Set amidst dense indigenous forests, on the eastern bank of the Simbazi River, which is a tributary of the Rufiji, the Serena Selous Luxury Camp is the ultimate wilderness retreat. Twelve widely spaced tents stand on the river bank, each with a natural thatch roof, elegant Victorian-styled bathroom, private viewing deck and plunge pool. Luxuriously presented, each tent features an engaging mix of canvas walls, crystal chandeliers, opulent rugs and elegant rosewood furniture.
Overlooking the river, the charming central dining room, lounge, library and bar each have their own spacious timber and thatched chalets, which are interconnected by broad wooden walkways offering excellent views of the hippos and elephants of the riverbank. High on the river bank is a spectacular ‘infinity’ pool and sundeck; also an exclusive aromatherapy spa, where a wide range of entirely natural massages, scrubs and body wraps are offered. 

Location:

The Serena Selous Luxury Camp stands at the heart of the Selous National Reserve. The reserve lies in south-east Tanzania, south of Mikumi National Park. Fom Dar es Salaam, the flight takes around 45 minute’s  or 7-8 hours by road via the Kibiti-Mkongo road (which is only partially surfaced) or 8-9 hours via the Morogoro-Matombo-Kisaki road, which enters the northern section of the reserve (4WD required)

Accommodation

The Serena Selous Luxury Camp offers just 12 exclusive tents. Widely spaced amongst the indigenous forest, each is presented on a stone terrace and sheltered by a timber and thatch roof. To the rear of the tent is the ensuite bathroom, which features a Victorian claw-foot bath, shower and WC. Each tent is tastefully furnished with luxury double or twin beds, polished rosewood furniture, opulent rugs and crystal chandeliers. Each tent also enjoys its own extensive private sun-deck, loungers, plunge-pool and river views.

Room facilities include:

Luxury tented bedroom with ensuite bathroom
Laundry, valet and shoeshine services
Mineral water and toiletries
Bathrobe and slippers
Snacks and drinks room service
Safe and hairdryers (from reception)
24-hour medical service
Children’s meals, beds, babysitting       

Dining and bars

Slightly raised on timber decks above the river, the open-sided dining room offers a selection of exclusive seating areas, an elegant library, a charming lounge and a safari bar. All overlook the river with uninterrupted views of the hippos, elephants and crocodiles that congregate on its banks.

Bush dining

Serena Selous Luxury Camp staff are expert in arranging breakfasts, lunches, dinners and cocktails in the bush. They have a number of dedicated sites, which are typically presented with tables, safari chairs, ‘bush bar’ and a ‘bush kitchen’, where a broad range of meats, poultry, fish and vegetables are cooked on-site (supplemented by fresh soups, salads and puddings from our hotel kitchens). In the evenings, ‘sun-downer’ cocktails are traditionally served around a campfire and can be followed by a lamp-lit ‘bush dinner’.

Conference and event facilities

Serena Selous Luxury Camp does not offer specific conference facilities but will be happy to quote for small meetings and social gatherings.

Weddings and honeymoons

The Selous makes the ideal honeymoon choice. Pristine, undiscovered and the last of the great safari frontiers, it offers a multitude of unique experiences ranging from river safaris to wilderness picnics. The lodge’s supremely private and spacious tented rooms are specifically designed to deliver the ultimate ‘getaway from it all’ experience. Each one also features a private deck with plunge pool for two.

Additionally Serena Selous Luxury Camp can offer:

    Welcoming fruit and flowers
    A special table for two in our dining room
    Private dinner for two on your candle-lit deck
    Honeymoon breakfast in bed with sparkling wine
    The option of breakfast for two in the bush
    The option of a massage for two in your tent

Children

Due to the unique nature of the lodge, it is not considered suitable for children under the age of six.

Family accommodation

Serena Selous Luxury Camp can arrange for adjoining rooms for the accommodation of families, as well as triple rooms or additional beds. Cots and child-minding services can be provided (prior notice appreciated).

Children’s meals

All meals are generous buffet-styled presentations, with something to suit absolutely everyone. High-chairs can be provided, as can baby-friendly food. Serena Selous Safari Lodge is delighted to offer slightly earlier children’s meals (as early as 12 noon and 6.00 pm) – tailored to suit your children.

Children’s entertainment

The lodge offers its own swimming pool (supervised by a qualified life-guard but not suited to small children other than under parental supervision).
Serena Selous Luxury Camp also offers a wide selection of board-games and books on Africa and the wilderness. The lodges professional nature guides also offer nightly talks and video presentations on wildlife.

What to see and do

Spectacular game drives around the stunning Selous ecosystem 
Boating safaris down the Rufiji River
Gentle nature trails around the Lodge in the company of the resident naturalist
A full safari breakfast, cooked in the bush
Bush dinners overlooking the river
Atmospheric ‘Sundowners’ in the wilderness
‘Maisha’ health, beauty and wellness facilities
Swimming or sunbathing at the ‘vanishing horizon’ swimming pool.