By Diane Small
Did you know that one of the best ways to help animal conservation is to go on holiday? From watching gorillas in Rwanda to admiring herds of elephants in Tanzania, you can have the time of your life, whilst ensuring African animals–many of which are now endangered–are more profitable to locals alive than dead.
Luckily, there are plenty of luxurious, experienced safari companies to choose from, such as Azura Retreats. Azura started out as a luxury boutique hotel company in Mozambique, but has recently expanded into Tanzanian safaris with the launch of their Azura Selous Game Reserve.
Azura has refurbished the existing top end property, Amara Selous, which is located on the banks of the Ruaha River. The 12 luxury tented suites, each with private pool and river views have been upgraded to reflect Azura’s unique boutique-chic styling. Equally, Azura’s standards of cuisine, hosting, and the breathtaking experiences they are known for have been introduced.
“We have wanted to expand the number of hotels in our portfolio for some time, building on the success we have had in Mozambique, and are very excited to be starting operations in Tanzania”, commented Christopher Bettany, Managing Director of Azura. “Most of our clients are looking for a bush and beach combination, and with Azura Quilalea Private Island so easily reached from the Selous, and Amara already established as one of the leading luxury safari lodges in the area, this seemed the perfect combination. The first time we stayed at Amara, we fell in love with its amazing location, its stylish design, and the fantastic game viewing in the area. It seemed just right for Azura”.
The Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa, just 60 minutes light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam, and is famous for its lion, elephant and hyena populations. Above all else, it is known for its private and exclusive game sightings, where there is typically only a single vehicle at any viewing. This fits well with Azura’s ethos of client exclusivity and animal conservation, and their passion for offering top notch experiences in remote, unique, and undiscovered locations.
But you needn’t stay passively in the jeep whilst you observe the natural world around you: walking safaris will be a particular highlight for adult guests, and while the adults are away, the kids can truly play–and learn–at the children’s club, which is focused on educating the little ones about life in the bush, teaching them tracking skills, and enabling them to enjoy fishing in the river.
Azura Selous has been given the Azura interior design touch reflecting the colours and mood of the Selous but with splashes of bold Tanzanian colours and fabrics giving a contemporary funky twist to the dwelling. The aim was to ‘bring the outside inside’, and the look is quite different to the safari norm. The 12 spacious tented rooms are each spread over an area of 130metres squared (90m2 inside & 40m2 outside), offering complete privacy and allowing guests to relax into this vast wilderness.
The eco-friendly rooms are kitted out with locally sourced materials and include indoor stone bathrooms, spacious chandeliered dressing areas, outside showers and large terraces with plunge pools. Stone floors and air conditioning help keep the tents cool during the hotter months.
The large decked area and infinity pool at the heart of the lodge overlooks the rapids of the Great Ruaha River and the noisy resident hippos. The nearby open sided dining and lounging area have also been given a make-over, creating a social and welcoming environment for guests. Dining locations vary daily, with the unique and romantic set-ups that Azura has become known for, as well as a range of special romantic touches for Valentine’s Day, honeymooners, or couples who simply want to make their time together even more intimate. What better way to affirm your love than with a romantic retreat that embraces the beauty of the natural world and its creatures?
Special reader offer: 4 nights at Azura Selous, Tanzania (All Inclusive) plus 7 nights Fundu Lagoon, Tanzania (All Inclusive) including international flights with Qatar Airways–from £3,146 per person: A massive savings of up to £2899 per couple!
For more information, please click here.
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My bags are packed.
where do i sign entry for contest ? or did I?
There is no competition for this trip, just a 30% reader discount 😉
Looks like lots of fun! I wish I could go now, but I’ll have to keep it in mind for a future reference. I’m glad the hotel is committed to eco-friendly practices and accommodations.