Roho ya Selous

Overview

Per Person Per Night:

$900-1,150

$1,150

Type

Tented Camp

Standard

High

Rooms

WI-FI

Yes

Families

Yes

Malaria Free

Highlights

The Selous is Africa's largest protected wildlife sanctuary
Diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife in a true wilderness
Game drives, bush walks, boating, catch-release fishing
No crowds and an excellent add-on to a Serengeti safari

Location

Lake Nzerakera
Nyerere National Park
Southern Tanzania

Roho ya Selous is a stylish safari camp located on a small peninsula on a lake that adjoins the Rufiji River in a prime wildlife section of the Selous wilderness.

The Selous is one of Africa's largest wildlife sanctuaries and one of the continent's last true wilderness areas, offering guests a safari experience unavailable in the more crowded reserves like the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Main camp lounge area at Roho ya Selous.

The Selous is best known for its abundance of elephants, plains game, and predators, but also offers incredibly diverse habitats, including permanent rivers lined with lofty palms, swamps, marshes, oxbow lagoons, and floodplains, as well as open grassland, woodland, and forests. Read more about the Selous below.

'Roho ya Selous' means the 'heart of Selous' and its name is appropriate as the best wildlife viewing occurs around the area of the camp. Activities offered include game drives, bush walking, boating, and catch-and-release fishing. The camp also offers a customized photographic game drive vehicle that features swivel seats and fold-down side panels for low-level images.

Guest suite interior and view at Roho ya Selous.

Roho ya Selous offers 8 spacious, canvas-and-wood, guest suites, one of which is a two-bedroom unit designed for a family. Children aged 5 years and above are welcome, but certain activities are age-restricted. The suites have plumbed facilities, including indoor showers, outdoor showers, and flush toilets.

The camp's main guest area is comprised of two open-sided, canvas-covered structures that include spaces for dining and lounging between safaris. The romantic campfire area is a popular place for drinks and discussion in the evenings.

The landscape around the camp is beautiful, with large tress and views down to the lake. A relaxing swimming pool and sun deck is a great way to cool off during the middays.

A safari in The Selous is an excellent addition to a northern Tanzania itinerary or as part of an immersive southern Tanzania experience.

Swimming pool and sun deck at Roho ya Selous.

About the Selous

Named after Frederick Courtney Selous, who left England for Africa in 1871 and spent the next 40 years hunting and exploring southern Tanzania, the Selous is Africa's largest single protected sanctuary.

Created in 1922 and covering 21 000 square miles (54 600 sq kms) of wilderness, the Selous (pronounced "sell-oo") is three times the size of South Africa's Kruger National Park and twice the size of Serengeti National Park. It is one of Tanzania's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (declared in 1982).

Although the Selous was been 'protected' since 1922, most of its land was used for commercial hunting until very recently. In 2019, the Tanzanian government decided to eliminate hunting in the eco-tourism sector (north of the Rufiji River) of the Selous Reserve, as well as in a vast area in the central and southern sectors of the reserve, with an eye on further developing eco-tourism in that remote area. The decision resulted in the establishment of the new Nyerere National Park, named for Julius Nyerere, independent Tanzania's first leader.

A herd of buffalo in Nyerere National Park.

Prior to the establishment of the national park in the Selous, the vast majority of the reserve (~95%), including everything south of the Rufiji/Great Ruaha Rivers, was set aside as trophy hunting concessions. Today, more than half of the original Selous Reserve is now fully protected from hunting as the Nyerere National Park (see the map at the top of this page).

Combined with Mikumi National Park, which adjoins The Selous to the north, this diverse ecosystem a large variety of habitats, includes grassland plains, palm-lined rivers, marshland, open woodland, baobab forest, hilly scrubland, and groundwater forest.

Wildlife in The Selous is abundant and diverse, with an estimated 700 000 large mammal that includes healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, African wild dog, giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, crocodile, and many other species. There are reportedly still over 100 highly endangered black rhinoceros in the reserve.

Maasai giraffes in Nyerere National Park.

The Selous is mostly undisturbed by human impact and contains some of the most beautiful wilderness anywhere in Africa. The Rufiji River, which runs for 373 miles (600 kms), defines the southern border of the northern sector (now the border between Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve). The Rufiji and its numerous tributaries provide prime wildlife habitat, including lagoons, small channels, swamps, small islands, and lakes harboring large numbers of hippos and crocodiles.

The Selous' northern sector (now Nyerere National Park) along the Rufiji River is the prime game viewing area and the location of most of the safari camps.

Elephants are common in Selous, as well as a highly diverse collection of antelopes, including impala, puku, waterbuck, wildebeest, reedbuck, Roosevelt's sable, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest. The forested areas along the rivers and lagoons are home to large numbers of vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red colobus monkeys.

Birding is outstanding in Selous, especially from November through April when thousands of migratory birds arrive to breed. Over 400 species of bird have been recorded in The Selous.

The Selous is also an excellent destination to see predators. Lions are the most commonly seen big cat, especially along the rivers. The abundance of prey means that the lions live in large prides in the national park and game reserve. Leopards are very common, but more difficult to find. Cheetah and spotted hyena are also sometimes seen. Selous is home to Africa's largest remaining population of endangered African wild dog, which are found in large packs throughout the national park and reserve.

The camps in Nyerere / Selous offer legendary walking safaris, as well as boating on the Rufiji River and its surrounding lakes, providing guests with a diverse safari experience. Arrival in Selous is usually via small aircraft flights from Dar Es Salaam or Arusha to various private airstrips located near the safari camps.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

8 guest accommodations in total comprising:

7 canvas-and-wood, tented suites, all of which can be set up with a double or twin beds, and two of which can be a triple to accommodate a child under the age of 16 years.
1 double/family, tented suite consisting of two bedrooms, one with a double bed (convertible to twins) and one with three single beds (a bunkbed and a third single). The bedrooms each have their own en-suite facilities.

The tented rooms are constructed using canvas and locally-sourced reeds atop slightly elevated stone platforms. The front of the tents include floor-to-ceiling mesh to allow unobstructed views from the bed.

Every tent includes en-suite facilities with plumbed hot and cold water, a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, and flush toilet. The tents are accessed via footpaths on the ground leading to the main camp area.

Guest tent at Roho ya Selous.

The camp and guest suites are situated on a small peninsula on Lake Nzerakera, which adjoins the Rufiji River a short distance away.

The guest suites are primarily canvas, with large, floor-to-ceiling mesh panels in front of the bedroom to allow for viewing out from the bed. Roll-down canvas flaps cover the mesh in case of wind or rain. The suites are constructed on a slightly elevated stone platform using wooden supports, a canvas tarpaulin over the top, and wood/reed walls around three sides.

The suites include an 'evening breeze' cooling system over the beds to ensure a comfortable sleep during the warmer months.

Other items and features in the guest suites include:

Writing desk and chair.
Dining table with chairs.
Wardrobe for clothes storage.
Post-mounted rolling fan.
Safe.
Mosquito netting over the beds.
24-hour power (provided using a combination of solar and generator) for lighting and charging electronics.
Hairdryers are not supported by the solar / generator power system.
Wi-Fi available in the guest suites and main guest areas.
Mobile phone signal not reliable.

Roho ya Selous can accommodate a maximum of 21 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 7 guest suites, a possible 2 additional children in two suites convertible to a triple, and 5 guests in the family suite.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and house drinks, including wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
Safari experiences (twice-daily or full-day game drives, bush walks, boating, catch-and-release fishing, and birding) accompanied by an experienced guide.
Sundowner drinks and snacks.
Limited laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
Wi-Fi access (in the main guest area and guest suites).
Mbuyu Airstrip transfers (20-minute drive).
Siwandu Airstrip transfers (40-minute drive).
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
Purchases from the Gift Shop.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Children aged 5 years and older are accommodated at Roho ya Selous:

Two guest suites available as a triple.
Family suite can accommodate two adults and three children.
Ask us about reduced rates for children sharing with adults or children 12-17 in their own suite.
The minimum age for children on bush walks is 16 years and at the discretion of the guide.
Children's menu available.

Game drives with children:

During high and peak seasons, families (less than 5 persons) with children aged 0-12 years must pre-book a private vehicle.
During low and peak seasons, families (less than 5 persons) with children aged 0-12 years will receive a private vehicle FOC subject to availability. Vehicle must be pre-booked.
Year-round, families with children aged 0-12 years will receive a private vehicle FOC for every 5 persons in the family. This is subject to vehicle availability and must be booked in advance.

Facilities

The main camp area and guest tents are situated on a small peninsula on Lake Nzerakera, which adjoins the Rufiji River a short distance away.

The main guest area consists of two, open-sides, canvas structures supported by wooden beams on the ground, one of which is the dining space and the other a lounge and bar. Roll-down canvas flaps on all sides are generally left open unless there is wind or rain. The area in front of the tented space includes a campfire and outdoor dining area.

There is a swimming pool and sun deck a short walk from the main dining and lounge areas.

Main guest area facilities include:

The main guest includes two open-sided, tented structures that include a dining area, lounge, and bar.
Dining is typically communal, but private dining is available on request.
Swimming pool and sun deck.
Campfire area.
Gift Shop.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Mineral water is provided in the main camp areas and in the guest tents.
The camp is powered by a combination of solar and generator.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Morning and afternoon/evening game drives in semi-open 4x4 vehicles.
Guided bush walks. Children must generally be 16 years of age (or given clearance at the discretion of the guide).
Full-day game drives with a packed picnic.
Boating safaris on the lake.
Catch-and-release fishing.
Sundowners.
Birding.
All game drive vehicles fitted with inverters for battery charging on game drives.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
Use of the customized Asilia photographic game drive vehicle. The vehicle is based at Roho ya Selous. Best to reserve in advance.

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity or food packed for an earlier departure.
Return to the camp for a meal and rest period (full-day outings mean lunch is packed).
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

GENERAL TIPS

The Selous is a superb wildlife-viewing destination throughout year, with lots of plains game and predators, particularly along the Ruaha-Rufiji river system, which is where the safari camps are located.

Predators seen regularly include lion, leopard, and African wild dog. Cheetah and spotted hyena are seen, but less frequently. Herbivores are also present in large numbers, particularly elephant, giraffe, buffalo, impala, puku, waterbuck, wildebeest, reedbuck, Roosevelt's sable, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest.

The rains in The Selous region have the same pattern as is found in the Serengeti and Masai Mara regions further to the north, with most of the precipitation occurring between November and April. and it is advisable to avoid the region during March and April, when heavy rains typically occur.

June to mid-October is the best time for wildlife viewing, especially along the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers, which become a focal point for the animals during the dry season. Many of the safari camps are closed during the long rains.

Roho ya Selous is closed from 15-March thru 31-May.

RAINS

The rainy season in the Selous region is from sometime during November thru around mid-May, with two distinct rainy seasons and a short 'interlude' between them. The "Short Rains" fall from mid-November to mid-December and are generally lighter and less impactful to safari activities. The "Long Rains" occur between March and May, brining afternoon showers on a near daily basis.

Short Rains
The short rains occur for about one month sometime during November and December (the exact time, frequency, and amount of rainfall varies somewhat year to year). This period is called the 'short' rains because the duration of an individual rain event is generally short and it is rare to have an all-day rain event. Most rain during this period falls as an afternoon shower, while mornings are typically overcast or clear.

The first rains typically arrive sometime in mid-November, but December receives the bulk of the short rains. The landscape turns lush and green and migrant birds arrive. Impalas and warthogs give birth and the land feels revitalized.

January / February
January and February (the interlude period between the 'short' rains and the 'long' rains) are unpredictable with regards to rain, as in some years the rains abate before starting again in March, while in other years, the short rains do not end and continue falling before becoming more substantial in March.

Many days are clear and the amount and duration of the rain events is unpredictable, with some afternoon showers and the odd long and heavy shower.

The landscapes during this period are spectacularly green and beautiful, with wildflowers abundant, trees in bloom, and bushes and grass adding even more color. The skies are often dramatic, with dark clouds and sunshine combining to create post-card like imagery.

Long Rains
The long rains occur between March and May, with April being the wettest month of the year. During this time, rain should be expected almost every day and the showers can last for hours at a time, although all-day rains are not typical. The roads can be quite difficult during the long rains, which can mean more difficult game drives. Cloudy skies are typical and temperatures can be chilly at times.

TEMPERATURES

The temperatures in the Selous region do not experience much fluctuation during the year, owing to the region's location not far south (7 to 8 degrees) of the equator. In general, daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable and overnights and early mornings are mild or sometimes chilly. Bring a fleece and plan to dress in a couple layers in the mornings, regardless of the seasonal timing of your visit.

Dry Season
During the dry season (June thru October), the days are sunny and warm and rarely hot. Rainfall is extremely rare, except sometimes at the end of October of the rains arrive early. From June thru August, the afternoon temperature averages 79-81°F (26-27°C), but some days can be warmer. Evenings and early mornings temperatures are mild and only occassionally chilly, averaging 63-64°F (17-18°C).

September and October days are warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging 84-86°F (29-30°C), with mild mornings averaging 66-70°F (19-21°C).

Rainy Season
The rain season begins sometime in November and continues through mid-May (read more above). Temperatures during this period are fairly static, with daytime temperatures averaging 82-86°F (28-30°C) and nighttime and early morning temperatures slightly warmer than the dry season, averaging 68-72°F (21-22°C).