I just stayed at Tarangire River Camp last month (July 2009) with a group of clients I was leading on safari. They- and I - loved it! I was a bit worried because of some bad reviews online(but I saw other great reviews). I love camping on safari and this had the advantages of camping but with the ambience of an upscale lodge. You hear lots of animal noises from your tent (on an elevated platform) at night which I suppose could make some people uncomfortable but for those of us who love nature, is amazing. Food was very good (including vegetarian since we gave them advance notice). My clients loved the adventure of having a Masai walk you to and from your room at night. We saw elephant on the other side of the (dry) riverbed from camp in the morning, and there were tons of animal prints through camp overnight. Try to set up the early morning nature walk with the Masai if you can - it's a small fee, but so nice to walk around in the bush since most places in Tanzania you stay in the car.

FYI Sandi

The new completely rebuilt Swala opened in late June. The only thing which is the same is the location. Friends visited early in July and loved it. According to them the best accommodation, food and staff of the entire safari. Since they visited amongst others Crater Lodge I would say that is a pretty big compliment.

Thanks, Twiga, for your input regarding your recent visit to River Camp....it makes up for the one on Trip Advisor from the same time period. Like Sandi says, some people should never leave home (or just stay in a Holiday Inn if they want to "rough it"?)

I too read fantastic reviews about the upgraded Swala Camp, but it comes with a steep price for all that luxury...So if Boundry Hill Lodge doesn't pan out, we'll stick with River Camp.

Stay tuned...

I know it's not on your shortlist but thought it might be useful for others. We stayed at Oliver's Camp last year (and loved the camp itself and the staff). I hadn't realised it had been relocated so was somewhat confused, having read about riverside location, until I was advised about the move. In any case, the location was a good one in terms of being away from other camps, we found. Not too far from one of the swamps where the elephants all came to bathe and play each afternoon - we positioned ourselves there for a few hours each afternoon/ evening. Wonderful!

I was at Tarangire Safari Lodge just a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed my stay. Friendly staff, good food, nice tents and the view over the river where the elephants and other wildlife come to drink is unbelievable. The also have a nice pool if that's important to you. Having never been to any of the other lodges I can't say how it compares to them but I don't think you'd be dissapointed with Tarangire Safari Lodge.

Thanks all of you....we decided on and have reservations at Boundr Hill Lodge. I'll let you all know how it was when we get back this November.

All your input helped a lot.