Location: Karatu, Arusha, Tanzania
Overview
BEHO BEHO, known locally as ‘wansalishi’ which in Swahili means ‘the pioneer’ was the first permanent camp to be located in the northern sector of the Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park). Originally a hunting Camp in 1972, later purchased by the Bailey Family following the break-up of the East African Community in 1977 which saw it converted to a permanent camp.
Sited on Kipalala Hill, above the Msine tributary of the Beho Beho River, enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rufiji River flood plain. The uniqueness of the camp is, it sits in the center of five different ecosystems namely; riverine, mountainous, water systems, open and lightly wooded savannah, to miombo woodland.
This private camp was rebuilt in 2004, for safari enthusiasts to give them a wonderful experience of ‘sleep out’ perched alongside and within a giant ancient leadwood tree overlooking a dry river bed. The seven individuals, very spacious ’bandas’ of stone-built thatched cottages.
Each Banda has either a double or twin king-sized ‘four posters’ bed swathed in a mosquito netting, and can accommodate an additional bed, an en-suite bathroom with twin basins, hot and cold water, a high flush toilet, with fine bed linen, a comfortable duvet, a dressing room, an ‘open air’ shower, Charlotte Rhys toiletries , hair dryer, individual plunge pools, Zanzibar day beds, writing desk, and a totally open and spacious veranda which is secured with ‘tented curtains’ or left open as you desire.
The main camp house is furnished in the style of a spacious private house, with comfortable seating, a bar, dining areas, and a billiards room with a full-size billiards table. The open plan ensures fantastic views over the reserve and can be used on exclusive basis including the Baileys Banda, a private villa, 2 bedroomed house of the owner’s added in 2012 with its own brigade of guiding and hospitality staff, vehicle on exclusive use, own plunge pool, TV/DVD, Wi-Fi and a perfect ‘hideaway for up to 5 guests which incurs a supplement when booked.The Camp is accessible by air on scheduled flights approx. 45mins from Dar es Salaam or Ruaha, private charters of single or twin-engine plane flies directly into BEHO BEHO airstrip a 5 min drive to the main camp. The Camp is closed between 14th March and 1st June each year due to the ‘long rains’ and airstrip is closed, with roads impassable.
Uniqueness of this Property
- The Beho Beho has an exclusive treehouse that enables couples to spend a night under the African sky from the comfort of a purpose-built platform in the treetops.
- Camp as it sits in the center of five different ecosystems – riverine; mountainous, water systems, open and lightly wooded savannah, to miombo woodland.
- The open-airy spacious bandas separation of just a curtain drawn across the veranda at night.
Accommodation
7 individual stone built and palm thatched spacious ‘bandas’ cottages, each has a king-sized double or twin bed, mosquito nets, writing desks, comfortable ‘suite’ furniture, the front of the Banda is totally open and extends on to a spacious veranda, each is secured for the night with ‘tented curtains’ or left open as desired.
An additional bed may be added, en-suite bathrooms with twin basins, high flush toilets, an ‘open air’ shower, supplied with Charlotte Rhys toiletries, hair dryers and each has a plunge pool.
Bailey’s Private Villa, is 2 bedrooms with private plunge pool, sitting room, deck for game viewing, kitchen, dedicated guide and staff, exclusive use of private safari vehicle and an extra supplementary ‘Baileys Banda charge’ applies per night.
The Treehouse is located one hour’s walk away from the camp, perched up alongside and within a giant Leadwood tree, an exclusive ‘night in the bush’ adventure for two guests. The Treehouse is guarded, guided and hosted by one of the BEHO BEHO walking guides. It has a comfortable, mosquito netted, wheeled bed that can be moved under the shade or under the stars, en-suite shower, toilet facility in the tree complete with hot and cold running water, guests pay a supplement and a minimum of four nights stay required at the camp to experience the treehouse.
Each guest accommodation has 24-hour electricity and output for recharging personal equipment in each Banda
Wi-Fi in all the bandas
Amenities
The Amenities:
- Swimming pool & Pool house
- Sitting Area
- Dining Area
- Bar Area
- 24-hour Electricity supply 240v50hz
- Bore hole for water supply
- Bottled water is provided in the bandas, main camp and on game drives.
- Complimentary laundry service (subject to weather)
- Children ages 12 and over are welcome
- No Wi-Fi in main areas of the camp
- No telephone signal in the camp
- Billiards room with a full-sized billiards table.
Activities
- Game Drives 4WD open-sided vehicles
- Visit Lake Tagalala is about 45 minutes’ drive -Breakfast is taken on the lake shore, Sleep-outs
- Birdwatching
- Guided Walking Safari