BOOK YOUR TRIP EARLY
We prefer to use small and intimate accommodations, managed by local touroperators who support the local people and their environments - at the most remote and unique locations avoiding mass tourism.
These exclusive accommodations are extremely popular and are booked up very quickly. Some of them can only accommodate up to 8 people. If you are interested in any safari that we offer we advise you to contact us early so we can make arrangements and be sure to fit in the accommodation of your choice into your itinerary.
Selous Game Reserve
The Selous is four times the size of the Serengeti and possesses a diverse landscape from hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers.
The scenery is varied, with unusually green grasses and tangles of vegetation. The
river routes are characterised by legions of tall Borassus Palms along the banks that grow
up to 25m tall. The trees in particular alight the traveler’s imagination: the mythical baobab, Africa’s giant, which can live for more than 300 years and reach a diameter of 40 meters along with tamarind, mangoes and various species of acacias and palms.
The countless mammals, reptiles and birds found in the reserve live in, over, and under more than 2000 plant species, many of which have yet to be catalogued.
Over 800,000 mammals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, zebras, impalas, gnus, hartebeests, waterbucks, giraffes, kudus, warthogs, grysbok, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, bush babies, baboons, Vervet monkeys and mongooses. A visit to the Selous is a rewarding and unforgetable experience.
The Selous is unique among Tanzania’s more renowned preserved areas because it is a game reserve and therefore a larger range of activities like fly-camping expeditions, are permitted. The fly-camp and walking safari experience is a refined form of what the best of what the southern circuit of Tanzania offers, a unique opportunity to feel what it is to be in the wild on your own. To eat under the African night sky viewing stars unaffected by unnatural light, to hear the sounds of life around you while you lie in your bed before sleep and to feel the excitement which accompanies the lonely sensation of vulnerability.
Boating safaris are becoming a popular alternative to vehicle-based trips, and offer visitors a chance to see the diverse life along the Rufiji River up close in all its splendour. Wild, beautiful and numerous. A mass of water birds can be seen along the sandbanks, lagoonsand riverine channels.
Located in south-east the vast area contained within the boundaries of the Selous
Game Reserve accounts for 5% of the landmass of Tanzania, and yet there are just a few tourist accommodation permitted with a low daily reception capacity. All are high quality, low-impact lodges that maintain high standards.
Due to its remote location, and because it is most easily accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, and offers visitors a chance to see a wild and expansive Africa far from paved roads and curio shops.
The Selous was declared a ’World Heritage site’ by the UN in 1982, but the number of
visitors is still below 5,000 per year and this lack of mass tourism ensures that those who do visit the Selous enjoy a true wilderness experience.
Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha is an enormous undeveloped wilderness whose beautiful open landscape is especially rich in elephant, buffalo and lion.This national park is for people looking for a genuine, off-the beaten track, round-the-campfire experience.
The wide distances of Ruaha National Park have a drama and atmosphere quite unlike
any other Tanzanian park. Here the land has its own kind of remoteness that seems to
emanate through time itself. It is an ancient place in the valley of the Great Rift, where
mile upon mile of sandy red earth feels worn and bleached by an age-old sun, and the
hilly distances are punctuated with distended elephant-battered girths of countless
massive baobabs that live for a thousand years. Such a charismatic combination of ochrered
earth, pale russet grasses and the parched paths of wide sand rivers appeal to all old
preconceptions of an archetypal African land.
Ruaha is second only to Katavi in its aura of untrammelled wilderness, but
far more accessible. A fine network of game-viewing roads follows the
Great Ruaha and its seasonal tributaries, where – during the dry season – impala,
waterbuck and other antelopes risk their life for a sip of life-sustaining water. And
the risk is considerable: not only from the prides of 20-plus lion that lord over the
savannah, but also from the cheetahs that stalk the open grassland and
the leopards that lurk in tangled riverine thickets.
Part of the present-day attraction of Ruaha is its distant location, which demands a long
drive or an expensive flight to get there, and means that the park is consequently hardly
visited by tourists, and major tracts of the landscape are still largely inaccessible.
Such a vast and fascinating landscape makes it an ideal location for a longer safari, with between four and six nights recommended, not least to make the flying costs worthwhile.
Trips to Ruaha are often combined with the Selous Game Reserve, as the
two locations are entirely complimentary for their differences, and part of the same
scheduled flight route.
Climate
The dry season between May and November is best for general wildlife viewing - as animals are centred around fewer water resources. However, birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts
will find more to excite them in the months around the rains, between January and May.
During the hot months of October and November the valleys of Ruaha are prone to
dramatic lightening storms.
The coolest month is normally July with a daytime max. of 30º C dropping to 15º C at night; temperatures then rise until it rains in November or later. At that time temperatures can reach 40º C in the day and only fall to 25º C at night.
Selous Impala Camp
From the veranda of one of the eight luxury tents set high above the broad Rufiji river teeming with hippos and crocodiles, you will experience for yourself the sense of discovery which caught the imagination of Burton, Speke and Livingstone. But in greater comfort! Each tent has a spacious double or twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The tents are spread over a large area, ensuring maximum privacy,
each has its own veranda overlooking the Rufiji.
There is a large and comfortable thatched low-slung building with wide verandahs where there is a relaxed open plan area with a well stocked bar, dining room and plenty of planters' chairs and sofas so that you can scan the river and banks for game, drink in hand. Nearby is a sheltered, crystal clear blue swimming pool, just the thing after returning from a game drive in the heat of the day, or to enjoy a sundowner and bathe in the evening.
Price indication depending on the season - based on two people from € 265,- p.p.p.n. (excluded domestic flight)
Extra: Fly Camping € 145,- p.p.p.n. Included - two activities per day - walking safari- game drive or boatsafari, all meals and airstriptransfers. Excluded: drinks, laundry service and park entry fees 75Usd p.p.p.d.
Lake Manze Camp
The Lake Manze camp is situated on the banks of Lake Manze. The Lake Manze area is one of the richest of game in the entire Selous, both in the dry and wet season.
Doum palms and Terminalia offer shade to the twelve tents which are well spread out, nearly invisible to each other and with good views of the lake.
Each tent has an en suite bathroom with flush toilet and hot shower and is furnished with twin or double beds, the tents are spacious, with a comfortable veranda to watch the animals passing by.
Game drives are carried out in 4x4 vehicles which take max 6 guests and the drives are not limited to a specific schedule but tailor made to clients wishes. Boat safaris are carried out in the calm waters of the lake. An early morning walk with an armed ranger is also available and a rewarding experience to bring one closer to the beauty of the Selous.
Price indication depending on the season - based on two people from € 182,- p.p.p.n. (excluded domestic flight) Included - two activities per day - walking safari- game drive or boatsafari, all meals and airstriptransfers. Excluded: drinks, laundry service and park entry fees 75Usd p.p.p.d.
Selous The Retreat - Luxury
The Beautiful Retreat is situated, in rhino country, on the shores of the Ruaha River in the most remote, uncrowded, far north-west corner of the Selous Game Reserve. It is a
luxury destination for the safari-goer wishing to experience even greater harmony
with nature. Drawing on its stunning surroundings, ‘The Retreat’, a gateway
to your personal expedition into Tanzania’s very special ‘Remote South’, is designed
to indulge and stimulate the senses to the rhythm of nature.
Accommodation are twelve exotic 80sqm tents on teak platforms and with panoramic views, nestle into the banks and the hillside leading down to the wide river, that over time has become a haven for many fascinating species of wildlife. Hand made metal art and textiles, semi precious stones, natural wood and the knowledge of nomads have been utilised for the details of the mainhouse, tents and all interior design. The materials used, reflecting the principle elements of nature.
For Honeymooners, and those seeking absolute privacy, can shut out the world at The Retreat’s private river hideaway, complete with the services of butler and exclusive dining facilities, you also have your own infinity pool just in front of a huge Hippo pool with a big bull (baptised Hildemar) and his Harem of 20 ladies with calfs, your own guide, boat and vintage Landcruiser (40 years old!).
If, in your wish to unite with the African bush, you seek further adventure, head out for a fly camp just set up for you. Spend the day tracking game, and the evenings by the campfire under a brilliant African sky.
Activities In addition to game drives and boat safaris with The Retreat’s experienced guides, enjoy walking and tracking Rhinos, one of the supreme joys of safaris in this region or a fishing trip. Then, after a day in the bush, enjoy a massage or a special polarity treatment at the only Spa in the Selous.
Price indication 'Hill Tent' based on two people from € 485,- p.p.p.n.
Price indication 'River Tent'based on two people from € 495,- p.p.p.n.
Price indication 'Private River Tent'based on two people from € 545,- p.p.p.n.
Child rate 6 to 11 years 50%
Extra: Fly Camping € 185,- p.p.p.n.
In case of booking of four nights at the Retreat Selous one night fly camping with walking safari at no extra cost
Included - two activities per day, all meals, soft drinks and local beers and wines, tea and coffee, airstriptransfers and laundry service.
Excluded: park entry fees 75Usd p.p.p.d.
Ruaha - Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp is located in the western part of the Ruaha National Park, a few kilometres from the Mdonya Falls. With just 11 tents
Mdonya Old River is a small camp offering a personal service tailor-made to clients' needs. Game drives are flexible and not limited by any schedule! Guests get a chance to see the breathtaking mosaic of ecosystems, from the river pools to the dry open savannah.
The tents are scattered in a spacious area under the shade of large sycamore figs
and Faidherbia albida, nestled in the curving banks of a sand-river. They are traditional safari tents with double or twin beds and its own bathroom with a shower open to the stars. A large verandah where you can relax and observe the wildlife around.
The dining and lounge tents overlook the dry river bed which is used by game as a corridor, so that guests can enjoy the game viewing even while having lunch or relaxing.
There are comfortable sitting areas, with a small library and interesting wildlife artefacts.
Price indication depending on the season - based on two people from € 182,- p.p.p.n. (excluded domestic flights)
Included - walking safari or game drive - half or full day, all meals and airstriptransfers. Excluded: drinks, laundry service and park entry fees 75Usd p.p.p.d.
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