Guidebook to Nimali Tarangire
Introduction
One of our travel experts, Zannon, recently embarked on an educational trip to Tanzania to immerse himself in all that the country has to offer, gaining first hand invaluable insights. During his visit, he had the opportunity to enjoy a remarkable stay at Nimali Tarangire. Nimali offers a sanctuary of luxury amidst the untamed beauty of East Africa. Join Zannon as he recounts his immersive experience at this exquisite safari retreat.
Location
Strategically located just outside the Tarangire National Park on the eastern border, Nimali Tarangire is situated within its own private reserve, offering incredible advantages to guests eager to explore this magnificent landscape. With unrivalled access to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems, the lodge is perfectly positioned overlooking the seasonal river nestled among the acacia trees and iconic baobabs, providing incredible game viewing throughout the year. Its prime location also offers desirable accessibility, being only 2.5 hours away from the main city of Arusha, making for the perfect start to a northern circuit safari. Its location also makes it a favourable destination to combine a bush and beach safari.
Arrival
As we climbed out of our 4×4 vehicle, we were met with the incredible, soulful singing of the staff, and as we danced and clapped along to the local tune we received much-needed welcome drinks, warm towels to freshen up, and our dusty shoes were whisked away to be cleaned off.
Accommodation
After our heartwarming welcome, we were shown to our accommodation. We stayed in one of the ten elegantly tented suites (which includes 2 family suites). Entering our home for the evening was like stepping into a realm of comfort and elegance. Our incredibly spacious tent was designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, each fitted with luxury and modern amenities for the discerning traveller. From plush bedding to en-suite bathrooms and private verandas equipped with private plunge pools, overlooking a dry riverbed (which is often a playground for leopards and other cats, so keep a lookout). The decor itself draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, incorporating a blend of contemporary and organic designs with natural materials and artisanal crafts.
While this lodge does make for a great year round destination, I would recommend going in peak season, between 01 June – 31 October, as this is the perfect time to combine Tarangire National Park with a Great Migration safari. These months are also out of the rainy season which makes for optimal game viewing in Tanzania.
Dining Experience
Once we had settled in and freshened up after a long day traversing the Tarangire National Park, we made our way to dinner. We sat under the softly lit lapa and enjoyed an incredible three-course meal inspired by the rich flavours of East Africa and made from the freshest local ingredients.
We started off with a remarkable, fresh tomato soup and crispy fresh bread. I then chose the grilled tilapia (a local type of fish), which was incredible; however, the beef option looked just as tempting, and I would definitely order it if I go back. Lastly, for dessert, we indulged in a delectable chocolate cheesecake drizzled with a home-made berry syrup. I also noted the lodge also caters to all dietary requirements, so feel free to let them know ahead of time what your needs are.
Activities
We rose with the sun to embark on our first game drive of the day, led by Nimali’s experienced guides. The wildlife was nothing short of incredible, from the majestic elephants and graceful giraffes to elusive big cats and colourful birdlife; the park’s diverse ecosystem never fails to captivate.
The lodge offers incredible guided walking safaris, which provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes that surround you. As the lodge is located on its own private property, walking safaris and night game drives are incredibly rare and create a holistic safari experience. The lodge also offers bush picnics and cultural interactions with local communities, all of which I would have loved to experience had we had more time. For those seeking relaxation, visit the lodge’s in-house spa, offering spa therapies and wellness treatments.
Property Amenities
Nimali Tarangire boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay, including a swimming pool overlooking the riverbed, a cosy lounge area for relaxation, a boma and a boutique shop offering curated souvenirs.
A hide is also available for those wanting to get up close to the plethora of wildlife and is great for taking incredible photographs. The camp operates sustainably, running solely on solar energy, enforcing a strict no plastics policy, and using its own filtered water in refillable water bottles on the game drives to minimise the environmental impact and support conservation efforts in the region. The lodge also offers battery charging facilities as well as Wi-Fi to its guests.
Personal Thoughts
My time at Nimali Tarangire was nothing short of extraordinary. From the breathtaking landscapes to the unparalleled wildlife encounters, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. The highlights of my trip were definitely the incredible game viewing, as it was unparalleled to anything I have experienced before, and the location of this lodge. The dedication of the staff to providing impeccable, warm, and friendly service, and to preserving the natural beauty of Tarangire National Park, left a lasting impression on me. I left Nimali Tarangire with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the enchanting wilderness of Tanzania.
I would highly recommend this lodge to families with children aged five or older. The family suites available are great for accommodating families, especially young children. The lodge also offers activities dedicated to children to keep them busy and entertained. This lodge is also perfect for the authentic traveller wanting to immerse themselves in the Tarangire landscape and I would definitely suggest going on a night game drive or guided walk to get the most out of your trip.
We would like to thank –
I wanted to take a moment to share our gratitude for an incredible Tanzanian educational trip, made possible by the wonderful team at Nimali Tarangire. From the cosy accommodations to the seamless coordination of activities, Nimali Tarangire truly exceeded our expectations. Each staff member’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Tarangire landscape and promoting responsible tourism left a lasting impression on all of us.
A special shout-out to African Safari Excellence for partnering with Safari365 to organise this educational adventure. Your collaboration has deepened our appreciation for Tanzania’s biodiversity, cultural richness, and ongoing conservation efforts.
