The Retreat Selous

The Retreat Selous is located in the Selous Game Reserve/Nyerere National Park and can be reached by air or road. The nearest airstrip, Sumbazi Airstrip, is 30 minutes drive from the lodge and is served by several airlines, notably daily scheduled flights (charters also available) from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Ruaha.

The Retreat Selous closes between the end of March and the 1st of June each year. The dry season is from June to the end of October/the start of November. Rains fall in mid-November and December and again in April and May. 

Guests can check into The Retreat Selous from midday and must check out by 11.00 hours. Late check-outs and early check-ins can be accommodated whenever possible. However, an extra day’s park entrance fees may become payable.

Credit cards are not accepted. Payments in cash are welcome, and Tanzanian Shillings, US Dollars, Euros, or Pounds Sterling are all acceptable. (Note: US Dollar notes printed from 2009 and above are accepted.)

Room options at The Retreat Selous include six Eagle Hill suites (100m²) close to the main house and restaurant; three River Suites (160 m²) on raised platforms beside the river bank, with a 60m² viewing deck fitted with a private plunge pool; one ‘Lion’s River’ suite (220 m²) with an additional 60m² tented seating area, great for families. Included is a personal dining area & plunge pool; one ‘Hippo Point’ (320 m²) exclusive private safari lodge experience, situated 2 km from the main site, thus giving you total privacy. It has two large individual suites, each 160m², spaciously positioned on raised platforms with its own sundeck and plunge pool and also a large private infinity pool. A private bar, lounge, and dining areas are provided, serviced by a private cook and butler; fly-camping – sleep under the stars in this specially created fully transparent nomadic tent, with tree shower washing facilities. A private ‘Hippo Point’ cook, guide, and game scout discreetly provides service and protection; one ‘Love Nest’ is an open tree house with a big bed under a mosquito net, a swing, and an outdoor bathroom beneath an evergreen. 

Guests can make use of the swimming pool at The Retreat Selous.

Yes, there is satellite internet connectivity at The Retreat Selous. There is no mobile phone coverage.

Yes, The Retreat Selous is popular with family groups.

Yes, children of all ages are welcome at The Retreat Selous. The guides here will take children on their game-tracking adventures. Two of our rooms are especially suitable for families (Lion’s River Suite and Hippo Point.)

Yes, The Retreat Selous provides the following activities or services. Two activities per day are included in the list below (note that, otherwise, extra charges may apply):

• Game drives, morning, afternoon, or evening game drives with expert guides
• Guided safari walks in the morning or afternoon with armed rangers and guides
• Boat excursions on the Great Ruaha River,
• morning or afternoon
• Fishing
• Birding excursions with guides
• Spa treatments
• Hiking tours

The tap water at The Retreat Selous is only recommended for washing and cleaning. Bottled mineral water should be used for drinking and brushing teeth. 

Yes, The Retreat Selous is a safe place to stay. Guides must be requested to escort guests between their rooms and other camp areas due to the presence of wild animals. A room safe is provided in each room for valuables. 

If you have any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical conditions, please let us know before arriving at The Retreat Selous.

Staying at The Retreat Selous for two nights or more will allow you to enjoy a better experience.