Selous Impala Camp Activities

Activities available from Selous Impala Camp

You don't really need to leave the camp to have an exciting safari! Its pleasant to stay on your veranda with a pair of binoculars and look out over the river or lagoon, or spot our resident hippo. Or go for a swim in the pool. But we also have lots of ways for you to get around the Selous Game Reserve to spot the local populations of game and birds.

There are no extra charges for any activities except for fishing (USD 15 per person per session) and flycamping (USD 200 per person per day supplement) at the current time. Selous Impala Camp reserves the right to pass on any increases in Reserve Fees for activities, should they occur.
• Game drives
• Boat Safaris
• Walking Safaris
• Fishing
• Fly-camping
• Birding Safari
• Bird List by Impala Guides

Download the Selous Impala Activity Guide

Game drives

Landrovers with lion and wild dogs

One of the most appreciated characteristics of the Selous is the “low traffic” of vehicle on its roads. Our guests often experience hours travelling about the Reserve without seeing any other vehicles. In the busiest periods they may see a maximum of 3/4 other cars.
According to the season the roads that can be taken are along the shorelines of the Rufijj River and of the various lakes: Mzizimia, Siwandu, Nzelekela and Manze.
Off-road driving is allowed within certain guidelines.

The camp has only 8 tents, and for our activities we have 6 landrovers and 4 boats as well as a walking safari team with an armed guide. So you can see we can offer our guests a special and individual experience according to their wishes.

For the most classical of the safari activities, the traditional game drive, Impala Camp uses its 6 Land Rovers kitted out especially for photographic safaris. These are completely open vehicles (with a canvas roof to protect clients from the sun) which can accommodate a maximum of 6 people in addition to the driver and guide occupying the front seat.
There are two rows of seats for the guests, and generally (except for family groups who want to be together) we would only put up to 4 people – one at each “window”. The exception can be for airstrip transfers – then there may be 6 people on rare occasions.

Impala Camp offers as much as possible private game drives; this together with the fact that the guide/driver team is almost always accompanying the same guests on all their game drives (unless they go on leave or are incapacitated) gives us the chance to organize a service tailor-made to the guests’ desires.

Bush lunch with your guide

In the dry season we can organize full day or half day game drives. The full day activity usually starts after breakfast at the camp and includes a bush lunch. The guests can enjoy a long drive in the wilderness coming back to the camp at sunset. This is suggested at least once for “safari lovers” who are coming to the Selous perhaps with some specific game or bird viewing aims. What a pleasure sitting together with a pack of African wild dogs or a pride of lions watching them in their daily “business”. Spending a lot of time with one animal or group of animals, gives you the chance to get really close to them.

The half day activities are advisable in the wet season when the heat of the day can become too heavy; or for those people who think that 8/9 hours in a car is a little bit too much. You can leave the camp early in the morning and have a full breakfast outside in the bush under a nice shady tree, or if you prefer, start out a little bit later after your breakfast in camp. You will be back at the camp for lunch and there will be time after that for a rest, or a plunge in the pool.
The afternoon game drive starts at about 16:00 and you will be out until sundowner time.

Boat Safaris

Boat safari starts out from Impala camp - with elephant in foreground

Our experienced guides can take you out to discover the secrets which lie in the waters of the Rufijj river. Boat safaris can be organized in the morning or in the afternoon. It is a unique experience to see the wildlife from a different point of view. Hippos and crocodiles, together with the hundreds of different species of colourful birds, will escort you while you quietly move on the waters of the enormous river or the beautiful lakes that form this incredible ecosystem. And sometimes you might have a nice surprise to find in front of you elephants swimming in the water!

Sundown on the Rufiji

We personally recommend to all of our guests to do at least one boat safari in the afternoon. The light of the setting sun reflected in the water is a magical show which no words can describe.

You will have an experienced boat driver guide on the wide Rufiji River

Boat safaris can also be arranged in the morning and this is a good idea for the guests who want to have a better look at the life of the “water animals” which populate the Selous. You will be surprised by their numbers and their features!

If the water level in the river allows, boat safaris up to Stieglers Gorge can be organized.
At Impala camp we have 4 boats (2 four seaters and 2 six seaters) with dedicated guides for whom the river has no secret.

Walking Safaris

Your walking safari will be accompanied by our own armed guide.

What to say… in our opinion this is the activity that takes you most “inside” the real bush, which show you not only the big things but also the small ones. Our trained guides can teach you everything you want to know about trees, grasses, insect, tracks and spoors. Walking in the bush let you feel part of the bush.

Bush breakfast is set up for you by your dedicated driver and guide team

The walking safari is usually organized early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for coolness. After a cup of tea and some body fuel prior to departure we inform our walking companions of the etiquette when walking in the African bush; what not to do and what to do, should the situation dictate. The walk starts from the camp (so no prior transport has to be done).
Morning walks usually finish with a full breakfast in the bush. From here you can decide whether to continue with a game drive or a boat safari, and for the more fit… well, you can even decide to walk back to the camp to enjoy the rest of the morning at the bar, the lounge, the pool or your tent. The walk is long or short as as you prefer, after discussion with other guests who may also be going out.
An afternoon walk is also a special experience to be remembered. The fading light of the day gives a magical color to the world in which you are silently and slowly moving.

Each day we embark on a new route by foot from Impala Camp in the direction of one of the two lakes in our vicinity; Lake Siwandu & Lake Mzizimia. Along the routes we traverse a variety of vegetation habitats; from Doum Palm thickets, to Acacia woodlands, open shores along the lake side and stunning scenery in between.

On most of our walks we are in specific pursuit of animal and bird signs and whatever interesting smaller talking points we come across; the aspects of nature that one neglects when on a boat safari or riding inland on the vehicles. Ultimately guests are informed not to be disappointed should we be fortunate not to bear witness to any of the larger species on foot! However, no two walking safaris are the same and more often than not by the end of our expeditions we all have ample stories and anecdotes collectively, plus plenty of points for discussion upon reaching our destination. This is definitely twitcher country!

For the safety of all our guests all the walking safaris are conducted accompanied by our own senior guide with a rifle. Very often you will first find the spoor of an elephant and then you find the one who left it! Believe us. An elephant from a safari car looks big; an elephant during a walks is immense!

Please note that children of 15 years and younger are not permitted to go on walking safaris in the Selous.

Fishing

Fishing on the Rufiji

The fishing is excellent in Selous. We have at our disposal a river and lakes which are virtually untouched, be it by commercial or sport fishing, so the waters are full of fish, though they have been regularly hunted by the resident crocodiles! Selous Impala camp is set on the banks of the Rufiji, which holds catfish and tigerfish, depending on the time of year.

The tiger is a fish that is famous for being a fighter with heart, and having the tools to back it up. They are powerful swimmers, often leaping several feet into the air whilst being fought. Tigers have been seen to bite through 30 pound wire trace with their impressive set of dentures. This particular species is plentiful in the waters around Impala camp and grows to a size of 15 kilos, 5-10 being the average caught.

The second commonly fished species here is the catfish. These can grow to be monsters and its fairly common to be been left at the side of the river staring at a spooled reel in shock, while the fish that had been hooked calmly surfaces just for a moment to give one a chance to see what was lost! They can grow to be fifty kilos and are the most commonly hooked and landed fish. The average catch size is 6 to 15 kilos.

The best season starts in June and lasts until the end of October. Once it starts raining the fish will move to shallow flood plain areas to spawn. When the river is full (right after the March-May or November rains) it is actually the worst time to go fishing, the water is dirty, and it is hard to find good spots as the fish have moved.
It comes good again mid December right up to the end of February. This second period is when the river will get to its lowest point. This is nice because you can find sand banks that extend right out into the river.
March is not good for fishing and the Selous camps are closed in April and May.

The activity starts with a trip upriver by boat. Once you find a spot considered good by our guide the fishing can start. You can fish from the boat or, if you prefer, after finding a nice sandbank (and chased away hippo and crocs) from land. As you prefer!

We charge a supplement of USD 15 per person per fishing session, to cover the cost of the Reserve Fishing Fees.

Fly-camping

Have you ever dreamed of spending a night in the wild wild bush? Surrounded by animals and their voices. Lit by firelight and candles? The Impala Flycamp is this and much more.

Deep inside the bush you will be in a basic-but-comfortable camp set up only for you. Privacy at its best. A dedicated team (including waiters, cooks, and guide) will follow you to create the dream for you.
This is highly recommended for deep bush lovers, or for the ones who are looking for a romantic adventure.

The fly camp can be set up for a maximum of 4 pax (of the same party) and it includes:
- tent with beds
- handwash basin
- shower
- bush toilet
- cold drinks
- food – bush lunches, breakfasts and dinners
- drinking water

You can decide to walk into the flycamp or to arrive by boat, and once there all the activities including game drives and walking from camp are available and organized directly by you and your private guide.

Download the Selous Impala Flycamping Guide

Birding Safaris

The Selous is home to over 400 species of birds

In the new season starting from 1st June 2010 Impala camp will also offer an activity focused on birds and bird lovers. Thanks to the unique environment of the Selous which give us both land and water we provide a “boat and walk activity”. This activity can be varied according to the seasons or to the request of the guests. In the cold months we would like to take you on a full day of activities: in the morning out on boat safaris focused on the water/riverine birds. After a lunch in the bush a walk in the surrounding areas.

In the hottest months we will start with an early morning walk and after a full breakfast in the bush a boat safari up to lunch time.

Here we would like to present a list of birds that can be spotted during the excursions. This list does not have any scientific meaning; it’s only based on the experiences and the sightings of our guides.

Bird List by Impala Guides

Checklist of Selous Birds


SELOUS IMPALA ACTIVITIES
Activities available from Selous Impala Camp You don't really need to leave the camp to have an exciting safari! Its pleasant to stay on your veranda with a pair of binoculars and look out over the river or lagoon, or spot our resident hippo. Or go for a swim in the pool. But we also have lots of ways for you to get around the Selous Game Reserve to spot the local populations of game and birds. There are no extra charges for any activities except for fishing (USD 15 per person per session) and flycamping (USD 200 per person per day supplement) at the current time. Selous Impala Camp reserves the right to pass on any increases in Reserve Fees for activities, should they occur. • Game drives • Boat Safaris • Walking Safaris • Fishing • Fly-camping • Birding Safari • Bird List by Impala Guides Download the Selous Impala Activity Guide Game drives Landrovers with lion and wild dogs One of the most appreciated characteristics of the Selous is the “low traffic” of vehicle on its roads. Our guests often experience hours travelling about the Reserve without seeing any other vehicles. In the busiest periods they may see a maximum of 3/4 other cars. According to the season the roads that can be taken are along the shorelines of the Rufijj River and of the various lakes: Mzizimia, Siwandu, Nzelekela and Manze. Off-road driving is allowed within certain guidelines. The camp has only 8 tents, and for our activities we have 6 landrovers and 4 boats as well as a walking safari team with an armed guide. So you can see we can offer our guests a special and individual experience according to their wishes. For the most classical of the safari activities, the traditional game drive, Impala Camp uses its 6 Land Rovers kitted out especially for photographic safaris. These are completely open vehicles (with a canvas roof to protect clients from the sun) which can accommodate a maximum of 6 people in addition to the driver and guide occupying the front seat. There are two rows of seats for the guests, and generally (except for family groups who want to be together) we would only put up to 4 people – one at each “window”. The exception can be for airstrip transfers – then there may be 6 people on rare occasions. Impala Camp offers as much as possible private game drives; this together with the fact that the guide/driver team is almost always accompanying the same guests on all their game drives (unless they go on leave or are incapacitated) gives us the chance to organize a service tailor-made to the guests’ desires. Bush lunch with your guide In the dry season we can organize full day or half day game drives. The full day activity usually starts after breakfast at the camp and includes a bush lunch. The guests can enjoy a long drive in the wilderness coming back to the camp at sunset. This is suggested at least once for “safari lovers” who are coming to the Selous perhaps with some specific game or bird viewing aims. What a pleasure sitting together with a pack of African wild dogs or a pride of lions watching them in their daily “business”. Spending a lot of time with one animal or group of animals, gives you the chance to get really close to them. The half day activities are advisable in the wet season when the heat of the day can become too heavy; or for those people who think that 8/9 hours in a car is a little bit too much. You can leave the camp early in the morning and have a full breakfast outside in the bush under a nice shady tree, or if you prefer, start out a little bit later after your breakfast in camp. You will be back at the camp for lunch and there will be time after that for a rest, or a plunge in the pool. The afternoon game drive starts at about 16:00 and you will be out until sundowner time. Boat Safaris Boat safari starts out from Impala camp - with elephant in foreground Our experienced guides can take you out to discover the secrets which lie in the waters of the Rufijj river. Boat safaris can be organized in the morning or in the afternoon. It is a unique experience to see the wildlife from a different point of view. Hippos and crocodiles, together with the hundreds of different species of colourful birds, will escort you while you quietly move on the waters of the enormous river or the beautiful lakes that form this incredible ecosystem. And sometimes you might have a nice surprise to find in front of you elephants swimming in the water! Sundown on the Rufiji We personally recommend to all of our guests to do at least one boat safari in the afternoon. The light of the setting sun reflected in the water is a magical show which no words can describe. You will have an experienced boat driver guide on the wide Rufiji River Boat safaris can also be arranged in the morning and this is a good idea for the guests who want to have a better look at the life of the “water animals” which populate the Selous. You will be surprised by their numbers and their features! If the water level in the river allows, boat safaris up to Stieglers Gorge can be organized. At Impala camp we have 4 boats (2 four seaters and 2 six seaters) with dedicated guides for whom the river has no secret. Walking Safaris Your walking safari will be accompanied by our own armed guide. What to say… in our opinion this is the activity that takes you most “inside” the real bush, which show you not only the big things but also the small ones. Our trained guides can teach you everything you want to know about trees, grasses, insect, tracks and spoors. Walking in the bush let you feel part of the bush. Bush breakfast is set up for you by your dedicated driver and guide team The walking safari is usually organized early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for coolness. After a cup of tea and some body fuel prior to departure we inform our walking companions of the etiquette when walking in the African bush; what not to do and what to do, should the situation dictate. The walk starts from the camp (so no prior transport has to be done). Morning walks usually finish with a full breakfast in the bush. From here you can decide whether to continue with a game drive or a boat safari, and for the more fit… well, you can even decide to walk back to the camp to enjoy the rest of the morning at the bar, the lounge, the pool or your tent. The walk is long or short as as you prefer, after discussion with other guests who may also be going out. An afternoon walk is also a special experience to be remembered. The fading light of the day gives a magical color to the world in which you are silently and slowly moving. Each day we embark on a new route by foot from Impala Camp in the direction of one of the two lakes in our vicinity; Lake Siwandu & Lake Mzizimia. Along the routes we traverse a variety of vegetation habitats; from Doum Palm thickets, to Acacia woodlands, open shores along the lake side and stunning scenery in between. On most of our walks we are in specific pursuit of animal and bird signs and whatever interesting smaller talking points we come across; the aspects of nature that one neglects when on a boat safari or riding inland on the vehicles. Ultimately guests are informed not to be disappointed should we be fortunate not to bear witness to any of the larger species on foot! However, no two walking safaris are the same and more often than not by the end of our expeditions we all have ample stories and anecdotes collectively, plus plenty of points for discussion upon reaching our destination. This is definitely twitcher country! For the safety of all our guests all the walking safaris are conducted accompanied by our own senior guide with a rifle. Very often you will first find the spoor of an elephant and then you find the one who left it! Believe us. An elephant from a safari car looks big; an elephant during a walks is immense! Please note that children of 15 years and younger are not permitted to go on walking safaris in the Selous. Fishing Fishing on the Rufiji The fishing is excellent in Selous. We have at our disposal a river and lakes which are virtually untouched, be it by commercial or sport fishing, so the waters are full of fish, though they have been regularly hunted by the resident crocodiles! Selous Impala camp is set on the banks of the Rufiji, which holds catfish and tigerfish, depending on the time of year. The tiger is a fish that is famous for being a fighter with heart, and having the tools to back it up. They are powerful swimmers, often leaping several feet into the air whilst being fought. Tigers have been seen to bite through 30 pound wire trace with their impressive set of dentures. This particular species is plentiful in the waters around Impala camp and grows to a size of 15 kilos, 5-10 being the average caught. The second commonly fished species here is the catfish. These can grow to be monsters and its fairly common to be been left at the side of the river staring at a spooled reel in shock, while the fish that had been hooked calmly surfaces just for a moment to give one a chance to see what was lost! They can grow to be fifty kilos and are the most commonly hooked and landed fish. The average catch size is 6 to 15 kilos. The best season starts in June and lasts until the end of October. Once it starts raining the fish will move to shallow flood plain areas to spawn. When the river is full (right after the March-May or November rains) it is actually the worst time to go fishing, the water is dirty, and it is hard to find good spots as the fish have moved. It comes good again mid December right up to the end of February. This second period is when the river will get to its lowest point. This is nice because you can find sand banks that extend right out into the river. March is not good for fishing and the Selous camps are closed in April and May. The activity starts with a trip upriver by boat. Once you find a spot considered good by our guide the fishing can start. You can fish from the boat or, if you prefer, after finding a nice sandbank (and chased away hippo and crocs) from land. As you prefer! We charge a supplement of USD 15 per person per fishing session, to cover the cost of the Reserve Fishing Fees. Fly-camping Have you ever dreamed of spending a night in the wild wild bush? Surrounded by animals and their voices. Lit by firelight and candles? The Impala Flycamp is this and much more. Deep inside the bush you will be in a basic-but-comfortable camp set up only for you. Privacy at its best. A dedicated team (including waiters, cooks, and guide) will follow you to create the dream for you. This is highly recommended for deep bush lovers, or for the ones who are looking for a romantic adventure. The fly camp can be set up for a maximum of 4 pax (of the same party) and it includes: - tent with beds - handwash basin - shower - bush toilet - cold drinks - food – bush lunches, breakfasts and dinners - drinking water You can decide to walk into the flycamp or to arrive by boat, and once there all the activities including game drives and walking from camp are available and organized directly by you and your private guide. Download the Selous Impala Flycamping Guide Birding Safaris The Selous is home to over 400 species of birds In the new season starting from 1st June 2010 Impala camp will also offer an activity focused on birds and bird lovers. Thanks to the unique environment of the Selous which give us both land and water we provide a “boat and walk activity”. This activity can be varied according to the seasons or to the request of the guests. In the cold months we would like to take you on a full day of activities: in the morning out on boat safaris focused on the water/riverine birds. After a lunch in the bush a walk in the surrounding areas. In the hottest months we will start with an early morning walk and after a full breakfast in the bush a boat safari up to lunch time. Here we would like to present a list of birds that can be spotted during the excursions. This list does not have any scientific meaning; it’s only based on the experiences and the sightings of our guides. Bird List by Impala Guides Checklist of Selous Birds

SELOUS IMPALA ACTIVITIES

Activities available from Selous Impala Camp

Game drives

Boat Safaris

Walking Safaris

Fishing

Fly-camping

Birding Safaris