Selous Safari Camp

Fodorite Reviews

• 
  Room  

  Décor  

  Service  

  Value  

  Selous Safari Camp Review

  We arrive at Selous Safari Camp just after lunch. In January, Selous is a lot hotter than Ruaha. The tents are wonderful. They are big and open on all sides for breezes from the lake. They have a huge front porch and an even bigger back porch. Both are furnished with sofas, chairs, a desk and even hanging art! At both Selous and Jongomero (owned by the same company) there are safes for valuables in the tents. The baths are big – with double copper sinks, lots of storage, a wonderful flush loo and a big, big starlight shower. The beds are gigantic and have large ceiling fans above. There is electricity at all times – but again NO hair appliances allowed. All the tents are spaced around the lakeshore for wonderful views. There always seemed to be a giraffe or elephant or a herd of impala on the shore in front of our tent – or an elephant peeking over our shower wall! No kidding.
  
  On our first evening, we took the water safari on the lake. It is hot and very sunny at about 4PM when you set out – so take a hat and some long sleeves, but it cools nicely once the sun sets. We saw tons (no pun) of hippos, a swimming elephant, crocs and birds, birds, birds. The waterways were dripping with blooming bottlebrush and the weavers, swifts, and kingfishers were in full force. We were so close at times that I should have been using a macro lens. The boat drifts silently and the birds don’t even notice you’ve arrived. It was magical.
  
  We would absolutely give Selous Safari Camp our #1 rating. Overall, we just loved it. Meals are delicious – served at open-air tables surrounding the beautiful pool. The lounge is large and comfortable and the camp staff is charming. Our guide, Mwita, was excellent. He knew just how to find anything – including those 5-week-old lion cubs. The Masi staff (escorts to your tent at night) entertained us one night with their ethnic singing and dancing around the campfire. The vehicles at Selous are outstanding – the best we had anywhere.
  
  What I learned about Selous Safari Camp:
  There are actually two camps – the North and the South. We were in the smaller one – not sure which direction.
  Some of the tents are a bit of a hike from the main lounge. We were right next-door and I liked having easy access to the pool and lounge.
  They have a wonderful gift shop, but it’s not easy to find. Ask about it – especially about Jenny’s pen and ink drawings. She’s one of the camp managers and a gifted artist.
  If you have a special occasion they will really do it up right. We had a wonderful surprise champagne dinner on our own private veranda one night to celebrate our anniversary.

  by TC, 10/18/10

Add your own review