Selous River Camp's location is both beautiful and practical - situated right along the border of the Selous, it is the closest camp to the Selous Game Reserve. The views of the Rufiji River with its hippos are stunning, with spectacular and often dramatic sunsets over the river in the evenings and beautiful gentle golden light illuminating the water and opposite bank in the mornings. Wildlife wander out of the reserve to visit the camp freely, the surrounding forest helps to keep the camp cool during the heat of the day, and - by staying outside the reserve - guests save money on game reserve fees (only paying them when they enter the reserve for safaris).
Guests enjoy a cool drink beside the fire at sunset.
The camp itself is down-to-earth and comfortable, the atmosphere is intimate and friendly and the service personal and professional. There is a choice of accommodation - nine "mudhut" style chalets, spread along the river bank; or further back in the forest, four basic tents. Selous River Camp also offers safari activities - from exploring the reserve on game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles, to boat cruises up the Rufiji river and walking safaris.
View of Selous River Camp from the air
The camp is built using as many locally-sourced, sustainable materials as possible and blends into the natural environment, minimising disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. Supporting the local community is a key principle, and in addition to donating to and being involved in development projects in the local village of Mloka, an in-camp training program means that many of the team came to the camp unskilled - the head chef worked at a chipsi mayai (chips and egg - a local street food) stall before joining the team, and now creates anything from lasagne with fresh handmade pasta to lemon meringue pie!
Chefs Hamisi (left) and Dundo (right) demonstrating keeping their cool during chaos!
Selous River Camp started out as a simple campsite in 2004, when the founders of the camp, Kenny and Katie Woolfrey, were only 19 years old. Kenny, a Tanzanian professional Wildlife Guide, and Katie, who moved to Tanzania from England at the age of 14, wanted to live in the bush, so slowly built the camp by reinvesting money paid by guests to the camp, and working with locally-sourced materials and some very talented and hard-working locals. Little by little, Selous River Camp grew organically to become the unique and magical place that it is today.
The Dining Area and Pool
In June 2016 Jimmy Mawani joined the team as camp manager. Jimmy has worked in the bush his entire working life and his enthusiasm, friendly nature and wide-ranging expertise make him an entertaining and dedicated host.
Camp manager, Jimmy.
Working alongside Jimmy are a team of 25 staff including professional and passionate guides, skilled bush-road drivers and boat men (and their mechanic), hardworking chefs, friendly waiters and bar staff, fastidious housekeepers and maasai warrior watchmen.
Barman, Winfred, lighting the fire ready for sunset drinks
We're exceptionally proud of our dedicated team, who often work under challenging circumstances (ask the kitchen staff about trying to hide watermelons from hungry elephants!). We know from experience that they will do their utmost to make your experience in the Selous completely unforgettable and we look forward to welcoming you to the camp!
The team of Maasai watchmen
Housekeeping - Makuka (left) and Ndoe (right)
The guiding team, left to right, Bita, Mpogo, Anton and Deo.
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