Roho ya Selous

Roho ya Selous stands in the lake system at the heart of Nyerere National Park, the vast reserve carved out of the former Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania. Eight tents sit on raised decking between two lakes, shaded by borassus palms, each with a private veranda looking out at whatever has come down to drink.

What distinguishes this part of Tanzania is the water. Alongside conventional game drives, guests take boat safaris on the Rufiji river channels and lakes, drifting past hippo pods, crocodile and extraordinary birdlife, and walking safaris are permitted here in a way they are not in the northern parks. The combination makes for a more varied few days than a drive-only itinerary.

The camp is deliberately small and low-key, with a pool, a shaded lounge and a sand-floored dining area. Asilia includes a private vehicle per tent in the rate, which removes the usual compromise of sharing a game drive, and the camp is a natural pairing with Ruaha for a southern-circuit trip.