Luxury Selous and Ruaha

Day one – flight to Kenya 
Kenya Airways flight from London Heathrow to Nairobi, connecting to Dar es Salaam
One night

Day two – Sand Rivers Selous, Selous Game Reserve  
Three nights – full board

Early morning arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, where you connect with the onward Kenya Airways flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. On arrival into Dar es Salaam, complete entry requirements before you are met and assisted across to the domestic terminal where you connect with the scheduled mid-morning air transfer service to the Selous Game Reserve.

On arrival at Kiba airstrip (the flight may touch down at several strips), you will be met by your guide from Sand Rivers and transferred the short distance to the lodge where you arrive in time for lunch.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax after your journey before later departing on an afternoon game-viewing activity.

Three nights are spent at Sand Rivers in a twin/double room, with days at leisure to enjoy the varied game activities on offer.

Sand Rivers Selous overlooks a wide sweep of the mighty Rufiji River, a little downstream from the Stieglers Gorge in the northern sector of the vast Selous Game Reserve. Accommodation for just 16 guests is in five superbly appointed thatched chalets and three suites. The spacious chalets are open to the front with a sitting area and either twin or double beds within a mosquito net tent. They are built in a rustic style using local materials and makuti thatch. Each cottage has en suite bathroom facilities, and its own view over the mighty Rufiji river. The three suites all have a large living area and a private plunge pool. The main makuti-thatched bar and dining area also offers superb views over the river. A swimming pool has been set onto the banks of the river for use during the heat of the day. There is solar electricity for lighting at night and operating the fans. Activities operated by the lodge include game-viewing drives by open four-wheel-drive vehicles, boat excursions on the river, fishing and walks. Longer walking trails are also available with overnight fly camps which are at extra cost and must be pre-booked.

Day five  – Kigelia Camp, Ruaha National Park  
Four nights – full board

Morning game-viewing activity before you are transferred back to the local airstrip where you connect with the scheduled morning air transfer westwards to the remote Ruaha National Park. On arrival at Msembe airstrip, you will be met and transferred through the wilderness to Kigelia Camp for four nights’ accommodation in a twin/double tent.

Game-viewing drives are conducted each day.

Kigelia Camp is located in eastern Ruaha on the Ifuguru channel close to the confluence of the Mwagusi and Greater Ruaha rivers. The camp is small and exclusive, catering for just 12 guests in simple but comfortable safari tents. Each tent is set on the ground, under a wide canvas awning, with a private veranda, and consists of a bedroom area and en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and basin. Accessed via a zip in the bathroom is an open-air bucket shower.

There is a central mess tent with a small lounge and dining area, though meals are often taken al fresco. Activities focus on game-drives by day and by night. Although sometimes available, we do not recommend walks in Ruaha unless escorted by an armed guide as this is a National Park conforming to the highest standards of protection, and the park rangers who take the walks do not, in our opinion, have sufficient experience.

Day nine  – Kenya Airways – Dar es Salaam to Nairobi to London Heathrow  
One night
Morning at leisure for further game viewing. This afternoon you are transferred back to Msembe airstrip where you connect with the scheduled afternoon light aircraft transfer flight back to Dar es Salaam. Here you are met and transferred to the international terminal where you check in for the evening Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Here you remain in transit before connecting on to the scheduled Kenya Airways evening service to London Heathrow. Overnight in flight.

Day 10  – return flight to London
One night
Kenya Airways flight with early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal 4.