African Safari - Lukula Selous Camp | Tanzania Safaris | African Safaris with Taga Safaris Africa

The Luxury Lukula Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve – Tanzania Safari

Overview

Lukula Selous Camp in the vast wilderness, which comprises the Selous Game Reserve, offers respite to some of the largest populations of wildlife in Africa – one-third of all African wild dogs, and huge herds of elephant and buffalo. The Lukula sanctuary, with numerous perennial rivers and a variety of ecosystems, upholds the Selous’ reputation. It attracts the widest range of prey – from the rare Nyassa wildebeest and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest to the stunning Greater kudu, sable and eland. Predators wait on the fringes, where lion stalk and wild dog strategize. The sandy substrates are home to busy bee-eater nests with Giant kingfishers hunting from the banks. Other frequently spotted species include waterbuck, impala, klipsringer, hippo, Nile crocodile, leopard, and duiker. Birdlife abounds as well, with common sightings of the rare Pel’s Fishing owl, Wattled crane and Palmnut vulture among the 350 recorded species.

Lukula Selous, in the southern sector of this vast reserve, is a private photographic sanctuary of over 300,000 acres. The sanctuary’s diverse habitats – flood plains, dense riverine forests, savanna, forested hills, rocky ridges – host an equally diverse range of flora and fauna. This is a landscape seldom visited and little changed by man. Each season exposes yet another dimension of Lukula Selous’ breadth and beauty as the rhythms of nature dictate our experience. You will have a rare chance to watch the drama of the life cycle unfold in an atmosphere of utter privacy and freedom. Imagine 300,000 acres reserved for no more than eight individuals. This privilege is possible here – where the spirit of wild Africa lives on.

Lukula Selous experiences the cyclical rainfall pattern typical of the East Africa region. The ebb and flow between wet and dry cycles is characterised by two primary periods of rain each year. The ‘short’ rains usually arrive in December and fade quickly with the arrival of January. The ‘long’ rains commence in mid to late February and persist through early April. With each arrival of the rains, the land is energised. It washes the exhausted land of the dust and ash of the dry season, and fills the sandy riverbeds with sparkling fresh water. The small streams feed the main channel of the Luwego River and wake it from its seasonal lethargy. As the river rises, it floods the nearby plains and fills dried wallows. Then, vegetation greens, births occur and lives pass. It is as if one is watching it all through a time-lapse camera.

Lukula Selous is an experience not a destination. It is a unique work of art, never the same twice, and never predetermined. There is no detailed itinerary – or at least none that we know of. It is about an impromptu experience. It is designed to change a life. But what is consistent are the core pillars of our approach: Commitment, Philosophy and Practice.

Lukula Camp embodies the spirit of early African exploration, but with simple indulgences. It draws from the influences of Frederick Courteney Selous’ camps of bygone days. He and his contemporaries would have found home and comfort here – a place to renew their spirits, document their discoveries and continue their intrepid ways. It is in this vein, that guests are welcomed into the stylish and authentic retreat of Lukula Camp.

There are no permanent structures in camp, and we have the ability to relocate each season, should we so desire. Our preferred campsites are on set on the Luwego River and spread out amongst a large shady riverine forest of acacia, tamarind, fig and sausage trees.

Accommodation
Four luxurious tents are set on the river’s sandy banks, shaded by riverine forest. Each spacious tent is authentic, colourful and stylish with handcrafted campaign furniture made of recycled hardwoods and brass. Carpets and cushions of native fabrics soften the tents’ spacious interiors. Each room has large comfortable beds, luxurious linen, full-length mirrors and standing fans. Off the dressing area, en-suite facilities feature large open- air bathrooms with bucket showers, flush toilets, washbasins and a vanity stand. Hot water is available upon request 24 hours a day.

Tents are positioned with a beautiful view over the broad white sand banks and beyond to the Luwego River. The sights and sounds of hippo and plains game is a daily occurrence enjoyed from bed, from the canvas verandahs or whilst taking a piping hot morning or evening shower.

Dining Area
Lukula Camp provides an intimate and serene space for relaxation, the shady ‘diwan’ area is where one can reflect on the day’s exploits, read a novel or simply absorb the sounds of Africa. Dinner is often taken at the finely crafted mahogany table, under the magnificent chandelier. A small campfire along the riverbank and under the stars provides the perfect end to a day at Lukula Selous.

Meals
All meals are expertly prepared using wholesome, natural and local ingredients. Bread and cakes are baked fresh daily in the camp’s ‘Dutch’ oven. For full day expeditions, lavish picnic boxes with cold drinks are provided. Special meals and dietary requirements can be catered for on request. (However, please note, due to the remoteness of the location, we do your requests in advance, as per our guest information sheet.)

All drinks are included in the tariff excluding champagne.

Laundry
Laundry is done on a daily basis and is complimentary.

Electricity
Lukula Camp is powered by a state-of-the-art solar panel. The system is designed for low current usage and optimises the use of hi-quality low wattage lights, low-energy fans and solar refrigeration. Guests may recharge camera batteries at the main charging station at any time. Please bring additional camera batteries to allow for longer overnight excursions from main camp where recharging facilities are limited.

Hurricane lanterns are also placed throughout camp for ambient light. There is a small generator for back up on cloudy days, if necessary.

Night under the stars
Lukula Selous offers a number of sleep out options. These include fly camping on the banks of the river after a day’s kayaking or tracking; or enjoying a night or two camping out on a fully portered safari.

Slideshow

Lukula Selous Camp

Lukula Selous Camp in the Selous Game Reserve

Rates

We offer very competitive Rates so please contact us to get these Incredible Rates.

All Children are Welcome.

Reservations

Book Lukula Selous Camp and Pay Online with us via PayPal and receive your complimentary discount.

Tailormake your Kenya/Tanzania Safari

Plan your Tanzania Safari and then submit it to us and we will check availability and book it for you. You can choose any number of camps and we will book all the necessary transfers. Should a camp of your choice not be available we will suggest an alternative camp in the same region.