RUFIJI RIVER CAMP – SELOUS GAME RESERVE

Rufiji River Camp enjoys an enviable location high up on the banks of the Great Rufiji River. Spectacular sunsets are chorused by hippos grunting and a plethora of bird song. Selous is dominated by the Rufiji River which sprawls out into a myriad of lakes and deltas which fill and empty with the rainfall. The predominant landscape is flat with acacia woodland.

With just 14 tents and suites the camp combines Makuti palm roofs with Selous sourced paving stones and farmed hard woods to create a beautiful and comfortable camp from which to enjoy the Selous Game Reserve and the shaded swimming pool is a great way to cool off between safari activities in the heat of the day.

LOCATION

Rufiji River Lodge is set on the banks of the Great Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania.  The nearest airstrip is just 5 – 10 minutes’ drive from camp.

CAMP

There are 11 individual classic individual tents which are well spaced along the riverbank.  The tents are all pitched underneath thatched roofs with massive verandas giving views up and down the river and each tent has an ensuite bathroom with solar heated water for showering.

Rufiji has 3 suites which are made up of 2 large tents on a shared platform with private plunge pool and each tent has its own stylish bathroom. The suites are ideal for families or friends wanting some extra space and privacy or the extra touch for the special anniversary or honeymoon.

With the focus on the river views and wildlife the restaurant and bar offers al fresco dining under the stars and private dinners along the river bank.  After dinner coffee if perfect sipped from one of the comfortable sofas in the upper level coffee lounge.

ACTIVITIES

Selous Game Reserve, named by Frederick Courtney Selous, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. The Reserve was initially protected by the German Governor in 1896. It is now one of the largest conservation areas in the World.

Selous is home to a third of Tanzania’s elephant and two thirds of the Hunting Dog population.  The population of Dogs peaks in September and October and packs of up to 56 dogs have been spotted in the Reserve.  The Rufiji River is home to plenty of hippo and crocodile and the Reserve is home to large numbers of buffalo, lion and many antelope species.

The sandbanks, oxbow lakes, islands and channels of the river are home to over 440 species of birds including 2 rare species – the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the White-Backed Heron which habituate the wooded sections of the riverbank.

Game Drives – all game drives are taken in open vehicles with a sunshade roof so there are no impediments to anyone’s view.  Guides at Rufiji are locally trained and are experts in the Selous area.

Game Walks – a game walk at Rufiji will really open your eyes to the finer details often missed on game drives – the spore, footprints, insects, flora and fauna are all fascinating when evaluated and explained by your Walking guide.

Boating Safaris – in flat bottomed boats are perhaps the most relaxing way to game view.  Sharing the river with pods of hippo and floats of crocodiles giving you the opportunity to view birds nesting in the banks, monitor lizards and many water birds.

THE CAMP IS CLOSED DURING APRIL AND MAY EVERY YEAR

RUAHA RIVER LODGE IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES.  PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN AGED UNDER 12 YEARS CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS