Highlights
- Rustic tented safari camp
- Wilderness Location
- Comparatively good value
- Excellent wildlife
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireLake Manze is a simple and great value wilderness safari camp in a prime wildlife area at the heart of Southern Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve.
The Selous is the largest reserve in Africa, double the size of its famed counterpart, the Serengeti. Renowned for its low density of camps and vehicles, it offers a genuine slice of African wilderness. The reserve has a good wildlife population with hippo, lion, elephant and buffalo well represented. The variety and freedom of activities are key here, with bush walks, boating safaris and fishing all on offer in addition to the more usual game drives. The Selous is well connected by air and combines well with some time on the beach in Zanzibar, and trips to the neighbouring Ruaha Game Reserve or the busier northern parks.
Lake Manze Adventure Camp has a lovely lake-shore setting under a tall canopy of palm trees. There are no neighbouring camps in the vicinity, so it is rare to see other safari vehicles. The main area comprises a rustic, open-sided and thatched-rooved area with lounge, bar and dining zones set out on sandy floors. All meals are served at a communal dining table and, weather-permitting, outside dining with staff and guides can be arranged. Power is supplied by a generator and batteries can be charged in the main areas. Storm lanterns provide lighting in the evenings.
The intimate accommodation comprises 12 slightly elevated tented rooms with views over the floodplain and palm trees overhead to keep them cool. All tents are spacious, with proper double or twin beds and an enclosed en-suite bathroom with running water, flushing toilet and open shower.
Children over the age of 6 years are welcome and the low key, unfussy atmosphere is well suited to families. Each tent can sleep two people, extendible to three with an extra bed. Three pairs of the tents sit close together which makes them ideal for families of four or more. Note that children under 16 are unable to participate in walking safaris and, as with other wilderness camps, there is no fencing and animals are free to roam, so parents must keep their children under close supervision.
Lake Manze Tented Camp provides a traditional, ‘no frills’ safari experience in a beautiful setting with superb wildlife on tap.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024