Reviews of Siwandu
Wildlife sightings and reviews
87 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Siwandu and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
83% success
19% success
35% success
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96% success
83% success
62% success
11% success
0% success
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0% success
"Siwandu review"
Buffalo
3 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wildebeest
4 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Siwandu review"
They made us feel special, like we have not experienced before on our numerous travels. The service is more than 5 star!!!! I'd give it 10+
The pick up from the airstrip was by our guide for the week. He introduced himself and welcomed us. We effectively had our first game drive from the airstrip to the camp. It was marvelous. As we drew up to the lodge we were greeted by the staff with a traditional Swahili song and dance, it was fantastic. We were then offered drinks and we had an initial briefing by the camp Manager. All friendly welcoming and warm. We were shown to our accommodation with was excellent, overlooking the lake.
We had our own guide and butler for the duration of our stay , both fantastic!!! as were all the staff!
The personal service meant we could tailor the timings and safaris to our requirements, as we were newbies it really worked well with the team's guidance. The game drives, boat safari, walking safari and lunch on the pontoon boat were so memorable.
We will NEVER forget the singing and dancing performed by the staff to celebrate our wedding anniversary - what a fantastic, fun, moving gesture. and cake too!!!!
The food was very good and varied, the rest of the whole thing was so good that the food had a hard act to follow." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Striped Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
4 sightings
"Siwandu review"
Noah's team sang and clapped as we arrived at the camp. We had half the camp to ourselves and the rooms are beautifully designed and kept immaculately clean. The food was abundant and excellent (lots of fresh veg which we weren't expecting!).
Every member of the Siwandu team went above and beyond to make our honeymoon stay memorable and special. We were so grateful to Anton our guide for his kind manner, his incredible knowledge and outstanding off-road driving.
The activities of going on the pontoon lunch, the boat safari etc were all brilliant.
We felt we were treated like royalty our entire stay." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Siwandu review"
Everything was brilliant – the camp, location, guides and service. It was such a lovely way to be introduced to a safari – I would recommend it to anybody.
And the food! It was stunning." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Siwandu review"
From the food, service, lodging, attention to detail. It was truly one of the best hospitality experiences that my wife and I have ever experienced.
3/4 nights is the perfect amount of time to see everything and do all that the camp has to offer. You will never be bored, and you will never go hungry. The food kept coming and it was all incredible. The chef and his staff are extremely talented.
I highly recommend anyone to come to Siwandu. They will treat you like family and you'll never want to leave." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Buffalo
3 sightings
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Siwandu November 2023"
My main guide, John, was excellent in relation to the birds as well as the mammals. He even managed to find some wild dogs for me.
The location is very good an the room/tent is excellent.
The only complaint about the food was there was a lot of it, so not complaint at all really." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Siwandu review"
At the time of our visit (June 2023), the dry season hadn't really got going, the rainy season having lasted nearly two months longer than normal. The animals were therefore quite dispersed as there was still plenty of water on the higher ground away from the lakes and river. As a result, there were limited prey species around and therefore limited predators. In six days, we didn't see a cat, although we saw signs of leopard and lions. However, it was clear that the park was drying quickly and by the end of our stay the numbers of prey species around were clearly rising.
Despite the lack of predators, there was plenty to see and the birding was excellent. Our guide also went above and beyond." See all these reviews: 17n in Tanzania
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Siwandu review"
Many activity options available including a boat safari, seeing Hippo, Crocodile up close as well as lots of birds. Also walking safari available if desired (we didn't do this) Not entirely clear if night drives are possible at Siwandu.
Food and service top-notch. Really enjoyed the pre-dinner camp fire chat. Emile was a great camp manager, larger than life and very engaging. Additionally, was very helpful to me when trying to capture particular types of photos around the camp (star trails)" See all these reviews: 17n in Tanzania
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Siwandu review"
The camp is spacious and split into two so we had quite an intimate experience with fewer guests.
The food was delicious throughout although the drinking water is quite sandy.
On the first game drive we had, there were 4 other guests with us so we were very happy that the manager managed to find another guide for us so we had a private experience for the remainder of our stay. We would highly recommend organising a private car in advance as the experience was completely different and so much better.
The game drives are full of different animals but we also saw loads of other vehicles. A boat safari is also available on the lake and we did it twice, very relaxing and different to being in the car. We really enjoyed it!" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Siwandu review"
The area was very green in December, and there had been much rain the previous week. This made hunting for wildlife more of a challenge - but we still saw plenty, including wild dogs. The water trip was excellent, and also lunch relaxing on the pontoon.
A new dam is being built in the Selous - far from the lodge, but the new access road has made the area more accessible. I am worried that the dam will also affect water levels and wildlife over the next few years." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Buffalo
2 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Wild dog
2 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
Other lodges in Nyerere National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Impala Camp
Impala Camp is a comfortable, excellent-value camp with colourful tented rooms raised on platforms, good guiding and tasty food.
Lake Manze Camp
Lake Manze Camp is a rustic, lakeside bushcamp in Nyerere National Park that offers a great wilderness experience and doesn’t cost the earth.
Beho Beho
Beho Beho is one of the best camps we work with in Africa, with gracious hosts, fantastic food and most importantly, excellent guiding.
Sand Rivers Camp
The stylishly put together Sand Rivers has an outstanding reputation, with a wonderful location on the Rufiji River and great guides.
Beho Beho Tree-house
Beho Beho Treehouse is a satellite tree platform for just one couple, managed by Beho Beho and ideal as a one-night honeymoon retreat
Impala fly-camping
While you're staying at Impala Camp in Nyerere National Park, you can enjoy a few nights' fly-camping in the heart of the bush.
Rufiji River Camp
Rufiji River Camp has a lovely location right on the edge of the Rufiji River and while not luxurious, it is one of the lowest-cost camps in the park.
Sand Rivers fly-camp
Sand Rivers fly-camping safaris in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park operate out of Sand Rivers Camp, on the Rufiji River.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous is a smart tented camp on the west side of lake Nzerakera, close to the park’s best wildlife-viewing areas.
Beho Beho Bailey's Banda
Bailey's Banda at Beho Beho is a luxurious safari lodge in Nyerere National Park which can be booked exclusively for you and your party.
Rufiji River fly-camp
Fly-camping trips can be organised from Rufiji River Camp in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is the private sister camp of Sand Rivers, available on an exclusive basis, with its own private drivers and staff.
Mivumo River Lodge
Mivumo River Lodge is Serena's main lodge in the Selous. Although comfortable, the windows and air-conditioning dispel any wilderness feel.
