Tanzania's Secret South

With views over Ruaha from every corner of the room, the guest suites are designed to maximise the stunning landscape beyond. Be it from the bed, the desk, or the bathroom, every space is a viewpoint and open to nature. Louvred shutters can be opened completely, blurring the lines between indoor and out, or closed for privacy. King-sized beds are the perfect place for an afternoon siesta, or head out onto your private deck and take in the view. Bathrooms are fully equipped with rain showers and flushing toilets.

Banda is an East African term for a permanent 'solid structure' erected to give protection from the elements and the animals, as opposed to the impermanence of a tent. Bandas were erected in or near the National Parks and could be rented from the park authorities on a kind of self-catering basis, where guests provided everything, even their own sleeping bags.
The Bandas at Beho Beho couldn't be more different! Yes they are solid structures built out of local stone and palm leaf thatch and do indeed provide shelter from the elements - but they are also a comfortable haven from which to enjoy the delights of the true African bush of The Selous Game Reserve.

Totally rebuilt in 2003/04 the bandas came 'on-stream' in the new season of June 2004. They are spacious and airy and have been designed to capture even the slightest breeze - at seven degrees south of the equator this is an important consideration - of course there are a couple of wide-blade ceiling fans to assist nature if required. This feeling of spaciousness is accentuated by the fact that the main suite area has no front wall or windows, but is totally open on to the front verandah of the banda, with its magnificent views across the wilderness of The Selous. For those a little nervous of sleeping with just a mosquito net between them and the 'great outdoors' there is an ingenious arrangement of a curtain made out of tenting material, complete with gauze windows, which can be drawn across at night and securely fastened. The verandah itself reveals what must be one of the most magnificent views in Africa. Wild, wild, unspoilt, wilderness dotted with animals, and a tripod mounted telescope for closer game viewing.

The brief for the interior designer was that the banda should be a comfortable home away from home for intrepid travellers and to be planned as a sophisticated haven where guests could relax in privacy in order to enjoy the 'holiday' part of their safari. So you will find huge comfy chairs big enough to curl up in, a truly 'king-sized' double bed, a Zanzibari day bed to while away the odd hour in the afternoon when it is too hot to go into the bush, a proper writing bureau (with post cards supplied) and verandah furniture to sink into rather than perch upon. The recent addition of a private plunge pool on all bandas means you can cool off in the heat of the day

A separate dressing room with ample space to unpack and store clothes and belongings, including a personal combination security safe, leads into a spacious fully equipped bathroom with twin wash hand basins, a high flush W.C. and a spacious open-air shower where it is possible to shower and view big game at the same time. The bathrooms are supplied with Charlotte Rhys toiletries, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and soaps as well as a hair drier and his and hers bathrobes.

Privacy and Exclusivity – Bailey’s Banda, an ‘owner’s house’ or private villa positioned on the hillside overlooking the main camp enjoys stunning views into the valley and the hippo pools which are certainly wild Africa at its very best. Bailey’s Banda is still part of the camp but enjoys its privacy and is the perfect hideaway for those who want to appreciate the bush without the ‘camaraderie’ of staying in a ‘house party-style’ camp like Beho Beho.

Your home in Africa - Staying in Bailey’s Banda is very much like having your own house in Africa, a luxurious haven for exploring the magnificent Selous game reserve, but on your own terms - whether it is on foot, in your exclusive safari vehicle or your exclusive private boat on nearby Lake Tagalala. During the heat of the day what better than to have your own private pool, sun deck or the shade of a sun-umbrella and in the evenings dinner under the stars before settling down in the comfort of your own sitting room to enjoy some music or a movie before bed.

Just for you - With two very spacious Beho Beho style en suite bedrooms – one of them raised up on first floor level - both with king-sized beds and the possibility to use the Zanzibar divan bed to create a twin bedded room, Bailey’s Banda is ideal for honeymooners, friends travelling together, or families (but still not really suitable for young children and children under twelve years are not able to walk in the bush). The open-plan and open-sided main areas of the banda have many combinations of dining and relaxing spaces, together with a plunge pool and sunbathing/game viewing deck. The accent is on privacy and enjoying the quality ‘private time’ that is sometimes hard to find on safari, with dedicated staff, its own kitchen (complete with chef) and exclusive safari vehicle. Game activities are tailor-made to suit each guest and are guided and guarded by some of the most qualified guides in East Africa.

Our Garden Rooms offer views of the hotel gardens from the bedroom and the balcony

Our Superior Rooms offer views of the sea from the bedroom and the balcony

Deluxe rooms have double balconies, sea views with both a shower and a Jacuzzi spa bath that overlooks the ocean.