Randilen WMA · Safari Lodge
Nimali Tarangire
Eight tented suites on a private reserve bordering Tarangire's elephant country, with an underground photographic hide above two waterholes.
About
Nimali Tarangire sits on its own private reserve on the eastern border of Tarangire National Park, about two and a half hours by road from Arusha. The suites and intimate guest areas are strung out along the bank of a seasonal river, dry for most of the year and surrounded by acacia trees and baobabs, with each tent looking out over the wilderness. Design throughout takes its cues from Maasai craft tradition: locally made artefacts, natural materials, and artisanal fabrics in soft grey tones with pops of colour from recycled glass.
The camp's most distinctive feature is an underground photographic hide built beside two waterholes, where guests can sit at ground level and watch elephant families come down to drink. Tarangire is one of Tanzania's most reliable parks for elephants, with herds of hundreds moving between baobab woodland and open plains across the year. From June through October, when the rains have stopped, wildlife concentrates around the Tarangire River, and extended sightings of large elephant families are particularly common. Because the camp sits on its own reserve outside the national park boundary, guests also have access to night drives and walking safaris, activities not available at the Nimali Serengeti or Nimali Mara properties.
The eight tented suites all have private decks overlooking the riverbed and en-suite bathrooms. Two are family suites, each with two connected en-suite bedrooms, a shared lounge, and a private plunge pool. Standard suites do not have a plunge pool. The camp also has a fireplace in the main area for cooler evenings. This reserve location, within easy driving distance of Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, makes it a practical and activity-rich starting point for a northern Tanzania safari circuit. Nimali Tarangire works well for first-time safari guests who want variety beyond a single park, families with children of any age, and photographers drawn by the underground hide.
Gallery
Signature experiences
Night Game Drives in The Randilen Private Reserve
The camp's private reserve location permits night drives not available inside national parks. Guides scan for leopard, genet, aardvark, hyena, and smaller nocturnal species on departures from dusk. This is one of the few Tarangire-area lodges where night drives are available.
Underground photographic hide above two waterholes
The camp's underground hide sits below ground level beside two waterholes, placing guests at eye level with elephant families as they come to drink. A guide accompanies each session. The best movement is usually in the early morning and late afternoon.
Guided walking safari
A two to three hour guided walk through the reserve with an experienced Nimali guide, covering tracking, plant identification, and bush craft. Children under 12 are not permitted on walks for safety reasons.
Maasai community visit and dancing ceremony
A visit to the Maasai communities neighbouring the reserve, where guests are received for a guided introduction to daily life, pastoral practice, and craft traditions. A traditional dancing ceremony can also be arranged. Available as a half-day excursion.
Amenities
- Full Board Accommodation
- All-Day Refreshments
- Laundry Service
- Plunge Pools (Family Suites Only)
Best for
- First-Time Safari
- Families
- Honeymooners
- Photographers
- Active Travellers
Wildlife you might see
- Elephant Herds At The Tarangire River
- Lions In Baobab Country
- Over 500 Recorded Bird Species
Best time to visit
January, February, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Location & access
Randilen WMA
Fly-in: Approximately 2hr 30min total: 1hr JRO to Arusha Airport (ARK) by road, then a 30-minute Cessna Caravan flight from ARK to Kuro airstrip, then a 1hr drive transfer to camp. Nimali's vehicle meets guests at Kuro.
Drive: Approximately 3 hours total: 1hr JRO to Arusha, then 2hr from Arusha to the Nimali Tarangire reserve gate. The reserve is on Tarangire's eastern boundary in the Randilen WMA.
Room types
Double Tented Suite
King-bed canvas suite with a private deck overlooking the riverbed and an ensuite bathroom with separate outdoor shower.
Twin Tented Suite
Same suite design with twin beds for non-couple sharing.
Family Tented Suite
Per-unit family configuration with two interconnected en-suite bedrooms, a shared lounge, and a private plunge pool. Sleeps 4 adults or 2 adults plus 2 to 3 children.
Starbed Suite
Open-air sleeping platform under the stars for the ultimate honeymoon night, with a sheltered en-suite bathroom behind. Note: not offered for 2027 bookings.
What's included
Included
- 3 Meals
- Full Board Accommodations
- Drinks
- Laundry Services
- TDL Fee
Not included
- Airport Transfers
- Concession Fees
- Flight & Airport Fees
- Flights
- Flying Doctors
- Game Drives
- Gratuities
- Insurance
- Medical Evacuation
- Park Fees
- Tips
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many suites does Nimali Tarangire have?
The camp has eight tented suites in total. Six are standard double or twin suites, each with a private deck overlooking the seasonal riverbed and an en-suite bathroom. Two are family suites, each with two connected en-suite bedrooms, a shared lounge, and a private plunge pool. Standard suites do not have a plunge pool. The family suites accommodate up to five guests.
How do guests get here?
By road, the camp is about two and a half hours from Arusha. By air, the closest option is Randelien Airstrip (approximately ten minutes by road). Manyara Airstrip is around ninety minutes by road. Kuro Airstrip is about three hours, and Nimali typically arranges a game drive and picnic lunch through Tarangire National Park en route.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Under-five guests stay at no charge; children aged six to seventeen pay fifty percent of the adult rate. Guides have discretion on activity suitability. Walking safaris require guests to be twelve years or older. The family suites accommodate up to five guests.
Is the camp open all year?
Yes, Nimali Tarangire is open all year round. Short rains run from November to December, long rains from April to May. The dry season, from June to November, is typically when elephant concentrations and game viewing are at their strongest.
What does the rate include?
The full board rate includes accommodation, all meals, house beverages, laundry, and the tourism development levy. Game drives, airstrip transfers, park and WMA fees, flights, and gratuities are charged separately. The game package rate adds airstrip transfers, scheduled game drives, and WMA fees.
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