Lake Manze Camp opened in 2007 as a sister camp to the existing and very good Selous Impala and Mdonya Old River Camp in Ruaha National Park. Since then it has developed a very good reputation as a rustic camp which gives guests a real feeling of wilderness, whilst still providing all the comforts you might expect from a good safari lodge.
The main lounge/dining area is a large, T-shaped open-sided thatch banda. The long lounge points out towards the lake and is furnished with simple, locally made, cushioned wicker furniture with colourful throws. This is a great place to sit and watch the game pass by. Behind this area is a well-stocked bar, and tables and directors chairs where you sit to enjoy your meals. A small curio shop sells some Maasai beads and souvenirs. Sandy floors and a high thatched roofs keep the area cool during the day and maintain the rustic simplicity of the camp.
Dining here is communal, which gives the camp a great community atmosphere. Some nights you will dine out under the stars by the light of camp fires and lanterns, on others you will be under the thatched roof.
The tents all have large comfortable beds, room for hanging clothes, and an en-suite bathroom with a proper flush toilet and hot-and-cold shower.
Though the rooms are very comfortable, the camp has maintained an endearing simplicity. So although the end result is not one of luxury, you really do feel like you are out in the wild. It is the only lodge in the Selous which has chosen not to have any electricity - instead your evening will be spent with the light of storm lanterns, which results in a magical atmosphere. The feeling of wilderness is further enhanced by its position on the floodplain of Lake Manze. Animals come down to drink here - and the old, well-worn elephant trail which runs around the lake and right in front of the camp is a popular route. This makes for great game viewing opportunities from the comfort of your own tent.
Like all of the camps in the Selous, Lake Manze offers 4 x4 safari drives, boat safaris and also walks. Walks are with a guide and an armed ranger and generally take place in the morning before the heat gets too much.
We found the staff and managers to be friendly and efficient here, and Lake Manze has the advantage of being quite far from other camps so you rarely see other vehicles while out in the vehicles.
In conclusion, Lake Manze Camp is a great option for those wanting a slightly more rustic and 'wild' camping experience, yet with all the basic comforts and good food provided.
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 has fairly simple, yet tasty food with a 7-day rotating menu to provide variety.
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 - when we were last there we had falafel, gnocci, salad and fruit.
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 last there in December 2009 we had soup to start, followed by bananas in curry, lemon and ginger chicken with rice, and banana ice-cream to finish. Sitting together with the managers meant it was a very sociable and fun experience.
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
Power supply: Generator
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 US$2. Your belongings are hand-washed and line dried, weather depending they should be back to you within 24-hours.
Money: There are no money exchange facilities at Lake Manze Camp.
Accepted payment: You are only able to use US$ or Tanzanian shillings cash to settle any bills at Lake Manze Camp. If desperate they can try and chance some British pounds or Euros but the exchange rate will not be very good.
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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!
