A relatively new camp in the Selous, set up in 2004, Impala Camp is situated on a wooded stretch of the Rufiji River. The camp is simply though stylishly designed with a breezy lounge and dinning area which sits on spacious wooden decking and is open to the spectacular views across the river. It is a wonderful place to sit and watch game come down to the water to drink.
The camp has 8 private Meru-style tents which are raised high up on wooden platforms. Each faces out onto the river and is furnished in an African style with large beds and an en-suite bathroom. Though the rooms are not particularly spacious they are very comfortable. When walking to and from your room at night you are escorted by Maasai guards as the camp is not fenced and wildlife does occasionally pass through.
Safari activities at Impala Camp include game drives in open sided 4WD's, boat safaris along the Rufiji River and into the nearby lakes and also walking safaris. You can also head out onto the river for some fishing, and the more adventurous might try a night or two fly-camping in bush. You will always be accompanied by a camp guide who has a good knowledge of the game found in the area. For some relaxation between safari activities, guests can enjoy a swim in the pool whilst looking out over the river.
On our last safari here, Impala Camp had a friendly atmosphere with an attentive team who tried their utmost to ensure you enjoyed a wonderful stay. The camp is a welcome addition to the Selous Game Reserve: it's a good camp that doesn't charge top prices. It seems likely to strengthen its reputation to become a firm favourite. In combination with Impala's sister-camp in Ruaha National Park (the rather more spartan Mdonya Old River Camp), safaris are varied and particularly excellent value.
Central facilities: Impala's lounge and dinning area are beautifully situated on wooden decking and under thatch, with open sides looking out onto the banks of the Rufiji River. There are plenty of lounge chairs, all made of solid carved wood with woven seats and backs made of natural fiber. So here's a place to stretch out, put your feet up, and leaf through some of Impala's wildlife and bird books, or just enjoy the view.
The bar area is located across a short walkway to the left of the dining area. High chairs stand against a small bar made from an old mokoro whilst a few comfortable sofas with beautiful rustic-coloured cushions line the edge. Extending further still from the bar area you can enjoy an evening drink around the camp fire whilst relaxing on canvas directors chairs.
Impala also has a lovely swimming pool which is refreshing after a morning out on safari. A number of loungers circle the pool and there is plenty of shade for the heat of the day.
Impala Camp is not over the top in its design and luxury, but on our last visit it was delicately and tastefully furnished with African style fabrics and furniture.
Directions: Fly for 35 minutes into the Selous Game Reserve, where you will land at an airstrip 14km from Impala Camp. It's then a short safari drive back to camp. 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 at Impala Camp is usually fruit, a variety of cereals, bread & homemade jam, as well as eggs of your choice. Lunch is a 3-course affair, with a light starter such as soup, a tasty main course and salad, then fruit for desert. For dinner, you have a few options to choose from for the main of a tasty 4-course meal.
When we were there last, the food at Impala Camp was beautifully presented, with lunch and breakfast being served on large wooden platters and in little coconut shell dishes. Everything was very fresh and meals offered a real mix of international cuisine.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes – can take drinks to the rooms, however there are no phones in the rooms so requests need to be made in advance.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: At Selous Impala Camp filtered water/tea/coffee drinks are included, other drinks are extra.
Special interests
Family holidays: There is a lovely family tent at Impala Camp which is perfect for a family with two or three children. It consists of two tented rooms which are equal in size, though one has a bathroom with his and hers sinks for the parents and the other has a slightly simpler open plan bathroom for the children. These two rooms are raised on a single platform, meaning that you can pass between them without having to cross the ground. This is especially important at night, when there can be animals in the camp and you are not permitted to walk without an escort.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Family holidays
Honeymoons: Impala Camp has a beautiful and romantic setting, right on the edge of the Rufiji River. The rooms are very private, each with their own veranda and wonderful views across the water where you might see the occasional hippo surface for air. On our last visit, the Impala team told us about the surprises that they arrange to help ensure a very special experience for honeymoon couples: you'll be very well looked after.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Birdwatching: The Selous Game Reserve is a great place to enjoy watching a variety of birds. On our last visit to Impala Camp we spotted beautifully delicate malachite kingfishers and regal African fish eagles. Furthermore as we were there in February when the Selous is becoming greener, the birdlife was abundant and we were fortunate enough to see carmine bee-eaters playfully following the safari vehicles and catching insects.
- 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: Impala Camp welcomes families with children over the age of 6.
Age restrictions: Children under the age of 6 years are not advised to stay at Impala. Children must be over the age of 12yrs to go on a walking safari.
Activities: Impala Camp are flexible about the length of their safari activities – they will happily do shorter drives and boat journeys for children. They can also arrange for someone to watch children for a short while, though the parents must stay in camp.
Equipment: There are special children's life jackets available for boat-trips
Generally recommended for children: Yes if over 6 years old.
Notes: Impala is a small camp that is happy to have children to visit. Though 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. Impala Camp has a satellite phone and basic email in the office – however these are for camp use and emergencies only.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio – this is deepest Africa!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid kit at Impala Camp for minor injuries and illnesses. For emergencies, Impala has links to the flying doctors in Dar es Salaam which is a 35-minute flight away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are traditionally dressed Maasai, armed with a spear, will escort you to and from your room at night; there's also an armed park ranger at the camp. Every room has a safe for valuables.
Fire safety: There is a pump to pump water from the river in case of a fire.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included
Money: No money exchange is given.
Accepted payment: The camp prefers payment for any extras in US$ cash. They are unable to accept travellers cheques but can accept visa, matercard and American Express for bills over $200.
Selous Impala Camp review
Lovely location, willing/helpful staff, excellent food/choice - the promotional leaflets do not do justice to this camp, we feel they are underselling themselves.
Camp should not become any more lu...
Selous Impala Camp review
Contrary to the impressions given in the Expert Africa brochure this is definitely wet season in the Selous. The tracks were very difficult to drive and on some days it was touch and go for flights t...
Selous Impala Camp review
We had a magical experience! The camp was set in beautiful surroundings, the tents were comfortable and romantic, and the restaurant and bar area were equally lovely - perfect for a honeymoon. The sta...
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