Selous Mbega Camp

The SELOUS MBEGA CAMP is situated in its own forest reserve on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River, bordering Africas largest protected area, the untamed Selous Game Reserve.

The Camp

The SELOUS MBEGA CAMP, is a thirteen tent camp that is set up along the mighty Rufiji River. Just 500 metres away from the border of the Selous Game Reserve, in its own private 60 ha riverine forest reserve. A green ceiling of tree branches and leaves, providing almost always shade throughout the day, covers the camp area. These trees are sometimes visited by a variety of monkeys, including the Angolan Black & White Colobus monkey, known in Kiswaheli as Mbega mweupe, or Mbega, to which the camp owes its name.

The Restaurant & Bar

The Restaurant and Bar are situated under a palm leave thatched roof around a Mahogany tree, facing the Rufiji River. The kitchen provides a variety of different cuisines or so called "Bush Recipes". The camp also has a “Dungu” (view tower) over a seasonal waterhole.

Accommodation

The accomodation at Selous Mbega Camp is in large safari tents, built on wooden platforms, mosquito & insect proof, with en- suite bathrooms, and a verandah. Nine of our tents have a magnificent view over the Rufiji River. One looks at a dried out waterhole at the rear of the camp, with some animal or bird activity during day and especially at night.

Construction of the camp was commenced on the 31st of January 2000 by its owners & seven Tanzanian staff. The owners of the camp & their staff have been operating smaller fly- camps within the Selous Game Reserve & Southern Tanzania since 1997, but have been involved within the Selous Game Reserve since 1994.

The aim is to provide the exotic African atmosphere, offering mainly small camps at locations that truly function as an exciting adventure tourist destination. Continuing with the tradition of the old "Hunter Camps" of the past in the new role of "Photographic Hunting".

At SELOUS MBEGA CAMP we pride ourselves in being a small and personal “family” camp.

The Safaris

GAME DRIVES: This is the classic style of Safari exploring the bush. Our vehicles are specially designed open 4 x 4. Equipped with Radio Calls & other features to make your trip as comfortable as possible. In this safari it is possible to cover the largest area in a short time, increasing the chances of seeing a variety of animals & sights.

Game Drives can also be tailored to be done over a half day or a full day including packed lunch in the bush.

The vehicles used at the camp are:

• 2x Open Safari special Land Rover 110. Seating 6 luxury up to 10 persons.
• 1x Open Safari special Tempo Trax. Seating 6 luxury up to 10 persons.
• 1x Open Safari special Mercedes Unimog. Seating 9 or 10 persons.
• 1x Semi open/ semi closed Toyota Double Cabin Hilux. Seating 2 or 3 persons open and/or 2 to 3 persons closed. 4 to 6 persons total.

WALKING SAFARIS: There can be little to compare with a walk in the bush. The sights and sounds (and smells!) of a walking safari will long live in the memory. The thrill of creeping up to animals and then to "shoot" the animal not with a gun but with your camera, is a great experience.

On a Walking safari, you are accompanied at all times by an expert tracker or guide.

Walking safaris can be tailored to a persons wish, as distances and temperature are to be considered for each person. Walks do not cover, as much distance as drives, so one may not see as many animals. But a walking safari takes interest into smaller things, such as birds, bugs, trees, flowers or tracks. Although you may come across bigger Game as well.

BOAT SAFARIS: Exploring the different channels and lakes of the Rufiji River system, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles, is an experience of a lifetime.

On boat safaris one will also be able to do a lot of "water birding". A large variety of herons, storks, ducks, stilts & other water birds may seen and observed.

NOTE: For all the above mentioned safaris: Specific Bird Watching for the Ornithologist can be arranged on this safari.

There are more than 400 different species of birds recorded in the Selous. If you wish to do an ONLY Bird Watching safari please inform us so we can arrange a seperate safari for you if resources permit us too.

FISHING TRIP: Fishing on the Rufiji River can also be arranged. There are plenty of interesting fish to catch, such as the Big Catfish or Vundu, maybe you can beat the Selous Game Reserve record of 49 KG. Or Tigerfish, or just the small Squeckers.

HOT SPRINGS & SELOUS GRAVE: There are several Hot Springs or "Maji Moto" as they are called in Kiswaheli, hidden within the Beho Beho Hills and surroundings in the Selous Game Reserve.

Some of these Hot springs are easy to reach by vehicle or by a small walk into a ravine surrounded by lush vegetation. Hot sulphurous water flows from the rocks, pours down the mountain in little streams forming a series of picturesque pools. A Hot Spring like this one has been the source of that legendary water which was supposed to have made the warriors of the 1905 "Maji Maji" uprising invulnerable against the bullets of the German colonial troops. On the way to the Hot Springs one will pass the Grave of Frederic Courtney Selous, a naturalist, explorer, hunter and soldier, who was killed in 1917, during World War One near the Beho Beho Hills.

Along the entire safari one will be able to watch game as well.

VILLAGE TRIP: Visit a local village on the outskirts of the Selous Game Reserve, and walk around on the farms, seeing the different crops planted by the villagers in this area, and maybe even the difficulties of running a small farm near a Game Reserve.

On the village trip we also visit the local school and may be invited into local homes as well as join into village dances if they are being held as well as the odd football match might be visited.

HOW TO GET TO THE SELOUS MBEGA CAMP

By Air: There are daily schedule flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to the Selous Game Reserve and return.

Charter flights can be arranged as well at the Charter Airline Offices, although at much higher prices.The airstrip of Selous Mbega Camp is called MTEMERE AIRSTRIP. Air Schedule operators to the Selous Game Reserve & Mtemere Airstrip near Selous Mbega Camp.

COASTAL AVIATION: www.coastal.cc
ZANAIR: www.zanair.com

By Vehicle: An 6 to 8 hour trip from Dar es Salaam via Kibiti and Mloka. Or 10 hour trip from Dar es Salaam via Morogoro and Kisaki. Also from Dar es Salaam via DSM Airport and Kisarawe, but can be very difficult when wet, and not many vehicles use this route. Any route should not be attempted without a 4WD vehicle.

By Selous Mbega Camp arranged vehicle:

$ 200 per car/ one way or (special offer contact us before, supply vehicle lift $ 25 per person). By Road/Car from Dar es Salaam to Selous Mbega Camp or Selous Mbega Camp to Dar es Salaam.

Selous Mbega Camp arranged vehicle with driver. Pick- up from or drop off to hotel in Dar es Salaam.

By Train: A 5 to 6 hour trip from Dar es Salaam TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railroad) station to the Fuga station in the Selous Game Reserve where you will be picked up by a vehicle from the Selous Mbega Camp and taken on your first game drive through part of the Selous Game Reserve to our camp along the Rufiji River. (Very seasonal transport and changing schedules. Please contact us before to verify if it is possible) (Only possible at present on Monday departure from Dar es Salaam TAZARA Station to Selous FUGA Station).

Ask for our SPECIAL OFFER to BACKPACKERS only. Arrival to and from Mloka Village near the SELOUS MBEGA CAMP only by BUS SERVICE. (This special offer is not valid to anyone arriving by his own vehicle, tour company, flight or train. Only bookable through Selous Mbega Camp directly.)

Selous Climate

The Selous is situated between 8 to 10 degrees south of the Equator, so it enjoys very warm and sunny days and warm evenings. The location of Selous Mbega Camp within its riverine forest makes for a shady and cooler atmosphere than most other camps within the Selous. In the rainy season, Nov/Dec and April/ May there is rainfall during part of the day.

Baggage

Baggage on safari should be carefully considered. One soft-sided bag and one smaller piece of hand luggage per person is recommended. In total Ihis should not weigh more than 15kgs for most East Africa domestic flights. This allowance includes camera equipment. Suitcases and other heavier items can usually be stored in city hotels while clients are on safari.

Children

We love taking children on safari and they are welcome throughout Africa. As well as in the Selous Mbega Camp & Kilwa Seaview Resort. For Fly - Camping safaris we however advice that the children be at least 12 years old.

Clothing

Dress is usually informal and should be comfortable. Essential items are a wide-brimmed sun hat. long-sleeved cotton shirts, shorts and casual trousers.

Currency

Travellers' cheques in US dollars or pounds sterling and major credit cards are not widely accepted as well as at Selous Mbega Camp & Kilwa Seaview Resort. We accept Tanzania Shillings, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euro. Please use official money-changing bureaux and avoid street-dealers.

Drinking Water

You will find many differences of opinion regarding what is safe and what is not. We therefore recommend that for peace of mind, you drink filtered water provided in the rooms or stick to bottled water.

Electricity

Apart from Fly- Camping safaris, all accommodation has some form of permanent electricity, albeit sometimes erratic. The supply is generally 220-240v and plugs are three-pin square or round. If you have any charges, make sure your battery charger is of the same voltage.

Entry Requirements

Please consult the appropriate embassy or high commission on entry visa requirements.

Health

Malaria is prevalent throughout Africa and we cannot stress too highly the importance of taking the correct precautions agaitist it. For this, we suggest that you consult your doctor well before departure. Also, please obtain the appropriate medication and vaccinations for the specific country to which you are travelling.

Hold Check-in/Out Times

At Selous Mbega Camp & Kilwa Seaview Resort Rooms are generally available for occupation until your time of departure, but this is not guaranteed in the high season, we will however try and provide you with a storage area for your luggages until your departure.

Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is a condition of booking. Please ensure that all persons take out full insurance to include medical, repatriation and baggage damage/loss charges.

Language

English is spoken in all cities and tourist areas, however, other European languages are less commonly understood.

Meals and Drinks

Today, food on safari is usually above people's expectations. The day starts with pre-safari tea/coffee, then back a cooked breakfast. Lunch & Dinner at Selous Mbega Camp is normally buffet-style,at Kilwa Seaview Resort meals can be ordered to your wishes. Alcoholic spirits, beer or wine are readily available.

Photography

We suggest that you take enough film and spare batteries with you, as both are usually very expensive. Also, bring a dust-proof bag to cover all equipment. For good bird and animal photography, a 200mm lens is the minimum recommendation. A polariser is useful for bright conditions. It is normally prohibited to photograph the head of state or his entourage, police in uniform, airports, harbours or prisons. Also, please ask permission before filming ihe local people, who may become belligerent if they do not want to be photographed.

Security

Africa is no different from anywhere else, just follow the common-sense rules. Remember that excessive displays of jewellery or cash will attract unwelcome attention. Do not leave valuables lying around. Instead use room safes or leave valuables with the hotel/camp manager for safety. We also recommend that you do not walk around unfamiliar streets at any time.

Telecommunication

At the Selous Mbega Camp there is only Radio Call communication HF frequency at 7.440.0 LSB. VHF frequency at 143.475.. At Kilwa Seaview Resort telephone & fax communications are possible.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory and is recommended only if ihe service has deserved it. We recommend this be done directly or through a staff tip-box, whichever guests feel more comfortable with. It is helpful to have a small supply of low-denomination notes handy.

One Last Word of Advice

Life is sometimes a little slower on the African Continent. Local people are generally polite, hospitable and eager to assist but may not always understand everything in your terms. If you are patient, we are sure you will come away pleased, with wonderful lasting memories.

BACKPACKERS INFORMATION

Dear Backpackers,
Backpackers rates are only given to persons arriving by BUS to Mloka Village, the last village the bus travels to, and the last village before the Selous Game Reserve and SELOUS MBEGA CAMP. We will pick you up for free from the bus in Mloka village if you give us 24 hrs prior notice. The bus trip will take approx. 7 to 9 hours from Dar es Salaam Temeke, Sudan Market to Mloka village. Departure time is 5:00 a.m. and the price is Tshs 4,500 per person.

For more information about the bus services please contact:
Akidas Bus, Mr. Hemedi 074 4305819.
Mloka Bus, Mr. Amar Salum 078 4492573.

CONTACT US

Telephone: +255 22 2650250
Fax/ Telephone: +255 22 2650251
Mobile: +255 (0)78 4624664 or +255 (0)78 4748888
EMail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Mail: P.O. Box 23443, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania