Lake Manze Camp is a new camp in the Selous which opened in July 2007. Sister to the very good Selous Impala Camp and Mdonya Old River Camp in Ruaha National Park, Lake Manze is developing a very good reputation as well.
Lake Manze Camp has all of the comforts that any of us might expect: the rooms all have large comfortable beds, hanging space for clothes and an en-suite bathroom. The bathroom comes complete with a proper flush toilet and a hot-and-cold shower.
However, unlike all of the other lodges in the Selous – it has chosen not to have any electricity. Instead you will spend your evening lounging or eating by the light of storm lanterns. On some nights you will dine outside under the stars – again with only lamps and camp fires for light. This has resulted in a relaxed and informal camp with a great community atmosphere.
The camp has also maintained a simplicity – there are no extra frills here. Though the result isn't luxurious, it is certainly exciting; you really do feel like you are out in the wilderness. This feeling is enhanced by the camp's position on the floodplain of Lake Manze. Animals really do come down to drink here – including elephants which use the old, well-worn elephant trail which runs around the lake and right in front of camp. This makes for good game viewing opportunities from the comfort of your own tent!
Like all of the camps in the Selous, Lake Manze offers 4x4 safari drives, boat safaris and also walks. The walks take place in the mornings and with a guide from the camp and an armed ranger.
We found the staff friendly and the managers attentive here. The camp also has the added advantage of being quite far from any other camps, so you rarely see other vehicles whilst out on activities.
Lake Manze Camp has a great setting – with a style which is unique in this park. Like its sister Mdonya, which is also without electricity – it is already proving a popular addition to the Selous.
Ideal length of stay: 4 days to do the area justice
Central facilities: The main central area at Lake Manze Camp is a large open-sided thatch banda in the shape of the letter 'T'. There is long lounge area pointing out toward the lake, whilst the dining area and bar face each other at the back.
The very high, thatch roof keeps the area relatively cool during the heat of the day. Whilst the sand floors, with grass mats, have a natural and rustic feel beneath your feet.
The lounge area is furnished with simple, locally-made, cushioned wicker furniture and a few colourful throws. The two-seater sofas and chairs look out toward the lake where you can sit and look out for some passing game.
Set behind these are a few tables and directors chairs where you sit to enjoy your meals. There is a well-stocked bar here.
There is a small curio area near the bar for Maasai beads and souvenirs.
Directions: Fly for 45 minutes into the Selous, and then drive for around an hour to reach Lake Manze Camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Adventure Camps
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Lake Manze Camp is Italian owned – and as a result, its cooking has a Mediterranean slant, much like Selous Impala and Mdonya. But you will also find local dishes on the menu as well, such as samosas, and bean and spinach stews.
For breakfast you can expect a variety of cereals, fresh fruit, toast and a cooked breakfast with fresh baked bread. There is also tea, coffee and juice available.
Lunch will then be a light meal usually involving pasta or samosas and salads, as well as a fruit desert.
Dinner is served outside under the stars, or sometimes in the dining area within the thatch banda. Either way, it is a very atmospheric event with plenty of storm lanterns for soft lighting. You are then served a tasty three-course meal with lots of flavour and plentiful servings. When we were there in September 08, we had cauliflower soup to start, then roast chicken with rice and side dishes such as bean stew, spinach and onion; followed by a cinnamon and fruit doughnut with chocolate sauce.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No 'room service' is available.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included – however they are not expensive either. You can expect to pay $2 for a soft drink and around $3 for a beer.
Children
Attitude towards children: They will accept children over the age of 6
Age restrictions: Children have to be over the age of 6 years
Activities: There are no special services for children at Lake Manze Camp, although the camp can make up triple rooms with an extra bed for children
Equipment: Lake Manze Camp has no special equipment for children.
Generally recommended for children: Lake Manze is recommended for children, although parents must be aware this is an area of dangerous big game, and that children should be closely supervised at all times. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to walk in the Selous.
Notes: Lake Manze Camp has a friendly and informal atmosphere that is great for children. They have purposefully built two tents close together, especially for families. However, having said that it is a very wild camp and might be better suited to children over the age of 10.
Central communications
Communications: Mobile phone reception and email in the main office – though this is for camp use only unless in cases of emergency. There is also a wireless laptop connection, which can be used by guests if they are very brief.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio at Lake Manze Camp
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is first aid equipment on site and Lake Manze Camp has links with the flying doctors for serious emergencies. Each vehicle has a first aid bag and the managers are trained in basic first-aid.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Masaai guards will escort guests to and from their tents after dark – in case there is any wildlife in and around the camp.
Fire safety: Lake Manze Camp has a fire break around the camp in case of bush fires in the surrounding area.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is an extra Charge, with most items costed at around $2. Your belongings are hand-washed and line dried, weather depending they should be back to you within 24-hours.
Money: There are no money exchange facilities at Lake Manze Camp.
Accepted payment: You are only able to use US$ or Tanzanian shillings cash to settle any bills at Lake Manze Camp.
An edgy, exciting camp
Having stayed at both Kampala [Ed: I think this traveller means 'Impala' Camp] and Lake Manze, the latter is more rustic and therefore more edgy. In some ways this was a good thing as we felt ...
Lake Manze tented Camp Review
This was a great place to start our Tanzanian safari.
Paulo and Daja were great hosts and we loved the way the elephants wondered through the camp and began eating their way around our tent. For ...
Lake Manze Tented Camp review
Very friendly and well run camp. The communal dining was very well planned to mix people but also to ensure that there was plenty of good conversation.
The area around the camp had relatively few ...
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Adevnture camps: Lake Manze's home Simple website with clear, large pictures of the camp - it loads quickly, and gives an accurate impression of this camp!
