Roho ya Selous lies in the very heart of the photographic sector of the Selous Game Reserve, a prime position for game-viewing and exploring this rugged and beautiful region. Set on a small peninsula overlooking the water, Roho ya Selous sits close to a key waterway which links Lake Manze to Lake Nzerakera, where pods of hippos wallow and fish eagles perch on branches in search of their next catch. The camp is truly immersed in this wild environment, and it’s not uncommon to find a giraffe wandering along the sandy path behind your tent on its way to the water.

Balancing comfort and a dose of adventure, Roho ya Selous offers seasoned travellers an authentic safari experience in a prime position in the Selous Game Reserve. The name Roho ya Selous means “the heart of Selous” and what better place to base yourself for a safari than in this vast wilderness. Mixing indoor and outdoor living, it is the perfect space for some quiet contemplation to complement your adventures out on safari.

The open-sided mess area under stretched canvas offers plentiful shade and catches the breeze whichever way the wind is blowing. In the evening gather at the mess tent to share stories of your day’s adventures with fellow guests, enjoying a delicious dinner surrounded by the night-time sounds of the bush.

Tucked away into the trees, each of the eight tents are set far apart to maximise privacy. They are stylish and spacious, measuring an impressive 60m² inside. Thoughtful details include an evening breeze cooling system over the bed to allow you to sleep peacefully even during the hotter months, and a beautiful wall hanging separating the en-suite bathroom, complete with indoor and outdoor shower. A veranda offers a shady spot to unwind during the heat of the day and watch game as it passes through camp.

All of our meals are prepared in camp by our resident chefs, and are usually enjoyed communally. Breakfast is served buffet-style so you can choose from a lighter start to your day or a full cooked breakfast if you’ve worked up an appetite on your early morning safari. Light buffet-style lunches in camp include fresh salads and vegetables with your main course. Tea and cake at 4pm are a camp tradition and set you up for your afternoon safari, and dinner is a relaxed three-course affair, often served under the African night sky.

From elephants swimming across rivers to coming across a pride of lions with cubs play-fighting in the grass, there is rarely a dull moment on safari in the Selous. Add to that the thrill of encountering wildlife on foot, or the surprise of a hippo emerging from the water with a snort just a few metres away from your boat and you’ll see why a safari here is so memorable.

Families are warmly welcomed at Roho ya Selous and the variety of activities makes the Selous a more exciting destination for active children and the ease of access makes it appealing to families compared to lengthy road journeys elsewhere in Tanzania. Please note there is a minimum age of 16 years for walking safaris, due to safety, but there are no age limitations for game drives or boat safaris. The minimum age for children to stay at the camp is 5 years and we have a family tent with an interior children’s room with its own toilet and shower.

• Game Drives: Best for exploring further afield and searching for larger mammals and predators, game drives are a rewarding option for your safari. Using seven-seater open-sided vehicles with tiered seating, every guest is assured of an uninterrupted view of the wildlife. There is a roof for shade, power points for charging your devices and fridges to keep your sundowner drinks deliciously cool.
• Walking Safaris: Immerse yourself completely in the rugged environment of the Selous on a walking safari accompanied by an armed expert guide, taking in the smaller details and tracking wildlife on foot.
• Boating Safaris: No safari in the Selous is complete without a trip out on the water, passing pods of hippo in the shallows and crocodiles sunning themselves on sandbanks. Watch wildlife come to drink from the ultimate perspective, and enjoy drifting up close to bird colonies nesting in the riverbanks or on small islands.
• Fly Camping: Imagine going to sleep at night with only the sounds of the African bush around you, and the only lights the stars overhead. Asilia is one of very few operators to offer you the exceptional, highly adventurous option of fly camping. A night at your own personal campsite deep in the bush gives you a true wilderness experience: there is nothing between you and the African bush.
• Fishing: Combine your boat safari with a bit of fishing, a relaxing way to spend an hour or so in the afternoon. The rivers are home to good populations of tiger fish as well as various species of catfish.