At the heart of southern Tanzania is the Selous a vast 48,000 sq km wilderness area stretching over more than 5% of the minland. It is Africa’s largest reserve, and Tanzania’s most extensive protected area, although the extended ecosystem of Ruaha National Park and the Serengeti come close.
It also home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, crodiles, hippos, wild dogs, an impressive diversity of birds and some of Tanzania’s last remaining black some rhinos.
This was named after British hunter and writer Frederick Courteney Selous who was killed during the first World War in the Beho Beho region (of the reserve).The largest game reserve in Africa, Selous covers 55,000 sq km of landmass (an area exceeding the size of Switzerland). Apart from its abundant wildlife, Selous also has a rich variety of birdlife and remaining habitat of black rhino.
Selous tangible assets include the Rufiji River, one of Africa’s truly mesmerizing waterways; sand banks lined with outsized crocodiles, palm fringed banks massed with thirsty herds of elephants and buffalo, water teeming with grunting hippos and veritable showcase for Africa’s rich aquatic avifauna. On dry land, leopard and cheetah can be spotted, with a good chance of running into wild dogs – 25 percentage of the continent’s population is found here.
A key feature of the Selous is the range of activities offered to tourists. Motor boat trips offer a thrilling hippo’s eye perspective on the great river while foot safari’s led by armed rangers; routinely involve encounters with the pachydermal kind.
From its source in the highlands, the Rufiji winds some 250 km through the reserve to the delta where it flows into the Indian Ocean. This delta is home to a multitude of birdlife as well as being both a fresh and sea water marine ecosystem.
Located in south-east Tanzania in a remote and little-visited part of the country, the Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve and covers more than 5% of Tanzania’s total area. It’s rivers, hills, and plains are home to roaming elephant populations, the area’s famous wild dogs, and some of the last black rhino left in the region. Due to its remote location, and because it is most easily accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, and offers visitors a chance to see a wild and expansive Africa far from paved roads and curio shops.
Rufiji River Camp was redesigned in 2009 to compliment the perfect location on a promontory in the river bank. Built by local craftsmen, the Camp combines Makuti palm roofs with Selous sourced paving stones and farmed hard woods to create a beautiful and comfortable accommodation from which to enjoy the Selous Game Reserve. The shaded swimming pool is a great way to cool off between safari activitis.
The tents are all pitched underneath thatched roofs with massive verandas giving views up and down the river. Each tent has an en suite bathroom, with solar heated water for showering. There are 11 individual classic individual tents well spaced along the river bank.
Rufiji has 3 suites, each with 2 large tents on a shared platform with private plunge pool. Each tent has it’s own stylish bathroom. The suites are ideal for famillies or friends wanting some extra space and privacy or the extra touch for the special anniversay or honeymoon.
With the focus on the river views and wildlife, the restaurant and bar are built to reflect this. Al fresco dining lit by star light, private dinners along the river bank or that end of the evening coffee sipped from the depth of a sofa in the upper level coffee lounge – it can be difficult to choose!
The tents and main buidling are all have ramped access, but there is no specific adaptations in the tents. Plastic chairs can be provided for use in the shower and staff are always on hand to help as needed. Getting down to the boats may require some assistance as the path is steep with steps.
Set amidst dense indigenous forests the Selous Serena Camp is the ultimate wilderness retreat. With 360-degree views over the surrounding bush, the twelve widely spaced tents are presented in time-honoured safari style, with natural thatch roofs, elegant Victorian-styled bathrooms, private viewing decks. Luxuriously presented, each tent features an engaging mix of canvas walls, crystal chandeliers, opulent rugs and elegant rosewood furniture.
Deep within the wilderness, the charming central dining room, lounge, library and bar, which are interconnected by broad wooden walkways offering excellent views of the Selous Game Reserve. High above the lodge, is a spectacular ‘infinity’ pool and sundeck.
Vast, pristine and largely undiscovered, the spectacular Selous Game Reserve is a World Heritage Site and the largest expanse of game reserve in Africa. Covering 55,000 square kilometres of rolling savannah, lakes, rivers and deltas, it is four times the size of the Serengeti and larger than the entire nation of Switzerland. Home to the largest concentrations of elephants in the world, this unique wildlife arena also boasts some of the most exclusive and pioneering boating safaris that Africa has to offer.
Facilities
Impala Camp was set up by old East Africa hand Gillie Zanacchi and his wife Tessa as a retreat where they could take their friends to enjoy the animals and the bush.
It soon became obvious they would have to share!
It is located about one hour’s pleasant game drive from Mtemere Airstrip, in the eastern side of the photographic area of Selous Game Reserve, north of the Rufiji Rver.
It lies between two beautiful lakes – Mzizimia and Siwandu – which attract a rich variety of game, both in the wet months of November, March and June, and in the dry seasons.
mpala camp is one of the smallest in the Selous, with only 8 tents, discreetly spaced apart. They are well camouflaged and overlook the river or a lagoon.
The camp managers will talk to you about what you would like to do and see.
They will arrange game drives, walking safaris and boat safaris to suit your wishes. Flexibility is the key here and you will decide your own programme.
It is a relaxed open plan area with a well stocked bar,
dining room and lounge with plenty of planters’ chairs and sofas so that you can sit and scan the river and banks for game, drink in hand.
This lodge is being rebuilt further from the river, which has been eroding it steadily!
