Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve (formerly Selous Safari Camp)
On arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport you will transfer to the domestic terminal to catch your flight to the Selous Game Reserve. The scheduled flight departs Dar es Salaam at 08h30 and lands in Selous at approximately 09h15 (45 minute flight) – there might be some stops in between – you will only get off at Siwandu airstrip. Here you will be met by the driver guide and taken back on a short safari to Siwandu in time for lunch.
Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve, the size of Switzerland and one of the last great wilderness areas on the continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here as well as taking full advantage of viewing the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot.
After lunch and a rest there will be the opportunity to choose your first activity and begin to explore the Reserve, returning in time for sunset and dinner.
Days 2 – 3: Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve
An early morning tea or coffee will be served in your luxury tent before breakfast and heading out, with a choice of the following activities:
By boat, either by following the course of the mighty Rufiji River or exploring Lake Nzerakera; weave amongst the pods of hippo and crocodile lining the bank and observe game coming down to drink.
Or
Start the day earlier on a game walk, heading out on Selous’ most privileged of experiences. Accompanied by our experienced guide and an armed ranger, walk out into Africa’s largest wilderness, learn about the complex eco-system that it embraces, encounter the thrills and be enthralled at the wonder of being at the heart of nature.
Or
Explore the game in the surrounding areas, from your seat on an open-sided vehicle, a comfortable and privileged journey through the wild African bush. You can expect to see any of the major African mammals, including elephant, giraffes, lions, leopard and even the rare African Wild Dog.
Return to camp for a splendid lunch, then a difficult decision between a siesta or a dip in the swimming pool whilst waiting for the heat of the day to subside. Mid afternoon meet for a cup of tea or cooling lemonade and scrumptious cakes under the Jackel Berry tree, and then move onto your second safari of the day – slowly meandering along the Rufiji River or perhaps tracking a leopard and her cub through the woodland.
Booked in advance, we also offer Walking Safaris in the Selous, to take us back to the original ‘Safari Style’. Walk or drive to the camp, set up exclusively for our use on the shores of the lake. Then relax under hot bucket showers and meet by the fire for a sundowner and dinner under the African sky ablaze with stars. Sleep in small domed star gazer tents, each accompanied with a basin and hand towel
Day 4: Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve – Dar el Salaam
Early morning tea or coffee in bed overlooking Lake Nzerakera is a fine start to your last day here, and before travelling take an early boat or game drive, or lie in and meet for a leisurely breakfast. After bidding farewell to camp managers and staff, take a slow drive to the airstrip to have your last viewings of the great Maasai giraffe and perhaps their new born babies along the way.
Depart at 09h00 for a short game drive to the airstrip for the flight to back to Dar es Salaam. Flight leaves Siwandu at 09h45 and lands Dar at 10h20.