The Retreat Selous

The Retreat Selous is a 12-tent luxury camp in a remote part of the northern Selous, the largest protected wildlife area in Africa.

Created by the Swiss orthopaedic surgeon, Uma Grob, The Retreat seeks to provide not only an authentic safari in an untouched wilderness area, but to offer its guests somewhere to relax and restore their natural balance, in a place where the natural rhythms of life continue undisturbed. 

Accommodation

The Retreat is set on the banks of the Ruaha River. All suites are enclosed in mosquito netting within canvas walls and you can choose when to open them to the views or close them for complete privacy. The six Eagle Suites, named for their views, are 6m high, 100m² luxury tents on raised teak platforms. Each has fine Zanzibari wooden furniture, a king-size bed draped in silk netting and the décor includes African antiques. Each suite has a private deck with seating and an outdoor antique bath, and indoor en suite facilities with a shower and fabulous bespoke basins. The three 160m²  River Suites are set on raised platforms beside the river, and provide a plunge pool and a large viewing deck with loungers.  Also beside the river, the Lion’s River Suite provides a separate 60m² lounge, which can accommodate extra beds for use by a family. It offers a private dining area, plunge pool and “chill-out zone” with loungers. Hippo Point is a private safari retreat, with a private boat and vintage-style safari vehicle. About 2km from the main area, Hippo Point provides two 160m² suites, each with an individual sundeck and plunge pool, a private infinity pool, lounge, dining area, cook and butler - and complete seclusion. There is also the 'tree-top love nest' for couples on a romantic holiday.

Facilities

There is a large infinity pool at the Fort (originally the site of a WW1 military observation post) and another beside the river for the River Suites.

The Senses to Africa Spa is The Retreat’s outdoor spa on the river bank. It aims to provide a holistic experience. In-room treatments can also be arranged.

Three bars serve drinks and snacks. There is also a boutique.

Meals

At The Retreat, you can enjoy meals on your own or in the company of fellow guests, with whom you can exchange the adventures of the day. Meals are served in the restaurant at the Fort, by the pools, in your suite or cooked and served in a variety of bush settings.

Fresh produce is brought from the coast and prepared by chefs trained under Wolfgang Kuhler, an 18-point Gault Millau Swiss chef. 

Activities

Two activities per day are included in your stay at The Retreat. An experienced guide will take you on game drives in open 4WD safari vehicles equipped with a radio communication system, or you can do your game-viewing from a custom-built aluminium boat on the Ruaha River. In addition to wild dog, lion, leopard, giraffe,buffalo and the endangered black rhino, the Selous contains the largest elephant population of any single park.

You can get an unmediated experience of the bush on a walking safari – with your guide and an armed tracker. Alternatively, try to land one of the legendary Tiger fish with spot of line fishing; or restore yourself at the spa.

If you want to feel totally immersed in the bush, we recommend a night fly camping in one of The Retreat’s fully transparent tents – with the amenity of a tree shower and the security of a guard.

Families

Children are welcome at The Retreat