Selous Safari Camp is a very plush and luxurious camp, set back slightly from the shores of Lake Nzerakera 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 lake. Read more on the Tented rooms
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 returned 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. These then lasted 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 which starts at 4pm, and returns to camp around sunset.
Managed by Dumi, 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 smaller and separate Selous Private Camp which has a separate dining area and pool. This camp has a minimum of four tents and a maximum of six tents, and can only be booked out on an exclusive basis – so is perfect for families or groups.
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 curios.
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. From this area, you can walk down to the jetty for the boat trips.
There is also a relatively large pool with plenty of shade for a spot of relaxing during the heat of the day. (The pool can be used if guests have checked out. Luggage can be left at reception).
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 a selection of fresh and dried fruit, cereals, cold meats, yoghurt, muffins and toast. You can also order a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice plus bacon, sausage, tomato and mushroom. The timings for breakfast are between 7-10am, so that guests can have a flexible start to the day.
A light 2-course lunch is served at 1pm, with fresh salads and breads followed by a fruit-based dessert. It is perfect for the heat of the day – fresh, tasty and light.
Just before your afternoon activity, at around 3.30, there is afternoon tea before the activities. This often includes refreshing home-made lemonade and cookies.
Dinner is served at 8pm after a sundowner in the bar and is a 3-course affair. When we last visited, the food was a mix of international cuisine, imaginatively presented and of a high standard. We enjoyed roasted fennel, with orange and chick peas as a starter; followed by roast loin of pork, accompanied by mashed potatoes on a bed of leeks and steamed green beans. A delicious coconut mousse completed the meal.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes – But there are no phones in the rooms so requests have to be made in advance.
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 in Tanzania
Birdwatching: With a wonderful location right on the river, the bird-watching is great from the camp itself. However head out with one of the camp guides who have a good knowledge on birds to see an abundant number of different species. Depending on the time of year, you can spot the European Roller, Hoopoe, African Fish Eagles and Hammerkops amongst others. Around the dining area, there is a bird bath where you may well see masked and sparrow weavers and glossy starlings.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Tanzania
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 in Tanzania
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. A maximum number of 3 children are allowed in camp at the same time.
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, but rooms can be made into triples or quads (depending on the size of the room). There are no specific family rooms.
Equipment: No
Generally recommended for children: Yes
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
Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. There is however internet available at Selous Safari Camp which costs $5 for 15 minutes. The camp also has a satellite phone – however this are for camp use and emergencies only.
There is intermittent mobile phone reception, though travellers should note that the use of mobile phones in public areas is not allowed.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio – this is deepest Africa!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid kit at Selous Safari Camp for minor injuries and illnesses. For emergencies, the camp has links to the flying doctors in Dar es Salaam which is a 35-minute flight away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are around 10 guards on site, as well as Maasai armed with spears and pangas to escort you to and from your room at night. All of the rooms also have whistles, so that if you need help in the night you can call for attention.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in every communal area and room as well as a fire hydrant for the main area. The team also practise fire drills when there are no guests in camp.
Please note the no smoking is allowed on activities, although a suitable spot can be found during a comfort break, if you warn your guide in advance that you may want to smoke.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included in the rates at Selous Safari Camp. It is hand washed, sun-dried and ironed with a charcoal iron – so it is not advisable to put any delicates in the wash.
With an all male team and for cultural reasons, ladies need to wash their own underwear. The camp provides washing powder for this.
Money: There is no currency exchange at Selous Safari Camp
Accepted payment: The camp prefers payment for any extras in cash and they accept US$, Tanzanian Shillings, Pounds or Euros.
However they are also able to accept credit card; there is no charge for Visa (the preferred card), however charges do apply for Mastercard and Amex.
The camp will also accept travellers cheques, but not ones from Thomas Cook.
By boat, 4WD and on foot - Selous Safari Camp
The camp and the staff exceeded all our expectations. The short drive from the airstrip to the camp gave us a taste of what was to come as we passed giraffe and impala. The staff, led by Mark and J...
Great Safari at Selous Safari Camp
Overall an Excellent Camp. Lovely staff, with a high standard of guiding and customer service. The whole experience felt very personal.
Fantastic game viewing in a beautiful location, with plenty o...
Selous Safari Camp review
The rooms were very nice and our view of the lake (and afternoon visits from an elephant) really set the scene nicely.
The food was hit-and-miss. Simple dishes were prepared well and tasted grea...
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Homepage for camp This is the camp's hompage, which is worth looking through for more details on Seouls Safari Camp.
