Perched high overlooking the vast Rufiji River, you can watch hippos lazily wallow in the shallows, birds soaring over the water and crocodiles sunning themselves on the sandbanks. Our guides will take you into the bush to discover a whole range of exciting safaris, from thrilling game drives, to relaxing boat safaris exploring the river and lakes of the Selous and fascinating walking safaris.
Selous River Camp
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All you need to know
Intro
Highlights
Private candle-lit bush dinners and sundown drinks on a river sandbank can be arranged at no extra cost.
Birthday cakes can also be prepared at no extra charge.
Need To Know
Our rates do not include the Tourism Development Levy of USD 1.50 per person per night.
Safaris
We offer a range of safaris, including:
- Full Day Game Drives (9-10 hours, inside the reserve)
- Boat Safaris (2.5 hours outside the reserve or 8 hours inside the reserve)
- Selous Game Reserve Walking Safaris (2.5 hours)
Game Drives
Our Game Drives are usually a leisurely, full day affair. Accompanied by an expert guide, guests set off after breakfast to drive into the wilderness of the game reserve in search of a wide variety of wildlife. The vast beauty of the Selous and its abundance of wildlife is outstanding, and one of the attractions of the Selous in particular is the intimacy and authenticity of a game drive here - it isn't uncommon to go for hours without seeing another vehicle.
Our guide will introduce guests to the species found during the game drive and share his knowledge of African wildlife. The open-sided vehicle means that the view is unobstructed and guests can spend as long as you would like with each animal.
During the hottest part of the day, we seek out a shady place to stop for a lazy picnic lunch, usually we try to find a large tree overlooking a lake - sometimes this can be one of the highlights of the day as it isn't uncommon for animals to come to drink while guests enjoy their lunch.
Boat Safaris
The Selous is one of the very few game reserves in Africa where it's possible to view game from the water, and after the dust and bumpy roads of a game drive, there's nothing more relaxing that drifting along the river watching the wildlife.
We offer two types of boat safari from camp, short 2-3 hour boat trips along the Rufiji River outside the reserve, and full day boat safaris which, in addition to the Rufiji River, explore the lakes of the Selous. Both safaris are accompanied by our expert guide and make use of our open-sided, canvas-roofed boats.
Boat safaris are the ideal way of enjoying the stunning scenery of the Rufiji River with its many hippos, crocodiles and beautiful birdlife. Definitely not to be missed is the sunset from the boat - there is nothing quite like the peacefulness of the river, hippos honking all around you while the sun dips below the horizon.
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a fantastic way to get close to nature and learn more about the smaller species and the bush itself. It's an unforgettable experience to walk within such a vast and untamed area of natural reserve.
Although guests may spot some giraffes or walk in the footsteps of elephants, our walking safaris are tailored to give the opportunity to learn about the things missed from a vehicle or boat - the ecosystem that the animals live in. Guests learn to identify animal tracks and signs and hear fascinating information about the insects, trees and colourful birdlife.
Walks are slow-paced, accompanied by both an armed ranger and our expert guide and are around 2-3 hours long. Leaving camp at around 6.30am after a cup of tea or coffee and some homemade biscuits. One of our guides drives guests the short distance to the entrance gate of the game reserve where an armed ranger is picked up before heading to the start of the walk.
Please note groups cannot be larger than 6 people. Children must be able to walk unassisted and the camp management, guide or ranger accompanying the walking safari have the right to stop a child from participating if they feel it is in the best interests of the safety of the individual or group.
Wildlife
Located on the very edge of the Game Reserve, the camp is often visited by a variety of wildlife.
Hippo and crocodile (as well as a huge range of birdlife) are almost always visible from the camp.
Common visitors to the camp include: elephants, blue monkeys, angola black & white colobus monkeys, yellow baboons, bushbucks, elephant shrews, zanj sun squirrel, red bush squirrel, red duikers, monitor lizards, suni, bush babies, banded mongoose, slender mongoose, genets, civets and bushpigs.
The Selous Game Reserve itself is home to an even greater variety of species of wildlife, including over 440 species of birds, Main attractions include: lion, hyena, leopard, wild dog, warthog, giraffe, impala, elephant, zebra, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, wildebeest, eland, greater kudu etc.
Quick Facts
Region
Africa
Safari Operators
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms), Safari Tented Camp ( less than 20 tents)
Average Stay
We recommend three or four nights, but it is possible to fit all of the main safaris into a two night stay.
Average Price
Full Board Rack Rates:
- Mudhut USD 195
- Tent USD 90
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome in camp.
Child rate applies to ages 5-14 years sharing a Mudhut room with two adults. Children sharing with one adult are charged at adult rate for 1st child and at child rate for subsequent children. Children under 5 years stay free of charge.
Children pay the adult rate for Rest Camp Tent game package and drive in accommodation and Activities.
Children under 12 years may not be permitted on walking safaris – the camp management or ranger accompanying the walking safari have the right to stop a child from participating if they feel it is in the best interests of the safety of the individual or group.
Accommodation
Selous River Camp comprises of nine rooms ("Mudhuts") and four simple tents - a choice of accommodation to suit different budgets.
Along the river bank are our unique Mudhuts - each spacious and comfortable Mudhut has an en-suite bathroom and a view of the Rufiji River. Or, for a more wild experience, our glamping tents are located in our woodland campsite.
Mudhuts: (singles, doubles, twins, triples, family rooms)
Facilities:
- Solar power system with lighting and fan.
- En-suite Bathroom with hot water shower, toilet, hand basin, mirror. Bottled mineral water, towels, wash cloths, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner provided.
- Double bed with mosquito netting.
- Verandah/terrace with seating - river views.
- Torch/flashlight, Selous Wildlife Checklist.
- Some rooms have day beds, desks and sofas.
The interor is decorated with vibrant african fabrics and is fully furnished and comfortable. Each hut features a four-poster bed, solar-power electricity, and en-suite bathroom with hot running water. Situated along the river bank, Mudhuts also have outdoor seating and enjoy views of the water.
Crafted using traditional Tanzanian methods from earth, sticks and sisal rope, and thatched with palm leaves, the Mudhuts blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
A river-facing verandah or seating area opens into a comfortable and airy interior. The inside of the Mudhut is fully decorated and furnished with unique rustic furniture - handmade in our camp workshop from tree branches - including a four-poster double bed, draped romantically with fine mosquito netting. Bed linen and curtains are tailormade from brightly-coloured African kitenge fabrics, and handwoven palm mat carpets the floor.
The en-suite bathroom features a hot water shower, european flush toilet and handmade terracotta washbasin. Water is heated a short distance from the hut by a traditional wood-burning stove. Towels, washcloths and soaps are all provided.
Softly lit by lanterns in the evenings, each hut also has a solar power system to provide lighting and a fan to keep you cool during warm nights.
No two Mudhuts are the same - each is unique with its own character and design. All Mudhuts are located high along the river bank and have views of the Rufiji river and its many crocodiles and hippos. Some rooms are large enough to add additional beds to create twins, triples, or family rooms for four.
Staying in one of these remarkable Mudhuts is a once in a lifetime experience in itself. Sleeping in a Mudhut allows guests the chance to relax with some of the comforts of home in an incredible rustic setting whilst experiencing the magic of falling asleep hearing the hippos honking in the river below and the bush babies in the trees above.
Rest Camp Tents: (singles, twins)
Facilities:
- Solar power system with lighting.
- Separate, shared bathroom with hot water shower, toilet, hand basin, mirror. Bottled mineral water, towels, wash cloths, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner provided.
- Two single beds.
- Porch area with seating - forest view.
- Torch/flashlight, Selous Wildlife Checklist.
Designed to be as affordable as possible without sacrificing on comfort, our four simple tents are perfect for those on a budget.
Located in the woodland campsite (a short distance away from the river), our simple tents are furnished with two single beds, canvas safari chairs, a small table and palm matting.
The separate, shared bathrooms, which have running hot water, are clean and airy and only a short walk from the tents. Tents are lit by solar lighting, and a charging point is available at the bar to charge any batteries.
The campsite is lit in the evenings with paraffin lamps. Bed linen, a torch, towels, and soap are all provided.
Children under the age of 14 must share a tent with an adult.
Accolades
Selous River Camp has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2011.
(2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.)
Season
The Camp is open from June to the end of February, and closes for the rains during March, April and May.
The best time of year to visit is between mid-June - end-October when it's cooler and dry and the wildlife is more concentrated around the lake region of the game reserve.
November - February, there is a chance of rain, and it can get very warm.
Region
Africa
Safari Operators
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms) Safari Tented Camp ( less than 20 tents)
Best Value Safari Property
One of my favourite places in the world. Incredible location, so close to the park and amazing value.
KW
09-05-2024 @ 3:40pm
Best Value Safari Property
Can't recommend this place more highly. Such an amazing location and the value is incredible.
09-05-2024 @ 3:37pm
