The Selous Project

55,000 square kilometers of wilderness in Tanzania

Description

Privacy and complete freedom capture the spirit of Lukula Selous.  Select, small groups and individuals have the opportunity to explore this wilderness in complete privacy and with complete freedom under expert guidance only.  The minimum stay is four nights, but if guests wish to enjoy longer canoeing safaris and camp-outs with an authentic ‘portered’ fly camp to explore the different sectors of the area, we recommend longer stays of up to one week or more.  Guests are true guests in an authentic luxury tented camp with great style. They are hosted by Anton and encouraged to make it their home throughout their stay with us.

The secluded campsite is built on the banks of the Luwegu River and spreads out amongst a large shady riverine forest characterised by acacia, tamarind, fig and sausage trees. Each spacious tent lies in cool shade with a beautiful view across the water to the broad white sand banks that profile the river. The sight and sound of hippo and plains game is a daily occurrence enjoyed from bed, from the canvas verandahs or whilst taking a piping hot morning or evening shower.

Accommodation
The camp has only 4 spacious sleeping tents set along the riverbank. Each authentic and stylish tent possesses beautifully worked pieces of campaign furniture made from re-cycled hardwoods, brass, copper and weathered canvas, enhanced by carpets, cushions and colours brought inland from Zanzibar and afar. En suite facilities feature large open-air bathrooms with bucket showers, flush toilets, washbasins and vanity stands. Hot water is available upon request 24 hours a day. Each sleeping tent has large comfortable beds, luxurious linen, full-length mirrors and standing fans.

Attractions

We do not operate any fixed itinerary but pick up on the rhythm of the wilderness around us, all the time looking to explore and expand our knowledge and understanding of this unique area.  As we only host one group at a time, guests have complete freedom and flexibility to explore the area as they wish. An idea spoken at the dinner table or a discovery in the dawn light will provide the spark for an adventure to follow during the day.

The ‘Natural’ High Season (15^th June to 15^th November)

It is during these months that access is good to most areas in the reserve by road and thus offers prime opportunity for guests to explore the landscape. There is good walking along the major rivers with great camp outs on the sand rivers which are always a highlight under a full moon. Canoeing from August through early November is limited to small sections of the river as the dry season strengthens. All camp facilities and activities are available.

It is during these months that access is good to most areas in the reserve by road and thus offers prime opportunity for guests to explore the landscape. There is good walking along the major rivers with great camp outs on the sand rivers which are always a highlight under a full moon. Canoeing from August through early November is limited to small sections of the river as the dry season strengthens. All camp facilities and activities are available.

Patrolling and Monitoring Season (1^st Feb to 30^th April)

 Intrepid guests with a passion for wildlife and who want to assist with real conservation operations in the field is a focus during these months. Activities provide guest opportunity to participate in game count and conservation patrolling activities in the area. This involves groups accompanying game management patrols and monitoring activities. Patrols are dropped at a start point by light aircraft or vehicle to walk to a pre-determined pick up point; with porter assistance to carry equipment, food, radios, monitoring and survey equipment to sustain guest and staff on their journey across the reserve. Duration can be up to 1 week. Patrols may also use canoes and small motorised river craft to gain access and for re-supply. Camp facilities and vehicle movement are more limited.

Facilities

Dining Area
A spacious and comfortably appointed dining tent provides an intimate and extremely beautiful area in which to relax and dine at a finely crafted mahogany table, under magnificent candelabra. The ‘diwan’ area stretches out onto the verandah and is a haven to quietly read a favorite book, listen to the many sounds of river life or reflect upon the day’s adventures. A small campfire set out under the stars provides a perfect compliment to dinner and to the evening’s gatherings.

Meals
All meals are expertly prepared using wholesome, natural and local ingredients. Bread and cakes are freshly baked in the camp’s ‘dutch’ oven daily. Comprehensive picnic boxes with cold drinks are packed for all day (or longer) expeditions from camp. Special meals and dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request. Please note, however, due to the remoteness of Lukula Selous, any such requests need to be made well in advance of a safari, as per our guest information sheet. All drinks are included in the tariff, excluding champagne.

Lighting and Power
A state-of-the-art mobile solar-power system provides all the camp’s power, with a small, silenced, back-up generator only used to top up the system on cloudy days, if necessary.  The system is designed for low current usage (no hairdryers) by optimizing the use of hi-quality low wattage lights, low-energy fans and solar refrigeration. Guests may recharge camera batteries at the main charging station at any time and are encouraged to bring additional camera batteries to allow for longer overnight excursions from main camp where recharging facilities are limited.

Laundry
Complimentary same day laundry service is offered.