Kiba Point
Kiba point is a totally exclusive little retreat in the heart of one of the Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve). It's set back off the river, with only 4 large and open-fronted rooms. Bathrooms are bush deluxe, with flush toilets, indoor and outdoor showers and hot and cold water as and when you want. Each room has its own plunge pool set into the edge of the deck, and there is also a large pool at the main thatched mess, where you can also sink into comfortable sofas and chairs for an afternoon of general laziness.
Kiba Point has its own small team of guides and staff, all of whom can help you plan your activities. Head out every day either on foot, by boat or by vehicle - as you want and when you want - that's the beauty of your own private camp. (Nomad)
4 spacious, open-fronted cottages (2 doubles/2 twins, 1 with adjoining child's room), raised and made of stone and thatch. The interiors are cool and elegant; huge beds with softly draped mosquito nets, planters chairs and sun-beds for chilling out.
Each room is en-suite with in and outdoor shower and private plunge pool. The private lounge and dining room also has a pool and is a wonderful place to feel at home in the bush.
All the activities at Kiba Point are exclusive to the camp. Private cars and guides are on hand to take you out for daily adventures; early morning game drives, walking, boating, fishing and fly-camping.
Private Safari Activities
At Kiba Point all your activities are totally exclusive. Just you and your guide, meaning you can take things entirely at your own pace.
Open-sided 4x4 vehicles are a great way of seeing things. For covering a bit of distance when that's what's needed. And of course there are times when they give you the best views, access and photgraphic opportunities. But the guides here like to retain sponteneity wherever they can. Often the best way to see things, to avoid scattering animals from a lake shore, or spooking a herd of elephant as they feed their way through a stretch of lush grassland, is to hop down and quietly work our way into a good position on foot.
Fly camping
Fly-camping is a highly recommended part of any safari to Kiba Point , and is available at an extra supplement. The fly camps are shared, and guests sleep under spacious mosquito net tents. A bucket shower with hot water, and short-stop toilets is set up behind camp. A full compliment of staff provide a full breakfast, light lunch, and 3-course candlelit dinner.
This is a peculiarly East African passion and the way things were done in the old days; with the minimum of fuss, but not scrimping on any of the comforts. As is so often the way, when you limit the frills it allows you to really see what's special, what's going on around you.
Watching elephant as they pass by your camp in the moonlight, silent feet in the warm sand, or simply gazing through the mosquito net roof of your tent from the comfort of your bedroll.
Nomad have been doing this now for close to 20 years. People's reactions vary, some find it quite emotional, others feel a child-like sense of freedom and release (one man ran round in small circles crying like a 5 year old) and of course quite a few admit to feeling a little scared.
But it's simply no exaggeration to say that in all those years, virtually nobody regrets trying this most special of experiences.
Boating & fishing
And the same goes for boat safaris. Just being on the river - never mind the game - is a fantasic contrast to time spent in a vehicle. Drifting silently down stream, gently spiralling in the current, watching the river banks unfold is hard to beat.
And sometimes the best way to see game is to let it come to you. Breakfast on a sand bank in Stigler's Gorge watching elusive monkey-hunting crowned eagles, and listening to shrill cires of Hyraxes as you dangle a hook in the water.
All in all, days at Kiba Point aren't about box ticking, or endless driving in search of the next animal. It's a sense of gradual absorption in this corner of the natural world that you feel.
LOCATION:
Set on the banks of the Rufiji River in the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), downstream from Sand Rivers. Ideal for groups of friends and/or families.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The sights and sounds of the river and the great variety of adventures to be had along its banks, and in the surrounding woodlands. Fabulous sightings of the river’s residents and great birding.
Game drives, fly-camps, fishing, boating and walks through many diverse habitats - Steiglers Gorge, Kidai Island, Hot Springs and Lake Tagalala.
CHILD POLICY:
KIba Point accepts children over the age of 5, but please note that only children of 12 and over can participate in walking and fly-camping activities.
GETTING THERE:
There are numerous daily flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha, Mafia, Pemba and northern Tanzania.
OPEN:
Year-round except April and May.
For more information on Kiba Point Selous click HERE