The Retreat Selous (Selous Game Reserve) Tanzania
Location:
The Selous Game Reserve is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and at 55,000 km² is almost twice the size of Switzerland and just 200 km south west by air from Dar es Salaam. It is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is widely accredited as being the most pristine wilderness.
How to get there:
Sumbazi airstrip, 30 minutes drive from the lodge, is
served by several airlines, notably daily scheduled flights
(charters also available), from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam,
Arusha and Ruaha.
From Dar es Salaam, a 70-minute flight
is operated comfortably and efficiently by several airlines.
The private guide of The Retreat will provide a special
meet and greet service at Sumbazi airstrip and transfer the
guests often in combination with the first exciting game
drive to the lodge.
Accommodation:
Eagle Hill Suites:
The six Eagle Hill Suites enjoy
breathtaking views from their position on the top of the
hill, next to the main house, The Fort with huge infinity
pool, restaurant and the Star Bar.
River Suites:
The
three River Suites stand on raised platforms beside the
river bank with each suite boasting their own plunge pool
and additional 60m² ‘look-out’ viewing deck. They are
complimented by another infinity pool and the Sunset Bar.
Lions Suite:
The Lion's River Suite sits on a wooden platform with a further 60m² tented seating area, which can house additional beds for families. The Lion’s River Suite boasts a personal dining area for the ultimate dinner party location and a plunge pool, perfect for honeymooners!
Hippo Point:
Hippo Point offers the ultimate exclusive private safari lodge experience. Situated 2 km from The Fort, providing total seclusion and privacy, the two large Hippo Point suites are 160m² each and are located either side of a cooling swimming pool. The suites are on raised platforms and have their own sundeck and plunge pool. Guests at Hippo Point can feel like they are in their own personal safari paradise with the private bar, lounge and dining areas all serviced by a dedicated cook and butler.
Even activities can be done in ultimate seclusion with their own private guide taking them on safari adventures in a vintage safari vehicle or on exciting boat excursions on the river.
Facilities:
The Fort:
The atmospheric main house, The Fort, is based on an
ancient military observation point from the First World War
with the design being inspired by East African design from
the trading route over a hundred years ago.
The Fort has
a large infinity pool and its surroundings provide a much
favored vantage point from which clients have a 360 degree
view into hundreds of kilometers of remote bush.
The
upper level of the Fort offers various chill-out areas and
the Star Bar. Vast panoramic views make it the perfect spot
for sundowners.
The Love Nest:
An open tree house, complete with a teak wood base, a huge bed under a silk mosquito net, a swing with a chill out area and outdoor bathroom under the roof of a huge evergreen tree. Guests will have a spectacular view onto the Great Ruaha River and can look down onto a busy hippo path below them. Romance and Adrenalin pure!
Amenities & Services
Spa:
The Senses to Africa Spa is an enriching, outdoor natural
‘River Spa’, romantically situated on the shores of the
Great Ruaha River.
The philosophy of the Spa is to
enhance the experience & raw powers of African nature
through the treatments whilst also balancing of the needs of
body, soul and mind. The Spa is under the guidance of a
medical doctor.
Whether it be an invigorating ‘Selous
Scrub’ or a relaxing ‘Monkey Head Massage’ guests will love
the magic of having their treatments in this evocative
environment. Guests are able to experience a spa treatment
as one of their two activities per day included in the
nightly game package rate.
Children:
A warm welcome awaits families with children of all ages enthusiastic for the natural world, whilst also ensuring that guests without children equally enjoy the peace and beauty of The Selous Retreat undisturbed. Our experienced guides can take children on their own educational game tracking adventure helping them to draw up their own bush diary. The spacious Lion’s River Suite, with its wonderful outlook or the privacy of Hippo Point makes these two rooms particularly suitable for families.
Honeymoon and Weddings:
The Retreat is a rustic and romantic honeymoon choice for
couples looking to make their trip of a lifetime extra
special. Not only do they offer firm favorites done to
perfection such as indulgent dining, couple’s spa pampering
and game adventures, but The Retreat goes above and beyond
expectations.
Couples can spend the night in the secret
Love Nest on the banks of the river or spend the night under
the stars in the romantic fly camp. Ask for our honeymoon
specials!
Cuisine:
Besides the restaurant at the Fort, there are several
attractive areas in which to dine in such as the Sunset
Pool, Hippo Point or even in the guest suites.
Dependent
on weather conditions and guests’ requests, bush dining is a
regular feature at The Retreat where freshly prepared food
is cooked in situ over an open fire. Local and international
cuisine, utilizing fresh produce from coastal regions, is
brought in and prepared by The Retreat’s skilled chefs, who
are trained under Wolfgang Kuchler, a leading 18 point Gault
Millau cook from Switzerland.
Communication:
There is no mobile phone reception at The Retreat but
satellite internet and HF radio communication is available
at the lodge.
Communication between each tent and main
house is guaranteed through mobile radio. All 4WD vehicles
and boats are in radio contact with the lodge.
Medical Services and Security:
The Retreat has well equipped medical facilities for all
eventualities in the bush & our staff have been trained in
emergency procedures.
The Flying Doctors Service is
available for emergencies. It is necessary, that guests are
covered prior to arrival at The Retreat by an insurance
including flying doctors services.
Climate:
The weather at The Retreat Selous will remain warm
throughout the year. The rainy season takes place in April
and May.
November to March sees the hottest and more
humid climate. June to October may be the most pleasant
months to visit with cool nights and warm sunny temperatures
during the day.
Wildlife:
The Selous Game Reserve is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and at 55,000 sq. km is twice the size of Switzerland and just 200 km south west by air of Dar es Salaam. It is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is widely accredited as being the most pristine wilderness.
The Selous boasts Tanzania's largest population of Elephant as well as a large number of Lion, African Hunting Dog, Leopard, Buffalo and Hippo. Species commonly seen are Bushbucks, Red and Blue Duikers, Eland, Hartebeest, Hyena, Kipspringer, Impala, Giraffe, Oryx, Reedbuck, Waterbuck and Zebra.
The bird life in Selous is extensive and the 400 species
recorded include the globally threatened Wattled Crane and
the Corncrake.
Black Rhino have been close to
extinction, but can occasionally be seen in the vicinity of
The Retreat.
The topography of the Game Reserve varies
from rolling savannah woodlands, grassland plains and rocky
outcrops intersected by the wide Rufiji and Ruaha Rivers.
The Hippo population at The Retreat is one of the biggest
seen in the Selous and guests can enjoy observing their
activities from the privacy of their tent and the main
house.
Community and Conservation:
The owners of The Retreat were always touched by places that had created a core sense of belonging and that reflected history, the natural habitat and the cultural heritage of the local people. Long before responsible and sustainable Tourism appeared, the team at The Retreat were already determined that the lodge would count as one of those considerate properties.
Passionate for wildlife conservation, the preservation of fragile communities and the environment as a whole, The Retreat’s mission has been realized in the Selous Game Reserve. The staff are hired locally, giving huge employment to the surrounding areas and directly supporting large numbers of the local community. The Retreat combines the integration of locally sourced products and an ambience that is deeply rooted in Africa.
At The Retreat, guests can learn about the ongoing commitment to preserve the Game Reserve and by and be assured of best rates at the property, guests will help to ensure that their work continues and that their passion is shared a little further.
Accommodation Rates:- From
$825 per person per night sharing. Please contact us for a
quote and suggested itinerary.