Set on the banks of the Rufiji River with views stretching to Stiegler’s Gorge, Serena’s Mivumo River Lodge enjoys a privileged location within Tanzania’s magnificent Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve). This vast reserve is larger than Switzerland and four times the size of the Serengeti.

An underestimated gem, the Nyerere is home to one of Africa’s densest populations of elephants. The terrain encompasses open savannah, woodlands, and lush wetlands for you to explore on game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks in the company of the lodge’s excellent professional guides. In addition to the rich wildlife, the reserve is a great destination for birders with twitchers recording more than 120 species in a week.

Mivumo offers everything you expect from a Serena Hotel: culinary feasts and thrilling safari experiences, all wrapped up in an exclusive and romantic little lodge in the heart of Big Game Country. The intimate size of the lodge – just 12 secluded chalets – means superb service, optional extras like picnics in the wilderness, and a peaceful, restful atmosphere.

Highlights

• Remote reserve with few visitors
• Magnificent river views
• Game drives & bush walks
• Boating safaris on the Rufiji River
• Only 12 luxurious chalets
• Great honeymoon location

Activities

• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• GAME DRIVES
• FISHING
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• COOKING LESSONS
• JOGGING TRAILS

My highlights here were taking an outdoor shower overlooking the mighty, flowing Rufiji River and spotting two lifers; Pel's Fishing Owl & Palm-Nut Vulture!

Rooms

Standard Room

The lodge offers just 12 wildwood-and-thatch chalets, well spaced in an indigenous forest to preserve the sense of privacy and tranquillity of each. The chalets are raised slightly on timber platforms with gorgeous vaulted thatch roofs that invite a refreshing breeze and beautiful natural light. The atmosphere evokes a luxurious opulence with its modern leather furniture and classic safari décor mixed with luxury linen. The bathrooms are spacious and extravagant with marble basins, generous tubs, and an outside shower with superb views.

You may well be tempted from your chalet’s serenely air-conditioned interior to soak up the sun on a lounger on your private sun deck or Jacuzzi, with views over the Rufiji River.

Facilities

The lodge’s communal areas are located in a series of comfortable, thatched chalets with vaulted ceilings and views over the Rufiji River’s elephants and hippos, all the way to the white water of Stiegler’s Gorge. The open-sided dining room, comfortable lounge, and Safari bar are connected by timber walkways and look out over the river or onto the sparkling infinity pool and its inviting sun deck.

Safari aficionados will marvel at the superb boat cruise experience searching for crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife.

Dining

The central dining area is open-sided and raised on timber decking.  This superb setting for your meals features uninterrupted views of the Rufiji River.

The buffet breakfast menu includes a full English, continental, and European selection. At lunchtime, the buffet once again serves up a feast of dishes with beef, chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables on offer.

Dinner is a culinary highlight featuring an East African-inspired 5-course menu. There is always a vegetarian option and most of the fresh ingredients are locally sourced. The drinks menu boasts an international wine list, freshly squeezed local fruit juices, and award-winning Tanzanian coffee and teas.