Best hotels in Nyerere National Park

With two rather lovely camps in Ruaha under their belts, the clever chaps at Asilia Africa have expanded to the Nyerere National Park ('The Selous'). Combining Nyerere and Ruaha make an excellent combination in Tanzania’s slightly more off-the-beaten track southern circuit, and this spangly camp is as good as ever. It’s in a waterside spot in one of the best game-viewing areas in the reserve and you can expect funky, stretch-canvas tents, all with views out to pods of harrumphing hippos, a good array of water- and land-based activities and a healthy dose of that genuine Asilia charm. Sounds good to us!

You can’t talk about Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') without mentioning the Rufiji River, the pulsing lifeblood of the area that virtually dissects the park in two and attracts a mesmerising array of animals. The camp's position on the banks of the waterway is unbeatable and, in our opinion, the best in the park. Its 8 tents tucked within a shady grove of trees are raised on stilts, allowing you a bird's-eye view of the splashing hippo below and the game on the opposite bank. The camp is flanked by two lakes, Mzizimia and Siwandu, which also offer great game and bird sightings throughout the year.

Nestled in the forests of the Vuma Mountains that overlook the Mkata Plains of the Mikumi National Park below, Vuma is a cool retreat from the heat of a day's game drive. The sixteen tents are comfortably furnished, so sleeping under canvas at Vuma is a far cry from any ideas of discomfort. Complete with a shaded wooden veranda at the front and en-suite bathroom facilities at the back, you won't be left wanting. The cosy bar area centres around a roaring log fire, opening onto a large decking area from where you can take in the setting sun over the Mkata plains below. Under the same thatch, the dining area enjoys widespread views through the lush trees and overlooks the swimming pool. The Mkata Plains support vast herds of game such as wildebeest, impala, zebra and giraffe with the keys to an outstanding game drive being ever-present - experience, knowledge and a suitable vehicle.