The Impala Selous Camp sits on the banks of the Rufiji River, in the Selous Reserve, in southern Tanzania. An unfenced camp with raised platform tents, boat safaris and fly camping: the formula targets travelers seeking true bush immersion, without the barriers of more conventional lodges.

Why choose Impala Selous Camp

Three elements set this camp apart within a reserve that hosts several others. First, its location on the Rufiji's edge, which opens direct access to river safaris — few Tanzanian reserves allow this. Next, the intimate format: safari vehicles limited to six people, which genuinely transforms the game drive experience. Finally, the fly camping option, which extends your stay with one or more nights in mobile bivouacs, on foot or by boat depending on the season.

The camp is unfenced. Wildlife circulates freely between the tents, and staff — English-speaking guides — escort you to your accommodation after nightfall. Vigilance is expected, but this is precisely what sets it apart from a conventional lodge.

Atmosphere

Camp life revolves around a central wooden terrace and attached bar. The common room houses a library devoted to local wildlife — useful before or after an outing. A veranda overlooking the river serves as an observation post: hippopotamuses on sandbars, birds on the banks, sometimes elephants coming to drink at day's end.

The décor blends wood, vintage furnishings and local crafts, in a restrained style, without clutter.

The tents

Tents are pitched on raised platforms, with polished wooden floors and vintage furnishings. Each features:

• A bathroom with hot and cold water
• 24-hour electricity powered by solar energy
• LED lighting, fan, safe
• An outdoor space overlooking the Rufiji River

Ventilation is designed to limit midday heat, and integrated mosquito netting provides nighttime protection.

Services and activities

On-site, a swimming pool offers respite between outings — invaluable during dry season, when midday temperatures soar. The bar and common room serve as gathering points during meal times and safari briefings.

Activities on offer include:

• Game drives in open vehicles with canvas roofs, maximum six people, with guide
• Walking portions on certain stretches, led by an armed guide
• Boat safaris on the Rufiji: hippopotamuses, crocodiles and over a hundred recorded bird species
• Fly camping: night(s) in a mobile bivouac, traveling by boat or on foot depending on season

Location and access

The camp is located in the Selous Reserve, accessible from Dar es Salaam. Two options:

• By air: approximately 45-minute flight to Mtemere airstrip, situated about fifteen kilometers from camp. Transfers are then arranged by car or boat according to your preference.
• By car: road transfer from Dar es Salaam, to be arranged on request; allow approximately 3 hours depending on track conditions and weather.

When to visit

The dry season, from June to October, remains the most favorable period. Vegetation thins out, animals concentrate near water sources and tracks remain passable. Plan for a minimum of three days on-site to combine game drives, river safari and possibly a night of fly camping.

The camp is closed in April and May, the season of heavy rains in southern Tanzania.

Combine with

Selous lends itself well to an extended circuit across southern and northern Tanzania, or to a beach extension to Zanzibar. A few complementary stops:

• Karatu Simba Lodge for the northern circuit (Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
• Gran Melia Arusha as an urban stopover before safari
• Breezes Beach Club & Spa in Zanzibar for your beach break

Preparing your stay in Tanzania

Impala Selous Camp fits naturally into a journey combining safari and beach. To build your itinerary, explore our trips to Tanzania.