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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge is located in the heart of Tarangire, Tanzania’s wild land and landscapes. Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and a gentle backdrop of baobabs. It is the lesser visited but more intriguing park on the northern circuit. At Tarangire Ndovu, we have 10 tented suites, 2 x family two-bedroom suites, and 1 honeymoon suite (with outdoor shower) - and we are open all year round. During the dry months of Jun-Oct, the massive elephant herds travel through the wildlife corridor between Manyara and Tarangire and spend their time in and around the park. This is because of their ability to uncover permanent sources of fresh water. We endeavour to retain the uniqueness and intimacy of the camp, while being directed by the location, wildlife and other factors of responsible tourism. Our tented suites are all up on wooden platforms, wrapped in canvas with polished concrete bathroom area, and we face west to capture the stunning sunsets of Tarangire. We also have a large thatched main dining area and another thatched lounge and bar bordered by baobabs and infinity pool.
Welcomed by singing staff we were made to feel both welcome and safe from the offset. Staff wore masks at all time, had had washing stations set up at the entrance of the camp and took temperature reading of their guests and staff daily.
None of the Covid precautionary measures took away from the excellent service and quality of care. The food was 5* worthy without the pretentiousness, which could be enjoyed while watching elephants and zebras stroll across the grassland.
The tents are very spacious and they have good shower facilities with plenty of hot water after a long day of viewing animals.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a luxury camp, the tents are set up on decking with a large verandah and timber screen doors leading to a large bedroom and sitting area, with a large changing area behind a timber partition beyond the bed. The changing area, with “his and hers” basins, the shower and the wc all have a concrete floors. The furnishings and decor have been well thought out and the tent gives a “ wow” moment when you walk in. Electricity for lights and sockets was always available. We noted a few bits of wear and tear that could have been attended to to give a full five star feel, but we are sure the lack of tourists through 2020 must have impacted on maintenance budgets.
The main bar and dining room are well fitted out permanent structures built in a traditional style. The bar looks out onto a swimming pool, which we used, and sun terrace area and there was further outdoor seating on decking in front of the large dining room.
The staff were very friendly, we were the only guests one night, and there was a second couple on the next, but they gave the impression that good service was the norm. The food was excellent, very nicely prepared and presented, great flavours, and sensible portions. It was a real pleasure to dine there.
This was not the prime time to visit the Tarangire NP and the weather effected our game drives but we have promised ourselves that the next time we are in Tanzania at the right time of year we will treat ourselves to a return visit to Tarangire Ndovu Camp.
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Tanzania in August 2021. One of the highlights was the two night stay at Tarangire Ndovu Camp. This is an amazing place to stay. The tents are very private, with views of the surrounding nature area. We did not see the local wildlife from our tent, but we sure heard them at night (zebras and hyenas). The staff is terrific and very attentive and friendly. We greatly enjoyed the common area and swimming in the beautiful pool. We enjoyed the nightly sundowner bonfires with a drink and snack. The food they provide is delicious, with portions a little small for breakfast and dinner, but massive boxed lunches. They will bring coffee or tea to your tent upon request - we had it delivered very early on both mornings. The laundry service is quick and very inexpensive. The location of the camp within Tarangire is outstanding, we has some of our best wildlife encounters of our trip within 15 minutes of the camp.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We only had one night here but it was a brilliant one, days travelling and safari and was met by happy smiling people who were really helpful and informative. Dip in the pool then ready for dinner which was a superb 3 course meal with a few drinks, followed by dancing and singing. Room was big and with every amenity you can get even in a hotel, towels were soft, supplied shampoo and shower gel, WI-FI and hot water all included. Saw a couple of antelope from the tent in the morning, which was brilliant.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms point to the sunset, near the main block is easier to walk.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Donna Duggan, Owner at Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
Responded Mar 14, 2023
We appreciate you sharing your experience with others - hopefully next time we can host you for more time.
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First time in Africa/Tanzania/ safari so we were really excited to be there. The tented lodge had a refreshing pool and beautiful outlook. The tents themselves were well appointed with shower ( hot water really only available in the evening) and a flush toilet. There is no hairdryer. Lovely, comfortable and large bed. Outside there is an area of decking and seating so that you can take in the glorious sunsets. The lodge arranged a walking safari with guide Alex ( accompanied by ranger also called Alex) and a night safari which was fascinating. You do need to wrap up early morning and evening as it is really chilly. Long trousers, layers and fleeces.
In the daytime we had an amazing guide , Murshid, who looked after us and went that extra mile to see that we saw as much wildlife as possible. He was wonderful and we will never forget his professionalism and careful driving.
Internet only worked in the Reception tent.
We had two issues. A miscommunication between our holiday company and the lodge meant that our all inclusive was not recognised by the lodge even though we showed the manager our itinerary in writing. He did not believe us and sent our bill to our last destination ( a sister lodge) so that we could pay the bill there if the matter was not resolved. We were really upset by this. Written evidence by the holiday company was not enough. We were correct on this matter but it was upsetting not to be believed. As it was a weekend, the matter could not be sorted until the Monday. Secondly, out of the four places we had stayed in the food was the worst here by a mile. Luckily, the anti malarial tablets knocked out appetite out so we didn’t need to eat that much! Having said all of this, the staff were all lovely, extremely helpful and cheerful and we did have a good time.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take warm clothing for morning/evenings
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DONNA DUGGAN, Owner at Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
Responded Feb 27, 2024
Thank you so much for your feedback, we appreciate you letting us know about your experience staying at Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge. We run our property on solar power, and indeed there are no haridryers offered or able to be used since it would blow up the hole fuse box for the camp resulting in an inconvenience for all guests. Thank you for your understanding on that. At the time of your stay, the booking agent had not shared that the house drinks supplement would be required in addition to your stay. We followed up ourselves with them, followed their lead on the issue at hand and sorted it out for them at a later stage. I'm sad to read that you considered our menu to be 'the worst by a mile' - we do have a 7 day rotating menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at all meals. We also cater very well for all dietary requirements and preferences if the information is given to us in advance. As you can imagine, our remote location means that supplies are delivered and F&B needs are managed in a complex logistics system to make sure meals are fresh, balanced and well presented.
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Wifi is available in the common area only and was very weak. Pictures couldn't go in/out, only text. That's not a bad thing in my book, just wanted to note it. Food was lacking in quality and quantity. Of the 5 camps we stayed in, this one had the worst food offerings. Not bad food, just not even close in comparison to other camps. Dining area is very beautiful and tents are set up nicely for safari-goers. Guides were fantastic and clearly have great care and enthusiasm for their jobs.
The issue here is the management. Staff seem surprised to have guests and didn't proactively attend to them. It was all reactive. In addition, there was a lack of consistency. Our group had a total for 4 tents; amenities and services in the four tents greatly varied. Some had hand soap, some didn’t. Some had a chair at the desk, some didn’t. Some got a hot water bottle in their bed at night, some didn’t. No one is overseeing the entire operation and checking in with enthusiasm and a smile. Staff and the manager Elson were quiet and not approachable, even for general questions or compliments.
WARNING about food allergies: We have a food allergy in our group, which the camp knew about in advance, and the first day they presented us a food item that would literally kill our fellow traveler. We reminded them of the allergy. Day 2, the problem ingredient showed up again. We again spoke to the manager. He apologized and the situation did improve from there, but it should have never happened in the first place.
Overall, I can’t recommend this camp. We stayed in 5 camps during safari and this was the worst. It wasn’t terrible. It was acceptable. But so many camps are terrific, why stay here and just get adequate?
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was a fantastic camp in the heart of the excellent Tarangire reserve.
The team here looked after us so well from accompanying us to our rooms to the excellent preparation of food and drink.
The rooms are wooden construction and well spaced looking out into the reserve. We awoke to see 6 elephants walking about 50 yards from our porch. Staff accompany you during the hours of darkness and we always felt safe.
A lovely room with a big comfortable bed with netting. Best to shower in the evening as the solar power has done its job during the day. A good sized room safe was also appreciated.
The bar and dining room look out over decking to the reserve and make a great location for drinks and dinner.
Food was very good and the wines and drinks were well priced.
Most of all you felt that the team at this camp would always go above and beyond. They were attentive, friendly and helpful.
Our favourite camp of our safari experience.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Shower in the evening as the water is solar heated. The showers were really good.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Donna Duggan, Owner at Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
Responded Mar 14, 2023
Thank you so much, we LOVE that we were your favourite property on your safari.
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This was our first lodge that we stayed in for our safari-moon and it was absolutely amazing
After an exciting and fun first day in the park, we headed to the lodge around 5pm. When we arrived we were greeted by the whole staff and they were SO welcoming. We had a brief orientation with the manager while enjoying some fresh juice.
When we arrived at our tent, the room was decorated with Safari-moon pillows and we enjoyed a complimentary bottle of champagne while watching the sunset
The room was extremely clean, very spacious and the bed was SO comfortable
The food was absolutely delicious. After dinner we enjoyed a glass of wine around the campfire (the stars were incredible) and at breakfast the whole staff sang to us which was very special
The lodge itself was gorgeous - there was a pool (we unfortunately didn't get a chance to use it), bar/lounge area and a very spacious dining area
We can't wait to come back!
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We the family of six stayed in this place. We booked three tents. They were very luxorious tents with hot and cold water supply . Water is heated by solar panels during the hot sun and water is ready for shower in the evening. We were on tent 7 and 8 and 10. I stayed at no 10 the last one. Isolated from others to feel real jungle where animals roam freely mostly in the evening or night. I gad two giraffes visitors during breakfast time. Which I photographed. The staff amazing .Very helpful polite and hard working. They all come out to greet visitors with dance and song and welcome . The food is excellent and tasty. My compliments to the chef. In the evening staff lit the fire pit and people sit around with drinks and watch stars in the sky and create lovely atmosphere. In the evening you are escorted by the staff with a torch . No body is allowed to go alone even the tent is nearby during night. We stayed here for two nights and left for the next tented lodge. Glad we chose Ndovu tented lodge. We highly recomment to stay here if you are in Tarangire.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We started our safari holiday at Tarangire and we’re excited to stay at this lodge. It was everything we thought it would be. The tents were spacious, with a huge combined living and sleeping room and bathroom to the back. It had everything you could want, including an amazing deck where you could view the animals, which regularly came through the camp. The team were there to cover all your needs, including escorting us to and from our tents, providing delicious meals and making sure we were comfortable. We had an independent safari guide (Freddy) who was excellent but you can also use the camp guides and vans. Tarangire is well worth a visit. We were blown away by the landscape, the combination of wet lands and dry African bush. The area is so lush it support an incredible array of animals including the most elephant we have seen on all safaris. Oh and the highlight was seeing a lioness with her kill in a tree. Unusual to say the least but afterwards found this is unique of the lions in this area. Well worth a visit! The location of the camp was also great as meant we were out of the traffic zone. Thanks for an amazing stay and for a wonderful experience.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take your swimmers, they have a pool!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DONNA DUGGAN, Owner at Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
Responded Feb 27, 2024
Thank you so much for sharing about your adventures while at Tarangire National Park - it really is an incredibly immersive experience and we are so glad that you have enjoyed it so much.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
For our package, all laundry was included. They wash and line dry. Everything comes back clean and neatly folded. However, they will not wash under garments. Don’t bring fancy/fussy clothes with special instructions.
I am only familiar with the tents with the decks—no sliding doors. It is a tent with a zipper—kitted out with a fancy bathroom! My memory is that all the tents were the same. Perhaps the dining room has doors for use during rainy season?
The tented camps don't provide the game drives. We booked our trip through Jenman Safari Company and had a private guide and safari vehicle with a pop-up top for taking pictures and getting a better vantage point it was wonderful. This is my second safari using Jenman and I highly recommend them.
There are more places to choose from in the Tarangire National Park area.
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionTarangire National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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