Destination:
Location:
Northern Selous
THE RETREAT
Created in 2007, The Retreat is already an established all-suite tented lodge, best known as a special place for its prized location and holistic experience, amidst many Hippos, in a secluded northern photographic sector, far from other camps and lodges.
It is situated in wild bush on the banks of the wide Great Ruaha River, which wildlife frequents. The centrally situated main house - The Fort - is high up on a rocky hillside, on the site of a former military observation post from World War 1. Benefiting from cooling breezes, it is treasured for being one of the best vantage points in the whole Reserve.Private space, seclusion and luxury are the hallmarks of ’The Retreat’, which works as unobtrusively as nature itself, blending sensitively into the wilderness.
LOCATION
Selous (Sumbazi) airstrip, one of the best in the Reserve and 30 minutes drive from the Lodge, is served by several airlines, notably daily scheduled flights (charters also available), clockwise from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and anticlockwise from Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Ruaha. From Dar es Salaam, a fascinating 70-minute flight is operated comfortably and efficiently by Flight Link in the morning and by Coastal, Zanair and Safari Air Link in the morning and afternoon, with a personal meet and greet by a 4WD vehicle from Camp upon clients’ touch down. Set in complete seclusion, with the nearest lodge many hours drive away, its remoteness to other camps and lodges is unquestionably an advantage for enjoying authentic wilderness.
PHILOSOPHY
The Retreat’s location in the Selous is one of the last remaining area, where nature, untouched for thousands of years, can still be experienced. Wildlife behaves naturally and the sights and sounds of the African bush are virtually undisturbed by few vehicles and people. Natural cycles of daily life are
experienced. The Retreat’s setting and luxury epitomise the combination of this untouched authentic land and wildlife with adventure, privacy, comfort, sensuality, deep relaxation and the prospect to re-awaken awareness of the senses and essentials in life. The design, infrastructure, service and activities at The Retreat have been set up specially to enable and to care for the different entry points of clients to Africa and their changing needs during their stay with an individual approach and own pace.
ATMOSPHERE
The spaciously set tented suites have been sensitively constructed to harmonize with the raw habitat, whilst guaranteeing privacy. The decorative interiors are a step away from the traditional colonial style found in many lodges and camps. Instead, and under Swiss management, the owners have carefully blended ethnic elements, bespoke furnishings, African antiques, natural materials, and precious stones - a new sense of comfort and luxury. Striking views and vistas provide guests with a wonderful direct window into the wilderness and wildlife - anintegral part of the master plan - as well as the expansive distance between each suite.
The atmospheric main house, The Fort, memorises on the finding of an ancient military observation point from the first World War and draws upon the influences of the great East African market, when traditional ‘dhows’ transported – also during the same time - supplies, textiles, furniture and decorative elements from Asia, Arabia and various coastal African countries. Additionally, the five physical elements of the natural world - Water, Wood, Fire, Earth & Metal, balanced through Feng Shui influenced architecture, has been applied throughout, to ensure harmonious guest relaxation and well-being and a basis to explore the authentic nature.
Enjoying an elevated position, allowing cooling breezes to ventilate the spacious walkways and terraces and offering, whatever time of day, various attractive areas in which to meander, congregate, sit/be seated, and contemplate the setting and everything around one. A large infinity pool and the surrounding provides a much favoured vantage point from which to survey the panorama below and a 360 degree view into 100 km of untouched land.
SUITES
- In an all-suite design and layout, the customised 100 m² luxury tents, mounted on raised teak wood platforms, rise to a height of over 6 meters, protected by two layers - a strong mosquito net as an inner wall and heavy duty canvas on the outer side
- Positioned at least 30 to 50 meters apart
- All tents are open sided, and can be fully opened to the sounds, the breeze, and full view of the nature, or be individually closed in various different modes to allow the desired privacy of each occupant
- An integral part of each suite is its own private outdoor deck with seating and signature outdoor antique copper, brass or silver bathtub
- A supremely comfortable king size bed surrounded by a silk mosquito net
- Indoor en suite facilities, including separate shower and specially commissioned washbasins made from semi-precious stones
- Carefully designed interiors, decoratively reflecting the stars of the African sky, are complemented by handpicked African antiques and local materials
- Riverside Suites, additionally , have enticing private plunge pools and a sundeck
EAGLE HILL SUITES (6 each of 100m²/ 3 west and 3 east) an easy stroll from the main house, The Fort, on top of the hill, each enjoying an eagle view. Access to a large communal infinity pool at The Fort.
RIVER SUITES (3 each of 160m²) standing on raised platforms beside the river bank - each with its own additional 60m² ‘look-out’ viewing deck complete with private plunge pool and designer rattan loungers and access to a large communal infinity pool with own bar.
LION’S RIVER SUITE (1 of 220m²) sits on a massive wooden platform with a further 60m² tented seating area, which can house additional beds for families, or, can be transformed into an added lounge for honeymooners with additional self contained bathroom. It has its own dining area, plunge pool and secluded chill out zone with designer rattan loungers and access to a large communal infinity pool with own bar.
HIPPO POINT (1 of 3000 m²) – an exclusive private safari lodge experience, situated 2 km from The Fort, providing total seclusion and privacy. Two large individual suites, each of 160m², spaciously positioned on raised platforms with own sundeck and plunge pool either side of its own large private infinity pool. A private bar, lounge and dining areas are provided, serviced by one’s own cook and butler. In actual fact, it is in its own right a private retreat, complete with
its own vintage style safari vehicle and boat.
FLY CAMPING - Sleep under the stars in this specially created fully transparent nomadic tent, complete with ‘Tree Shower’ washing facilities. A private cook and a guide and game scout discreetly provide service and protection. This special feature is pitched to make the most of sleeping under the stars - a thrilling, sensual experience and a fitting culmination to a true African safari. Fly Camping must be booked in advance.
HONEYMOONERS - UNDER THE AFRICAN SKY
The Retreat provides a perfect setting for honeymooners seeking an enjoyably memorable safari. Besides a lovely 220m² honeymoon suite (Lion’s River Suite), The Retreat has also created a special feature especially for honeymooners with its own version of a “tree top love nest”: complete with a teak wood base under the roof of a huge evergreen tree. This love nest has a spectacular view onto the Great Ruaha River and is just above a busy Hippo path. This romantic accommodation offers a thrilling, sensual experience and a highlight of a trip to Africa at the start of a life together.
FACILITIES
SENSES TO AFRICA SPA
An enriching, outdoor natural ‘River Spa’, romantically situated on the shores of the Great Ruaha River, has been designed to replenish and rebalance one following a day in the bush, with special attention to the holistic experience desired through a stay at The Retreat, as created by the initiator of The Retreat, a Swiss Doctor.
The philosophy of the Spa is to enhance the experience of African nature and wildlife with its sights, sounds, smells and taste through body work and like this balance the needs of body, soul and mind. Use of certified products, containing fully natural ecological ingredients, derived from plants, nuts and fruits are skilfully prepared with elements from the earth & sea, creating curative aroma oils and body enhancing treatments. Products from Farfalla are combined with special oils made up by Benedictine monks. Ancient bowls are used for sound therapy in combination with the healing power of crystals and semiprecious stones. Full circle treatment with wet brush massage Natural Vichy shower, Jacuzzi in a special outdoor pavilion, skilled massage from a choice of Aromatherapy, Stone Massage, Crystal Massage, Sound Therapy, etc. Private massage in a guest’s tent, Polarity treatments at special times of the year, Meditation and Yoga weeks at special times of the year
BAR
The Retreat has three bars serving favourite drinks and snacks: at the Fort, the sunset bar and at the Hippo point.
DINING
Besides the Restaurant at the Fort, there are several attractive areas in which to dine according to time of day, view and mood, and guests can enjoy either being on their own or dining with fellow travellers and recalling adventures of the day. Taking into consideration prevailing weather conditions and guests’ requests, Bush Dining is a regular feature at The Retreat - setting up breakfasts, lunches, sundowners and dinners, where freshly prepared food is cooked in situ over an open fire by one of the Camp’s experienced chefs. Local and international cuisine, utilizing fresh produce from coastal regions, is brought in and prepared by The Retreat’s skilled chefs, who are trained under Wolfgang Kuchler, a leading 18 point Gault Millau cook from Switzerland.
ACTIVITIES
Guests at The Retreat can observe a spectrum of fauna and avian wildlife nearby and choose two inclusive activities per day, a choice of:
• Game drives deep into the bush
• Escorted safari walks & hikes
• Escorted waterborne boat excursions on the Great Ruaha River, home and refuge to pods of Hippo, Nile crocodile, and many, many birds along the watercourse
• Line fishing may be rewarded by bagging the likes of Tiger Fish and Catfish
• Spa treatments
Plus, of course, partaking in traditional ‘sundowners’.
Open 4WD vehicles, each equipped with a winch, have been customized for driving on various graded dirt roads and tracks, often sandy, leading to and from the camp. The lightweight, flat-bottomed aluminium boats have been tailormade to suit the conditions of the Great Ruaha River. All vehicles and boats are equipped with radio communication. During game drives and boat excursions, an experienced guide accompanies guests, plus an armed game scout escorts guests during the walking safaris.
SPECIAL EVENTS
At certain times, especially for small groups, The Retreat runs special themed safaris over five to seven days, with special guest leaders and guided by experts, such as “Bush Walking with Yoga and Meditation”, “Painting the Sounds of the Bush” and “Laughing with the Hippos”. Clients expressing interest in joining in such special weeks can contact the management directly.
CHILDREN
The Retreat believes that in today’s frenetic world, the time families can share together is very precious. A warm welcome awaits families with children enthusiastic for the natural world, whilst also ensuring that guests without children equally enjoy the peace and beauty of The Selous Retreat undisturbed. Children, notably those not yet in their teens, must share a suite with either a parent or an adult guardian. Many children accompanying their parents, particularly on game drives, thrill at the sights and sounds, and the stories and explanations of flora and fauna and avian life, shared through a guide with years of practical knowledge in the Selous - a family experience that can be most exhilarating and rewarding. Additionally, children can be taken by one of the experienced guides separately onto a game tracking experience and draw their own bush diary.
As to accommodation, the spacious Lion’s River Suite, with its wonderful outlook, could be particularly suitable for a family with two or three children. Equally to be recommended is the privacy afforded at Hippo Point. Cognizant of safety and minimal disturbance to other guests, families with younger children can enjoy an early dinner together between 18.00 and 19.00 hrs.
BOUTIQUE
The Retreat runs a small boutique with special African items and some pharmacy products.
USEFUL TO KNOW
– Satellite internet, telephone services and HF radio communication
– Individual transport facilities are provided to and from the River Suites and The Fort
– Similarly, 4WD vehicles transport guests between the Fort and the Lion’s River Suite and Hippo Point
– The Retreat possesses fully equipped medical emergency facilities
Luggage and essential personal items
On light aircraft in Tanzania, passengers are permitted a baggage allowance of 15kg, inclusive of hand baggage, preferably in soft bags. NB: Retreat Safari Ltd. have a lock-up store at Dar es Salaam and will happily look after heavier cases whilst owners are on safari.
Check-in & Check-out
Generally, check-in from mid-day on day of arrival, and check-out by 11.00 hrs. on day of departure. Early check-in and late check-out, to fit in with certain flight arrivals and departures, is facilitated whenever feasible. Note that Park and Conservation Fees payable to the Selous Game Reserve are based on a 24 hour period and, exceeding a particular 24 hour period, may make one liable to a further day’s fee.
Health and Medical Code and Immunization
Guests should seek professional advice from their personal doctor or a specialist Travel Clinic, if possible at least six to eight weeks before traveling, regarding a health code for travelers to Africa and valid immunization and vaccinations. It is mandatory that guests are covered by an emergency insurance while staying at The Retreat.
Further assurance can be provided travelers through membership of The African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF), founded over 40 years ago, which incorporates the Flying Doctors’ Service and provides cover within a several hundred km radius of Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, should a medical emergency dictate. Details of an annual subscription are outlined on AMREF’s website.
Climate
Essentially, The Selous Game Reserve falls within Southern Tanzania’s typical model rainfall belt of short and long rains. In normal years, the short rains fall in November and December and are followed by a partial dry out period during January and February. Thereafter, the long rains ease in and generally end early to mid-May. With an average relative humidity of around 60%, temperatures range mainly between 14 and 39°C. The Camp, well positioned with its central hilltop fort, benefits from welcoming cooling breezes. The Retreat schedules its annual closed season from towards the end of March, re-opening again for the new season commencing 1st June.
Credit Cards
The Retreat is unable to accept payment by credit/charge cards. Consequently, The Retreat does accept US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings, Pounds Sterling, Euro in cash, and, US Dollar/ Sterling Travellers Cheques.
Gratuities
Generally, gratuities, at the discretion of each guest, are pooled for the benefit of all the team looking after all guests at the Lodge.
