The Retreat, located in Northern Selous, is a twelve-suite exquisite hideaway that offers complete seclusion in the heart of remote bush lands. The atmospheric main house, The Fort, is based on an ancient military observation point from the First World War with the design being inspired by East African design from the trading route over a hundred years ago. The Fort has a large infinity pool and its surroundings provide a much favoured vantage point from which clients have a 360 degree view into hundreds of kilometres of remote bush. The upper level of the Fort offers various chill-out areas and the Star Bar. Vast panoramic views make it the perfect spot for sundowners.

Location

Selous Game Reserve is in South-east Tanzania, south of Mikumi National Park.

Accommodation

The Retreat offers four different styles of accommodation.

Twelve tented suites - spaciously appointed, 100–220 m², more than six meter high tented suites under palm thatched roofs with expansive distance between each suite have been constructed in three independent units to correspond with the surrounding habitat, whilst guaranteeing privacy and romance. The tents are protected by two layers - a strong mosquito net as an inner wall and heavy duty canvas on the outer side. If guests wish to be closer to nature, all tents can be fully opened to the sounds, breeze and full view of the environment. Each suite has its own private outdoor deck with a stunning signature outdoor antique copper, brass or silver bathtub. Ethnic elements, bespoke furnishings, African antiques, natural materials and precious stones have been blended to create a unique sense of comfort and natural luxury using principles of Feng Shui and the Five Elements in materials and interior design.

Eagle Hill Suites
The six Eagle Hill Suites enjoy breathtaking views from their position on the top of the hill, next to the main house, The Fort with huge infinity pool, restaurant and the Star Bar.

River Suites
The three River Suites stand on raised platforms beside the river bank with each suite boasting their own plunge pool and additional 60m² ‘look-out’ viewing deck. They are complimented by another infinity pool and the Sunset Bar.

Lion's Suite
The Lion's River Suite sits on a wooden platform with a further 60m² tented seating area, which can house additional beds for families. The Lion’s River Suite boasts a personal dining area for the ultimate dinner party location and a plunge pool, perfect for honeymooners!

Hippo Point
Hippo Point offers the ultimate exclusive private safari lodge experience. Situated 2 km from The Fort, providing total seclusion and privacy, the two large Hippo Point suites are 160m² each and are located either side of a cooling swimming pool. The suites are on raised platforms and have their own sundeck and plunge pool. Guests at Hippo Point can feel like they are in their own personal safari paradise with the private bar, lounge and dining areas all serviced by a dedicated cook and butler. Even activities can be done in ultimate seclusion with their own private guide taking them on safari adventures in a vintage safari vehicle or on exciting boat excursions on the river.

Love Nest
An open tree house, complete with a teak wood base, a huge bed under a silk mosquito net, a swing with a chill out area and outdoor bathroom under the roof of a huge evergreen tree.

Activities

The Retreat is unique in that it allows guests to totally tailor make their stay by having a choice of two inclusive activities per day, from the following choices:
•    Game drives – morning, afternoon or evening game drives with expert guides
•    Escorted safari walks & hikes – morning or afternoon with armed rangers and specialist guides
•    Escorted boat excursions on the Great Ruaha River - morning or afternoon
•    Line fishing may be rewarded by bagging the likes of Tiger Fish and Catfish
•    Special birding excursion by an expert guide
•    Spa treatments
•    Nomadic hiking tours

SPECIAL CIRCUITS

NOMADIC CAMPING: Camp every day at a different location while hiking with an expert guide and an armed scout for several days through Selous. Enjoy individual service by a private butler and private cook.

SELOUS CIRCUIT: Spend some days at The Retreat and move from there to a special luxurious fly camping in another area of Selous. Sleep under the stars of the African sky, listen to the wisdom of our guides at an open campfire and experience true African romance served by private butler and chef.

SPECIAL RETREATS AT THE RETREAT: Special weeks are arranged with experts for Yoga and Meditation, painting or “laughing with the Hippos” for experience the power of the African Earth.

Spa

The Retreat offers  its own spa, which offers a wide range of nature-inspired treatments.

Children

A warm welcome awaits families with children of all ages enthusiastic for the natural world, whilst also ensuring that guests without children equally enjoy the peace and beauty of The Selous Retreat undisturbed. Our experienced guides can take children on their own educational game tracking adventure helping them to draw up their own bush diary.

The spacious Lion’s River Suite, with its wonderful outlook or the privacy of Hippo Point makes these two rooms particularly suitable for families.

Honeymoon and wedding

The Retreat is a rustic and romantic honeymoon choice for couples looking to make their trip of a lifetime extra special. Not only do they offer firm favorites done to perfection such as indulgent dining, couple’s spa pampering and game adventures, but The Retreat goes above and beyond expectations. Couples can spend the night in the secret Love Nest on the banks of the river or spend the night under the stars in the romantic fly camp.

Cuisine

Besides the restaurant at the Fort, there are several attractive areas in which to dine in such as the Sunset Pool, Hippo Point or even in the guest suites. Dependent on weather conditions and guests’ requests, bush dining is a regular feature at The Retreat where freshly prepared food is cooked in situ over an open fire. Local and international cuisine, utilizing fresh produce from coastal regions, is brought in and prepared by The Retreat’s skilled chefs, who are trained under Wolfgang Kuchler, a leading 18 point Gault Millau cook from Switzerland.

Communications

There is no mobile phone reception at The Retreat but satellite internet and HF radio communication is available at the lodge. Communication between each tent and main house is guaranteed through mobile radio. All 4WD vehicles and boats are in radio contact with the lodge.

Medical Services and Security

The Retreat has well equipped medical facilities for all eventualities in the bush & our staff have been trained in emergency procedures.
The Flying Doctors Service is available for emergencies. It is necessary, that guests are covered prior to arrival at The Retreat by an insurance including flying doctors services.