Mivumo River Lodge

Standing high on the banks of the slow, brown Rufiji River, with glorious views down to the plunging torrents of Stiegler's Gorge, the Mivumo River Lodge offers just twelve luxurious rooms, each of which is housed in a timbered chalet with private viewing deck and plunge pool. Traditionally thatched, with high vaulted ceilings and picture windows, each room features an engaging mix of classic safari antiques and ultra-modern leather and rattan styled furniture. Softly lit and breeze-cooled, the lodge offers the ultimate escape to one of the world's last undiscovered wilderness frontiers.

Overlooking the Rufiji River, the spacious central dining room, lounge, library and bar each have their own spacious timber and thatched chalets, which are interconnected by broad wooden walkways offering excellent views of the hippos and elephants of the riverbank. High on the river bank is a spectacular ‘infinity' pool and sundeck.

Widely spaced amongst the indigenous forest, each room is accommodated in its own wildwood chalet, whose brushwood thatched roof is high vaulted to allow maximum play of light and breeze. Slightly raised on sprung wooden floors, each room features a charming mix of Edwardian crystal chandeliers, marble basins, classic safari antiques and subtly understated modern leather and rattan furniture. The spacious and opulent country-house-inspired bathrooms also feature an exterior shower with wilderness views.  Each room has its own extensive private sun-deck, loungers, plunge-pool and river views.

Slightly raised on timber decks above the famous Rufiji River, the open-sided dining room offers a selection of exclusive seating areas, an elegant library, a charming lounge and a safari bar. All overlook the river with uninterrupted views of the hippos, elephants and crocodiles that congregate on its banks.  Breakfast and lunch are presented in buffet-style and feature a wide range of international choices.  Dinner is more formal with 4 or 5 courses.

This is a new lodge to Safari&Beach, run by the Serena hotel chain, which can be formulaic but which works well in this instance.