Read 7 traveller reviews of Lake Manze Tented Camp

Lake Manze Camp is a brand new camp in the Selous which only opened in July 2007. Sister to the very good Selous Impala Camp and Mdonya Old River Camp in Ruaha National Park, Lake Manze is sure to develop a very good reputation as well.

When we first visited, Lake Manze Camp was in the final throws of construction and having the finishing touches completed. It was certainly looking like a very comfortable camp, and though it is simple, this to us is part of its draw.

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. 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 for light.

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.

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.

The tented rooms at Lake Manze Camp are all the same in build and style. They are all tented rooms, raised up slightly on raised earth mounds which stand above the floodplain and have good views across the lake. These mounds are covered in vegetation, and feel quite natural, and each one has been sited under its own cluster of shady borassus palm trees.

Each tent has its own stone veranda, which has been beautifully built out of large stone slabs. From here you can sit in a comfortable director's chair, making the most of your great views of the lake, and the animals that come down there to drink.

Inside each large walk-in tent is a double bed (or twin beds) with a lovely wrought-iron frame. There is also a lock-box (large wooden chest with a padlock) for any valuables and a simple wrought-iron frame with canvas shelves designed as a wardrobe.

Large mosquito-gauze windows on all sides of the tent allow the breeze to pass through, whilst keeping insects out.

Through the back of the tent is an open-air en-suite bathroom with canvas walls for privacy. There is a sink set into a large wooden surface, with running water and mirror. Behind this, separated off by an inner canvas wall, is the flush toilet and hot-and-cold shower.

The bathroom is simple and practical – all you really need whilst in the middle of the bush. Lake Manze Camp is a fantastic addition to the Selous – with a style which is unique in this park. Like its sister Mdonya, which is also without electricity – no doubt that it will become a huge success.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: There are 12 tents

Season: 1 July to 31 March

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 have a natural and rustic feel beneath your feet. The lounge area is furnished with simple, 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.

Geographics

Location: Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

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 – as a result, its cooking has an Italian slant, much like Selous Impala and Mdonya. You can expect a variety of fresh fruit, toast and a cooked breakfast with fresh baked bread in the morning. Lunch will then be a light meal usually involving pasta and salads, as well as a fruit desert. Dinner will either be served outside under the stars, or perhaps in the dining area in the thatch banda. Either way, it is a very atmospheric event with plenty of lamps for soft lighting. You are then served a tasty three-course meal with lots of flavour and plentiful servings.

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 $1 for a soft drink and around $2 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.

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. For obvious safety reasons, children under the age of 16yrs are not allowed on walking safaris.

Notes: Lake Manze Camp has a friendly and informal atmosphere that would be great for children. They also 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

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 have links with the flying doctors for serious emergencies.

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

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.

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