Selous Impala Camp

On a riverbank in the northern sector of the Selous Game Reserve.

Eight traditional safari tents, including a family tent. They’re more luxurious than many tents, but not the flashest that we’ve seen. Much of the room is taken up by the bed (or beds) with a small ensuite bathroom to the rear. There’s a deck outside with views towards the river, and it’s from here each night that you’ll hail your Maasai guard to escort you to dinner.

The camp has had a long history of Italian managers, so the chefs have an excellent repertoire of pastas up their sleeves. This combines well with the usual hearty fare you’ll discover on safari- cake for tea, steak for dinner, and eggs any-style for breakfast.

Safari camps (at least the sort we like) tend not to be too big on “facilities”, but there is a pool for dips in between game drives, and a small selection of books to read during your afternoon siesta.

Where to start? There are morning and afternoon game drives in the reserve, as well as early morning walking safaris for those who wish to stretch their legs. Brave romantics and wilderness lovers will love the remote “fly camps”, a sleep out in a dome tent away from camp. Boat safaris are also a relaxing way to see the game, and even non-birders should be prepared to be converted.