LABA Siwandu

An intimate land and water safari experience awaits in one of the world’s immense wildlife havens that is Tanzania’s largest National Park, located in the southeast. Siwandu Camp nestles in the Nyerere National Park, just South of Dar es Salaam, offering bush luxury away from the mainstream tourist circuit, with a diverse range of activities including a variety of boat safaris to ensure guests fully immerse in this rich African wilderness.

ABOUT LABA LABA

Following in the careful footsteps of historic pioneers who made it possible to share the unforgettable experience of an African safari with the creation of national parks and game reserves at the end of the 19th century, LABA LABA offers guests effortless luxury in the modern concept of ‘slow safari’ at the lesser discovered nature reserves of Tanzania and their exclusive island retreat. LABA LABA means butterfly in Yoruba, their role to increase biodiversity in the African landscape and fauna, treasured and safeguarded in each tailor-made safari experience.

ABOUT LABA Siwandu Camp

Offering an intimate, uninterrupted bush experience, LABA Siwandu Camp and its neighbouring lake bordering the camp are perfect for immersing in the unspoilt nature of Nyerere National Park, with the perfect balance of bush luxury in tented suites with magnificent Makuti thatched roof. Siwandu was the first camp to be built in the Nyerere and has been graced by royalty, enchanted by its majestic charm. If Jongomero is unique for its remote location and exclusive safari opportunities, Siwandu is a contrasting style of habitat offering an exceptional experience on the lake and Rufiji river. The combination of traditional, land-based game drives, walking safaris and water-based safaris makes it a journey of discovery into a truly remote wilderness. The camp and boat safaris offer fresh and delicious cuisine to be enjoyed on a pontoon breakfast, dinner around the campfire or elegant al fresco dining on the terrace. Enjoy workouts in the Technogym, or Eleiko for cross-fit enthusiasts, with panoramic views across the neighbouring lake before opting for cocktails at sunset on the terrace. LABA Siwandu Camp is a 45-minute flight by light aircraft from Dar es Salam or under 1 ½ hours by 4x4 from Jongomero.

ABOUT NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

With neighbouring lake Siwandu bordering the camp and the Rufiji river meandering through the heart of this area, there are endless possibilities to observe an abundance of wildlife on a variety of boating safaris including hippo, crocodile and birdlife. The Rufiji’s many tributaries, side streams and small lakes are invaluable for wildlife. Nyerere has over 2,100 species of plants, in excess of 400 varieties of birds, more than half of Tanzania’s elephant population and over 120,000 buffalo. Nyerere’s 40,000 hippo and 4,000 lion are probably the largest populations on the continent. The combination of traditional, land-based game drives, walking safaris and water-based safaris makes it a utopia of remote wilderness.

Activities & SAFARI EXPERIENCES

LABA Siwandu offers the best of both water and land with safaris on foot or in 4x4, discovering the fauna and local wildlife of East Africa including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, wildebeest and zebra. Water safaris take place on neighbouring lake Siwandu and the Rufiji river, with a choice of early sailing while breakfasting on the lake, lunch with a private chef or a romantic sunset cocktail on board. Private land safari in 4x4 is with a dedicated guide in the charm of a mythical old Land Rover, while there’s wild animal footprints to follow on walking safari from your doorstep accompanied by an armed ranger and Maasaï community member. Siwandu lake is a fisherman’s paradise with catfish up to 25kg on a catch and release basis.

Accommodation

At LABA Siwandu, each spacious tented suite of around 95sqm rests on a wooden deck and is covered by a magnificent Makuti thatched roof. Size: around 95m2. The decked terrace faces Lake Nzerakera and features charming details such as a freestanding copper bathtub, open-air zellige-tiled shower, a lounge, dining table and a great viewpoint to the surrounding wildlife.