Good game and a reputation for superb guides, but no river access.
Guide Price: From: $1025 To: $1375
Beho Beho has, in the last few years, been transformed from the obscure hobby of an eccentric Welsh family to become one of the best small lodges in Tanzania. It's small, still privately owned and immaculately run. It seems hardly possible that until only a few years ago it was hardly visited at all, other than by members of the family or friends of the charismatic manager who presided gleefully over the chaos.
These days Beho Beho has been transformed into a shining example of what a camp should be all about and it's sometimes hard to get space there at all. With a series of highly experienced managers, who also happened to be highly accomplished guides, Beho Beho has managed to deliver on the qualities that are hardest for any camp to achieve; impeccable standards and superb guiding. Add to this the fact that the place has been beautifully decorated and that they seem to know a thing or two about cooking here...and you begin to see why it's so popular.
Beho Beho has 10 stone and thatch cottages, which are vast and exquisitely decorated with old colonial pieces, pictures and Persian rugs. The beds are huge four posters with a mountain of soft down pillows so, despite the racket that the animals will no doubt be making outside, you can't fail but have a good nights sleep.
In addition they have their own form of 'flycamping for softies' which they've packaged up as 'Bush Nights'. This gives people the chance to experience a degree of isolation and that 'wilderness tingle' that no lodge itself can really deliver. Basically a "tented camp with knobs on": this is perfect for those who need a 'raw bush moment' to brag about back home but are too terrified to do it properly.
Beho beho offers excellent game drives with very good guides. There is also excellent walking to be had here, as well as flycamping which is well worth doing. The camp itself sits on the side of Namikwere Hill in the northern Selous, overlooking the Beho Beho River from which it gets its name. One thing you need to be aware of when coming here is that you're not going to be looking over (or getting onto) miles of steadily flowing water as at many of the other camps (try Sand Rivers if this what you're after). There is however a certain amount of boating to be done on Lake Tagalala. The Beho Beho River is not the Rufiji River, but a sand river lined in places with an almost impenetrable thatch of borassis and doum palm.
However, it's a veritable magnet for animals, with plentiful big game; elephant, hippo and lion in particular. What's more the whole area is scenically beautiful and little used by other camps. The plains further to the north are in stark contrast with much of the thick bush of the Selous; wide and expansive short grass plains scattered with dalbergia (African blackwood) trees and good concentrations of game.
Beho Beho Lodge is stunning - the rooms, the views, the attentiveness of the staff, the food. This was luxury. Here we did walking and driving safaris with other couples so there was a friendly spirit among all of the guests. The game was great - we were lucky enough to see wild dogs which is a real safari special. The level of knowledge of the individual guides was outstanding.
H & NH August 2008
There are not enough adjectives in the English language to do justice to the whole experience. Lake Manze is a remarkable place. You are living amongst nature. You hardly need leave to see wild life up close. We ate under the stars, went fishing in the lake, saw lions kill from no more than 6 m away and shared our camp with Rafiki, the bull elephant.
SK July 2010
Tanzania almost seems a distant memory now but a wonderful one! Everything went very well and to plan, the camping was brilliant.
DT July 2009
Superb bush camp with 8 cottages
From: 1025 To: 1375
Good game and a reputation for superb guides, but no river access.
price includes full board accommodation, drinks, laundry and all activities
Vast remote and wild, the Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa and a dramatic contrast to other parks in Tanzania in almost every way. It’s one of Tanzania's lesser known destinations, but offers a grass roots level of experience that few other places can equal. It's also home to an intriguing diversity both in terms of animal life and variety of experience on offer. Read more?
Tanzania safaris rival a safari any other country in Africa in terms of sheer wilderness, formidable landscapes and volume of wildlife. At Natural High, we have travelled all over the country, worked in some of its best Tanzania safari camps and lodges and flown all over as bush pilots so we feel qualified to venture such opinions. Read more?
Can't find the camp you're looking for? Just let us know and we will be sure to help.
Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
