What’s so special about the Selous?

The largest game reserve in Africa – a massive 55,000 km2 of rolling savannah, lakes, rivers and deltas.  Four times the size of the Serengeti and larger than Switzerland!

A game reserve, rather than a national park.  A wider range of activities are permitted such as; boating, walking and camping safaris.

A World Heritage Site, located in South East Tanzania.

The largest concentration of elephant in the world.

Home to all the members of ‘The Big Five’.

Exclusive boating safaris in Africa on the Rufiji River

Wilderness picnics, bush dinners, sundowners….

The ultimate wilderness retreat.  A haven for true bush enthusiasts.

Breathtakingly beautiful, untouched and untamed… best enjoyed on foot with the Naturalist or by boat.

Where to stay?

These two properties in the Selous mark the beginning of a new and exciting dawn for the Serena Luxury Collection…as they move towards offering more intimate, luxurious, boutique-style safari lodges.

Just twelve elegantly furnished tents with private sun decks and impressive ensuite bathrooms complete with Victorian tub and separate shower.  The main camp building offers an inviting dining room, lounge, small library, bar and infinity pool.  Sundowners on the expansive deck, under the shade of the Sausage and Tamarind trees, provide the ideal opportunity for hippo spotting! The camp closes in April and May due to the heavy rains and accessibility.

Standing high on the banks of the Rufiji River that flows down to the plunging torrents of Stiegler’s Gorge, Mivumo River Lodge offers just twelve luxurious chalets, with private viewing deck and plunge pool. Each room features a charming mix of Edwardian crystal chandeliers, marble basins, classic safari antiques and subtly understated modern leather and rattan furniture. The main lodge comprises a spacious central dining area, lounge, library and bar, offering excellent views of the wildlife along the riverbank. The ‘infinity’ pool and sundeck are a great spot to unwind after a day out walking or on safari.  The aromatherapy spa offers a range of entirely natural massages, scrubs and body wraps.  In addition to the chalets, Mivumo also offers a luxurious Royal Suite that is set apart from the other chalets for added privacy, and offers 3 spacious double bedrooms.

The WOW factor…

The Royal Suite at Mivumo is something completely different and special with a real WOW factor!  Fully self-contained, set in its own large, totally private and secluded area with stunning views across the river, three spacious bedrooms with private decks, a swimming pool, plunge pool and a magnificent, beautifully furnished lounge and dining room, with several unusual features including water flowing under stylish wooden bridges within the room – and the main bathroom with a throne like no other … you have to see it to believe it!  It is hard to capture it on film, but we have done our best!

How to get there?

It is a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam International Airport to Stiegler’s Airstrip, where Serena offer a meet and greet service.  From there it’s a half-hour’s game drive to either the camp or the lodge.

How to sell it?

Regular flights link the reserve with Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha. There are also connections to the other northern circuit airstrips.

A popular itinerary idea would be to combine a safari in the Selous with a few nights at the Serena Inn in Stone Town, Zanzibar – and possibly then extend in Zanzibar at one of the many beach resorts.   Serena has a fantastic package to this end…

Game viewing

The game viewing around the two properties is at its best during the dry season.  Guests regularly spot herds of elephant, prides of lion, leopard, hunting dog, cheetah, big herds of buffalo, greater kudu, impala and eland.

The river cruises are famous for the gorges, water birds, fish eaters, crocodiles, hippos and leopards in addition to offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a bit of fishing from the sand banks. Serena has some of the best boats in the reserve, manned by experienced staff and equipped with fishing tackle and refreshments.

Whole day game drives are a MUST!  These allow guests to explore the lake areas, stopping mid way for a picnic lunch in the bush and a dip in the hot springs.  Having a whole day to enjoy the beauty of the Selous allows an unhurried game experience where specialist guides have time to explain the natural history of the area and its animals, birds and its magnificent trees.

What the specialists said about it…

Following our recent fam trip the following comments were made…

“I feel that Selous combines perfectly with Zanzibar as a wonderful East African safari destination, especially for those looking for romance and luxury.”
- Claire Farley (2 By 2 Holidays)

“I just wanted to say the most enormous thank you to Sue for organising such an interesting and enjoyable trip. I really felt that it gave me a fresh perspective on Zanzibar and many new ideas on safari product for Tanzania. To pick a highlight from the trip is almost impossible since for me it was all a highlight -fine food, accommodation and jaw dropping scenery are of course all the ingredients of a memorable trip. Of particular note are the simply amazing staff that Serena employ, from housekeeping to management their warmth and professionalism shines through and each one an excellent ambassador for the company and their country”.
-  Robin Russell-Pavier (Freedom Africa)

To read a report on the fam trip Claire and Robin attended please click here

But photos often speak louder than words…….