SELOUS IMPALA FLY-CAMPING

Among the activities offered at Selous Impala Camp, guests have the option of enjoying a pre booked fly camp safari.

Fly-camping as an additional activity is the chance to share something completely new and unique; an outing ideally suited to families, couples and friends in search of uninterrupted personal time. Camping in the bush is a truly holistic experience allowing visitors to sample the unspoilt environment first hand.

The term “Fly camping” stems from the early days of hunting safaris where outings took the form of several successive nights on the trot in a different location each night. To make matters more practical each person would carry their own tent; consisting of a fly sheet and not much more. These days fly-camping is usually from one camp location base, but still provides one with the same intimate experience of sleeping out in the bush away from distractions, but on a slightly grander scale. Guests are provided with simple yet comfortable accommodation. A safe haven in the form of a canvas cocoon is what separates us from the creatures of the night, whilst providing that same ultra thrilling wild experience as before.

The fly camp is prepared before guests leave Impala Camp by our fly camp team, in a location depending on the season. As well as an armed ranger clients are accompanied by the fly camp team, which consists of two assistants. One of our excellent chefs accompanies the expedition, providing a three course meal tailor made to the guests’ wishes.

How safe is sleeping in the bush?

Every moment that we spend out in the bush an armed, experienced and capable ranger provided by the wildlife division of the Selous Game Reserve is at hand, both by night and by day. Animals do occasionally pass through the vicinity of our fly camp; during the day on their travels to and fro the river, and at night on their prowling rounds. Two large fully loaded fires are left burning through night to ward off unwanted visitors.

“Facilities”

Showering is done in true bush fashion. The shower ‘bucket’, on which is a tap and a conventional showerhead supplying ample pressure, is suspended overhead. Hot water from the fire is added in the morning for a fresh outdoor experience.
The loo is comfortable - a true environmentally friendly piece of equipment; at the same time clean and hygienic.

Typically a day in camp usually starts off with tea and coffee at first light before a walk to stimulate the appetite in time for a mid morning breakfast. Relaxing in the quiet of camp with a book in the shade is a popular way to begin siesta time after lunch. Bird watching for the enthusiast or fishing for the outdoorsman is the best recommended way to while away the hot hours until an afternoon drive or walk.

A drink by the fire after dinner helps to sooth away the hardships of the camping experience.

Guests are free to decide what activities they would like to undertake from the fly-camp; however the walking is strongly recommended. The walking safari is led by an experienced guide and is accompanied by a park ranger. The distance from the camp to the fly camp does not allow us to walk to the camp from Impala, thus all walking is undertaken from the fly camp directly. Lake Manze is nestled beneath the Beho Beho hills making for breath-taking views and the surrounding areas are teeming with wildlife. There is a mix of vegetation ranging from dense areas to the more traditional open savannah. The location of the fly camp is away from the vehicle-visited areas of Selous so guests can enjoy being completely isolated in the beauty of the area while on foot. The combination of these factors makes for an unforgettable safari experience. The open ground allows for game to be spotted readily beneath the back drop of beautiful views, while the more densely vegetated area allows for the finer details of the wild: the plants, insects and spoor, to be observed. 

The fly-camp and walking safari experience is a refined form of what the best of what the southern circuit of Tanzania offers, a unique opportunity to feel what it is to be in the wild on your own. To eat under the African night sky viewing stars unaffected by unnatural light, to hear the sounds of life around you while you lie in your bed before sleep and to feel the excitement which accompanies the lonely sensation of vulnerability.

Our preparation for the fly camp and walking safari has been carefully considered providing a very real and unforgettable experience laced with subtle luxury. The flycamp team sincerely look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with you.

FAQ  

What sort of beds will we sleep on?
Comfortable camp beds are provided with bedding adequate enough for a good nights sleep.
Included in the tents are fresh towels & linen, a torch & candle aswell as insect spray & mosquito repellent.

 What food will we be eating?
All meals whilst out in the bush are prepared on site by an excellent experienced bush chef.
A wide variety of evening meals are possible. Fresh bread is baked each morning on the fire for breakfast.

What drinks are available?
Anything is possible in the bush.
A variety of soft drinks, fresh water, wines & beers are available.

What do we need to bring?
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hats
Swim Shorts
Walking Shoes
Light weight clothing