Glamping in the Trees: Is Elewana Tarangire Treetops the Ultimate Tanzania Safari Stay?

When you picture an African safari, you’re probably imagining roughing it out in a dusty canvas tent, zippered away from the elements, trying to ignore the mystery bugs chirping outside.

But what if your safari could look less like survival training and more like a high-end childhood dream come true?

Enter Elewana Collection’s Tarangire Treetops.

Tucked away in Tanzania is a lodge with massive luxury suites literally built up in the branches of ancient trees, sweeping views of the wild savannah, and a front-row seat to an elephant pool party. Intrigued? Here is everything you need to know about checking into this stunning treehouse oasis!

How to Get to Tarangire Treetops (and Why the Location Rules)

First, let’s get our bearings. Tarangire Treetops is located in a private game reserve bordering the main entrance of Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania.

If you’re flying into Arusha’s main airport, the lodge is just a short and incredibly scenic drive away. Because the lodge is in a private conservation area rather than within the boundaries of a public national park, your stay becomes extremely flexible. This means you can do things that are usually banned in national parks, like guided night game drives and bush walks (more on that later!).

The Vibe: Luxury Treehouses (No, Seriously)

If you read The Magic Faraway Tree growing up, this place will instantly trigger some serious nostalgia. But swap out the fairy tales for pure safari glamour.

The stilted rooms wrap around massive columns and spiral staircases, nestled high up in the branches of ancient Baobab and Marula trees. Think less of a standard hotel room and more of an incredibly spacious, elevated luxury deck.

Inside, you get a beautiful mix of rustic charm and high-end comfort. Each room boasts raw wood finishes with crisp, clean, five-star sheets. The best part? The rooms are completely open-fronted with a massive private balcony. You can sit outside and watch a majestic African sunset, listen to the rumble of elephants passing below, and fall asleep to the natural orchestra of the Tanzanian bush. Oh, and did I mention the open showers? There’s nothing quite like showering while looking out over the plains.

The Real Star of the Show: The Watering Hole

You don’t even have to leave the camp lodge to see some of Africa’s coolest wildlife. Tarangire Treetops has a massive watering hole located right in front of the main lounge, dining area, and swimming pool.

Because the camp isn’t fenced off from nature, animals come and go as they please. The watering hole is a literal magnet for wildlife at sunrise and dusk. It’s not uncommon to grab breakfast or sip a cocktail by the pool while watching a herd of 30+ elephants, zebras, waterbucks, and impalas quenching their thirst just yards away from you.

Maasai Hospitality and Culture

While the luxury features are nice, what really sets this place apart is its deep connection to the local community. Elewana works closely with the local Maasai tribesmen to ensure their traditions and culture are respected and integrated into each stay.

From the second you arrive, you’re greeted by the local Maasai community with welcoming smiles, dressed in bright colors, singing traditional chants. Because the camp is wide open to the wild, a Maasai or lodge guide is always available to walk you through the camp safely, especially at night.

Best Things to Do at Tarangire Treetops 

If you can tear yourself away from your private treehouse balcony, there is plenty of adventure to be had:

• Day and Night Game Drives: Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant populations and lions. Heading out on a night drive allows you to spot nocturnal predators you’d never see during the day.
• Walking Safaris: Lace up your boots and head out on a game walk with a guide to learn about tracking animals and traditional plant medicine.
• Bird Watching: With over 550 species of birds in the area, even non-birders will find themselves checking off a favorite list.
• Maasai Village Visits: Take a trip to a local village to learn about their natural heritage and how they preserve traditions in a modernizing world.
• Campfire Wind-Downs: End your evening swapping stories with fellow travelers around a roaring wooden campfire, listening to Maasai chants under a blanket of stars.

Is Elewana Tarangire Treetops Worth It?

Elewana Tarangire Treetops manages to hit that rare sweet spot of being incredibly luxurious without losing its authentic wild edge. Between the stunning tree suites, watering hole teeming with wildlife, and the genuine Tanzanian hospitality, this is a bucket-list stay that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Kennett Arin

University of Houston graduate with 5 years of blogging experience, excelling in content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement. Connect with me on LinkedIn.