Osunyai ‘Secret Tarangire’

Osunyai ‘Secret Tarangire’ Bordering Tarangire National Park, Osunyai is a closely guarded secret. Sharing many of Tarangire’s watersheds, Osunyai plays host to the migratory herds of Wildebeest, Zebra and Elephant intent on searching out excavated water holes, as they travel towards the fresh waters of the Tarangire River.

Osunyai is part of the Masai Steppe, an important migratory destination for the herds of plains game seen along the Tarangire River during the dry season. Fig and Acacia trees and ancient Baobabs line the sand rivers and Mbugas (swamp like areas) of Osunyai, providing valuable habitat for herds of Elephant that frequent this area. Shy Lesser Kudu are also found during game walks and drives, plus a multitude of other small and large game. The prolific bird life associated with the Tarangire vegetation spills over into Osunyai creating a noisy background to early morning wake ups, Game Walks and Drives.

Like The Alamana, Osunyai has the Wildlife Explorer Wilderness Camp treatment and is hosted by one of our Specialist Walking Guides. Each guide has been selected and trained to unravel the mysteries of the eco-systems smaller wildlife portraits, whether it is on foot or around the campfire.

The accommodation tents and thatched cottages, each have a unique view out onto the ‘Mbuga’ in front of camp, with the ornamental ironwork adopting a patina as it ages with the elements. The tents are large and airy with full width windows and individual bathrooms, king sized double or two extra long single beds, hanging wardrobe, luggage racks and interior light tables. Exquisite scatter cushions and African textiles complete the furnishings. Each of the tents varies slightly in its fabrics and style with features such as traditional bush showers open to the beautiful African night sky!

A separate dining area, alfresco much of the time, creates a tranquil culinary scene for dining under the stars. The thatched lounge, has a feel all of its own with an eclectic mix of styles and beautiful views. Many different species of birds and small mammals frequent the watering stations set in front of the lounge, creating an extremely comfortable and relaxing ‘hide’ from which to view some of Osunyai’s smaller game. Osunyai is a paradise for anyone wishing to experience the excitement of a traditional safari under canvas.

“Our weekend away at camp was livened up when a small herd of Elephants charged around the corner of the sand river intent on ousting our children merrily playing in a small temporary water hole they had spent the morning digging!”

The Wildlife Explorer experience includes the use of specially converted Open Vehicles at all of our Wilderness Camps providing complete open-air game driving, windscreens lie flat and the sunshade may be removed allowing 360 degree uninterrupted game-viewing.

Night Drives using either the open vehicles or the safari land cruisers open up a completely different facet of safari, painting nocturnal pictures with hand held spotlights the night-time animals are suddenly part of the game viewing experience.

Wildlife Explorer has two full time Walking Guides that are stationed at our Wilderness Camps. These guides are qualified in all aspects of true game walking with their knowledge of wild animal behaviour, tracking and experience with firearms they are able to treat our guests to an unforgettable safari on foot.

Please note that a ‘Game Walk’ is not to be confused with a ‘Hike’. A ‘Game Walk’ is exactly what it says - an opportunity to look for wild game on foot in the company of an experienced walking guide who will endeavour to track any animal of interest that may be encountered during the walk.

Alamana Reserve, and Osunyai represent an exclusive opportunity to combine Luxury Tented Accommodation with True Adventure! Each area is exclusive to Wildlife Explorer.