Selous Riverside Safari Camp

A circular, open-sided thatched deck doubles as the lounge and dining area and is decorated with cushion-covered wooden furniture and zebra-striped pillows. A few steps lead down to a large slate patio with several more seating areas shaded by umbrellas. A decent sized pool sits on the edge, with sweeping views of the river below, and provides some much-needed relief. There's a simple fire pit down by the water's edge, which is a great spot to listen to the sounds of the bush - just keep your toes out of the water.

There are ten tented chalets well-spaced along the water’s edge. Spread out on either side of the main area, the slightly raised, nicely shaded rooms all offer good views of the river and surrounding woodland. Inside, the stone floors and large mesh windows help to keep things cool, but if you want to splash out, take a deluxe room complete with a private pool on the deck. Simple ensuite bathrooms have hot water showers and two plug points.

Nyerere National Park is World Heritage Site, rich in wildlife - over 60,000 elephants, a good population of endangered wild dogs and other predators and over 430 species of birds. Knowledgeable local guides will open this world to you through full or half-day game drives in open 4X4s and morning walking safaris (accompanied by an armed ranger). Be sure to take a relaxing afternoon boat cruise on the Rufiji River, sipping your favourite beverage as you drift through pods of hippos. Cultural tours to the local village give you a chance to interact with the locals and appreciate their way of life on the edge of the wilderness.