Tanzania

Where to Stay in the Selous and Ruaha National Parks

Where to Stay in the Selous and Ruaha National Parks

Bailey's Banda

Part of the Beho Beho Camp, this private house sits tucked into the hillside just out of sight from its older sister, and is resolutely private.

An authentic and luxurious camp, Bailey's Banda has just two en-suite bedrooms. Both are spacious with king beds and have fantastic views over the Selous plains.

Bailey's Banda has its own plunge pool and a sun deck - perfect for sunbathing in the day and sundowners in the evening - and a private chef is on hand to rustle up something delicious whenever or wherever guests want. The sitting area is open plan and on one side opens up to the stunning scenery and poolside decking.

Guests also have exclusive access to their own guide, 4WD safari vehicle and a boat at the nearby Lake Tagalala.

Why We Love It

The views into the valley and hippo pools below certainly give guests a taste for wild Africa.

 

Impala Camp

Impala Camp is located on the banks of the Rufiji River in the Selous National Park, Africa's largest game reserve.

There are just six beautifully furnished tents built on platforms, giving superb views of the river, its wildlife and the forest beyond. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, and a spacious veranda.

The Rufiji waters attract a wide array of wildlife and offer visitors the opportunity to go on safari by boat and experience the remarkable concentration of wildlife from a different perspective.

The skilled and knowledgeable guides of Impala Camp can also lead game drives, walking excursions and fly-camping. In the evenings, guests return to the comfort of the camp and dine under the stars.

Why We Love It

The lifeblood of the Selous is the meandering Rufiji River and its tributaries, which form a network of lakes, lagoons and channels.

 

Jongomero

Superbly positioned right in the heart of the Ruaha National Park, Jongomero Camp lies on the banks of the seasonal sand river which bears the same name.

As the only camp in this area of the park Jongomero Camp offers unrivalled privacy and a true wilderness experience. Blending in beautifully with its surroundings the camp is tucked away among some shady riverine vegetation not far from some permanent water which attracts a large amount of animals to the camp area.

Accommodation consists of eight large and well-appointed tented suites, all built on raised wooden platforms under enormous thatched roofs that also cover a spacious private veranda. The dining and living areas are both very comfortable, and there is also a swimming pool.

Elephants are daily and nightly visitors to the camp, lions occasionally pass through and once every so often the tracks of a leopard can be seen winding down the main pathway as they make their way through the camp. Activities on offer include game drives as well as expertly guided game walks during the dry season. The more adventurous traveller can also head out on an overnight walking safari, fly camping under starlit skies.

Why We Love It

The camp itself is unfenced and animals are free to pass through as they please.

 

Siwandu

Siwandu is a luxury tented camp located on the banks of Lake Nzerakera in Tanzania's vast Selous Game Reserve, the largest protected wilderness reserve on the continent.

The tented rooms are set on raised timber platforms and spread along the lake shore. The tents are designed to maximise views and breeze, and have en-suite bathrooms, open-air showers and two verandas to the front and rear. The central part of the camp includes a swimming pool, dining area and a bar on a raised viewing platform.

Around the camp, a landscape of river channels and lake systems attracts a huge diversity of wildlife, from lion, buffalo and hippo to more than 300 bird species.

Activities include early morning and evening game drives, boat safaris and fishing on the Rufiji River, and walking safaris with overnight fly-camping, all accompanied by expert guides.

Why We Love It

The area is home to one of the few remaining wild dog populations in Africa.

 

Mdonya Old River Camp

Situated in the western corner of Ruaha National Park, Mdonya River Camp is made up of twelve traditional style safari tents, dotted under the shade of large sycamore figs on the banks of a dry sandriver.

Each tent has an en-suite bathroom, dressing room and outside shower, the communal area is comfortable with a small library and there are two hides set at each end of the camp where guests can sit and watch game.

Activities from the camp include guided 4x4 and walking safaris and maybe a swim in the Mdonya Falls.

Why We Love It

Mdonya River Camp offers a genuine off-the-beaten track experience with good game viewing.