I arrive at Siwandu, Jongomero’s sister camp in the Nyerere National Park and immediately feel an energy here that draws me in completely. In an instant I feel welcomed, relaxed and simultaneously excited to see why Siwandu owns this thrilling vibe.
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What emotion is this I am feeling, as I sit in the back of a​ safari vehicle as we drive into the palm forest along the shores of Lake Nzerakera? Happy, very happy! Sunshine, the natural landscape and the anticipation of being on safari again dissipates any anxiety I have about travelling on a two-week educational during a global pandemic.
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During November and December the South of Tanzania usually enjoys its first rains after a typical long dry season. This signals the start of what is called the ‘short rains’. Even though rain may be a bit unpredictable, visiting Siwandu in the Nyerere National Park during this time of the year, is still a great choice.
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With an estimated 3000 to 5000 African Wild Dogs (also referred to as ‘painted dogs’) left across the entire African continent, it is important that we take a moment today to reflect on these fascinating animals.
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Siwandu Group Fam Trip 2019

Alice Baker
/
Jan 7, 2020
in
Siwandu
Siwandu camp - the original Selous Safari Company camp - offers all a luxury safari camp should and so much more...
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Getting Ready and Our First Guest

Clyde & Helen
/
Jun 5, 2019
in
Siwandu
It's that time of year again! Camp is open and we have spent the last few weeks getting everything ready. 
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Siwandu Fam Trip 2018

Catherine Armstong / Small World Marketing
/
Dec 15, 2018
in
Siwandu
Siwandu camp has a natural setting that pre-disposes it to superlatives.
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The Centenary of The East Africa Campaign

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Nov 22, 2018
in
Siwandu
The 'East African Campaign', often wrongly romanticised as an adventurous and somewhat unimportant side-show to the First World War, came to an end 100 years ago today (November 25th1918) when German General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and his troops formally surrendered. 
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It started with a rude awakening at 5:20 Monday morning when a cacophony of bush-noises alerted us to the unfolding drama in front of the Siwandu management house.
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Why Siwandu is like a duck

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Jul 31, 2018
in
Siwandu
Siwandu is like a duck; guests (mostly!) see an effortless operation. Good food, cold beer, clever guides and a pristine tent. But underneath the surface we paddle hard...
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The story of The Three Musketeers

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Jul 25, 2018
in
Siwandu
Over the past 30 years of operating safari camps in Tanzania’s untouched south, we’ve built up a rich library of camp-fire stories. A story we’re very fond of is the incredible tale of Siwandu’s Three Musketeers and their journey with the Selous Safari Company.
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Guide Training on track

Brian Bode
/
Jul 9, 2018
in
Siwandu
Teaching old bush-guides new tricks and new guides old bush-tricks is the job of Brain Bode, our guide training extraordinaire. After a few classroom sessions covering the very exciting subjects of “grasses, sedges & weeds” Brian decided to take the guides out for some fresh-air…
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The Lion Prides of Siwandu

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Mar 20, 2018
in
Siwandu
It doesn’t matter if you’re a safari veteran or a first-timer, lion sightings are always special. We asked Siwandu’s guiding team to give us an update on what the lion prides around Siwandu have been up to since we re-opened for the season last June.
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Siwandu Unplugged

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Nov 15, 2017
in
Siwandu
When guests in Siwandu recently asked to make music in the restaurant we were hesitant to say yes… sure, our tone-death hyenas don’t always sing the prettiest of songs but bush-noises are an integral part of being in the Selous.
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When it comes to shoes, we aim for practicality over swagger at Siwandu but read more about how one department choose their footwear..
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Battle of the Giraffes

Conrad & Retha Cooke
/
Jul 17, 2017
in
Siwandu
Most giraffe duals are graceful affairs. Bulls swing theirs heads at each other, slow-motion, and normally the weaker of the two soon realises that the fight is not worth the spoils.
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..and Siwandu has ALSO been nominated!

Charles Dobie
/
Apr 10, 2017
in
Siwandu
Along with Jongomero, Selous Safari Company is thrilled to reveal that Siwandu has also been nominated for a World Travel Award - Tanzania's Leading Safari Lodge!
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Karibuni Kids!

George Tolchard & Emma Wilson
/
Mar 1, 2017
in
Siwandu
On 20th February we warmly welcomed a dozen children and two teachers from the local school of Mwaseni to Siwandu in Selous Game Reserve - part of our Selous Safari Kids initiative.
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Stunning Siwandu Safari

George Tolchard & Emma Wilson
/
Feb 16, 2017
in
Siwandu
A huge thank you to Margrethe Mannes for sharing her exquisite video of her safari at Selous Game Reserve.
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We are thrilled to announce Siwandu has been awarded not one, but three Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards, which recognises exceptional contributions by outstanding hotels.
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Selous Safari Kids!

Bas Rosenkamp & Suzanne Scheffer
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
A few weeks ago we had thirteen very special day visitors at Siwandu - our first group of Selous Safari Kids! The pilot project began last season with the idea of engaging the younger generation of our local community with the importance of tourism for not only revenue and employment but also teaching them that conserving the environment and the wildlife is of the utmost importance for their future life and also for future generations.
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Last Walk of the Season ... Next Season it could be You!

Bas Rosenkamp & Suzanne Scheffer
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
One of our final game walks of the season has just taken place at Siwandu... The two guests on the walk were in the experienced and capable hands of Mpoto, our walking guide, and Isaac Rotich, our Gold Member KPSGA* guide from Kenya, who has been helping us at Siwandu with training guides to be FGASA** Level 1.
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Fabulous Wild Dog GoPro Footage

Ricus Delport & Pietro Bosman
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu

Terrapin Hatchings

Ricus Delport & Pietro Bosman
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
Yesterday we had our first tropical storm for the year and although we had to scramble to get the boats secure, drop all weather screens and hang on to the table cloths and cutlery, it also gave us the inspiration that only the rains can bring after the long dry season and when it eventually cleared and the birds starting singing and a bit of sunshine peaked through the heavy dark clouds, we found a beautiful little baby terrapin at the reception, who was on its way to the lake. I just love Africa!
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Courage of Giraffes

Bas Rosenkamp & Suzanne Scheffer
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
For those of us who are sensitive, you may wish to avoid this blog post however it is fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking to see and to hear the cruelty of the natural world. From severe droughts and fatal injuries to vicious predator hunts - the circle of life in the animal kingdom never ends and a perfect example of the courage needed to face this despair happened in Siwandu with our guests Jean Pierre & An
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We are delighted to announce Siwandu as the 2014 Winner of Tanzania's Leading Safari Lodge!
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Best place to see Wild Dog in the World!

Bas Rosenkamp & Suzanne Scheffer
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
We are lucky enough to live and work in Selous Game Reserve - from its stunning landscapes to its thrills of wildlife we are invited to experience the sublime. Our guests also are drawn into this wilderness and witness Mother Nature at her very best. And Colin "Wild Dog" Gross was no exception as himself, his wife Barbara and 14 friends watched as a pack of Wild Dog cavorted and played.
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Our Elephant Friends

Bas Rosenkamp & Suzanne Scheffer
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
As everyone knows - we absolutely adore our elephant at Selous Safari Company and with poaching numbers receeding at a dramatic rate in Selous Game Reserve, they can begin to feel safe again. We are delighted that Mr Kibonde, Chief Warden in Selous and the team at the Wildlife Division have had such success so far - long may it continue!
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Stunning Wild Dog

Brian Bode
/
Jan 25, 2017
in
Siwandu
At Selous Safari Company we are lucky enough to have both our bush camps in areas where Wild Dog are found. Nyerere National Park has the largest population of Wild Dog in the globe and Ruaha National Park holds the second largest population so if you love these rare and beautiful creatures you cannot go wrong by coming to our camps and giving yourself the best opportunity to see them!
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