Siwandu Camp
Sheltered in a grove of palms on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, part of the watery byways of the Rufiji River system, Siwandu is perfectly situated within the prime game area to fully experience the abundant wildlife of the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Explore the breathtaking landscape by foot on our morning game walks, by 4WD vehicles with our expert driver guides and on the water with boat cruises on both the river and on the lake.
Broadly spaced along the lakeshore, Siwandu’s superbly appointed accommodation ensures maximum privacy and every opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of the purest African bush. The ten spacious octagonal tents allows guests to observe animals as they saunter past while reclining on the majestic king sized bed under the overhead fan or from the open-air stargazer showers which adjoin the en-suite bathrooms.
Tented Suites
Broadly spaced along the lakeshore, Siwandu’s superbly appointed accommodation ensures maximum privacy and every opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of Nyerere. From either of the wooden decked verandas sit with a cup of tea at sunrise watching the bush come to life, or relax with a gin and tonic as the bush blushes under sunset.
The spacious octagonal tents of canvas and secure mosquito netting and topped in thatch, not only allows for constant air-flow, but also enables guests to gaze upon the animals as they saunter past. Observe them while reclining on the majestic king sized bed under the overhead fan or from the open-air stargazer, solar-heated showers which adjoin the en suite bathrooms.
Siwandu is evenly divided into two more intimately sized camps; North Camp and South Camp. Each camp has its own lounge, well stocked bar and dining area, and each has its own kitchen where our chefs produce fine cuisine. All meals are complimented by a good wine selection. No movement between camps is required as each has its own host, guides, swimming pool, game vehicles and jetty for boat safaris.
Game Drives
Accompanied by our expert driver guides, travel in our comfortable 4WD open sided vehicles around the Park. Our game drives are a shared experience with fellow guests, but Siwandu does offer a private vehicle with a driver guide which is available to book in advance for a daily surcharge.
Game Walks
Walking is a wonderful way to get close to nature and to learn about some of the smaller species and ecosystems in the reserve as well as the flora and fauna. The walk is slow paced, stopping under shade to hear interesting things from your knowledgeable guide. Game Walks are offered to guests aged 16 and over but we do offer Children's Walks within our camp grounds just before afternoon tea.
Boat Cruises
Explore the sinuous waterways of the Rufiji River delta, the largest in East Africa. When the rains have fallen, cruises venture into the river but for the rest of the year Siwandu guests boat on Lake Nzerakera both in sturdy metal boats with covered canopies as well as our glorious pontoon boat, that allows guests the ultimate luxury of dining or sipping a sundowner on the move, while watching animals come down to drink and enjoying the wonderful variety of bird life.
Location
On the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the northern section of Selous Game Reserve, Southern Tanzania.
GPS co-ordinates of Siwandu Airstrip: 7° 41 '27 " S - 38 ° 08 '21 " E
GPS co-ordinates of Siwandu Main Camp: 7° 40 '19 " S - 38 ° 07 '23 " E
Getting there
Guests will be usually collected by car at Siwandu Airstrip, which is 5 mins drive from camp.
Coastal Aviation, Safari Airlink and ZanAir fly to Siwandu Airstrip from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Seronera or the Migration Capital, Zanzibar, Kilwa, Mafia and Ruaha. Approximate flight time from Dar es Salaam is 45 mins.
If planes to Mtemere or Mbuyu are only available please advise your reservations consultant and we will gladly collect you from there, however please note the journey back to camp will be up to an hour.
Weather
Selous Game Reserve is wonderful to visit throughout the safari season. The months from June to October tend to be dry and warm with a temperature range of 16˚C at night to 35˚C in the day; at this time of year the animals are drawn to dwindling water supplies in the lakes around the river and with vegetation sparse, this is the perfect season for walking and for larger concentrations of game.
In this coastal area of Tanzania, the short rains fall during November and December and brings about a spring time in Selous. The plant life and flowers burst into life, followed by the insects and stunning variety of birdlife. The game during this green season can be more scattered than the winter months but around water sources sightings remain good and is the main reproductive time of year so a wonderful opportunity to see baby animals. From November through to March it heats up with a temperature range between the high 20˚C at night and high 30 ˚C, sometimes low 40 ˚C during the heat of the day; which makes Siwandu’s shaded swimming pools a deliciously cool pleasure. During the long rains, in April and May, the camp is closed.
Child policy
Due to safety concerns and other guests’ enjoyment of the camps we accept children from six years old with international bookings and children from 10 years old with resident bookings. At Siwandu we have a limit of two children (aged 6 – 11) in each camp at any one time. If guests book Siwandu Private Camp no child policy applies. Children in camp are the responsibility of the parent or guardian at all times. Single beds can be added to the tents to make triples or quadruples but for children under 18 years of age.
Inclusions & Money
Rates include full room and board, alcoholic drinks (except premium brands) at Siwandu and Jongomero and two safari activities per day, vehicle transfers to and from Siwandu airstrip, filtered drinking water, tea & coffee, laundry service (please note due to Tanzanian culture we are unable to accept ladies underwear but do provide washing powder in the rooms). The rates exclude drinks, conservation fees, Tourism Development Levy, gratuities of a personal nature, Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance Policy and tips.
Final bills are payable in US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings, Euros and Pounds Sterling; credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex) but a 5% surcharge is applicable.
Please be aware US Dollars will only be accepted if they are post-issue 2006.
Please note our camps are situated in remote locations and therefore after Dar es Salaam you will not have access to an ATM or bank.
All rooms are fitted with a small safe which can be programmed by the guest.
Health & dietary
For those guests with specific dietary requests or allergies please notify your tour operators or Selous Safari Company directly on booking.
Selous Safari Company highly recommend visiting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Tanzania to ensure you have the correct vaccinations and medication.
Tanzania is a malaria zone; the best precaution is to be well prepared.
Power, Phone Signal & Internet
Power in camp is 240 VAC powered by solar panels and generator. In each tent there is lighting, overhead fan and two wall sockets (British three-pin) – one socket can be used for hairdryers and high consumption electrical items and the other will supply 24 hr electricity to charge camera and laptop batteries.
In the camp there is minimal mobile phone signal (AIRTEL is the best network). We do not offer a wifi facility in camp but we do provide a laptop with internet connection in the reception area for guest usage free of charge.
For more information about Siwandu Camp click HERE.
