One of the first camps to be established in the Selous Game Reserve, Rufiji River Camp has a fantastic location in the eastern extremity of the photographic northern area of the reserve. High up on a bank above the Rufiji River, the views from the front of the camp are wonderful and it is a great place to watch out for some of the many hippos and crocs that relax in the water during the heat of the day.
The camp has a rustic African feel to it, with thatch roofs, stone floors and the occasional carved piece of furniture. Immaculate and well laid out pathways lead through the camp to 20 ensuite standing tents, shaded by thatch. These tents are spaced along the river in a lush stretch of woodland populated by monkeys and numerous birds – and occasionally visited by more exciting large mammals. Though a little close together, the rooms are still private and comfortable.
The camp offers boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris from the camp and game drives encompassing the 3 nearby lakes, including a full day safari with a packed lunch. For the adventurous who wish to experience more of the bush, there is also the option of fly-camping for a few nights. On all of the activities you will be accompanied by one of the camp guides who are very friendly and have a reasonable knowledge of the wildlife.
Many of the team at rufiji have been working here for over a decade, which results in a cheerful laid back atmosphere. Rufiji is not a luxurious camp; however it has a pleasant unpretentious air and reasonable prices.
Ideal length of stay: 3 nights to make the most of the activities on offer.
Central facilities: Rufiji River camp has a large central area with wonderful views over the Rufiji River. The lounge and small library, bar and dinning area are all under one high thatch roof with lovely stone floors and comfortable soft furnishings. In front there is an outside area with some simple wooden seating around a campfire.
Rufiji River camp has a large central area with wonderful views over the Rufiji River. The lounge and small library, bar and dinning area are all under one high thatch roof with lovely stone floors and comfortable soft furnishings. There are British, European and American sockets for people to use in the lounge area. In front there is an outside area with some simple wooden seating around a campfire.
Set a little further back from the river, near the reception is Rufiji's relatively new shaded swimming pool. There are loungers around the pool for those wishing to relax and sunbath in between safari activities.
Rufiji are planning to build a shop which will stock a few locally made crafts, and also some essentials such as sun cream and camera film. They are also hoping to build a luggage sore and a pharmacy for the guests and local staff. They aim to have this completed for 2008, however as of yet the building work has not started.
Directions: Rufiji River Camp can be accessed by fly-in and transfer – the Selous is a 35-minute flight from Dar es Salaam and then the camp is only a 5-minute drive from the airstrip. Alternatively, it is around a 6-hour drive from Dar – depending on the weather and therefore the state of the roads.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast is served at 7am before the morning activities and usually consists of eggs (either boiled, fried or as an omelette), and toast. Lunch is served at 1pm and is often a 3-course lunch with a Swahili dish and some fruit. Dinner is then at 8pm and is again a 3-course meal which is Italian influenced. For a full day safari a packed lunch is provided. With some notice, the camp is able to accommodate dietary requirements and provide child friendly food. Though the food was simply presented and little on the oily side, it was pleasant and filling after a long day on safari.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No room service – this is a safari camp.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included
Special interests
Solo Travel: Rufiji is a relatively large safari lodge and therefore attracts a variety of travellers and there are often other solo travellers around to get chatting to. People congregate around the bar area before dinner which can be quite sociable, though the dinning is at individual tables unless requested otherwise.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Solo Travel
Birdwatching: Selous Game Reserve is a classic area for bird-watching, from the waterbirds found in the lakes and floodplains that surround the Rufiji River, to the dry-country raptors in the hills to the north
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching
Wildlife: Selous is an excellent game reserve with great populations of big game from large herds of elephants and buffalo to lion, leopard and an excellent population of wild dogs. Black rhino are present in very small numbers, but they are rarely seen
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: Responsible older children are welcome in accordance with the below restrictions, however they are very much the parents responsibility.
Age restrictions: Children must be 12 years and over.
Activities: There are no child-minding facilities here, children are the full responsibility of the parents at all times.
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Yes if they are responsible and mature.
Notes: Though there are no special facilities for children at the camp, there is a lovely pool to keep kids occupied when not out on safari. The camp is quite large, so the staff here do not have the capacity to help look after children staying at the camp. Parents should also be aware that this camp is not fenced and wildlife can pass through at any time – children should not be left unaccompanied.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. There is intermittent mobile phone reception at Rufiji, however for the sake of the other guests and to maintain the peace and quiet - use is permitted in the reception area only.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio – this is deepest Africa!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: On site first aid can be administered and various medications are kept in the camp. In severe emergencies Rufiji can arrange for clients to be flown out from the nearby airstrip.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Because of the Selous large population of dangerous game and the fact that Rufiji River Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. There are also camp guards on duty 24 hrs a day.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: When last visited in 2007, laundry was an extra Charge of 400 Tsh or 50 cents (US$) per item.
Money: No money exchange is given.
Accepted payment: The camp prefers payment for any extras in US$ cash. They do except Euros and Pounds, though the exchange rate for these currencies is very poor. You can also use travellers cheques but again the rates are poor.
Rufiji River Camp review
We had an excellent tent with, we think, the best view. The tent was clean and comfortable and we were pleased with the facilities. The position above the Rufiji River was fantastic.
The owner of t...
Good place to start
Transfer from the airstrip couldn't have been easier.
Our tents were adjoining with a spectacular view of the river - best sunsets before Zanzibar. Accommodation functional, clean and adequate ...
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