My stay at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops Tanzania
There are places and destinations that travelers have dreamed about experiencing. Many times, the expectation may not fit the reality. In the case of my stay at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops in Tanzania, it was beyond expectations.
The property is remote and is located just outside the Tarangire National Park. It makes up for all you could want in expectations from property within a city proper. The greeting not only includes the staff from the Treetops but local Maasai warriors in traditional tribal outfits. Smiles and genuine happiness are evident from everyone was so heartwarming. The experience here truly depicts an example of sustainable tourism.
The Tarangire Treetops reception area is designed around an enormous baobab tree in Tanzania.
It foretold the actual treetop room I would eventually stay in and is an excellent site in terms of design and style. In the reception tree, which must be hundreds of years old, live a colony of bats. Yes, bats! At first, I was skeptical, but as we sat down to dinner, bats flew around us, and there was no hint of mosquitos, no doubt due to the bats. Another excellent example of the beauty of living within and with nature.
Dinner was on the patio with a nearby watering hole, where several animals visited throughout the day. We saw zebras, impalas, elephants come right up to the property. The animals were so protected and respected that we could not walk to our rooms since they roamed the property freely. Going back and forth to our room, the Maasai tribesmen often escorted us, a surreal experience. There was also a sundown cocktail experience on a hill with a beautiful sunset and snacks served by our personal butler and staff.
The property itself is in southern Maasailand. We got to visit a local Maasai village which was yet another unbelievable experience.
The Maasai elder of this village had more than 70 children and countless wives who all lived in harmony. We got to see their homes which are incredibly simplistic and functional. The warm-hearted reception from the Maasai people is a memory I will never forget. Even with the different cultures, I left feeling that the Maasai were more blessed than I would ever be.
My treetop room was a treasure and truly exemplified my childhood dream of living in a treehouse. The room was large with a practical open design. It included a large wrap patio from which we had excellent views of the sunset and treetops. A wrap-around deck was attached so you could sit out and commune with nature.
Our final night included an outdoor dinner in a traditional Boma with a giant bonfire, dancing and chants from the Maasai people, and an incredible menu. We also got to enjoy a walking safari, night game drive, sundown cocktails, and have a fantastic safari experience.
If you are considering an African safari, you will not be disappointed with the Elewana safari experience. Have the Elewana Treetops inspired you? I’d like to know.
