Far from Dar es Salaam's bustling busyness, Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') is a 54,000-square-kilometre game reserve that's both the biggest in Africa and a World Heritage Site. Bailey's Banda lies in its southwest, blending into the landscape on a hill overlooking sister Beho Beho main camp. It's a lovely stone cottage, with just two bedrooms and a touch of oh là là about the atmosphere. Wildlife sightings in the area are splendid, and there's birding to satisfy the most demanding birders. If you're after exclusivity in the wilderness for your family, and some seriously dedicated service, you'll find it here in spades.
/37.920212745666504,-7.6743368699209045,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
The large, open-plan and open-sided main areas of the banda have many combinations of dining and relaxing spaces, together with a plunge pool and sunbathing/game-viewing deck. Expect all the comforts of home (DVD player, iPod dock, wi-fi, etc), but with a lot more bushy green views. The decor is natural and tranquil, there's a good kitchen (complete with chef, if you wish) and exclusive safari vehicle. And the boat, of course, in which to explore the lake...
There's a double bedroom on each of the two floors of the banda. Both are roomy, with king-sized four-poster beds draped in white linen and mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms with double basins and a free-standing bath (the lower room has a shower too), and a balcony with couches, perfect for reading or a long, contemplative appreciation of the surroundings and the creatures that amble past. The decor is an intriguing and inspiring blend of local materials and something a little...French?
You're at the heart of wildlife activity and biodiversity here. Take a guided (and guarded) walking safari in the early morning or late afternoon. Visit hippo pools, World war I trenches, the grave of explorer Frederick Courtney Selous, or take other, more demanding trails. See elephant, giraffe, buffalo, crocodile, antelopes, wild dog and many bird species on game drives. Explore Lake Tagalala in a boat, or simply catch the action at the camp's waterhole.
Everything here is yours alone to use, from the game vehicle and dedicated guide to the in-house chef and boat on nearby Lake Tagalala. Fancy seeing animals from the water? You simply need to ask.
We won't say too much but you can expect gourmet treats at unexpected moments throughout the day, all created by the expert team of chefs. You won't believe what they manage to pull off in such a remote location.
Though Bailey's Banda welcomes all ages, the villa isn't particularly well-suited for kids under 12.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Bailey's Banda can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Bailey's Banda or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Bailey's Banda start from around $2.1K, or US$2.1K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A lush and watery wonderland with some of the best boating safaris on the continent.
