Roho ya Selous

Beho Beho is known as ‘wansalishi’ which means when translated from the swahili ‘the pioneer’. The first camp in the Northern sector of the Selous game reserve, its stone cottages, perched on Kipalala Hill, offer panoramic views over the Rufiji river flood plain. 145 miles south west of Dar es Salaam, as the crow flies, the camp is 3 miles from the grave of Frederick Courteney Selous.

Beho Beho has 8 individual very spacious Bandas, (stone built and palm thatched cottages) furnished with king-sized beds, Zanzibari day beds, writing desks and comfortable ‘suite’ furniture. The front of the banda is totally open and extends on to a spacious verandah. The banda can be secured for the night with ‘tented curtains’ or left open as desired. Each banda has a separate dressing room leading into an en suite bathroom with twin basins, high flush WC and an ‘open air’ shower.

Furnished in the style of a private house with comfortable seating and dining areas the most noticeable thing in the Main House is that there are few walls. Shaded and protected by a huge palm thatched roof there is also a full sized billiards table, the Eagle’s nest for private dining and lots of cosy nooks. Meals are a moveable feast and are not confined to the formal dining area. There are several lookouts where breakfast and lunch are served and of course areas for dining under the stars. Bush Breakfasts and picnics are also arranged for longer safaris.

Absolutely private, for a minimum of four adults and up to a maximum of eight, this is a really exclusive option for those travelling to this remarkable part of the country.

With just four spacious and airy stone cottages, each raised up on platforms just above the river line, you will be completely and entirely catered for on a private basis and have the whole camp to make your home while you investigate the area.

The cottages all have their own plunge pool and the main boma also has a swimming pool for a communal splash. You have your own bar, lounge area and all activities tailored to your requirements.

The fly camping from here is astounding. For a little extra, you can walk off into the wilderness with your guide and spend the night in the middle of the bush under your own mosquito net on a very comfortable safari bedroll. Bucket showers and a drop toilet will be set up ready for you and all meals will be just as good as if you were based in camp. Not for the light hearted, you will be able to hear every rustle and crack of the bush and it is truly one of the most exhilarating experiences and well worth it.

If you aren’t quite strong enough to cope with this extreme exposure to the wild, you have a choice of guided bush walks or river cruises to help you explore this region in style.

With views over a picturesque curve in the Rufiji River, Sand Rivers Selous is ideally located for some prime game sightings. Landscapes including woodlands, lakes and wide open plains are home to a plethora of wildlife and give you the chance to see some spectacular creatures. Whether you explore the surrounding area by car, boat or on foot, you will be well cared for and in the hands of some wonderful guides. Lions and wild dog are common sightings and you could follow the elephant tracks as they span the savannahs. Buffalo are in huge numbers in this reserve and should be given a wide berth but on the back of a vehicle you will be awed by the sheer numbers that congregate here.

Two types of rooms are available; 5 Riverside Rooms and 3 Hillside Suites. The Riverside Rooms are all open fronted and have been elevated on to platforms to maximise your views over the river and woodland beyond. Designed with a modern Africa touch, they are luxurious to behold and extremely comfortable. The Hillside Suites are extremely spacious and open plan, and also have their own private lounge area for you to enjoy some significant privacy. Each of these suites have their own private pool which is extremely refreshing in the heat of the afternoon.

Sheltered by a forest of palms, this beautiful lodge sits right on the banks of a lake formed by the Rufiji River that flows through this massive ecosystem.

The camp consists of two sites; North and South. North Camp has six tents and South Camp has seven, and each location has its own swimming pool in which to enjoy a midday splash, as well as a jetty. Either can be booked as a private camp. Each tented suite is extremely well appointed and features its own private veranda.

You’ll have the chance to see large populations of crocodile basking in the sun and hippos bathing in the cooling waters. Animals wander freely through the camp and the noises of the wild African bush can be heard throughout the night. With a whole host of activities to involve you in your surroundings, the game experience at Siwandu camp is absolutely superb. Enjoy excellent game drives or venture out on foot with an expert guide to find the ‘little five’ – lion ant, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise and the rhino beetle.