Rating: Mid-range
Roho ya Selous is an 8-tent camp in the Selous Game Reserve, a vast area of diverse habitats and wildlife. You can enjoy magnificent views from all parts of the camp, including your private veranda, as you relax. Safaris are scheduled for the early morning and late afternoon, cooler times of day when animals are more active, optimising your wildlife sightings. You can combine traditional 4x4 safaris in open-sided vehicles with boat rides and guided walks to gain an insight into the region and its flora and fauna, enhanced by the expertise of your guide.
Tents are made of canvas and have ample space for relaxation and storage. Bedrooms are kept cool by a clever 'evening breeze' system, and there's a screened en-suite bathroom to the side with running water for the shower, basin and toilet. You also have a separate shower, open to the sky, for al fresco ablutions. The camp has one family tent made up of two en-suite bedrooms, ideal for families.
Being a small camp, Roho ya Selous has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. You spend most of your time between activities in the mess tent, chatting to other guests, taking in the views and savouring tasty food prepared on the spot by the talented cook. The swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off duiring the day, and at the end of the night you can sip a nighcap in the bar. The whole camp has been designed to compliment its surroundings. Decor combines gentle blues, greens and greys, stone floors, woven grass carpets and reed walls to create a natural feel, and there are paintings and drawings of local wildlife on the walls.
Open: Roho ya Selous is open from 1st June till 15th March each year.
Location: It is in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. The nearest airstrip is Selous Mbuyu, about a 20-minute drive from the camp.
Rooms: There are 7 double tents (60sqm) tents and a larger, 2-bedroom tent for families. All have en-suite bathrooms with running hot and cold water, shower, hand basin and flush toilet, plus an outdoor shower. The bedroom features an ‘evening breeze’ air conditioning system over the bed and there are fans in the rest of the tent to keep the temperature cool. There’s a box with a lock for storing valuables. Every tent has a covered veranda.
Activities: Game drives, boat trips, walking safaris and fishing are all available. Water-based activities are available almost all year thanks to the shallow-hulled boats that are used. Activities are offered on a shared, rather than private, basis. Fly camping can be arranged.
Facilities: The dining tent incorporates the bar and the lounge and includes a library. There is an outdoor swimming pool. The camp provides a complimentary laundry service. There is solar power and a back-up generator.
Dining: Meals are eaten communally as a group. Breakfast and lunch are buffets, tea is served before the afternoon activity and dinner is a 3-course meal, usually eaten in out in the open. All meals and drinks apart from cellar wines, champagne and premium spirits are included in your stay.
Children: Children aged 5 years and over are welcome. There is one family tent with 2 en-suite bedrooms to sleep up to 2 adults and 3 children. The minimum age for guided walking safaris is 12 years, but there is no minimum age for 4x4 and boat safaris.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access.
Notes: The name Roho ya Selous means heart of the Selous.