Selous Safari Camp is a very plush and luxurious camp, set back slightly from the shores of Lake Siwando in mixed woodland. The impressive lounge and dining areas are raised up on high stilts – quite a sight when you are approaching the camp from across the lake and you can see the structures standing over the surrounding tree tops.
It is a short walk from the main areas, to the rooms which are very stylish and spacious with an open-plan bedroom and bathroom. They are all private and have views over the river.
Activities at Selous Safari Camp focus on 4WD safaris and boat trips with knowledgeable guides. There are also a few walking trails around the camp, though for those wishing to do lots of walking safaris it might be worth considering a few days fly-camping to avoid repetition - the guides tend to use only a few known routes.
When last visited, walking trips began at 6:30am, and returns at about 10am to avoid the heat of the day. The boat and 4WD safaris started later, at around 08:00 – with a light breakfast beforehand. The safaris then last until about midday (depending on what you find), when you return to camp in good time for lunch at 1pm.
There's then time to relax for a few hours, or take a siesta, before the afternoon safari starts at 4pm, and returns to camp around sunset.
When we were there early in 2007 the management team was a couple named Jill and Claus, who were a lovely and attentive pair with a wealth of experience in the hospitality trade. The team at Selous Safari Camp are very professional and the camp definitely has the air of a high-quality operation that pays real attention to detail.
Next door to Selous Safari Camp, is the separate Selous Private Camp which with only 4 rooms and a separate dining area and pool, aims to be more exclusive.
Central facilities: When you arrive at Selous Safari Camp by vehicle, you draw up to a large tented room under thatch which contains a shop. Here you will find not only useful items such as sun cream, but also a variety of curious.
It is then a short walk to the thatched lounge and bar area which is raised on a high platform above the trees with a view over the river. A mix of comfortable sofas and arm chairs, as well as African carved furniture and dried seed pods in rustic clay pots, results in a warm colonial feel.
On an opposite platform and accessed by a separate set of stairs is the dining area. This building is a mirror image of the lounge and bar, although with tables and chairs instead of soft furnishings.
There is also a relatively large pool with plenty of shade for a spot of relaxing during the heat of the day.
Directions: Selous Safari 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 consists of fruit, cereals, toast and then eggs of your choice. The timings for breakfast are between 7-10am, so that guests can have a flexible start to the day. A 3-course lunch is then served at 1pm – with a light starter, main and desert.
Dinner is served at 8pm after a sundowner in the bar and is also a 3-course affair. When we last visited, the food was a mix of international cuisine, pleasantly presented and fresh and tasty.
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Tea/coffee and filtered water are included but other drinks are extra.
Special interests
Honeymoons: Selous Safari Camp is a small and romantic camp with a lovely setting and luxurious rooms. It is a good option for some indulgence whilst celebrating a special occasion.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
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: The Selous Game Reserve has a good population of wildlife throughout the year. There is always an abundance of giraffe and impala as well as number of lion. The fortunate might see some of the elusive leopard that live in the park as well as the rare wild dog that occasionally move through the area around Selous Safari Camp.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: The camp are happy to welcome children over the age of 6 years old, however they feel that whilst in camp children are the full responsibility of the parents.
Age restrictions: Children must be 6 years old. Children must be over 16 years old in order to walk or fly-camp whilst staying at Selous Safari Camp.
Activities: No
Equipment: No
Generally recommended for children: No
Notes: Selous Safari Camp is a small place 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 cannot be left unaccompanied.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. Selous Safari 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 Selous Safari Camp for minor injuries and illnesses. For emergencies, the camp 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 around 10 guards on site, as well as Maasai armed with spears and pangas to escort you to and from your room at night. All of the rooms also have whistles, so that if you need help in the night you can call for attention.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in every communal area and room as well as a fire hydrant for the main area. The team also practice fire drills when there are no guests in camp.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Included in the rates. It is hand washed, sun-dried and ironed with a charcoal iron – so not advisable to put any delicates in the wash at Selous Safari Camp.
Money: There is no currency exchange at Selous Safari Camp
Accepted payment: The camp prefers payment for any extras in cash and they accept US$, Tanzanian Shillings, Pounds or Euros. However they are also able to accept travellers cheques, visa, and matercard. They do not except American Express.
Luxurious service and great wildlife at Selou
The accommodation and service at Selous Safari Camp was exceptional. Yes, the 'tent' did have canvas sides, however that was the only similarity with camping. These tents were contained within...
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Selous Safari Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Homepage for camp This is the camp's hompage, which is worth looking through for more details on Seouls Safari Camp.
