Oliver’s Camp is a renowned safari camp in the heart of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. It offers a unique and immersive experience in one of Africa’s most stunning wilderness areas. Here is an overview of what you can expect at Oliver’s Camp:
Location of Oliver’s Camp
Oliver’s is in the remote south-eastern reaches of Tarangire National Park, in northern Tanzania, close to the game-rich Silale Swamps. At the end of the annual rains in April and May, the landscape is lush and dotted with wildflowers. From August until October, herds of antelope and zebras pass through Tarangire. Currently, the park has the highest concentration of mammals in the country.
Throughout the year, Tarangire is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo and a high concentration of big cats. Other animals include wild dogs, kudu, oryx, and gerenuks that won’t be found in the north of Tanzania. For birders, there are more than 550 species, many of which are attracted to the park’s swamps.
What to expect during the year
The best months to visit Tarangire are September and October, when the peak season crowds have thinned and the dry conditions are still excellent for wildlife spotting. That said, Oliver’s is a year-round camp where the wet seasons are great for photography and birding.
JANUARY – MARCH
There’s usually a break in the rains in January and February before the long rains begin in March. Migratory birds are in the region, and photographic conditions are excellent, with lush landscapes and clear skies. There are also fewer tourists traveling to the area at this time.
APRIL – JUNE
April sees the most rainfall at the peak of the long rains. They slow in May with afternoon showers that shouldn’t affect your safari too much. It’s a good time to avoid the crowds and have wildlife viewings to yourself. This is also the cheapest time to travel. June is dry and a great month to visit, just before peak season begins.
JULY – SEPTEMBER
It’s peak season in Tarangire, but this doesn’t affect Oliver’s Camp, given its location in a private concession. The dry conditions are perfect for spotting wildlife gathering around waterholes.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
Why travel at this time
This a great time to travel. Peak season crowds have thinned out, and the rates are lower. October is still dry. The short rains, which peak in December, revive the arid landscape, and the migratory birds begin to arrive from the northern hemisphere.
