Recently purchased and renamed by luxury brand Azura, the Azura Selous lodge and safari is a family-welcoming safari escape run by Christopher and Stella Bettany. Located in the photographic western area of the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, Azura Selous is one of the only camps in the area that can offer a totally isolated wilderness experience.
The Azura Selous Lodge sits on the Ruaha River and offers 13 luxurious, spacious, and air conditioned half stone and half canvas rooms, complete with a chandelier, a private infinity swimming pool, a private stone bathroom, and a terrace. The Lodge’s main area is located around a large infinity swimming pool with a raised restaurant and living area overlooking the banks of the river, heavily populated by hippos, crocodiles, and other African wildlife.
But most importantly, the resort offers unique off-the-beaten-path Game Reserve drives, walking safaris, and boating adventures. As parents themselves, the Bettanys have ensured the safety of both children and adults through their child-oriented safari experiences. Azura Selous is also the only camp in Africa’s largest game reserve with a dedicated children’s safari program.
Accompanied by expert guides, young children, adults, and families alike can partake in small nature walks around the local camp, walking safaris, Game Reserve drives in open-sided 4 X 4 vehicles, and boating safaris (water level permitting). Azura Selous also offers a special kids program that teaches young ones about the bush by looking for animal footprints, learning how to track, creating castings to take home, and fishing in the local river.
While a larger number of tourists flock to the northern Serengeti, Azura Selous is a luxury destination much less travelled while still providing excellent wildlife sightings. The isolated location provides families with a true escape, making it very likely that another vehicle won’t be seen throughout the entire stay. Many of the varied and exciting safaris are also private–simply you, your family, and a guide.
The wildlife that can be seen during a stay at Azura Selous includes African wild dogs, lions, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalo, zebras, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, the rare black rhino, and even elephants drinking from the Ruaha River. Not only is the Selous Game Reserve the largest game reserve in Africa (it’s three times the size of the Serengeti), but it is also a World Heritage Site, and the second oldest game reserve in the world.
Azura Selous provides families with a gentle, quiet, and relaxed luxury destination that helps create intimate, memorable and unique family experiences. Visit azura-retreats.com/azura-selous for more information, photos, and promotions.
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
