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PORTERED FLY CAMPING
For stays for more than three nights, a lightweight, yet fully equipped and authentic fly camp allows us, in the tradition of F. C. Selous, to venture deep into the most remote parts of the sanctuary, on foot or by canoe. The fully serviced and well-appointed fly camp, carried in by porters, is available for one night or more. A traveling chef and kitchen provide great food, and cold drinks are always at hand. Sleeping tents are on the ground, in custom-made canvas valises with linen sheets, blankets and mosquito nets. Facilities are a shared hot bucket shower, canvas washbasins, and proper sit-down 'loo with a view'.
LUKULA SELOUS WING SAFARI
In an effort to make Lukula Selous more accessible as part of a southern and western Tanzania safari circuit, we have introduced guaranteed set departures. Each Lukula Selous Wing Safari is guaranteed at a minimum of two guests, and departures commence on June 2, 2010.
There will be two guaranteed departures weekly, a 4-day/3-night (Sunday) and 5-day/4-night (Wednesday) departure from Dar es Salaam as follows:
3-night safari: Depart Dar on Sunday, return to Dar the following Wednesday
4-night safari: Depart Dar on Wednesday, return to Dar the following Sunday
The rate for the Lukula Selous Wing Safari is inclusive of return air transfers from Dar es Salaam, accommodation at Lukula Camp or fly camp, all meals and beverages and activities.
LUKULA SELOUS CANOE TRAIL
We offer three departures of this exploratory adventure. It is an ideal opportunity to experience the Lukula Selous landscape as a continual paddle down river.
The 5-day/4-night safari consists of four full days of paddling and four nights in impromptu fly camps along the way. Our stops are not pre-arranged. We begin each day early, when the peace of dawn is breaking. After an early coffee and light breakfast, we begin the day's adventure. Upon paddling we may encounter activity along the banks, which warrants investigation. We disembark our canoes and begin walking, looking for tracks and signs. We enjoy brunch and bit of a siesta at mid-day before continuing onward in the afternoon, and selecting our campsite. Snacks will be available throughout the day for sustenance.
ACTIVITIES BY SEASON
THE 'NATURAL' HIGH SEASON (15 June - 15 November)
The Scene
With the departure of the seasonal rains (summer) and the onset of the dry season (winter), the environment becomes progressively drier. In response, wildlife concentrates along the Chi, Lukula and Luwego Rivers.
By October, the landscape is at its driest, broken only by the deep emerald green of the remaining river water. Hippo concentrate in pods often numbering in the hundreds. Elephant emerge from the riparian forests to dig for clean water even in the mid-day sun. Female zebra, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck grow swollen with pregnancy, awaiting the onset of the rains.
Come early November, the Yellow acacia sense the impending arrival of the 'short' rains and begin to flush with blossom. Termites emerge from deep within the earth and begin to construct their mud citadels, complete with high turrets to withstand the approaching deluge. Then, migrant birds begin to arrive, with flocks of European bee-eaters whistling overhead. Borassus palm fronds bustle with the activity of weaverbirds.
Activities
The dry conditions allow for easy navigation throughout the entire Lukula Selous area, both by vehicle and foot. Vegetation is low, and water is limited, providing easy spotting. Walking along the river's sandy embankments, crossing from side to side gives unrivaled access to tracking. Fly camping is at its prime in this season, with predictable weather. All camp facilities and activities are available. From August to early November, canoeing is dependent on water levels and can be limited.
THE ADVENTURE SEASONS (1 May - 15 June and 16 November - 31 January)
The Scene
The 'short' rains arrive... December! With the first drops, wildflowers begin to paint the landscape. Impalas begin to drop their foals, while wild dog wait in the fringes for an opportune moment. The river responds immediately and rises, allowing the great congregations of hippo to disperse among the tributaries. The reserve comes alive. By January, led by zebra and wildebeest, huge herds of buffalo move slowly toward the hills from the floodplains. The fresh green grass blanketing the whole area provides nourishment. Then from May to June, following the 'long' rains, waters begin to recede and the smaller tributaries drain. Buffalo emerge again from the high grass to relax and ruminate on the river's warm white sand bars. With each passing day, elephant and other smaller game continue to draw toward the main rivers in search of water. As prey moves, the predators follow.
Activities
Aptly named, this season is for the more adventurous. There are fabulous opportunities for extended walking expeditions, paired with enhanced water activities. We often follow the wildlife into the hills, where walks along the high ridges afford unrivaled views into the Luwego and Lukula River valleys. Vehicles are used less frequently, and the primary focus is on full or multi day walking and canoeing journeys. All camp facilities and activities are available, with access to an extensive canoeing area.
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