SELOUSSAFARICAMP, SELOUSGAMERESERVESelous Safari Camp was one of the first camps in the Selous and has one of the prime positionsin the park on the fringes of Lake Nzelekela. The 12 luxurious tents are some of the largest in Africa, tailored specifically for the camp withhuge gauze windows looking onto the lake. Inside, the tents are elegantly furnished and havewell-appointed en suite bathrooms with outdoorshowers. The lounge and dining room are raisedabove the trees on stilts to maximise the breezein hotter months and there is a small pool tuckedinto the bush. With plenty of activities on offer,this is one of our favourite camps in the Selous.BEHOBEHOCAMP, SELOUSGAMERESERVESet up amongst the hills, Beho Beho has a uniquevantage point overlooking the Beho Beho Plains.It is the most luxurious camp in the Selous withlarge stone cottages beautifully designed andfurnished with no expense spared. At the front of each cottage a huge open window has nogauze or glass - just panoramic views. Guests canchoose to leave this open to the stars at night orhave thick canvas drapes tied down to feel moresecure. The true magic of Beho Beho however isnot the lodge but the exceptional quality of theguides. After each game drive you'll come awayknowing something new.www.audleytravel.com/tanzania ?01993 838 545 ?Tanzania81SANDRIVERS, SELOUSGAMERESERVEWith eight rooms, Sand Rivers is the smallestcamp in the Selous. Situated on a wide curve inthe Rufiji River, all the rooms look over the water.Each room is open on one side and has largebeds, nets and en suite bathrooms with polishedstone floors. It's not unusual for birds to flit in and out and look at themselves in the bathroommirror. During a stay at Sand Rivers, a privateguide is always provided. You can take a boat tripup to Steigler's Gorge, walk on the open plains,swim in the Tagalala hot springs and enjoy tripsby open 4x4 vehicles.Hippo beside the Rufiji RiverDining at Beho BehoElephant in the SelousKudu in the SelousHyena on a buffalo carcassView from a room at Sand RiversSelous Safari CampBoat trip from Sand Rivers

MWAGUSICAMP, RUAHANATIONALPARKMwagusi Camp is a small tented camp on thebanks of the dry Mwagusi River. Owned and runby naturalist Chris Fox, this camp is comfortablebut the focus is not on frills and luxury. Chris'spassion is for wildlife and this is what this camp isall about - it's ideal for experienced safari handsand animal enthusiasts. The nine tents are shadedby thatch and have beds, nets, en suite bathroomsand verandas with comfy chairs. It is lovely sittingon your veranda and watching the birds hoppingabout in the trees above you. Activities are wellorganised at Mwagusi with both guides andspotters on the game viewing vehicles, and guiding of a high standard.KWIHALA, RUAHANATIONALPARKKwihala offers luxury in Ruaha, and has six spacious safari tents. There are plenty of charmingsmall touches in the tents, from the hand-printedbaobab bedspreads to beaded door handles.Outside, a covered veranda area is insect-proofedand protected from the elements by a fly sheet.The spacious mess tent is the main social centre ofthe camp. Separate dining and relaxing areas createa homely feel although canvas walls and open sidesleave you with no doubt that you're in the bush.With good guides this camp is ideal for thoselooking to explore Ruaha from a comfortable base.The Ruaha National ParkIn the heart of southern Tanzania, the RuahaNational Park has a hot dry climate and dramatic scenery. The Ruaha River runs along the park's southeast border, tumbling overboulders and flanked by riparian woodland. Lioncan be seen stretched out in the sun on thesandbanks, elephant drink from the water. Flocks of yellow-collared lovebirds swoop frombush to bush. Game is prolific with manyungulates present, including impala, waterbuck,bushbuck, giraffe, zebra and buffalo. Both greaterand lesser kudu are here, as are roan and sableantelope. There are large prides of lion, spottedand striped hyena, several packs of wild dog, andleopard. The birdlife is particularly colourful and it is not unusual to spot many species while sitting in camp, such as emerald spotted doves,brown parrots and crested barbets. Activities inRuaha focus on game drives although walking is also possible.82Zebra on the plainsMDONYAOLDRIVERCAMP,RUAHANATIONALPARKThis wild camp has 11 tents situated undersycamore fig and acacia trees. With no electricity,it has the feel of an original safari camp, and is litat night by candles, paraffin lamps and a camp fire.The dining and lounge tents overlook a dry riverbed which acts as a busy wildlife corridor. Thereare currently two prides of lion living close tocamp which can often be heard at night - thiscamp is not therefore suited to nervous travellers.Mwagusi CampKwihalaMdonya Old River Camp