Rufiji River Camp

The tents at Rufiji River Camp are pitched beneath cool thatched roofs, each with a large deck at the front on which to sit and gaze at the river, unspoilt bush and passing game. Spaced out along the river bank, to maximise views, there are 11 classic twin or double tents and three suites that sleep four. They are all stylishly simple with en-suite bathrooms and solar-heated water.

The suites are two tents joined by a wooden platform, each with its own private plunge pool. They're perfectly suited for families or two couples travelling together.

While the tents don't have fans, the gauze-covered windows allow the cool breeze in.

Main lodge area

The main area at Rufiji River Camp is beautifully arranged to give spectacular views across the river. Arranged under a large, high, thatched roof, the lounge provides a cool, relaxing spot to relax. The bar provides the necessary refreshments and a small library provides reading matter while the dining area provides delicious food under the stars!

Outside, there is seating around the safari essential, a campfire, making it the perfect place to sit in the evenings and discuss the sights and sounds of the day. A shaded swimming pool with sun loungers offers cool relaxation on hot African afternoons.

Game viewing activities

One of the best things about the Selous Game Reserve is the wide range of safari activities it offers. This unspoilt area is home to a huge diversity of game from The Big Five to many different antelope, giraffe, zebra, warthog and crocodile.

Guided game drives are offered, usually in the cool early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are most active.

A favourite Selous activity is a boating safari. There's little that can beat floating along the waterways of the great Rufiji River, watching animals come down to drink, wary of the crocs lazing on the banks, while hippos grunt and wallow in the water.

Guided walking safaris are also allowed in Selous, enabling you to get close to the bush, its sights, sounds and aromas at close range.

Fly-camping is offered. This is where normal tents (so don’t expect luxury!) are set up in the bush at a temporary campsite. It is real living in the wild; cooking food over a fire and spending evenings chatting around the campfire, staring up at the breathtaking, starry African night sky and listening to the nocturnal calls of wild animals.

When to go

Peak season in the Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season from June to February when game-viewing is at its best. Short rains fall in October and November and the weather is hot and humid until February. During this period, the river is full, vegetation is lush and the birdlife prolific.

Rufiji River Camp is closed for April and May, during the heavy rainfall season.

Getting there

By car - Rufiji River Camp is 250 km from Dar es Salaam. The trip takes approximately six hours by car, via Kibiti, depending on the weather and road condition. Please note that some of the roads are inaccessible during the wet season.

By air - Flights into Selous take 45 minutes from Dar es Salaam. It's a 5-minute drive from the airstrip to Rufiji River Camp.

Our take on Rufiji River Camp

One of the oldest and most well-established camps in Selous Game Reserve, Rufiji River Camp offers simple, comfortable accommodation, with incredible views over the Rufiji River. We love all the different safari activities available here.

© Images courtesy of photographer Niels van Gijn.