Set amidst dense indigenous forests, on the eastern bank of the Simbazi River, which is a tributary of the Rufiji, the Selous Wildlife Lodge 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 Lodge is in the Selous National Reserve, which is 45 minute’s flight from Dar es Salaam International Airport. A meet and greet service is offered from Stiegler’s Airstrip, which is just a half-hour’s game drive away from the lodge. The park lies 250-350km south-west of Dar es Salaam and is often inaccessible during the long rains (March to May).

Accommodation

The river lodge offers just 12 exclusive tents with elegant ensuite bathrooms. 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, infinity plunge-pool and river views. All rooms are provided with Laundry, valet and shoeshine services in addition to mineral water and toiletries as well as bathrobe and slippers

Lodge Facilities:

-    Library and lounge
-    Aromatherapy Spa
-    Infinity pool and sundeck
-    Bush breakfasts and sundowners daily
-    Wedding planning and honeymoon venue
-    Gift shop, business centre, WiFi
-    Extensive selection of sports and activities.
-    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
The lodge staff are expert in arranging breakfasts, lunches, dinners and cocktails in the bush. We 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’.

Child-friendly
The lodge regrets that due to the unique nature of the lodge, we do not consider it suited to children under the age of six.

Family accommodation
The lodge can arrange for adjoining rooms for the accommodation of families. It can also offer 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. The lodge is also delighted to offer slightly earlier children’s meals (as early as 12 noon and 6.00 pm) – tailored to suit 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).

The lodge also offer a wide selection of board-games and books on Africa and the wilderness. Their professional nature guides also offer nightly talks and video presentations on wildlife.

Highlights of being at Selous Wildlife Lodge

The largest game reserve in Africa
The largest concentration of elephants in the world
All the members of ‘The Big Five’
Game and riverboat safaris
Wilderness picnics

What to see and do
The choice of things to do and see at the Lodge includes:
Spectacular game drives around the stunning Selous ecosystem 
Boating safaris down the Rufiji River
Gentle nature trails around the Lodge in the company of our resident naturalist
A full safari breakfast, cooked in the bushBush dinners overlooking the riverAtmospheric ‘Sundowners’ in the wilderness
‘Maisha’ health, beauty and wellness facilities
Swimming or sunbathing at The lodge's ‘vanishing horizon’ swimming pool.