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The Retreat Selous: Traveller Reviews

Tanzania
Hotel amenities
The Retreat Selous
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
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15 reviews from our community

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Traveller rating
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    1
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Date Rating
Dusseldorf, Germany
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“A unique place!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

The Retreat is really an absolutely unique place. A lovely, totally secluded setting, far away from other lodges.

They have a great spa area and 2 infinity pools. We stayed in a River Suite with our own plunge pool and the Hippos talking to us every day. :) We saw five lions, many elephants and even a pack of wild dogs.

The food was excellent and very fresh. The staff was very attentive to details and a special thanks for Holle and the scout for showing me the beauty of the nature. I am taking away so many amazing experiences - many more than my camera could capture! I shall miss you all very much and will definitely come back!

  • Stayed April 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Piepsekuchen about The Retreat Selous
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
NY, NY
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“An Excellent Choice”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 September 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Where to go on Safari? A tough choice for sure. Where to stay? An even tougher choice.

I'd say that Selous is a good choice. I'd say that once you choose Selous, The Retreat is an excellent choice.

The only thing I will say about the game drives (those are very personal and everyone has a different experience) is that our driver was excellent and our family of three got our own vehicle for the whole trip. That was very nice.

The resort is unique and excellent. We had a river suite and it was great. An outdoor bath tub, a nice area to relax and drink your morning coffeee (or afternoon beer). We spent a lot of time on the deck watching the river wildlife.

The rooms themselves are very nice. Spacious, comfortable, and clean. My only complaint was that being so remote, ice is hard to come by so the drinks in our room were warm.

One thing I warn is that because of the topography, the rooms are very spread out and far from the main house. This is nice for privacy but you need to be driven to the room from the main house so getting around the property has its challenges. If you like things in close proximity and like the ability to walk to the lobby when you want to, this might pose a problem. You can always radio for your driver to come get you or have somebody bring something to you, but be aware that this is the case. They always come when they say they will so your never are waiting for a driver.

The food is was high quality, great variety, and well presented. There resort is not that big so there aren't a lot of people so meals are quiet and personal. Sometimes one or two tables set up near you but often very private. The staff was very helpful and kind. The "bush dinner" was a lot of fun, our first dinner upon our arrival.

Room Tip: River suites are lovely and close to the pool.
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask sasserscampbell about The Retreat Selous
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Maidenhead, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Relaxation in the Bush”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 August 2011
1
person found this review helpful

A truly memorable 4 days spent in the "River Suites" overlooking the hippos in the river. The suites have their own plunge pool and are a short walk from their own swimming pool. The tents (suites) are luxurious with hot and cold running water as well as electricity. Not a place to go if you wish to tick wild animals off a list. We did however see 3 of the big 5, we did not see rhinos or leopards but there were many lions and buffalo as well as some elephants. We were treated to dinner in a different place each night and the food was excellent considering the Retreat is 4.5hrs by road from the nearest village. Overall we could not fault anything

Room Tip: Go for the River Suites or Hippo Point
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  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask mcesteve about The Retreat Selous
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
London, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Fantastic Service, Fantastic Wildlife”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 July 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We were recommended the Retreat Selous by Imagine Africa (www.imagineafrica.co.uk) who promised unbeatable service without over crowded parks which appear to be so common as safari destinations these days.

All I can say is that Uma and her team at The Retreat looked after Jessica and I very well. We saw wild dogs, giraffe, lion, hippo, elephant to name just a few. The "Simba" lodge we stayed in was incredible and the "love nest" an experience we'll never forget.

All in all a truly fanatsic location for Safari & honeymoon - thanks guys. Ben & Jess

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask beneustace1 about The Retreat Selous
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Memmingen, Germany
1 review
“Honeymoon in Tanzania”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 July 2011

Spent our honeymoon at the Retreat Selous and have had a really great time. 2 nights in a river suite and one night in the "Love Nest". Absolutely amazing and romantic holiday. We also saw many animals. The camp also offers so called nomadic hiking. 2 more days walking in the wilderness and we slept right in the bush! Great experience

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SimoneSchreifer about The Retreat Selous
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Jochen Reinhold, Verkaufsleiter at The Retreat Selous, responded to this review
20 September 2011
Thank you Simone for your visit! We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at The Retreat. We wish you and your husband all the best for your future! Thank you again for spending your honeymoon with us!
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Additional Information about The Retreat Selous

Tanzania
Price range (per night):* 652 AUD - 816 AUD

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