Lukula Selous Camp

Aerial View of the Luwego River Photo #1 of 11 Lukula Selous is a pristine private photographic reserve of 300,000 acres deep in the southern reaches of the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa. Photo copyright Lukula Selous Safari Camp.

Overview

Imagine yourself completely free, to roam in a land where the lion is still king.

…Leopard eyes' burn, his sinews' tense deep in darkness following the path of a lone male bushbuck down to the water. Wild dog run down sleek Impala on the white river sands. Buffalo herds, thick, black, glistening masses, surge through the yellow grass. Elephant sunk deep on their knees, tusk mineral rich earth from ancient salt licks, high on an escarpment over the river…

Lukula Selous is a pristine private photographic reserve of 300,000 acres deep in the southern reaches of the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa. The project is a brave new conservation initiative; pioneered by a young conservationist, Ryan Wienand who has set out to maintain, and expand this unspoilt landscape, through low impact sustainable tourism.

The Selous Project's safari experience is completely unique. There is no fixed itinerary. An idea shared at the dinner table or an inspiration at the dawn of day will provide the spark for your next adventure. You will become part of a journey that allows you to tune into the rhythm of the wild. Mark Sheridan-Johnson, with whom you will explore and expand your understanding of this unique area, leads the experience. Back at camp, Chloe Sheridan-Johnson ensures impeccable hospitality and a smooth operation.

Lukula Selous Camp operates from June through December each year. The four tent (8 bed) camp is situated on the banks of the Luwego River in Southern Tanzania, amongst the forests and savannas of this beautiful and rugged landscape. This authentic yet luxurious tented camp is stylishly appointed with beautiful furniture made from recycled hardwood and brass, rich Bedouin rugs and smooth linen. The tents are extensive in square footage with private verandas, a main bedroom, large dressing area and an open-air bathroom. The camp operates on 100% solar power and is constructed to minimize its environmental impact.

Time spent at Lukula is your gift to yourself – there are so few places left on earth with this sort of spirit and opportunity. Further still, your visit is a significant contributor to the local economy surrounding the Selous Game Reserve. The operation generates employment and revenues in an area where both are at a premium. Lukula Selous is also crucial in demonstrating the viability of photographic tourism & conservation as a land use priority for the Government and people of Tanzania. Your visit has far-reaching positive impacts.

The rates include seasonal activities such as game drives, fly-camping, canoeing, bush dinners, walks, stalks & game tracking, hides, fishing and impromptu surprises.

Nature is fickle. And each of us is an individual with his or her own character and dreams. Hence, to truly deliver, we practice 'prepared flexibility'. This is to say that we possess the necessary equipment and knowledge to interpret the opportunities Nature provides on any given day and to design and create a safari experience for our guests. We leave camp each morning fully prepared for the possibility of a full day out of camp. We carry provisions to allow for any eventuality should great opportunities arise.

Camp is spread along the banks of the Luwego rive under the shady canopy of fig and sausage trees. The main area consists a dining area and a 'divan' (or lounge) space. It is an authentic, stylish and intimate wilderness retreat.

The dining room, centred around a large coconut wood table and candelabra chandelier, is the place to savour the camp's fine fare. The divan area opens onto a large veranda and is an ideal space for relaxation and reflection. A small library provides reference material on the Selous (both the man and the reserve). No camp is complete without a fire pit and a circle of chairs for storytelling and stargazing.

The camp has four luxurious and spacious guest tents each with handcrafted campaign style furniture made from recycled hardwood, brass, and weathered canvas. The space is softened with carpets, cushions and colours brought from Zanzibar and the bazaars of Egypt. Each room has large comfortable beds, luxurious linen, full-length mirrors and standing fans. An additional fifth tent is available for a specialist guide and/or for a group of 10 booking the camp on exclusive use. NOTE: it is not the same configuration as the 4 main guests tents.

A large dressing area with vanity stand and double cooper basins opens to the en-suite facilities. The bathrooms have a flush toilet and a custom-designed 200-liter bucket shower with a lovely copper 'rain' showerhead. Hot water is available upon request 24 hours a day. Locally produced organic soaps, coconut body oil and shampoo are provided.

Lukula Selous 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 and revive their spirits, document their discoveries and continue along their intrepid ways. It is in this vein, that guests are welcomed into the stylish and authentic retreat of Lukula Selous.

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

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 impromptu experience centered on the wildlife and game experience around us. It is designed to change your life. Quite a big statement, but one that has proved true time and again.