GUIDE ON SIWANDU CAMP IN TANZANIA

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On the shores of the lovely Lake Nzerakera in Nyerere National Park (Selous), Tanzania, is a very special base for an exploration holiday in Africa. It consists of two small tented camp areas (north and south), designed and owned by Selous Safari Company to provide the ultimate in privacy and seclusion as they can be booked exclusively for occupation by a single group or independent travelers wishing to experience life in the bush as it once was, and may never be again.



Siwandu Camp, once known as Selous Safari Camp, offers luxury comfort and exemplary service as well as unrivaled opportunities to submerge yourself in the reality of the natural world, closely attuned to the animals that wander through the camp, and the fascinating orchestra of the African night: the loud grunt croaks of the hippopotamus, rumbling elephants and cackling hyena, just the other side of a canvas wall. Of course, you are guarded at all times by patrolling warriors, but the authentic thrill of a Tanzanian vacation in Selous is unfading.

Please note the Siwandu Camp north camp is also branded as Siwandu Camp Private Camp (previously known as Selous Private Camp) which can be booked exclusively for families and small groups. In Nyerere, the largest national park in Tanzania at 30,000 square kilometers, you will find the largest remaining herds of elephant, gangs of buffalo and pods of hippopotamus, not to mention the ubiquitous crocodile, the Nzerakera pride of lions and the threatened African wild dog, as well as numerous rare species of antelope, monkeys and over 350 bird species, enough to fascinate the most knowledgeable twitcher. As one departing AfricanMecca guest remarked at the end of her trip to Selous, “The safari to the Nyerere National Park (Selous) also was off the charts - GREAT!!!!!!”

Accommodation At Siwandu Camp

The South camp at Siwandu Camp has 7 tents along the lake shore, also cleverly camouflaged under makuti thatched palm frond roofs, and also with their own facilities. All the tents are luxuriously appointed with en-suite bathrooms featuring dual brown brass wash-basins, flush toilets and adjoining open-air solar shower cubicles. A bathroom combo dressing area with wardrobe space opens into the living space with ceiling fans and comfortable seating.

Slightly raised above prowling earth on solid timber platforms, there are decked verandahs on two sides to allow views of sunrise or sunset in this incredibly photogenic Tanzanian safari destination. With wide mesh canvas windows and king-sized beds, AfricanMecca guests find it hard to resist lying in comfort to watch fabulous animals wandering by, elegant groups of giraffes sway-necked as they amble past, or ponderous hippo peering shortsightedly around.



There is also a relaxing main lounge with wildlife reference library, bar and dining area raised on an extensive viewing deck, and a shaded swimming pool with sun loungers and towels provided. Shaded by a forest of palm trees, the North camp i.e. Siwandu Camp Private Camp (previously known as Selous Private Camp) can only be booked exclusively.

It has its own private jetty for trips on the lake, a swimming pool and offers 6 tents, (accommodating up to twelve visitors) depending on the type of private party booking it. Primarily, it is a unique African travel venue, completely private, self-contained with lounge, kitchen, bar, and its own fleet of vehicles, boats as well as domestic staff and experienced guides including walking ones (read more on where else to stay in Nyerere National Park (Selous)).

Safari At Siwandu Camp

Intimacy with nature is the key to a Siwandu Camp safari on an AfricanMecca tour, whether on a guided safari game walk or a fly-camping expedition, which is virtually an extended walk to an even more remote overnight tent site to recapture the impression of spiritual unity with the real world and the self-reliance necessary before there were mechanical means of transport.



Animals are not startled by engine noises, and patience is rewarded by honed senses and acuity of observation during safari walks. Boat cruises on the ox-bow lakes formed by the Rufiji River are in the safe hands of a navigator who has spent his life learning what can be safely done to give you a taste of Tanzanian tour adventure.

Photography is not easy from a moving deck, but you can take amazing shots of yawning tooth-lined jaws of crocodiles and tiger fish catch, whilst swooping fish eagles and hundreds of other water birds erupt around you, startled by a powerful outboard motor. On tour in Africa, game viewing drives are usually taken morning and early evening in an open sided 4 x4 jeep with shaded roof awning and comfortable seats.



Your guide maintains 2-way radio contact with his base and carries on-board refreshments as you track elusive leopard, follow lions colored to blend with tall dry grass, or chance upon garishly marked black and tan African wild dogs with their huge, round ears alert for every rustle of the undergrowth (read more on best time to visit Nyerere National Park (Selous)).

Dining At Siwandu Camp

The day unfolds in Selous with coffee or tea and freshly cooked biscuits on your verandah, followed perhaps by a game drive or bush walk before a breakfast selection of fruit, muesli, freshly baked bread, or even a full English breakfast, traditional African safari style. Food is plentiful and wholesome at Siwandu Camp, served at separate tables in several dedicated sites, on an island in the lake, on the viewing decks, around campfires, or on the lawns outside the main buildings.

A varied table d’hôte menu includes African and European dishes and creative cosmopolitan combinations of locally sourced fresh vegetables, fruits and meats from farming villages outside the reserve, with ethnic Zanzibari spices and cooking methods. Luncheon platters offer a choice of hot and cold options, soups, salads, beef or goat meat, fish, vegetarian dishes and poultry.



On returning from a late afternoon boat activity or game drive tour of Selous, you will be greeted with damp towels and refreshing drinks before gathering around a camp fire for savory snacks and sundowner cocktails underneath the approaching African starry sky. In a bush kitchen, it is possible to prepare fresh breads, soups, grills and pot roasts on site, supplemented by salads and desserts from the main camp, all served in style by lantern light as you relax in safari chairs around elegantly dressed tables. A range of New and Old World beverages is available including fine wines and spirits, beers, juices, and Tanzanian coffee or tea.

Related Pages

1. Nyerere (Selous) Safari Park Guide	2. Best Time & Weather To Visit Nyerere (Selous)
3. Nyerere (Selous) Map	4. Safari Lodges, Camps & Hotels In Nyerere (Selous)