Location On the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the northern section of Selous Game Reserve, Southern GPS co-ordinates of Siwandu Airstrip: 7 ° 41 '27 " S - 38 ° 08 '21 " E Rwy 1200m, elev SL, 18/36 GPS co-ordinates of Siwandu Main Camp: 7 ° 40 '19 " S - 38 ° 07 '23 " E

Travel ● Flying Guests will be collected by car at Siwandu Airstrip, which is 15 mins drive from camp. , Safari Airlink and ZanAir fly to Siwandu Airstrip from , Arusha, , Kilwa, Mafia and Ruaha. Approximate flight time from Dar es Salaam is 45 mins ● Driving Enter via the Matambwe Gate (Please note we do not take bookings whereby guests come with their own car and driver/guide. Unless guests make game drives with our guides. The driver can then be booked in the guide tent.)

Seasons Selous Game Reserve is wonderful to visit throughout the safari season. The months from June to October tend to be dry and warm with a temperature range of 16˚C at night to 35˚C in the day; at this time of year the animals are drawn to dwindling water supplies in the lakes around the river and with vegetation sparse, this is the perfect season for walking and for larger concentrations of game.

In this coastal area of Tanzania, the short rains fall during November and December and brings about a spring time in Selous. The plant life and flowers burst into life, followed by the insects and stunning variety of birdlife. The game during this green season can be more scattered than the winter months but around water sources sightings remain good and is the main reproductive time of year so a wonderful opportunity to see baby animals. From November through to March it heats up with a temperature range between the high 20˚C at night and high 30 ˚C, sometimes low 40 ˚C during the humid heat of the day; which makes Siwandu’s shaded swimming pools a deliciously cool pleasure. During the long rains, in April and May, the camp is closed.

Activities Due to the regional topography and the proximity to water sources, our activities generally leave at 8am after a leisurely breakfast, which leaves more time to explore the reserve before returning for lunch. Early drives can be arranged in camp on request or consider hiring a private vehicle. Evening activities start out after tea and return for evening drinks around the camp fire. Night drives are not allowed in the Selous. To avoid the heat of the midday sun, game walks are either at dawn or in the early evening. Our walking activities are for guests 16 or over, for younger guests we offer a fun- filled children’s walk before tea where an armed walking guide and maasai shows them around the camp footprint, which is patrolled and therefore safe. Each evening the camp managers will discuss with guests what they would like to do the following day.

All activities have first aid kits and radios as standard and on the water, life jackets are available for adults and compulsory for small children. Due to H&S we do not travel outside radio contact.

For your safety, on game walks and walking safaris, as well as the armed qualified walking guide there is an armed askari / guard.

Private vehicles are available for prebooking, for your whole stay or for a single day, at a rate of $300 + VAT per day per vehicle, which includes an expert driver guide. Please keep in mind that a group of six guests in Siwandu will automatically be allocated a private vehicle.

Child Policy Due to safety concerns and other guests’ enjoyment of the camps we accept children from six years old with international bookings and children from 10 years old with resident bookings. At Siwandu we have a limit of two children (aged 6 – 11) in each camp at any one time. Children in camp are the responsibility of the parent or guardian at all times.

Booking Tour Operators and Tanzanian residents are welcome to contact us directly for accommodation rates, please email [email protected].

Selous Safari Company recommend international guests book via an African specialist – their vast knowledge and experience will help plan your ideal itinerary and ensure you organise a perfect holiday. If you require recommendations of reputable tour operators please contact us.

Rates & Money Rates include full room and board, in the bush camps two safari activities per day, vehicle transfers to and from the nearest airstrip, filtered drinking water, tea & coffee, laundry service (please note due to Tanzanian culture we are unable to accept ladies underwear but do provide washing powder in the rooms). The rates exclude drinks, conservation and concession fees, gratuities of a personal nature, medivac and tips.

Please note if you wish to have an all-inclusive holiday we offer a $40pppn drink supplement, which includes all drinks except premium brands and champagne. Please ask your tour operator to include this from booking, please note this option is not available for resident guests.

Final bills are payable in US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings, Euros and Pounds Sterling. Through 3G Direct Pay guests can also pay with credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, JCB), PayPal or several Mobile Provider Payment Facilities such as Mpesa and Airtel Money, but a 5% surcharge is applicable.

Please be aware US Dollars will only be accepted if they are post-issue 2006.

Please note our camps are situated at remote locations and therefore after Dar es Salaam you will not have access to an ATM or bank.

All rooms are fitted with a small safe, which can be programmed by the guest.

Health & Dietary For those guests with specific dietary requests or allergies please notify your tour operators or Selous Safari Company directly on booking.

Selous Safari Company highly recommends visiting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Tanzania to ensure you have the correct vaccinations and medication.

Tanzania is a malaria zone; the best precaution is to be well prepared. ● Travel with plenty of insect repellent – we can recommend MosiGuard (cream rather than spray) as it is not only effective but also natural ● Pack long sleeved shirts and trousers for the evening ● Keep tent closed from sunset ● Carry antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching

Drink plenty of water throughout the day; recommended amount is between 2-3 litres per day to avoid dehydration.

Power, Phone Signal & Internet Power in camp is 240 VAC powered by solar panels and generator. In each tent there is lighting, overhead fan and two wall sockets (British three-pin) which can be used all day for charging items, hairdryers and other high consumption electrical items can only be used during generator hours.

In the camp there is minimal mobile phone signal (AIRTEL is the best network). We do not offer a wifi facility in camp but we do provide a laptop with an internet connection in the reception area for guest usage free of charge.

Luggage & Suggested Packing List On all light weight aircraft in Tanzania there is a strict weight restriction of 15kg / 33lbs and soft bags are requested for easy storage. Below is a suggested packing list for Siwandu ● Neutral khaki coloured safari clothing, no bright colours ● Selous can get very hot / humid so we recommend cotton, lightweight shorts and short sleeve shirts ● Comfortable walking shoes – no need for heavy hiking books as walking is even and the bush not thick ● Swimsuit ● Lightweight waterproofs ● Binoculars ● Bird and game books ● Camera equipment, including plenty of memory capacity and waterproof cover/ziplock bag ● Plug adaptors (British three pin plug is required) ● Sunglasses ● Widebrimmed sunhat – preferably with a head strap for game drives ● High SPF sunscreen ● Basic first aid kit

Selous Safari Company works with local communities at all our camps and many guests ask if they can donate supplies, if you are interested in this please visit our Charity page on our website.

Check out time Our check out time is at 10h00. Guests that would like to leave in the afternoon have to book the next night or may be charged late departure fees. So it is best to leave Siwandu with the morning flight.

For any further questions on Siwandu or any other Selous Safari Company property, please contact us