(20 rooms) +022 212 8663; 0744 267706; 022 212 8661;
info@hippotours.com; www.hippotours.com.

One of the first lodges to be established in the Selous, the ever popular and reasonably priced Rufiji River Camp is situated at the eastern extremity of the photographic northern area of the reserve, overlooking an atmospheric stretch of the Rufiji River alive with hippos and crocs and regularly visited by elephants.

The camp consists of 20 ensuite standing tents, shaded by thatch. Inside are simple twin beds and fairly basic furniture; everything is very clean and well maintained, though it's not luxurious. The en-suite bathrooms each have a flush toilet and solar-heated water for showers. These tents are spaced along the river in a lush stretch of woodland populated by monkeys and numerous birds – and occasionally visited by more exciting large mammals. A swimming pool has recently been constructed.

The lodge has a refreshingly informal and unpretentious atmosphere; delicious home-cooked food reflects the nationality of the laid-back Italian owner-manager. Rufiji River Camp offers an excellent range of boat and foot activities, as well as half-day game drives encompassing the 3 nearby lakes, full-day excursions further afield and overnight fly-camping. Rufiji River's guides are generally highly experienced Tanzanians, most of whom have been guiding here for many years; many have worked as game scouts before joining the lodge. Rufiji River Camp offers a straightforward, very good-value safari in a great wilderness area.

US$365/530 sgl/dbl inc FB, activities and park fees.