Reviews of Beho Beho

"We stayed 5 nights at Beho and prior to our arrival we thought it may be too long. When it came time to leave, we regretted not staying longer!

The bandas are beautiful and open to the outdoors in the front area and around the edge of the ceiling. It was amazing really how few bugs ever came in even with the lights on at night. We did have a few small geckos and a very cute brown bat at night that we quickly got used to. This place is not for those who are afraid of wild life. We had Hippos and Elephants just feet from the edge of our veranda pretty much every night which we loved! The sounds were incredible and while you have the experience of being out in the open like a tented camp, it's anything but. There are two bandas with bathtubs, 5 and 9. 5 is at the end called the "view" side and 9 is down at the opposite end called the "activity" side because of the many animals that walk around that area. We were in 9 and I'd request it again on a return visit. A nice feature was the power strip with universal outlets for various styles of plugs. We had several adapters with us but having that was nice as well and we could have left some of our heavier ones at home had we known.

The main lodge is spectacular and the pool area beautiful as well. The service is really what stands out and separates Beho Beho from all the rest. There is no detail left undone and they will bend over backwards for their guests. The current managers, Karin and Walter are amazing and give it a family feel from the moment you arrive. The bandas were always clean and tidy and no sooner would you use a towel but it was quickly replaced as soon as you left for a meal or a drive. I even left my IPad in my room and Karin sprung in to action and had it on the next plane out of Beho's own airstrip and after 3 plane changes it arrived in Zanzibar where it was waiting for me that same night before I left there for the states. I was blown away at how she was in communication with so many people so quickly to make sure I was reunited with it before I left the country.

They rotate guides on all the walks, boat trips and game drives which we worried about. In the end, it's one of the things we loved about Beho. All the guides are first rate getting to know them rounds out the family feel to the place. Karin is an amazing chef and helps plans the menu which is beyond belief. I gained a few pounds but don't regret a single bite. She also made me a birthday cake on the last day that was truly the best I've ever had. There are some surprises Beho likes to keep under wraps so I won't ruin them but each meal will be memorable for many reasons.

There are so many activities that you really do need to stay longer here than at most other safari lodges. The game drives are great and the morning ones are fairly long and cover a great deal of ground. We had incredible encounters with several prides of lions in action that were amazing. The day to the lake and hot springs was also incredible and not to be missed. The walks were also incredibly thrilling. On our first walk we encountered 19 elephants on all sides of us. We were never in danger but what a huge thrill to see them like that! We also spent a night in the tree house which is not to be missed. I won't spoil that either other than to say the web site doesn't do it justice but that's on purpose.

After spending 5 nights here we felt another 2 would have been perfect although I think I could have easily moved in for a month if I had the means. The views were so spectacular and peaceful that just relaxing around the banda and lodge were rewarding enough. There is also a watering hole near the main lodge that has activity every night. Hippos, Lions, Heynas, Warthogs were Beho regulars and just meters away from the couches and bar stools. The Selous is not as densely populated with animals as some of the places in the north where you can see hundreds of animals in your first hour. It's very different from the crater up north as well. In The Selous, you are in open vehicles and you are off-roading to find the animals. You see very few other people during your drives and you truly feel like you're in the middle of nowhere searching for these animals. We were always lucky on every drive to have something exciting happen, even if it took you some time to track it down. We prefer this type of a safari over the zoo like experience of the crater but it's also not for everyone.

Having stayed at another camp in the Selous before Beho, I now realize you can really get the full experience of this reserve from just this one lodge.

Thank You Beho family for the vacation of a lifetime!" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania

"This was our third visit to Beho Beho and it was simply superb. The quality, range and depth of service is outstanding and confirms that they have maintained their objective of doing more than just tracking game.

The lodges have remained the most exquisite and fantastic standard and offer excellent views across the Beho Beho valley.

The whole staff act as a team expertly led by Phil and Tricia who have a relaxed customer focussed style that is simply second to none. Whilst the game is less dense in availability we saw most of the target species and were unfortunate not to see wild dogs which had been there the week before ( a known safari challenge!!). We were particularly fortunate to see a stand off between 17 Hyenas and a pride of 6 lions over a giraffe kill. Each group chased out the other on more than one occasion, until both groups had managed to satisfy their needs. Sadly the plight of the elephant population is well recorded and looks to be currently unsolvable.

The Beho team go to great lengths to offer a range of trips, Boat safaris with alfresco breakfasts, walking evening safaris with sun downers, great themed catering which goes beyond much of the super efforts of other camps. One excellent example is the bush dinner where the guests have dinner literally in the bush, a totally unique dining experience particularly when a couple of hyena arrive as unwanted guests. We were never in danger and it was an incredible evening, I could go on but it would take too long to cover it all.

The Tree house was another Beho innovation, replacing the previous fly camps. Sleeping up a tree in the middle of wild Africa is an experience we will never forget. The detail covered to protect the guest whilst maintaining the sense of adventure made the experience all the more enjoyable. The quality of services available in a tree have to be seen to be believed and would outstrip many expensive hotels!!

The rotation of the guide team is also a great idea, it offers different views and perspectives of game/bird life, safaris and the African experience. We would recommend other camps make this a norm where possible.

The numbers of superlatives for this camp/team and location could go on and on, however it is perhaps best to say that the cliché of "less is more" is particularly apt to this camp, it is simply paradise.

We hope to make a 4th trip in the not too distant future. If the other camps were Excellent, and they were, then Beho Beho deserves the title of the Rolls Royce Safari." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania

"This is a wonderful camp! We were a bit concerned it might feel a little too luxurious and therefore remote from the surroundings but we need not have worried. The bandas are, without doubt, luxurious but the feeling of waking up under your mosquito net with nothing between you and the landscape is stunning.

The facilities in the central area are beautiful and the snooker table great fun. The food was five star and served in several beautiful settings. ALL the staff, led by Walter, work as a fantastic team so that when Walter and Karen were away for a holiday, Phil and Tricia took over seamlessly. They have got this so right and there is a real family feel about the place.

Our game sightings were excellent and all the guides were amazing and were around at lunchtime and in the evening in the lounge area to chat and eat with us. A lovely cake was provided for Chris's birthday. We cannot praise Beho Beho enough." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania

"There is very little to say except - WOW!!!!!!!!

A really wonderful camp. Great experience and just loved it. The management and staff are all superb and maintained a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The food was 1st class and it was by far the best camp we have been to." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania

"As safari novices, we were amazed to see so much wildlife from the veranda of our banda at Beho-Beho before we had set foot outside the camp. It is set above a spring-fed river ravine and offers tremendous views with an audio track to match. The bandas provide bush-style luxury where one can drift off to sleep under the mozzy-net listening to the night-sounds of the Selous. The wildlife is free to wander through the camp night and day – and does; the elephant blocking our way from the bar back to our banda was no alcohol-induced illusion!

After early tea or coffee, the first daily safari sets out at 6:30am with bush-breakfast served by your guide around 8:00am. It is back to base for a delicious lunch, then to be plied with delicious cakes at tea time and then out again for a shorter safari at 4:30pm. Sundowner cocktails are served in the bush, again by your guide, around 6:30pm before returning to camp by 7pm in time for dinner. Meals at Beho-Beho were always a delight and we enjoyed the house-party style, with guests and guides dining and mingling together and sharing safari stories.

We found the longer morning safari to be ideal for longer trips by vehicle with the shorter, afternoon excursion being a good opportunity to take a walking safari. But it is entirely the guests’ choice what they want to do and the guides devote themselves to making every minute an experience and delight.

Beho-Beho is clearly run by a highly motivated and competent team. Guest numbers are kept low and standards very high. The aim is to create the ambiance of a lodge for family and guests – as indeed Beho-Beho originally was – and it certainly worked for us." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania

"It was delightful to arrive at the Beho Beho airstrip and have only a two-minute drive to camp! We arrived in time for lunch, the first of our wonderful meals at there. The food was the best we have had in any camp, and rivaled that of any fine resort or restaurant. The tables were beautifully set in several varied locations -- poolside, in Bailey's Banda, in the overlook, etc. Lunches were usually served buffet style with many choices, and dinners were more formally served. The guests were always joined by one of the managers and some of the guides at each meal.

The bandas are spacious and beautifully appointed. The large bathroom and open air shower had hot water always available. A safe is provided for valuables and a wooden box is supplied for keeping soaps, medicines, and lotions out of the hands of the squirrels who like to drop in. The dressing area has lots of shelves and a large bench. A universal charging strip is provided in each room. The room is open to the view, and the resident geckos make short work of any insect who dares to come in. A telescope is set to enhance game-viewing from your room. Numerous lounges and comfy chairs make relaxing there such a pleasure. And the swimming pool was cool and refreshing.

Beho Beho provides a wide variety of activities, and makes it possible for each guest to choose how to occupy their day. We did several game drives, two walking treks, and the enjoyable drive to Lake Tagalala for the pontoon boat trip and breakfast on the beach. We also stopped at the hot springs for a dip on the way back to camp. The trip to the lake provides the opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos, and plentiful birds.

We enjoyed the rotation of guides at Beho Beho, which gave us the opportunity to learn from their varied backgrounds and expertise. The manager and assistant manager also participate as guides. We had wonderful sightings of lions at play, and watched them for hours without seeing another vehicle. Because of its remote location, it is rare to see more than one other car each day.

This was one of our best safari experiences ever!" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 7n in Kenya

"Its hard to put it in words how incredible our Beho Beho experience was. Everything was so detailed and well thought out and seamlessly delivered.

The guides were so knowledgeable and the lodge's 'family' ethos meant that we got to know the guides really well (dining with them before and/or after safaris). Little surprises made us feel very special and a night in the tree house is a must. Food was stunning and it was great eating in different locations. The banda accommodation was also very high standard. Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania

"What cannot say enough about Beho Beho! The place is well managed and as a result the final product looks effortless. This is a luxurious safari lodge that wants you to have different experiences, whether I'd be the luncheon venue or the boat safari. Etc

Food was also of a high standard; variety of freshly made breads, lovely puddings and good South African wine. The morning game drives were up to 6 hours ling; unheard of on the safari circuit!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya

"Our third visit to Beho Beho and once again we had a fabulous time. Walter and Karin are fantastic hosts, all the guides well informed and fun as well.

The food is superb and served in different locations around the camp. Our banda was clean and very well furnished and Mr Simba still dispenses wonderful cocktails!

Oh yes and we also saw lots of game, including herds of elephants and the wild dogs. We are already looking forward to a return visit!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania

"See earlier comments [Ed: see below!].

Great camp, great team, great experience. Pluses include the variety of options and rotation of guides. Negatives would be the camp is looking a bit tired and game viewing of predators will not be as prolific as other locations in Africa.

A gym would be a good addition.

The self contained lodge - Baileys Banda - is lovely." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania