Azura Selous in pictures
A leopard had spent the afternoon dozing near the airstrip
The handsome young creature posed for photographs
A pride of lions lounged nearby in a dry river bed
Joseph, our guide, navigates a surprisingly English-looking patch of Tanzania
The reserve covers 20,000 square miles, and you may never see another vehicle during your stay
A walking safari is an excellent way to get to know the ecosystem
Impala, among the most common sightings, are always on the lookout for predators
African bee eaters perch by their nests, soaking up the morning sun
Zebra, among the more skittish of animals, are seen often - but rarely for long
The elusive elephant, finally in our sights...
...and, on the other side of the tree line, he struts his stuff
A male lion settles down, having renewed the scent marks in this part of his territory
Another male, with a female partner, rest after mating. Two prides currently live in the area around Azura Selous
Sundowners are a nightly safari ritual, here enjoyed on the banks of the Ruaha river
Breakfast is laid on somewhere different each morning
The central area of the lodge includes an open-sided lounge...
...as well as a swimming pool
Each villa has a patio and plunge pool, overlooking the river...
...offering a fine view of the river's other inhabitants
Vervet monkeys share the shoreline with the hippos...
... and occasionally fishing expeditions, seeking catfish or tiger fish
The river, called the Ruaha, runs all the way through the Selous
