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Siwandu sunset 2

Siwandu

Nature, with the right amount of bush luxury in Selous Game Reserve
Nyerere National ParkTanzania· 15 Rooms · £££
On the shores of Lake Nzerakera

Siwandu is perfect for forgetting all the troubles of the modern world and being immersed in nature

Location: Siwandu is beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the heart of Nyerere National Park, in southern Tanzania. It's a classic, slow safari setting - all palm-fringed waterways, open floodplains, and miombo woodland - with far fewer vehicles than in the north. The camp's lakefront location means wildlife comes to you: elephants splash in the shallows, hippos grunt through the night, and fish eagles call from the trees. It's also just a short drive from Siwandu's private airstrip, making access easy without sacrificing that blissfully remote feeling. If you're after a quieter, more immersive safari experience, this is exactly the sort of place we recommend.

Rooms: Siwandu is made up of 13 octagonal safari tents split between two separate campsites - North and South - which can be booked individually for privacy or together for larger groups. Each tent is raised on a wooden platform with wraparound verandahs, open sides (with mesh screens), and wide views of the lake or bush. Inside, they're spacious, airy, and smartly styled, with big beds, ceiling fans, and en-suite bathrooms featuring indoor and outdoor showers. It's a lovely mix of comfort and character - luxurious but not fussy, and completely in tune with the surroundings. Every tent feels private, peaceful, and close to nature.

Amenities: Each side of the camp has its own central area, including a lounge, dining room, bar, and a swimming pool with views over the water - ideal for a mid-afternoon break between game drives. Meals are freshly prepared and elegantly served, with candlelit dinners under the stars or breakfast out in the bush depending on your day's activities. There's no Wi-Fi in the tents, but limited connectivity is available in the main areas for those who need it. The service is polished yet relaxed, and the staff - many of whom have been with Siwandu for years - bring a warmth and attention to detail that is hard to beat.

Activities: One of Siwandu's biggest strengths is the range of activities on offer. Because its in Nyerere, you're not limited to game drives - you can also explore by boat, on foot, or even go fishing. Morning and afternoon game drives offer excellent sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, and sometimes wild dogs, while boat safaris on the lake and connecting Rufiji River reveal a different perspective entirely - hippos, crocs, waterbirds, and beautiful sunsets. Walking safaris are a highlight for those keen to track smaller details with expert guides and armed rangers. It's this variety, and the space to explore in peace, that makes a stay here feel so rewarding.

Sustainability: Siwandu is owned and operated by Laba Laba, a family-run collection of camps and lodges committed to responsible tourism across Tanzania. Sustainability here is not a marketing bolt-on - it's built into how the camp is designed, staffed, and run. The camp uses solar power for much of its energy needs, manages water and waste thoughtfully, and avoids single-use plastics wherever possible. What's especially impressive is the long-term investment in local people: the majority of staff are from nearby communities, many of whom have grown into senior roles after years of training and development. Laba Laba also supports conservation and education initiatives in the region, recognising that protecting Tanzania's wild places depends on genuinely benefiting those who live closest to them. It's a quietly effective, genuinely rooted approach that supports both the environment and the community around it.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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