The Retreat DSM

Is situated 12 km from the international airport at Mbezi Beach in the northern part of Dar es Salaam city, directly on the Indian Ocean, normally a 40 min. drive, although during rush hours it can be substantially longer. The Retreat provides limousine services from and to the airport upon request.

Dar es Salaam city is a historical city with a natural harbor and beautiful beaches to the north and south and is still considered to be an insider recommendation although very lively and beautiful.

The Retreat Selous

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wet wilderness area in Africa. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, this pristine, uninhabited area is twice as large as Switzerland. Only in the Serengeti will visitors see a greater concentration of wildlife. Yet Selous boasts Tanzania's largest population of Elephant as well as a large number of Lion, African Hunting Dog, Leopard, Buffalo and Hippo. Species commonly seen are Bushbucks, Red and Blue Duikers, Eland, Hartebeest, Hyena, Kipspringer, Impala, Giraffe, Oryx, Reedbuck, Waterbuck and Zebra. The bird life in Selous is prolific and the 400 species recorded include the globally threatened Wattled Crane and the Corncrake. Black Rhino have been close to extinction, but can occasionally be seen in the area of ‘The Retreat’. The topography of the Game Reserve varies from rolling savannah woodlands, grassland plains and rocky outcrops intersected by the wide Rufiji and Ruaha Rivers. The Hippo population at ‘The Retreat’, whose activities can be observed both from one’s tent and the main house, is one of the biggest ever seen.

Map of the Game Reserve Selous
Click for Full-Screen

Accessibility
A 60 minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Selous (Simbazi) airstrip - provided on scheduled charter or fully charter basis by several companies- followed by a pleasant half hour game drive along the Ruaha River to the lodge will be the start of your Selous Adventure.

Luggage and Essential items
On light aircraft in Tanzania, passengers have a baggage allowance of 15kg, inclusive of hand baggage, preferably in soft bags. Some luggage can be left with us in Dar es Salaam. It is invariably a good idea to take two bags, splitting clothing, essential items and equipment for the day.

Tanzania in General
Tanzania’s diversity and natural, unspoiled beauty makes it comprehensively one of the best Safari destinations in Africa. Tanzania is located in the tropics, just South of the equator and along Africa’s eastern coast, bordering the much favored Indian Ocean. Tanzania’s wildlife areas are unfenced, allowing game to live and migrate in their natural habitats.

Language and people
Swahili is the country’s official language and that of culture, with many Tanzanians speaking English in business. The country has more than 110 different tribes, with no tribe dominant, making for harmony. One of the most remarkable tribes is that of the Maasai, the traditional nomadic cattle herders. Tanzanians are generally peaceful and friendly people who are proud to warmly welcome visitors to their country.

Political
Mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba formed a political and economic union after Tanganyika gained independence from Britain in 1961. Together they form Tanzania, with a multi party democracy currently under the leadership of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. The country has always been very stable politically. Tanzania is also a proud member of the five member East African Community (EAC).

Customs and Religion
Tanzania has a mix of religions from Christians to Hindus to Muslims. Many customs typical of a certain religion, are adopted by others out of respect and each religious holiday is a public holiday for all.

Currency
Tanzania’s currency is the Shilling (Tsh). Exchange rates fluctuate against the US Dollar. Guests are advised to bring Traveller’s Cheques and large denomination notes in cash in either US$ or £ Sterling, which can be changed at banks and bureaux de change. Credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels but can incur a 5% charge. Whilst there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency a guest may bring into the country, though sums in excess of US$10,000 must be declared. The amount of local currency a guest may take out of the country is Tsh 2,000.

Health and Medical Code and Immunization
Guests should seek skilled, professional advice from their own doctor or a specialist travel clinic at least six (three) weeks before travelling regarding a health code for Africa and valid vaccinations. For Yellow fever is mandatory, generally including a certificate for entry into the country, and commonly recommended are Tetanus, Typhoid and combined Hepatitus A & B, with booster vaccinations after an appropriate number of years. Malaria, predominantly in the falciparum form, though not greatly present in Selous, but still a risk for guests also travelling to other Parks in Tanzania. For guests taking a Malaria prophylaxis, we tend to advise against Mefloquin/Lariam for reasons of side effects . We recommend that guests bring mosquito repellant and wear long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening. Tents are mosquito proof and additionally have a silk mosquito net over the bed. Interestingly, Malaria is checked within our own small laboratory at the lodge, where there’s also an emergency medical facility. Staff have been trained in emergency procedures.

Insurance/ risks
‘The Selous Retreat’ specifically draws your attention to certain inherent risks involved in participating in the type of safaris sold and operated by the Company and that, by making payment for all or part of the safari cost, the travel agent, tour operator and the clients thereby accept such entirely at their own risk. Neither the Company, nor its employees, suppliers, or agents can be held responsible for any accident, injury, illness or death sustained during the course of the safari, whether or not such accident, injury, illness or death may be deemed to be caused through negligence on the part of the Company, its employees, suppliers or agents. ’The Retreat’ does not accept responsibility for any theft or loss of personal belongings that may occur while clients are staying either at the lodge or hotel owned by The Retreat, or on any service provided by The Retreat or through any service booked by The Retreat and provided by a third party supplier. All clients are strongly advised to insure themselves and their property fully for the duration of the safari.

Emergency Evacuation Cover, through The Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa , under the auspices of The African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) is mandatory for any safari that includes travel to and accommodation at ‘The Selous Retreat’. We strongly recommend that such emergency air evacuation cover for all itineraries booked through ‘The Retreat’ be purchased in advance via their website: <www.amref.org>. Whilst ‘The Selous Retreat’ has an emergency facility at the lodge, ‘The Retreat’ is not responsible for covering any costs incurred for medical treatment or any evacuation for clients while on safari.

Any cause for complaint while at the Retreat’s properties must immediately be brought to the attention of the Retreat’s local representative in Tanzania. Should there be any dispute eventually outstanding, this will be settled in the courts of the United Republic of Tanzania, which shall be deemed to have exclusive jurisdiction thereof.

Entry Visas
All foreign nationals wishing to visit Tanzania must obtain a visa (NB only a few countries are excepted).See Tanzania’s official websites for more details. Though Tourist / Holiday visas are generally obtainable upon arrival at most ports of entry, airports and borders, it is more advisable to obtain one at least two weeks before departure for Tanzania. A Single Entry Tourist Visa valid for 3 months, or a Multi entry Tourist Visa to enter Tanzania 2 or more times during a 6 month period, are the norm. An application form from your nearest Tanzanian Embassy/High Commission requires 2 passport sized photographs, passport, appropriate application fee by cash payment, which is non-refundable, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for postal applications. Note that transit passengers through Nairobi, Kenya, may well require a transit visa too and should contact their nearest Kenyan Embassy for advice.

BELGIUM
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Belgium
363 Avenue Louise, 11050 BRUSSELS, Belgium
Tel:  +32-2-6406500-27

CANADA
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Canada
50 Range Road, OTTAWA KIN 8J4, Canada
Tel:  +1-6130 23215009

FRANCE
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in France
89 Rue Laugier Nord 75017, PARIS, France
Tel:    +33-1-53706366
Website: www.amb-tanzania.fr

GERMANY
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Germany
Theaterplatz 26, 5300 BONN 2, Federal Republic of Germany
Tel:    +49-228 3580514
       +49-30-3030800
Fax:    +49-30-30308020
Website: www.tanzania-gov.de

ITALY
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Italy
Via Cesare Beccaria 88, ROME, Italy
Tel:  +39-6-360 5234 322651471

JAPAN
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Japan
21-9 Kamiyoga 4, Chome Setagaua-Ku, TOKYO 158,
Tel:  (81-3) 34254531-3

SOUTH AFRICA
The Tanzania High Commission
P.O. Box 56572, 822 George Avenue, Arcadia 0007, PRETORIA, South Africa
Tel:   +27-12) 342 4371/4393
Fax:   +27-12) 430 43 83
E-mail: thc@tanzania.org.za or tanzania@cis.co.za

SWEDEN
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Sweden
P.O. Box 7255, 103-89, Oxtorgsgatan 2-4, STOCKHOLM, Sweden
Tel:  +46-8) 244870

UNITED KINGDOM and IRELAND
The Tanzania High Commission
3 Stratford Place, LONDON W1C 1AS, UK
Tel:    +44-020 7491 3026
       +44-020 7569 1470
Website: www.tanzania-online,gov.uk

USA
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in United States of America
2139 R Street, NW WASHINGTON DC 20008, USA
Tel:     +1-202 939 6125
Fax:    +1-202 797 7408
Website: www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org