Africa Safari Selous Nyerere National Park ★★★★

"As with all experiences when visiting Tanzania, it’s the people who make it the most memorable. So, our stay for a few days over Christmas at the Africa Safari Selous Camping lodge was no exception. The staff are friendly, welcoming and always helpful but my review is about the standard of accommodation at the lodge… My wife and I lived in TZ for more than 7 years, leaving 15 years ago. So a revisit with our daughter for a Christmas safari was something we were really excited about. No longer enjoying the discounted residents’ rates, we plumbed for the above lodge which is located just outside the park, as this is cheaper than staying within the park itself. Confusingly the lodge/ camp bares the same name as a few others, but this is the one around Kizwangwiza(sp?) and near the airstrip. My biggest gripe about this place is how really overpriced it is. The rooms, in mud hut styled bandas, are at best average. They are kept tidy by the maids, but there’s no hiding the fact that they are tired and grungy at best: holed mosquito nets, termite dust on the bed linen day and night, rock hard mattresses and holes in the ceiling and doors. The latter would be fine but for the fact that we saw 2 snakes on the path towards our accommodation one night, reminding us how easy they’d be able to enter the rooms. But far more frustrating are the power cuts - I’d have thought that the camp would’ve got itself a large enough generator by now, to deal with the endless BS of Tanesco (TZ electricity) power cuts! So, if you’re needing to charge cameras, phones, watches, etc. it’ll be hit and miss. And when the power is off the water pumps of course operate at a trickle. Also, getting the internet is only at the bar/ reception areas, and they are a walk from your accommodation ."

Selous Kinga Lodge ★★★★

"Never has the lodge motto " A hideaway into the wilderness " taken its full dimension than during my stay in such a serene environment. First of all I wish to make laudable comments about the logistics of my stay: I booked a Fly in Safari with 1 night @ Selous Kinga Lodge from Dar-Es-Salaam. I went to visit their Dar office and met a super dedicated Team. I was picked up from Sheraton Four Points hotel early in the morning and dropped at the airport. Upon my arrival a vehicle was waiting for me at the airstrip with a super professional game ranger / driver. From there we went straight into a game drive during the day. I saw quite a few lions at very close range as well as elephants & giraffes. The game reserve exploration was punctuated with picnic Breakfast & Lunch. Very good service and quality food. We reported to the Lodge at around 4.00 pm. I was warmly welcomed by the Lodge Manager who gave me a thorough presentation of the hideaway. There is a clear and exciting vision for the development of the lodge✊ . The Lodge Chef came to discuss the dinner and breakfast menu with me. The attributed mini villa perched on a tree was very spacious and well decorated. Dinner was superb with a nice bush fire to add to the authenticity of decoration. The quality of the wood furniture was out of this world. In the morning after a quick breakfast I was collected by the the Game Ranger . He took me to the boat for a River safari. That was to me the highlight of the trip. Beautiful ride on the river with memorable visions of weaver birds nests, close encounter with Nile crocodiles, hippos and communion with nature. . A huge breakfast was served at the Lodge after. After a nice rest I was collected to go to the airstrip at around 1.45 pm. I returned to Dar Es Salaam via Zanzibar airport. A minibus picked me from the airport and dropped me back to Sheraton in Dar. Fabulous stay overall"

Baker & Sons Safari Company ★★★★

"The Bakers are great hosts and the staff at the lodge were friendly and knowledgeable. The food was delicious and thoughtfully chosen and prepared, with generous portions. We enjoyed the beautiful location, our day in the park, and our boat safari. We saw some beautiful birds, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and hyenas, among other animals, and enjoyed the colobus that hung around the lodge. One of the best things about using their company is they picked us up in Dar es Salaam and drove us to the lodge and back, creating a hassle-free experience (and protecting our car from the road :))."

Rufiji Explorers ★★★