Lukula is an experience not a destination. It is life changing by design. It does not operate on the ‘typical’. Envision each safari as a work of art unique to its time and circumstance.
Lukula Selous operates each experience on three fundamental principles. Commitment, Philosophy and Practice.
COMMITMENT
We believe we must provide the best wilderness experience in Africa and we have a commitment to do so. We commit to a safari of discovery, passion and exploration.
PHILOSOPHY
Authentic experiences guide our course. We strive for uniqueness and spontaneity in all activities.
PRACTICE
Professionals and an experienced support team lead our safaris.
Nature is fickle. And each of us is an individual with his or her own character and dreams. Hence, to truly deliver, we practice ‘prepared flexibility’. This is to say that we possess the necessary equipment and knowledge to interpret the opportunities Nature provides on any given day and to design and create a safari experience for our guests. We leave camp each morning fully prepared for the possibility of a full day out of camp. We carry provisions to allow for any eventuality should great opportunities arise.
LUKULA ACTIVITIES
Lukula is an endless canvas on which to craft your safari with the expertise of our team. Certain activities naturally emerge – game drives, walks & stalks, hides. Others are at your discretion based on the time of year or duration of your safari and include fly camping, canoeing (seasonal) bush meals, fishing and extended portered walking safaris.
BUSH MEALS
Great food eaten in great locations with great company is said simply – Great! At Lukula Selous we can wine and dine – Anywhere. Any time.
BUSH WALKS & STALKS
You stand on two. It stands on four. There is nothing between you two but a steady breeze. This is ‘the way’ to learn and experience the African bush.
TRACKING
The tracking of buffalo and elephant, on foot with experienced porters, trackers and professional (and armed) guides is often a part of what we do frequently forming the foundation through which we discover other natural wonders.
SITTING IN A HIDE
We often construct a temporary ‘grass hide’ to allow us to photograph predators feeding or to avoiding disturbing the wildlife in doing so.
FISHING
Basic fishing rod & reel tackle is available in camp.
SLEEP-OUT OPTIONS
We offer fly camping on single or multiple night basis for stays longer than 4 nights. There is no need to prior book as it is something we can decide on a whim.
EXTENDED WALKING EXHIBITIONS
For stays greater than four nights, we offer a fly-camp option. This must be arranged in advance.
This lightweight yet fully equipped fly-camp allows us to explore deep into the remoter parts of the sanctuary on foot, independent from our main camp. The fly-camp is carried entirely by our mobile camp team.
The fly tents are of a ‘pup tent’ style made of canvas and netting and appointed with thick foam mattresses, linens, pillows and blankets. Our chef and staff satiate appetites with wholesome fare and cold drinks. Facilities are a shared hot bucket shower, canvas washbasins, and proper sit-down ‘loo with a view’. It is comfortable and gives a great authentic bush experience under the stars.
COPPER BATHS
It’s not too often that a copper bath magically appears in the middle of an Africa river. This option is yours, with cocktail in hand and a sunset as your entertainment.
MASSAGES
A fully trained massage therapist can be booked to accompany a safari. This must be booked in advance and is subject to additional cost.
CHILDREN
Lukula is a phenomenal experience to share with family. The camp and concession can be booked on an exclusive-basis ensure your own private Africa.
Lukula is a wonderland for young minds. Children are easily absorbed in all its diversity. From tracking leopard along the sand river, stalking impala on foot, learning local bush lore, language and legends, to astronomy and to building their own ‘natural’ shelter and spending a night in the wilderness.
Lukula Selous’ Seasonal Highlights
JUNE THROUGH MID NOVEMBER
THE SCENE
As the dry season progresses, the wildlife concentrates along the Chi, Lukula and Luwego Rivers through the Lukula concession. Hippos concentrate in pods often numbering to the hundreds. Elephant emerge from the riparian forests to dig for clean water. And female zebra, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck prepare to give birth with the advent of the first rains.
By early November, Yellow acacia flush through with blossom in anticipation of the coming rains. Termites emerge and construct their mud citadels with turrets high enough to withstand the impending deluge. Migrant birds arrive from the north.
HIGHLIGHTS
It is the easiest time to access wide areas of the reserve by road. Walking and camping out are great options. and canoeing is possible from August through early November but limited to small sections of the river as the dry season progresses. Main camp is fully functioning with all services and activities available.
MID NOVEMBER TO END OF SEASON
THE SCENE
Some intermittent rains have arrived and the rivers have swollen. Wildlife begins to disperse since water is more widely available. But the reserve is alive with young antelope and hatchlings. By January, zebra and wildebeest followed slowly by herds of buffalo scatter far from the main river up into the hills in search of new vegetation.
HIGHLIGHTS
This season is best for long walking expeditions. The rain moves wildlife into a wider range giving us opportunity for stunning walks in the hills. The road network is more limited. Canoeing is fantastic and more extensive. All camp facilities are available. Main camp is fully functioning with all services and activities available.
