I went to the Selous Riverside Safari Camp for my honeymoon at the beginning of September, although I had a wonderful time there were a few things I wish I'd known...
1. When you arrive you are greeted by a man (the guide who will take you around the reserve) who will drive you to the camp. This drive will take around 15 minutes, this wasn't a problem for me but some people might like to know.
2. On the way to the camp you will drive through a small village, this was a bit of a downer at first, but once you see all the resources they actually have its much more pleasant to visit. so don't be disheartened, they have running water, a school, shops, a pharmacy, and even pubs!
3. I booked this as a 4 star, I wouldn't say it was quite there, perhaps 3 1/2. I have borne in mind that its in Africa, so a 4 star in Africa would be very different to a 4 star in the UK, however, on arrival there was a mark on our bedsheets, which made me think they'd just been left there from the previous person. Our bedsheets weren't washed at all during the trip, I understand water is scarce in Africa, but again its something you would expect in a 4 star. In the bathroom area of the tent there was mould all across the top of the ceiling, and the shower head would fall off whilst you're trying to have a shower. Also... you will be showering in river water, its not fresh so keep your mouth closed! (it does run fairly clear though, so there must be some filter on the way to the shower).
4. There aren't armed guards, and the camp is not gated all the way around to prevent wild animals coming in. You are protected by the 'masai' i.e. traditional african warriors but I wasn't convinced they'd be able to fight off a leopard. That brings me to my next point... there is a leopard that comes into the camp at night. Some may love this idea, but wimps like me might totally freak out and not sleep at all! So again, just be aware because its a scary thing to find out once you're there, especially when all thats separating you and a leopard is a canvass wall and maybe an african warrior (but they wandared around the camp sometimes so you can't guarantee they'll always be right outside your tent!)
5. The swimming pool is unusable, they only have the generator on from 6am - 10am, and then again at 6pm - 10pm so it can't pump in fresh, clean water. Its pretty green!
6. The truck you're in is open, there's nothing between you and a lion! Although this was fantastic, this was also bloody scary. So again, not for wimps like me! It tended to break down every so often too!


However, there are some positives!!
1. The food was really good, I'm pretty sure it was all home made and fresh. In fact, if they don't have the generator on overnight then none of it is frozen.
2. The staff are friendly, they're all interested to speak to you and tell you a bit about their country.
3. Our guide was really good, he knew lots about the animals and the local area.
4. Its quiet. If you're on your honeymoon its a good place to go for some peace and potentially to meet other honeymooners as well, the first night we were there we were the only one's in the camp! This gives quite a personal service though which is always nice.
5. You have the opportunity to get close to the locals. On our last day we went into the village and met some locals and walked around to look at their facilities. I don't know if the other hotels nearby do the same, but it was very interesting.

Although there were some negative points in this review I did have a good time! The only thing that had a genuine impact on my enjoyment was the leopard that came into the camp at night time, I didn't sleep and usually laid awake in fear of being eaten :) The other issues were minor, something that you get there and think "oh.. that could be better. Never mind, we're here now!"
If you're brave, you'll have an amazing time!!!

p.s. I will try to remember to add some photos.

We spent 4 nights at the Selous Riverside Safari Camp whist on our honeymoon. We were met at the airstrip by a driver from the camp, and what a perfect start to the safari. The small plane landed at the airstrip and within 10 minutes of landing we'd seen our first animals!! We were greetd by the manager Clive who gave us a lovely warm welcome to the camp, he had already arranged our first activity for us!!

The camp is outside the Selous game reserve but that really isn't a problem, it only takes about 20 mins to get to and you have to travel through a traditional African village to get there which was nice to see!! You do not really feel that you are that far away from the animals as there are baboons walking around in the camp and at night there was a pair of bushbabies running around (small and cute but VERY noisy).

The activities are brilliant we went on the river safari where we saw loads of birds, crocs and hippos. The next 2 days we went on a full day safari in the game reserve, after an early start we set off seeing loads of animals, incuding elephant, lions, baboons, giraffes and many more. The guides are brilliant, very knowledable on the animals and the area that they work. We also went on a walk around the vilaage, again with one of the guides and well worth doing to see how the people live. On the last morning Clive took us on a walking safari on the edge of the camp and saw zebra and even a hyiena!! Clive was brilliant and knew so much about the bush and it's resident animals!!

The facilties within the camp are great, lovely big roomy tents you really do feel like you are living amoungst it as you can hear all sorts of animals moving around at night. The food was perfect and we couldn't have asked for better, would be impressed if it was that good at a top restaurant!! There is not electricty at the camp, only a generator which is on for few hours in the morning and a few in the evening, but again its not a problem as you'll either be asleep or out on a drive etc. Although Clive has got the green light to put solar panels in for 24 hour power.

The staff were great, the waiting/bar staff were so attentive and really warm and friendly, we could not fault them at all. In fact they really added to the whole expeirnce as did the masai gaurds and the guides.

Thank you so much to Clive and his team for a brilliant stay at the camp!!

Whilst not actually being inside the reserve we did not find this a problem.
The drive from the reserve takes you through a typical village and gives you a good insight into how the locals live.
We found the accommodation to be of a high standard, and could not fault the food at all, the chocolate cake for breakfast was scrummy .
The game drives were excellent , and could be taken at times to suite you. We did 2 full day drives and were not disappointed , the lunch was set on picnic tables with tablecloths and the food was excellent.
The bonus for us was that the reserve is so big that you are not chasing other jeeps around looking for the animals, we actually came upon a kill and watched as a pride of lions devoured a wildebeest .
The river cruise was also excellent, and we actually used this 3 times as we are very interested in the bird life and again were not disappointed, our guide was very knowledgeable about the wild life and often manoeuvres the boat in order to get the right photo.
The negatives were that the swimming pool was not in use, the bar left a lot to be desired as the staff had to keep running up to the kitchen to get glasses, ice, etc, a very poor selection of wine was available and on one night no red wine at all, plus very limited selection of fruit juices.
We found the staff extremely helpful and pleasant, and having a massi warrior guarding you at night was reassuring.

We stayed at the Selous Riverside Safari Camp for a short safari (4 days/3 nights): The quality of our stay was excellent: very tasty food, nicest hosts, large clean and comfortable room. Our giudes were extremely knowlegeble on any question concerning the wild life and nature of the reserve.