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Siwandu

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Traditional safari camp
- Vast, unspoilt Reserve
- Fantastic staff
- Old favourite

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Overview

Siwandu Lodge is a traditional safari camp situated on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, in the unspoilt Selous Game Reserve. An area with abundant wildlife that can be explored by boat, vehicle and on foot, this is a genuine bush experience.

The camp is divided into two, North and South, both with their own main areas, hosts and staff. Each camp houses between twelve and fourteen guests in six large canvas tents. Facilities include elevated lounge areas with comfortable seating, bar and dining area as well as a pleasant pool. An unfenced camp, guests can expect to see wildlife wandering through as they enjoy a candlelit dinner!

Guided activities include game drives in open sided 4wd vehicles, boat safaris in canopied boats (ideal for hippo and crocodile spotting), and walking safaris teaching you more about the flora in the area. Overnight fly camping can also be arranged at an additional cost.

The accommodation comprises twelve large and high-quality octagonal tents with thatched roofs to maintain a comfortable temperature. With private wooden decks, open air showers and king size beds they add a touch of comfort to the genuine safari feel.

Children aged 6 years and up are welcome at Siwandu, although only two children are permitted in each part of the camp at any one time and the management does place firm emphasis on parental responsibility for children during their stay. As is the case across the Selous, walking safaris and fly camping are only available to children of 16 years and over. Triple or quadruple room configuration is possible, with a maximum of two children in any one tent. While it’s true that there may be more suitable options for families with younger children, this is a great option for any family with older children looking for a true wilderness experience.

Siwandu is a long-standing camp with excellent staff in a fantastic location. It’s a great option for adventurous travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature with a few creature comforts thrown in.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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