Siwandu, formerly Selous Safari Camp, is a luxury tented camp located on the banks of Lake Nzerakera in the most prolific game viewing area of the Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania. The tented accommodation is authentic and beautifully designed.

The Selous is the largest protected reserve in Africa, three times larger than the Serengeti and with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife. At Siwandu the camp is split into North and South camp with a total of 13 spacious luxury tents raised on wooden platforms under palm canopies, with side and front verandahs to maximize the views over Lake Nzerakera. Each tent is spacious, with an octagonal shaped bedroom, and dressing area and ensuite bathroom to the side with open air shower.

North camp has six tents and the South camp has seven tents, each with its own swimming pools, dining and comfortable lounge areas, providing a very personal and intimate safari experience. It is possible to book either North or South camp on a private basis, ideal for family groups wanting a totally exclusive safari experience.

Siwandu prides itself on the highest standards of service, from the attentive waiters and bar staff, delightful tent attendants and the chef who provides delicious meals. The safari guides here are professional and highly knowledgeable, ensuring you get the most out of your game-viewing time here.

One of the highlights of a stay at Siwandu (formerly known as Selous Safari Camp) is to explore the lakes and tributaries of the Rufiji River by boat, with the occasional stop for a spot of fishing. Other activities include morning and afternoon game drives, and guided walking safaris. Guests can take their pick from these activities each morning and afternoon, allowing flexibility and ensuring every day here is different.

The 10 spacious octagonal tents of canvas and secure mosquito netting, topped in thatch, not only allows for constant air-flow, but also enables guests to gaze upon the animals as they saunter past. Observe the wildlife, perhaps whilst reclining on the majestic king-sized bed under the overhead fan, or from the open-air stargazer, solar-heated showers which adjoin the en suite bathrooms.

Siwandu's elevated lounge and dining area, offer panaromic views across the lake as you enjoy a drink from our well-stocked bar or sample the chef's fine cuisine. Perhaps you may wish to take a plunge in Siwandu's shaded pool and recline on the sunlounger for the perfect "armchair safari".

Broadly spaced along the lakeshore, Siwandu’s superbly-appointed accommodation ensures maximum privacy and invites you to soak up the sights and sounds of Selous. From either of the wooden-decked verandas, sit with a cup of tea at sunrise, watching the bush come to life, or relax with a gin and tonic as the bush blushes under sunset.

For the ultimate in luxury, privacy and isolation, Siwandu can be booked exclusively in its entirety. This option is perfect for a large group, multi-generational party, photographic group or families with young children.

Booking Siwandu Private Camp allows exclusive use of vehicles and boats as well as its own manager and guides. Create your very own home-away-from-home in the heart of the African bush with your own private swimming pool, lounge, bar and dining area.

Siwandu offers a dining area and bar raised on a viewing platform, with large comfortable sofas, and wildlife reference library. Table d’hote dining makes the most of African influences and local fresh fruit, vegetables & spices. There is a private swimming pool set in shade with day beds and towels. Wifi is not available but there is a laptop in the main area for guests use.

Although there are no specific childcare facilities available in the camp, children aged 8 years old and over are most welcome to come and stay and an extra bed can be added in tents. It should be noted that children under 16 years of age are not permitted to take part in walking safaris in the Selous, but Siwandu do offer walks for kids around camp with fun quizzes to complete along the way.

Game drives are in open-sided 4-wheel drive vehicles and led by expert guides. Other activities include boat safaris and fishing trips on the lake. It is possible to do game walks from camp or, for the more adventurous, walking safaris in pristine surroundings can be arranged.

• Game Drives: Accompanied by expert driver guides, travel in comfort in a 4WD open-sided vehicles and venture into the Reserve to explore the rich African wildlife.
• Game Walks: Walking is a wonderful way to get close to nature and to learn about some of the smaller species and ecosystems in the reserve as well as the flora and fauna. The walk is slow-paced, stopping under shade to hear interesting things from your knowledgeable guide. Walks are offered to guests aged 16 and over.
• Boat Cruises: When the rains have fallen, cruises venture into the sinuous waterways of the Rufiji River delta, the largest in East Africa. For the rest of the year Siwandu guests enjoy Lake Nzerakera, either in sturdy metal boats with covered canopies, or on our glorious pontoon boat. Guests can savour the ultimate luxury of dining or sipping a sundowner on the move, while enjoying the wonderful variety of bird life, and watching animals come down to drink at the water's edge