Amara Luxury Tented Camps Ltd.

Activities

Off the beaten track Simbazi Selous offers you a luxurious stay in the wild - full of simulation and adventure. The essence and location of Simbazi Selous suggests a stay of at least 2 nights so that you can relax and enjoy the property, activities and untamed Africa to its fullest. This is not a destination you want to leave quickly!

Activities include Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boating, Bird Watching and time out just to take in the breathtaking views from your luxury accommodation, enjoy a picnic, sundowners or a candle lit dinner – all on the banks of the Great Ruaha River.

Game Drive Safaris

All our game drives are provided in spacious tailor-designed 4WD vehicles with open sides and raised seating for ideal game viewing. Games drives are best when taken early in the morning or at dusk and can be accompanied by a sunrise bush breakfast or sundowner picnic.

Walking Safaris

Accompanied by highly trained and professional guides, walking safaris offer guests the rare chance to get up-close and personal with the `little five`, as well as learn about the relationship between flora and fauna and the medicinal values of the plants that thrive in the reserve. A highly educational and uniquely enlightening experience, walking safaris follow the tracks, sights, smells and sounds of animals big and small into the wild of Africa.

Birding

Situated along the riverbanks of the Great Ruaha River means that Simbazi Selous is an ideal location for viewing endemic, aquatic and migratory birds. The river acts as a life force for abundant wildlife including a large listing of birds. Fish Eagle stay perched high above looking for prey, their familiar screech filling the air just before they dive towards their target. Water birds include Goliath Herons skimming the water’s surface in search of fish, whilst flocks of Egyptian Geese fly by and land on the banks and tickbirds groom snoozing hippos. Simbazi is equipped with strong binoculars and our guides love sharing their knowledge on all the bird life that is located in Selous Game Reserve.

We were profoundly affected by our bush experiences. As it turned out, we were surrounded by passionate people; Alwyn, the frog expert, showed all the symptoms of a fanatic. We drove under a starlit sky, deeper and deeper into the bush until we stopped at a waterhole and incidentally chased away a drinking rhino.

I started wondering if I had the nerve for this kind of nocturnal exploration. Alwyn switched off the lights of the open air Land Rover, turned on his headlamp and headed off towards the muddy water...

'Surely everything's under control,' I told myself as I followed him in the dark. The others had stayed behind at the lodge, preferring a sundowner to mud.
“Yes, we've got a little Tinker Reed Frog with us tonight. I can hear two rapid staccato taps, over there, between those reeds,” whispered Alwyn and slowly we 'slop-slopped' closer, the mud sucking our boots. And there it was, a tiny 3 mm bright yellow frog loudly calling for his mate. “How do you know who's who?” I asked. “They might change colour, but each species has its own distinct call.” I counted at least 12 different sounds, so we were well surrounded. “When you catch one, place it gently in the plastic bag,” I heard as I stretched out my hand. When in water a frog breathes largely through its skin, so touching it is quite hazardous.” Totally entranced by their extravagant colours and designs, their big eyes and toe pads, I almost left the roaring sounds of the bush behind me, together with my fear for water spiders.

Exhilarated I listened to more frogs at a distant waterhole. They called out loud like a marching army. I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the experience. My frogging safari was topped off with the sight of a gorgeous Red-legged Cassina just before we drove back to the lodge to catch up on dinner.

Boating on the Ruaha

The only way to truly appreciate the African game found in and around the rivers. Boating safaris take place early morning and late afternoon in our custom-designed boats. Attention to detail is still paramount with all boats fitted with cooler containers providing guests with cool drinks and snacks whilst meandering down the Gt. Ruaha viewing the large population of resident hippos, crocodiles, fish and birdlife.

Spa Treatments

Aside from the adventure of being in the world largest game reserve and spending time on game drives, walking safaris and boating safaris, guests can relax and unwind with a number of treatments available from the Simbazi Spa. For utter relaxation these treatments can take place in the suites, so after the treatment is complete guests can stay and relax in the privacy of their air-conditioned rooms. All our treatments are provided by qualified therapists.