Serena Mivumo River Lodge

Serena Mivumo River Lodge is a luxurious boutique safari lodge set on the banks of the Rufiji River in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), Africa's largest protected wilderness. The lodge enjoys a privileged location within the majestic reserve, overlooking the river with views stretching to Stiegler's Gorge and the white water beyond. Concealed on the forested bank of the Rufiji River in southern Tanzania, it sits inside the UNESCO Heritage Site named for its diversity of wildlife and habitat, offering splendid isolation and an exclusive retreat deep in the bush.

Rooms

The intimate lodge features just 12 secluded, spacious chalets (wood-and-thatch bandas) plus one suite called Mivumo Villa (three double bedrooms). The chalets are beautifully spread out along the river in an indigenous forest to preserve privacy and tranquillity, raised slightly on timber platforms/stilts/timber decks above the awe-inspiring Rufiji River. Each chalet has a gorgeous vaulted thatch roof inviting refreshing breeze and natural light, with modern leather furniture, classic safari décor, luxury linen, wooden floors, and an appealing blend of Edwardian elegance and contemporary comfort. The Mivumo Villa serves families/groups with three double ensuite bedrooms, private deck with sun loungers, plunge pool, and rain shower.

Views & Wildlife

From your terrace, outside shower, and open-sided communal areas, you enjoy unparalleled views of the wilderness stretching over the Rufiji River to Stiegler's Gorge. The lodge's elevated position offers magnificent vistas where you can observe hippos, elephants, and crocodiles congregating on the riverbank as the sun sets. The terrain encompasses open savannah, woodlands, and lush wetlands teeming with wildlife. Selous has Africa's largest concentration of elephants in the world and is home to The Big Five, with over 120 bird species recorded in a week.

Facilities & Dining

The lodge's communal areas are located in a series of comfortable, thatched chalets with vaulted ceilings and views over river and pool. Facilities include an open-sided dining room, comfortable lounge, Safari bar, well-stocked library, timber walkways, and a sparkling infinity pool with sun deck (some chalets have private plunge pools). The dining room is perched on timber decks above the river and traditionally thatched for an exclusive dining experience. Breakfast includes full English, continental, and European selection, while dinner features an East African-inspired 5-course menu with vegetarian options using locally sourced fresh ingredients. The drinks menu boasts international wine list, local fruit juices, award-winning Tanzanian coffee and teas.

Activities

Mivumo offers exclusive game drives, bush walks/wilderness walks, boat trips/safari/riverboat safaris on the Rufiji River, and bush picnics/wilderness picnics. Professional guides and trackers teach about the animal circle of life in untamed terrain. Guests can enjoy lunch in the bushveld or along the river, evening cocktails in lounge/sandbanks/bush/fire-pit deck, and stargazing by the bonfire. Activities let you explore this natural wonderland and get out into the wilderness, tracking small and large animals home in the Selous.