Selous Impala Camp lies on the banks of the Rufiji River, a vast basin of winding tributaries and lakes that flows through the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania. Access is by light aircraft, about 45 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam. The accommodation is in raised luxury tents with comfortable en suite bathrooms. The tents have a light bright feel, are spacious, well equipped and have views over the river from a private verandah - ideal for spotting game. The central thatched buildings provide a convivial and relaxed area in which to dine (excellent food prepared by a Zanzibari chef) and to enjoy a cool off in the swimming pool.   Activities are varied, from walking (with an armed ranger), 4x4 and river safaris, to private fly-camping for a night or two with a guide and tracker (highly recommended). Other activities include bird watching, photography and excellent fishing for tiger fish and vandu (in the rivers of the Kilombero Game Controlled Area to the west of the reserve). The Selous is four times the size of the Serengeti and possesses a diverse landscape including hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes, and channels from the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers. This is the most heavenly sanctuary to explore, containing over 350 species of birds and 2,000 species of plants. There are large elephant, hippopotamus and crocodile populations and the occasional and, sadly, rare rhino. The park has a broad range of game: buffalo - the largest population in Africa, Nyasaland gnu, hartebeest, greater kudu, sable antelope, eland, reedbuck, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Also lion, leopard and the spotted hyena are in abundance.  Cheetah are rare.  Reptiles include crocodiles and various snakes and lizards. This reserve contains about one third of all the wild dogs (often called painted dogs) in the world. Their need to roam vast areas and their formidable hunting skills have caused many to be shot by farmers, but here in the Selous they have access to boundless woodlands and savannah. An added bonus of staying at camps in the Rufiji valley is the availability of river safaris, which prove a good (and less bouncy) alternative to 4x4 land safaris. One of our favourite activities is to leave early in a boat with a game scout and walk back to camp spotting game. Some time can be spent en route in the riverine forest following Samango Monkeys, and retuning in time for breakfast. The appeal of a fly camp for a night or two cannot be understated. The style is rustic sleeping in dome tents (short-drop loo and bucket shower) by one of the nearby lakes. The camps are completely private and can incorporate longer walking safaris with a guide and back-up vehicle. A supplement of £200 applies but it is a unique wilderness experience.  SEASONS Best in the dry season from June to November when the larger animals come out of the bush, and predators are more commonly seen. December to February is still good for game viewing. It is hot and humid with occasional rains from January to April but is notable for wonderful birdlife. Short Rains are in November and the long rains usually from March to the end of May when the lodges and camps close. Style Tented Safari Camp with fly camping Air/Con No but fans Dining Yes Children Yes 12 + No. of Bedrooms 9 Tents Pool Yes Activities 4x4, walking, fishing and river safaris; birding and fly camping. Price Range From about £250 per person per night sharing, full board with all activities. Find Similar Properties