Closure of Azura Selous
February 2019
The government of Tanzania has recently announced plans to build a hydropower dam in the Selous Game Reserve. Whilst we did not expect to be affected, we are sorry to advise you that our Camp Management notified us recently that a team of loggers had unexpectedly arrived in the area surrounding Azura Selous, with the intention of clearing the area in preparation for flooding that will occur when the proposed hydropower dam at Stieglers Gorge is constructed.
We have obviously raised this issue with the Selous Game Reserve Management, and anyone else in authority that we can approach, as this clearing of trees is totally premature. In the studies we have seen, it is envisaged the proposed dam will take more than 3 years to build (from when funding has been obtained which it has not as yet), and another several years to flood the area, so there is no need to disturb us in this way now. However, our complaints have sadly had no impact, the logging has commenced, and the government has advised us to move our camp.
The Management Team at Azura has just returned from Azura Selous, where they went to assess the impact of the logging on our guest experience. We are of the opinion that the damage and disturbance to the habitat and environment where we undertake our game drives is only likely to get worse in the coming months, and as a result we have concluded that we have no alternative but to close Azura Selous at the end of February 2019.
Visit the Azura Islands instead
You can still book an Indian Ocean Island holiday at either Azura Benguerra Island or Azura Quilalea Private Island in Mozambique. Here you can experience a safari of a different kind with the opportunity to explore the diverse and abundant marine life in the protected waters of the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos. Snorkel, scuba dive or kayak in turquoise waters or take part in a guided marine walk where you will be introduced to the fascinating little creatures that inhabit these pristine islands.