On the banks of the Great Ruaha River in Southern Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve lies the remote and exquisite five-star retreat, Azura Selous. A magical destination where seclusion and tranquillity meet. It is here where hippos laze about in your back yard while the roar of lions can be heard in the distance. With no fences and boundary walls and African terrain as far as the eye can see, at Azura Selous, you truly feel in touch with nature and the wilderness. This incredible camp and its diverse habitat creates an exceptional African safari experience.
Getting to Azura Selous is just as wonderful an experience as your time spent as the reserve. Only an hour’s-chartered flight from Dar es Salaam, take in majestic views of this beautiful country from a bird’s eye point of view. Land on the camp’s private runway as you watch animals dart across the bush at the unfamiliar sound of the Cessna Caravan approaching land. Upon arrival, look forward to a friendly welcome by the team and a refreshing drink to start off your experience. A traditional Askari warrior, equipped with his spear in hand, will escort you to and from your private villa.
Azura Selous is made up of 12 luxury deluxe villas spread along the banks of one of the reserve’s most scenic rivers, allowing for an intimate and secluded safari experience. Each spacious, part-solid and part-tented villa shows off views of the exquisite landscape as well as the wildlife who consider this stretch of the river, their local watering hole. A combination of safari-chic décor and authentic bush design, make each air-conditioned villa unique and chic in their appeal. The termite-mound entrance halls showcase magnificent chandeliers and a private outdoor shower to start off the day, will leave you feeling refreshed and rearing to go.
This astonishing reserve is four times the size of the Serengeti and two and a half times the size of the Kruger National Park. Abundant in wildlife, found jotted across the sprawling terrain, each game drive becomes an adventure. Time is often forgotten as you bundu-bash through dense thickets and off the beaten track to find a heard of buffalo, or dash about the reserve in search of leopards. If you visit at the right time of the year, often your experienced guide will meander across parts of the dry Ruaha River bed, in search of a pride of lions.
After a busy morning exploring the reserve, an afternoon dip in your private plunge pool while watching the hippos chatter amongst themselves in the rapids of the Great Ruaha River is a must. The main camp is beautifully appointed with elegant African décor and boasts an exquisite open planned lounge and restaurant. Relax with a good book and take in the sights and sounds of the African bush or settle down on a large comfy couch with a cocktail in hand as you watch the sun set over the reserve. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a Gin & Tonic and light snacks in a secret location the team has set up for you along the river on one of your evenings.
The magnificent Selous reserve gracefully lends itself to a picturesque dining experience. From the delicious bush breakfasts out in the reserve while on a game drive, to the riverside candle-lit dinner with a bottle of the owner’s personal sparkling wine from his wine estate in France, a decadent meal in this little corner of African heaven is unbeatable.
From day/night game drives on 4-wheel drive vehicles, to picturesque boating safaris where you can admire the bird life and watch hippos surface from the depths of the river, there are many authentic adventures to be had. Try your hand at tiger fishing or take a leisurely stroll on one of the guided walking safaris and marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna. Venture further afield to see the magnificent Stiegiers Gorge, Selous grave and the vast plains known as the little Serengeti where immense herds of buffalo roam. There is always an adventure to be in this side of the reserve.
Fine works of African craftsmanship and art are handsomely dotted across the retreat, adding an authentic ambience to the bush experience. From detailed handmade laundry baskets to feature scatter cushions Azura Selous values local artistry and the men and women who work extremely hard to make use of their talents and passion. Unique pieces are sourced from the tri-border region between Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi.
It is at Azura Selous that one will be enamoured by Mother Nature and her beauty in a luxurious setting of course. From the exceptional service, deluxe accommodation and unique terrain, Azura Selous is an incomparable destination to escape to.
