Lodges and Camps in Selous

Selous Serena Camp is Tented camp in the Selous Game Reserve. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Africa’s largest game reserve, and discover a refined oasis in the pristine wilderness. Selous Serena Camp is located within Tanzania’s illustrious Selous Game Reserve – a World Heritage Site and home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants. Our impeccably designed tents offer everything you need to rest, refresh and prepare for the day ahead – from plush bedding and private sun decks to bathrooms with claw-foot tubs and 24-hour hot water. Begin or end your day with a fresh, flavourful meal in our inviting dining tent, sip a drink at the safari bar or let us plan an exciting bush dining excursion for you.

From sensational boat safaris on the Rufiji River to day or evening game drives and guided bird walks, our Selous tented camp offers plenty of activities to thrill outdoors enthusiasts. Those who prefer something a little more relaxed can indulge in a massage in our tented spa, browse a book in our library or while away an afternoon next to the infinity pool, which is open most of the year. Consider planning your wedding and honeymoon with us, and create memories that will last a lifetime. All of us at Selous Serena Camp eagerly await your visit.

Welcome To The Retreat Selous. Once discovered, that magical “Passion for Africa” takes hold, so much so in our case that we decided to source the most remote corner of this vast untouched wilderness and establish our “outpost” in form of “The Retreat”.

The Retreat, located in Northern Selous, is a twelve-suite exquisite hideaway that offers complete seclusion in the heart of remote bush lands. The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is widely accredited as being the most pristine wilderness and one of the “secrets of Africa”.

Elephants, lions, black rhinos, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles and more than 400 different birds can be seen among many other wildlife. Guests at The Retreat are invited to share a rare intact ecosystem of Africa which is perfectly untouched and can be explored in many different ways.

We believe, that only tailored made activities and various themes (Adventure, Awareness, Romance in Africa, Family Delight, The Spiritual Retreat) are assuring that every guest can  explore and experience The Africa right for him or her. Our passionate and experienced local and international guides are true “guides” into such tailor made experiences made either as daily excursions from the lodge on foot, boat or road in tracking untamed animals possible with a night in a fly camp or in our love nest.

The Retreat also appeals to those guests who crave adventure and authenticity. Whether it be hiking through the bush for several days, sleeping under the African Sky in a fly camp complete with private cook, butler and guide or drifting down the Great Ruaha River in a canoe to view the vast array of birdlife, flora and fauna.  The Retreat has something for everyone.

Private space and pace and different themes for exploring and experiencing wildlife and nature, seclusion and individual services to the highest standard  in harmony with nature are the hallmarks of ‟The Retreat”.

The Selous Ngalawa Camp is a newly opened camp, bordering Africas largest protected area the untamed Selous Game Reserve.The Selous Ngalawa Camp situated in its own forest reserve, is the original camp set up along the mighty Rufiji River near the Mtemere Gate, the Eastern gate to the Selous Game Reserve. It offers Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River, Walking Safaris and Game Drives as well as cultural village trips to the Mloka village. Fishing excursions on the Rufiji River can also be arranged.

SELOUS NGALAWA CAMP, along the Rufiji River near to the Mtemere Gate, Eastern entrance of the SELOUS GAME RESERVE is set up with five safari tents with bath and toilets in a tent, that are all set up along the mighty Rufiji River.  A green ceiling of tree branches and leaves, providing almost always shade throughout the day, covers the camp area. These trees are sometimes visited by a variety of monkeys, including the Angolan Black & White Colobus monkey.

The Restaurant is situated not far from your room facing the Rufiji River. The kitchen / our cook provides a variety of different cuisines or so called “Bush Recipes”

The accommodation at Selous Ngalawa Camp is in safari tents, built on uplifted platforms, with two beds in every tent, with en- suite bathrooms, and a veranda. All of our tents have a magnificent view over the Rufiji River

Relax in Africa Safari Camp The Camp is uniquely located, we are the only camp directly by the main-gate.

Set in magical Southern Tanzania, the Africa Safari Camp is a paradisiacal retreat, located at the entrance of the Selous Game Reserve. The Rufiji river is within walking distance, with all its wonderful African wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Staying at our camp is a memorable experience, filled with adventure and excitement by day, and relaxation, ambience and romance by night.

The camp guarantees every guest first class amenities, facilities and service. A genuinely warm African welcome awaits you, with local staff and an amazing variety of fresh and delicious cuisine. Our restaurant offers a full board service and all meals are freshly made from local ingredients by our excellent staff.  For the safaris we provide fresh packed lunches so you can enjoy your lunch in the bush – very special!

In the middle of the camp there is a special lake that attracts plenty of Elephants, Monkeys, Leopards and other game for a drink and a rest.

Kituri Selous Camp has got three beautifully built en-suite Bandas with an African taste. The Bandas are overlooking the Rufiji River where Hippos and Crocodiles can be seen from your veranda or assisted by your binoculars. Kituri Selous Camp atmosphere is Eco-friendly and quiet. At night you can hear animal sounds from afar and the sounds of the Rufiji river flowing by. The Bandas are very comfortable and a great place to relax and unwind after the day’s Safari.
Our Restaurant offers local, continental & international cuisine, and all are prepared fresh upon on arrival. Our restaurant is nestled on the site overlooking the Rufiji River where hippos, and sometimes crocodiles can be seen at a distance. Natural building materials compliment our natural environment. Just in front of the Hotel lobby is the camp fire areas where you can relax, looking for hippos and crocodiles in the river and also do some night star gazing.
Kituri Selous Camp offers our guests a nice camping area with a clean bathroom with showers and toilet. The area is nice and clean and our staff regularly inspect the toilet and bathroom to make sure they are clean. All campers can enjoy the Rufiji River view. Camping is a great way to be close to mother nature. The peaceful feeling and the sounds of animals from the distance makes you really appreciate nature.

Selous Butembo is an Eco friendly and rustic Lodge. Sited on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River, our unique location evokes magic feelings of being taken back where mankind began. Situated on the edge of the second largest game reserve in Africa, boasting of one of the largest fauna reserves in the world. Selous Butembo is a tented lodge with expansive tents, each with an en suite shower, hand basin and toilet. The single or double tents have all king-sized comfortable beds. Each tent has internal and external seating areas offering amazing view of the Rufiji River. The Mbuyu Lounge and Bar offers a fairy-like experience of sunset during a sundown; while seen from our Kiereni Restaurant, the sunrise is always an incredible view. Selous Butembo is 10 km from the Mtemere airstrip and entrance into the Selous Game reserve. It’s four to five hours drive from Dar es Salaam and I hr by plane to Zanzibar.

Selous Adili Forest Camp has 21-room bed & breakfast welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

Guests staying at Selous Adili Forest Camp have access to a terrace, a picnic area, and a garden. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready. Additional amenities include barbecue grills and a gift shop.

Start your day off right with a free local cuisine breakfast, served each morning from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Order from room service to satisfy your hunger without leaving your room, or enjoy a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant. Guests can expect to find free WiFi.

Sand Rivers Selous, when Richard Bonham built Sand Rivers, he was offered any area in the Northern Selous. There were good reasons why this site, overlooking the mile wide Rufiji River, was the only place he wanted to be. At the heart of an intricate network of sand river channels, oxbow lakes and open plains, Sand Rivers opens a window on the private lives of Africa’s big mammals. Creep up on elephant as they wallow in hidden lakes; drift silently by boat down the river at dusk or sleep out under the stars at night in our unique flycamp. With just eight open-fronted rooms looking out over the Rufiji River, Sand Rivers offers variety, spontaneity and a gradual immersion in a seductively wild part of Southern Tanzania.

Beho Beho was the first camp to be sited in The Selous Game Reserve, not on the banks, or the flood plains of the mighty Rufiji River, but in the cooler highlands so as to enjoy the ‘cooling breezes’ from which its name derives. Always designated as a ‘private camp’ it has fiercely protected its individuality and privileged location as one of the most ‘magical’ places it is possible to visit in safari Africa.
Beho Beho is not really a camp in the true sense of the word, as it has individual bandas or stone-built, palm-leaf thatched cottages, rather than the tented accommodation one might more readily associate with a camp. But also it is not really a safari lodge as it has only eight bandas, four on one side of the main house and four on the other, one tends to think of a safari lodge in terms of something quite a good bit larger. So we like to think of Beho Beho as being more of a home, a very private home situated in the middle of the African bush.

Selous Impala Camp is situated on a wooded stretch of the stunning Rufiji River within the Selous Game Reserve Tanzania. Simply though stylishly designed, it offers varied safaris both on land and water.

Selous Impala’s breezy lounge and dining area sits on a spacious wooden decking with spectacular views across the river, making it a wonderful place to watch game come down to the water to drink. There are plenty of lounge chairs, all made of solid carved wood with woven seats and backs of natural fibre. Touches of African art dotted around give the central area a homely feel. 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.

Across a short walkway, is the bar area, high chairs are set against a small bar made from an old ngalawa (dug-out canoe) and 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 campfire whilst relaxing on canvas directors’ chairs.

Walk a short way through the acacia woodland to your privately located tent on the river. Raised high up on decking, each of the six Meru-style tents has a veranda with two comfortable chairs and a table from where you can enjoy a lovely view of the Rufiji River and land beyond. In addition there are two family units each comprising of two en-suite tents sharing a single platform.

Impala has very good ‘back of house’ infrastructure, which you are welcome to visit – allow 30 minutes for a guided tour, which includes the water treatment system and their impressive laundry and solar system.

Siwandu is delightfully situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, a massive lake adjoining the Great Rufiji River. All safari tents are widely spaced along the lake shore ensuring maximum privacy and wonderful views. Blending in superbly with its natural surroundings in what is considered the prime wildlife area of the Selous Game Reserve, with incredible game viewing including the rare African Wild Dog. Offering a range of activities from 4WD game drives, dawn game walks and boating cruises.

Imagine the silence and a powerful untamed nature… untouched forest, and crocodile filled lakes. On the river, a small canoe gently rows through the king palm trees. Nature awakes. In the first light of dawn, the golden elephants approach the river to drink. A group of still impalas watching us move between the hippopotamuses and crocodiles are disturbed by our passage.The largest African reserve is crossed by the Rufiji River and its tributaries which forms a network of lakes ideal for boat safaris.Wildlife observation and bird watching (350 catalogued species) take place in a superb natural setting. Respecting nature’s rhythm, you can be assured of close contact with the wildlife. With elephant population of over 50,000 and more than 5000 leopards, the Selous has undoubtedly the most rewarding game to offer. Other rare species include the African hunting dog. The Reserve provides home for some of the last remaining black rhinos.Selous Riverside Safari Camp, located just 6 km east from the Mtemere Gate that gives access to the magnificent Selous Game Reserve, is a cozy and exclusive 10 tents´ camp with breathtaking views over the Rufiji River. Hidden amongst dense forest and on the banks of the Rufiji River, Selous Riverside Safari Camp provides the most breathtaking view as dawn arises and a whole new adventure is about to begin.Lavishly furnished, the Camp provides comfort, style but also a feel of arguably the most untouched bush anywhere on the African horizon. Attention has been paid to every detail to make sure you experience the true essence of an adventures safari of a lifetime. A personal and friendly service is part of our culture and we aim to provide you with every comfort during your stay at Selous Riverside Safari Camp.To the 10 spacious luxury tents, decorated beautifully in African style, a new state-of-the-art honeymoon tent has been recently added, with stunning river-front location and view, as the other tents.

Highlights at the Rufiji River Camp. This is a basic tented safari camp found inside Selous Game Reserve within the southern part of Tanzania.

The camp is Eco-Friendly and uses solar panels to provide electricity and also heat up the hot water supplied in the bathrooms for heating up hot water

Enjoy the wonderful views of Wildlife even at Your Doorstep since several wild animals gather around the nearby water to drink water.

The uniqueness of each of their 20 guest tents will definitely guarantee you tranquility and privacy.

You can enjoy an amazing 270 degree view as part of the wonder that you will receive at Rufiji River camp found in Selous Game Reserve’s northeastern part on a high bank which looks over the wide Selous plains and the beautiful River Rufiji.

River Rifiji camp is a basic facility, consisting of permanent tented guest facilities with an open-sided restaurant and bar thatched with palm.

in addition to the thrilling walking safaris there are  memorable game drives conducted in a 4WD safari vehicle, yet more still is the much loved boat trip conducted on River Rufiji as well as the nearby lakes by the River Camp itself that offers guests an opportunity to see hippos and crocodiles plus nearly 400 species of birds. They as well offer Sport fishing which is another activity worth trying out.

Set on a hill overlooking the water, Roho ya Selous sits in the very heart of the Selous Game Reserve. Explore this vast wilderness, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of wild dog, with our expert safari guides. With just eight canvas tented rooms, each with air-cooling systems over your bed to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep in the hotter months.

The Selous Wilderness Camp is found along the palm edges of the broad, twisting River Rufiji, which is among the biggest water systems in the entire East Africa.

With its connected swamps, wetlands as well as lakes it is one among the most exceptional ecological systems in the entire Eastern African area. Because of this special ecosystem the Selous Game Reserve was marked out as one of the World Heritage site.

With just seven spacious tents plus a blend of solid wooden furniture plus leather sofas, the Selous Wilderness Camp presents intimacy and exclusivity to all its guests. The services plus hospitality offered by their experienced staff, the decoration plus furnishing nicely blends into the surrounding natural environment, hence offering a complete feel of serenity.

A great explorer Livingstone followed the weird call of the wilderness, his innumerable tales of exploration of the Selous inspired several others people to discover and even live this African dream. He among other ancient explorers paved the way for all of us to experience the thrill of a Tanzanian Safaris in East Africa.

You are welcome to enjoy the kindness and pampering offered at the Wilderness Camp that follows the footsteps of the early legends, their tales as well as travels. Pleasure in the freedom of this pristine terrain the thrilling roars of lions, the exciting flight of wild animal survival as well as the deluxe of no restraints to human.

Kiba Point is our private camp in the Selous Game Reserve; a totally exclusive little retreat in the heart of one of the most game-rich areas. With family, or a group of friends, safari life doesn’t get much better than a few days here. The lodge is set back off the river, with only 4 impressively large and open-fronted suites. Bathrooms are bush deluxe, with flush toilets, indoor and outdoor showers and hot and cold water as and when you want. Each room has its own plunge pool set into the edge of the deck, and there is also a large pool at the main thatched mess, where you can also sink into comfortable sofas and chairs for an afternoon of general laziness. Kiba Point has its own small team of guides and staff, all of whom can help you plan your activities. Head out every day either on foot, by boat or by vehicle – as you want and when you want – that’s the beauty of your own private camp, and we think it’s pretty special.

Selous Mbega Camp, Mloka Village, on the border of the Selous Game Reserve. Kisaki Annex, Kisaki Village, on the border of the Selous Game Reserve, along the TAZARA railroad line. We only do Walking Safaris/ Village Tours or Boat Safaris at the Selous Mbega Camp starting from February 2015. There will be no more Safari vehicles available at the camps. In order to enjoy a full safari with your own vehicle please ask for our Safari Packages below. Vehicle hire for Safaris from Dar es Salaam, as a full safari package, vehicle back to Dar es Salaam. Kisaki special Package from Dar es Salaam with TAZARA train on Tuesdays and Fridays only. Full safari Package including vehicle in Selous and option to be transfered back to Dar es Salaam. If you however have your own vehicle arrangemnts please just ask for our Acc/ FB prices. Access by Airstrip, Mtemere Airstrip for the Selous Mbega Camp. Or Matambwe Airstrip for the Kisaki Annex Camp.

Authentic Tanzania Safaris believes in comfortable camping! We set up unpretentious safari camps with each location being hand-selected right in the heart of the parks to ensure excellent wildlife encounters.

Our Selous Maji Moto Camp is located on the banks of one of the five lakes of the game reserve so you can expect to see hippo, hyena and elephant all passing by the camp. Rangers are keeping watch at all times and are on hand to make sure the game does not get too close. The camp is shaded by borassus palms and the hot springs can be reached on a full day game drive,  so do not forget your swimming gear. This camp also offers the unique opportunity to combine game drives with a boat safari or a walking adventure in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve.

Sable Mountain is found, humbly, on the Northwestern border of Selous Game Reserve. This camp obtains its name from the footprints of the unusual and gorgeous Roosevelt Sable Antelopes which were found here during the construction of the lodge in 1999. Constructed nearly completely by the Sable Mountain staff, you may meet the majority of the initial Sable team at the present day.

Constructed on 2 small hills offering spectacular views from all of the rooms, The Sable offers 6 stone cottages as well as 5 tented rooms that include 2 honeymoon suites. You can loosen up for a drink at the warm and welcoming “Landrover’s Return” pub prior to having dinner, or decide to cool off following a thrilling game drive in the cool swimming pool. Have a stroll down to the water hole and loosen up in the afternoon at one of our hideout to see the various animals that come here to drink water. The lodge also has a 2 storey villa on a hilltop, which is ideal for families as well as small groups offering breathtaking vistas of the Selous.

Each of the bandas /rooms has breathtaking views of the faraway mountains, encompassing forest or the huge reserve and they are nicely spaced from each other to provide the utmost privacy.  The 5 tented rooms are open to the fronted.  The bandas nicely blend in with the nearby natural environment.

Zarafa Tented Camp is a small, privately-owned wilderness tented camp offering undisturbed and authentic African safari experience. It is built along the banks of Rufiji River, just 5 kilometers from the Mtemere Gate – Selous Game Reserve. The camp is for those with a special taste for solitude, in an exclusive bush ambiance.
Zarafa Tented Camp has 4 en-suite semi-luxury permanent tents raised on wildwood platforms under the expansive makuti thatched structure.
Our traditionally thatched lounge features a well-stocked bar & dining area all embellished in natural shades and complemented by the rich, warm hues of the African sunset. The camp offers also sunset dinner in a gracious African style to its customers.
Wild animals habitually wander around the camp boundaries while a varied number of bird species make their home at Zarafa. Black and white colobus monkeys are often seen frisking around the camp area.
From candlelit bush dinners to petal-scattered linen, the camp is an ideal gateway for bridal couples, honeymooners, special occasion travellers as well as families wanting to share with each other under one canvas roof.
Soak up the sun while lazing on a recliner, or relax with a glass of wine relishing the serene views of the night’s millions of stars; Reveal the beauty of Africa with Zarafa Tented Camp

Concealed in the middle of a thick forest and along the riverbanks of River Rufiji, the Selous Mbuyu Safari Camp offers the most wonderful vistas as down arises as well as a totally new adventure is going to start. Looking over River Rufiji. On arrival at this camp, you will receive a grand welcomed at the reception hall found next to the bar plus restaurant looking over the banks of River Rufiji.
Selous Mbuyu Mbuyu Safari Camp is made up of sixteen large and splendid tented chalets. The large tents have been delicately positioned to offer utmost privacy and also nicely blend with the natural surroundings. Each of the tents has twin beds which may be converted into sufficient double beds, having inside bathrooms. These tents are completed with inside and outside fans, portable air-conditioning, a large cupboard, a chair, a deposit box, working desk as well as 2 reading chairs. The inside bathroom has flowing water as well as a water heater that supplies the showers with hot water. There is a private patio on each tent that rewards with breathtaking views that face the river.
Exceptionally each of the tents has a compact TV – Video combined with a widespread Video Library found at the Grand reception. These Tents have free for charge bottled drinking water as well as laundry services available on the guest’s request. For the guests’ safety these tents have an Emergency torch as well as a whistle used to raise an alarm in case of any danger.

The Selous Ngalawa Camp is a newly opened camp, bordering Africa’s largest protected area the untamed Selous Game Reserve. The Selous Ngalawa Camp situated in its own forest reserve is the original camp set up along the mighty Rufiji River near the Mtemere Gate, the Eastern gate to the Selous Game Reserve. It offers Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River, Walking Safaris and Game Drives as well as cultural village trips to the Mloka village. Fishing excursions on the Rufiji River can also be arranged.
SELOUS NGALAWA CAMP, along the Rufiji River near to the Mtemere Gate, Eastern entrance of the SELOUS GAME RESERVE is set up with five safari tents with bath and toilets in a tent, that are all set up along the mighty Rufiji River. A green ceiling of tree branches and leaves, providing almost always shade throughout the day, covers the camp area. These trees are sometimes visited by a variety of monkeys, including the Angolan Black & White Colobus monkey.
The Restaurant is situated not far from your room facing the Rufiji River. The kitchen / our cook provides a variety of different cuisines or so called “Bush Recipes”
The accommodation at Selous Ngalawa Camp is in safari tents, built on uplifted platforms, with two beds in every tent, with en- suite bathrooms, and a veranda. All of our tents have a magnificent view over the Rufiji River.

The Africa safari Camp uniquely located, we are the only camp directly by the main-gate.
Set in magical Southern Tanzania, the Africa Safari Camp is a paradisiacal retreat, located at the entrance of the Selous Game Reserve. The Rufiji river is within walking distance, with all its wonderful African wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Staying at our camp is a memorable experience, filled with adventure and excitement by day, and relaxation, ambience and romance by night.
The camp guarantees every guest first class amenities, facilities and service. A genuinely warm African welcome awaits you, with local staff and an amazing variety of fresh and delicious cuisine. Our restaurant offers a full board service and all meals are freshly made from local ingredients by our excellent staff. For the safaris we provide fresh packed lunches so you can enjoy your lunch in the bush – very special!
In the middle of the camp there is a special lake that attracts plenty of Elephants, Monkeys, Leopards and other game for a drink and a rest.

Ndovu Lodge and Camps, rested on a hilltop overlooking the Uluguru Mountains, Ndovu Lodge offers magnificent views that leave lasting impressions. It is set in an area perfect for exploring both the majestic Selous game reserve and the rich culture of the Kisaki village and its people.

Built in the wilderness the lodge is designed to capture the feel of nature and adventure. With spacious elevated en-suite chalets camouflaged with their surroundings, the lodge speaks a language of the bush. The outdoor decks of the chalets offer a chance to gaze at the horizon while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Our all in one roof lounge, bar and dining area is at the center peak of the hill, also elevated making its height superb for taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. While sat at the lounge a read from our mini library will do, giving you incites of the enchanting Selous game reserve.

The swimming pool will cool you off from the heat of the day so you can relax after a full day game drive or after a bush walk acquainting yourself with the surroundings.