Walking Safaris
A Maasai women group from the Greater Maasai Mara region in the former Ol Kinyei Group Ranch has benefit from a 3,000-litre solar-powered milk coolant donated by the World Wide Foundation for Nature(WWF) with funding from the German government in partnership with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.