Roho ya Selous
Nyerere (The Selous), Tanzania
Roho ya Selous sits in the very heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly The Selous), a stone’s throw from a palm-fringed tributary of Tanzania's Rufiji River.
About Roho ya Selous
On a small peninsula overlooking Lake Nzerakera, Roho ya Selous is in the heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the largest reserve in Africa and home to one of the biggest populations of wild dogs on the continent.
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Open: June to Mid-March
Closed: Mid-March to end May -
Closest airstrip: June to November: Beho Beho, 90-minute drive from camp. December to March: Mtemere, 90-minute drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and older
Accommodation at Roho ya Selous
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Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Relax in our open-sided, canvas-roofed dining or lounge areas while reading a book or keep an eye out for wildlife around the lake. In the afternoons, take a dip in the pool to stay cool. In the evening, gather around the campfire with fellow guests to share safari tales before enjoying dinner surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
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8 stretch canvas tents (including 1 family tent)
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En-suite bathrooms
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Hot water showers
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Flushing toilets
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Over-bed “evening breeze” cooling system
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Swimming pool
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Complimentary laundry service
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Solar power, with back-up generator
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In-room lockable box
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Wi-Fi
accommodation
Rooms
Relax in our open-sided, canvas-roofed dining or lounge areas while reading a book or keep an eye out for wildlife around the lake. In the afternoons, take a dip in the pool to stay cool. In the evening, gather around the campfire with fellow guests to share safari tales before enjoying dinner surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
LOCATION
Location of Roho ya Selous
In the heart of Nyerere National Park — the largest reserve in Africa — Roho ya Selous is perfectly positioned for excellent game viewing, close to a key waterway that links Lake Manze to Lake Nzerakera. Here, pods of hippos wallow and fish eagles scan the landscape from their perches. Giraffes wander through camp on their way to the water and impala graze on the grass around our tents.
Nyerere is a different type of environment to the grassy plains of northern Tanzania. This is a marshy landscape of palm trees, lakes and rivers and is home to elephants, buffalos, lions, hippos, leopards and one of the largest populations of wild dogs on the planet. Plus, bird enthusiasts can try and spot the more than 400 recorded bird species, including a good number of Pel’s fishing owls, in the region. Despite the excellent game, there are far fewer visitors here than in the Serengeti, making the safari experience feel much more exclusive.
Experiences
Simple and stylish
The name Roho ya Selous means ‘heart of the Selous’, and that’s exactly where we are. Balancing adventure with plenty of comfort, the camp offers seasoned travellers an authentic safari experience in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve).
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Roho ya Selous
The best time for game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, when animals are at their most active. Depending on the season, your day may start slightly earlier or later. If you have booked a private vehicle, please discuss schedule preferences with your guide.
A day at Roho ya Selous starts with an early wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee. Have some breakfast at camp or have your meal packed to enjoy on your morning game drive. You’ll be back in camp in time for lunch.
The afternoon is time to rest. Read a book, take a dip in the pool or have a siesta. Refuel with afternoon tea before heading out on to the lake, where you can sip a G&T onboard our boat. Round off the perfect day with drinks around the campfire and a leisurely dinner.
Experiences
Game drives
We have seven-seater, open-sided game vehicles for exploring further afield in the reserve and getting closer to large herbivores and predators. The vehicles have canvas roofs, power points and fridges — everything needed to stay comfortable out in the bush for as long as you like.
Experiences
Walking safaris
Head out on foot for an intimate exploration of the Selous. Stop and examine the tiniest creatures, such as ants and butterflies, and learn about tracking animals using their prints and dung. Plus, there’s the excitement of getting close to large animals as they pass by.
Experiences
Boating
One of the things that separates Nyerere from other major Tanzanian parks is its boating safaris. From a safe distance, float past crocodiles on the sandbanks and hippos in the shallows, watching elephants come down to drink and birds nesting on the islands.
Experiences
Fishing
Combine a boat safari with a spot of fishing. The rivers hold a good population of tiger fish and various types of catfish.
Experiences
Family safaris
We warmly welcome families with children over 5 at Roho ya Selous. The ease of access makes the reserve a fuss-free destination. We have a family tent with an enclosed en suite children’s room, ideal for younger kids, and a range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Please note that guests must be 16 years old to join our walking safaris, but there is no age limit for game drives or boat safaris. Please ask your agent about the option of hiring a private vehicle for your family safari.
When to go
What to expect during the year
Nyerere National Park is a brilliant park to visit throughout the year. For the best wildlife viewing, visit between June and October’s dry season. For water-based activities, come from November to March when the rains have filled the rivers. Roho ya Selous is closed for the long rains that fall from March until the end of May.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
This period is great for boating and fishing, as the rains have recently flooded the rivers. It’s also ideal for birding, with migratory species in the park, and for photography, with lush landscapes and dramatic sunsets and sunrises. Roho ya Selous closes from mid-March, when the park becomes tricky to traverse.
Climate
It rains a little in January and February, though not consistently, with the long rains beginning in March. It’s hot and humid, with an average maximum temperature of 30°C/86°F and an average low of 22°C/72°F.
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Low Temp: 22°C / 72°F
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High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 191mm / 7.5in
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April - June
Why travel at this time
Roho ya Selous is closed until the end of May, reopening in June when the park has dried up again. June is a good month to visit, as it’s just before high season rates kick in and travellers descend into the area.
Climate
It’s a little cooler and less humid in June, with an average high of 27°C/81°F and a low of 18°C/64°F.
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 121mm / 0.5in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
The dry season is the best time for game viewing as they gather around the waterholes of the Selous. Conditions are clear and sunny.
Climate
There’s very little rainfall in the dry season. Temperatures range from a maximum of 26°C/79°F in July to 29°C/84°F in September. The average low hovers from 17°C/63°F to 19°C/66°F.
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 11mm / 0.4in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
It’s still fairly dry in October. The short rains begin in November, flooding the rivers so water-based activities can resume and reviving the park’s vegetation. The migratory birds begin to arrive from Europe and Asia.
Climate
Rains usually begin in November and continue into December, though not continuously. There are enough breaks in the rain to enjoy your game drives. The temperature hits a maximum average of 31°C/88°F in November — the hottest time of year — with an average low of 22°C/72°F.
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Low Temp: 22°C / 72°F
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High Temp: 31°C / 88°F
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Rainfall: 69mm / 2.7in
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Guest reviews
Roho ya Selous, an Asilia camp, so we knew what to expect and like always overall a fabulous experience with friendly staff making it so special. Again great to have a Tanzanian camp leader (Wilfred) with a lot of insight and doing a fabulous job. After Ruaha where it was dry season, Nyerere was a nice contrast being the rainy season where everything was green with plenty of cubs and pups around that time. The safari started already as soon as we were picked up at the airport.
The Asilia system is amazing with great focus on service and client satisfaction. The camp location is excellent and environmentally conscious. Well trained Tour guides and vehicles in top condition to make a great experience.
We stayed 3 nights as a family with 2 kids aged 11 and 13 and the experience was amazing. The camp is very well located facing a lake where you can see elephants from the camp itself. Room is spacious. Special mention to the staff who is very friendly and caring: the chef, the servers, the guide, the manager. Games are great we could see lot of animals even on the first day.
Rates
When would you like to go?
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, game drives, guided walks, boating safaris, fishing, transfers to/from nearest airstrip, limited laundry service
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature, private vehicles
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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Closed: 15 Mar 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0
Season closure
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Low season: 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$897
What to expect
- Green and lush
- Great birding with many migratory species
- Fantastic boat explorations post-rains
- Drying out as July approaches
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 12mm / 0.5in
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High Season: 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Aug 2024 Rate: US$1149
What to expect
- Perfect for seeing crocodiles and hippo
- Best time for cat sightings
- Great fishing for cat fish and tiger fish
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 29°C / 84°F
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Rainfall: 11mm / 0.4in
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Low season: 01 Sep 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$897
What to expect
- Great birding with many migratory species
- Regular wild dog sightings
- Fantastic boat exploration
- Increased chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 22°C / 72°F
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High Temp: 31°C / 88°F
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Rainfall: 69mm / 2.7in
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High season: 20 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 Rate: US$1149
What to expect
- High chance of afternoon showers
- Great boating and fishing
- Cooler weather for walking
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Low Temp: 22°C / 72°F
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High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 200mm / 7.9in
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Low season: 06 Jan 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 Rate: US$897
What to expect
- Great birding with many migratory species
- Increased wild dog sightings
- Fantastic boat exploration on the flooded channel
- High chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 22°C / 72°F
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High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 191mm / 7.5in
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Closed: 15 Mar 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$0
Season closure
WILDLIFE
Roho ya Selous wildlife
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Lion
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Elephant
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African Fish Eagle
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Hippo
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Giraffe
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Zebra
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Greater Kudu
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Wild Dog (Rare)
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Leopard (Rare)
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Buffalo
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Crocodile
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Pel's Fishing Owl (Rare)
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Colobus Monkey (Rare)
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Eland
ITINERARY
Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar Combined
Explore the wildlife-rich and unspoilt wilderness areas of southern Tanzania’s game reserves on safari, before hopping by plane to the island of Zanzibar for days spent snorkelling on tropical reefs and enjoying sandbank picnics. Explore the waterways and plains of Nyerere National Park by boat, vehicle and on foot, before searching for big cats in Ruaha National Park, home to 10 percent of Africa’s lion population.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best time of year for game viewing at Roho ya Selous?
For the best wildlife viewing, visit between June and October’s dry season. For water-based activities, come from November to March when the rains have filled the rivers. Roho ya Selous is closed for the long rains that fall from March until the end of May.
