Deep in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve in a blissful setting on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, Siwandu is an extremely comfortable tented camp immersed in nature. Hippos, giraffe, elephant and myriad wildlife wander through camp and there is prolific birdlife. A Unesco Heritage site and one of the largest unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa, Selous is known for its sheer numbers of elephant, black rhinos and wild dog with a wide variety of habitats from riverine swamp to Miombo woodland and acacia clad hills. At Siwandu, guests explore this uncrowded, pristine paradise with a choice of game drives, boat trips and walking safaris.
Siwandu is divided into two independent camps, North and South, each with 13 tents and its own lounge, dining area, swimming pool and jetty onto the lake.
Each luxurious tented suite is sheltered under a wide thatched roof spreading over the private furnished verandah, the octagonal bedroom tent and the ensuite bathroom, which then opens onto an elegant enclosed outdoor shower with solar heated running water. Relaxing on the king size bed, under the lazily turning ceiling fan, guests look through the palm trees towards the lake shore where elephants drink and hippos wallow.
Boat safaris are one of the unique activities on offer here in the Selous where the waterways of the Rufiji River system can be explored when water levels are high, or more leisurely voyages on the lake in the dry season discover masses of crocodiles and hippos as well as abundant bird life. While leopard and cheetah are only rarely sighted in this vast wilderness, lions and their kills are regularly spotted on the morning and evening game drives, and slow paced early morning walking safaris with the knowledgeable guides reveal further secrets of the bush. Sundowners on the floating pontoon boat are the epitome of bush luxury, followed by excellent, beautifully presented meals served at individual tables on the raised dining deck by the warm, friendly and super efficient staff.
Easily accessible by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam to the local airstrip, Siwandu combines perfectly with other Tanzanian safaris and with beach vacations in Zanzibar.