Selous Game Reserve Safari Tanzania

Discover the unparalleled beauty and biodiversity of Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Hidden in the heart of Tanzania lies an enchanting expanse known as the Selous Game Reserve, a breath-taking sanctuary where nature pouring forth the wild splendor of Africa captures the soul of every traveler. With its wild landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and a tapestry of diverse wildlife, the Selous Game Reserve stands as a treasure trove for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Join us as we delve into the myriad wonders of this vast reserve, revealing why it should top your travel bucket list!

Selous game reserve (Nyerere national park) is the nature reserve of superlative as well as being both oldest and largest game reserve in Africa is the world of natural beauty and exotic wildlife. The remaining of the steam engine kept at the park headquarter remind us of the by gone age when Tanzania was under the colony of Germany.

Much of the Selous Game Reserve is crossed by the Rufiji River and its tributaries. Most campsites are built along the banks of the mighty Rufiji Rivers to offer magnificent views of the park landscapes and the wildlife.

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Discounted Selous Safari Packages

3 Days Camping Safari in Selous Game Reserve

From US $ 600 per person

3 Days Selous Safari from Dar es Salaam

From US $ 985 per person

5 Days Selous and Mikumi Safari

From US $ 1200 per person

Selous Fly Safari from Dar Or Zanzibar

From US $ 1550 per person

4 Days Selous Luxury Safari

From US $ 1200 per person

A Day Selous Safari From Zanzibar

From US $ 600 per person

The History

The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest and oldest protected areas in Africa. It was established in 1922 and named after British explorer, hunter, and conservationist Frederick Selous. The reserve covers an area of 50,000 square kilometers in the southern part of Tanzania and is renowned for its diverse and unspoiled wilderness.

The history of Selous Game Reserve is deeply intertwined with the colonial and post-colonial periods of Tanzania. During the time of British rule, the reserve was an important hunting ground for big game and became a popular destination for European royalty and aristocrats. However, as the need for conservation efforts became evident, the boundaries of the reserve were expanded and a ban on hunting was established to protect the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the area.

In 1982, the Selous Game Reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. The reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the iconic African elephant, black rhinoceros, lion, and giraffe. Additionally, the Rufiji River, which flows through the reserve, supports a rich diversity of aquatic life and provides vital water resources for the surrounding flora and fauna. Today, the Selous Game Reserve continues to be an important stronghold for wildlife conservation and a popular destination for eco-tourism.

The Landscapes 

The Selous Game Reserve is re-known for its diverse and beautiful landscapes. From open grassy plains to thick forests and winding rivers, the reserve offers a wide range of habitats for various wildlife species. The Rufiji River, which runs through the reserve, is a prominent feature and adds to the breathtaking scenery with its meandering channels and lush riverine vegetation.

The Miombo woodlands, which cover a large portion of the reserve, are home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, and lions. The riverine forests along the Rufiji River provide shelter for numerous bird species, including shoebills and African skimmers. The reserve also contains a large number of lakes, which attract a diversity of waterbirds and wildlife.

The landscapes of the Selous Game Reserve not only support a rich ecosystem but also offer visitors stunning views and unique opportunities for wildlife sightings. It is a place where wildlife and nature come together in harmony, creating a truly magical and awe-inspiring setting for all who have the privilege to visit. With its vast and varied landscapes, the Selous Game Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve

The safari tours by jeep that travel across the Selous started in the early hours of the morning. After a short drive you will encounter some of the Africa fascinating wildlife by meeting with a number of giraffe as tall as trees staring at you.

The adult giraffe can reach up to an approximately height of about five and half meters and they are so ubiquitous in the Selous game reserve than anywhere else in Tanzania and the East African region.

There are also many African buffalos, the Rufiji River and the local terrain supply them with the good supply of drinking water and food. One of the most remarkable feature of the Selous game reserve is the amazing variety of the fauna and flora.

The vegetation on the banks of the Rufiji and its many tributaries contain a huge variety of plant life. Around three quarter of the Selous is covered by dense miombo forest that have adapted to this region long dry period.

Not all of the 52,000 km square of the Selous is having to the public hunting is permitted to some areas of the Selous game reserve is it restricted controlled.

Selous Safaris are done in the hunting free areas north of great Ruaha and Rufiji River. These two rivers offers refugees to the most successful river hunters the “Crocodile” which are often found in large number in various parts of the rivers. Baboons are obviously observed drinking un-worryingly of the crocodiles since they good runners and they knows how to escapes crocodiles successfully.  The waters and swamps lands of the northern Selous game reserves are home to large number of hippopotamus. On the top of the nearby trees you may spot vultures waiting patiently for another chance to feed on the carcass.

The vastness of the Selous game reserves is due to the fact that natural terrain made difficult for men to settle here. In addition to the wildlife the local of plants are also more fascinating here is large variety of vegetation around the quarter of the reserve is covered by savannah.

Safari Activities in Selous

Game Drives

Explore the vast expanses of the Selous in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle, giving you the flexibility to cover more ground and get up close to the animals in their natural habitats. With experienced guides at the helm, you can venture off the beaten tracks and encounter the wonders of the reserve at a leisurely pace.

Boat Safaris

The Rufiji River offers a unique perspective of the Selous Game Reserve through boat safaris. Glide along the waterways surrounded by hippos, crocodiles, and an array of water birds. The tranquility of the river is a stark contrast to the rugged terrain and provides an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts.

Walking Safaris

For those wanting to connect with nature on a more intimate level, walking safaris are a must-do in Selous. Accompanied by armed rangers and knowledgeable guides, you can tread the earth’s paths, learn about the local flora, track wildlife on foot, and appreciate the smaller, often overlooked aspects of the bush.

Planning Your Selous Safari Adventure

When planning your Selous safari, there are several factors to consider to ensure the trip of a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit Selous Game Reserve

The dry season, from June to October, is generally considered the best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve. During these months, the vegetation is sparse, and animals congregate around the remaining water sources, making wildlife viewing easier. However, the wet season, from November to May, brings its own magic as the landscape transforms into a verdant paradise, attracting birdlife and resulting in the birth of many animals. During this time most lodges and camps are closed since the river tributaries are flooded and accessibility to some areas of the park is limited. Due to this reason it is considered not the best time for embark on safari in Selous.

Getting There

Reaching Selous Game Reserve is an adventure in itself. The most convenient way to get there is by flying from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar to one of the several airstrips within the reserve. You can also drive from Dar es Salaam, which takes roughly 3 -5 hours, or catch a train to the nearby town of Kisaki.

Safari Lodges and Camps

Accommodation within the Selous ranges from luxury lodges to rustic tented camps, all designed to blend with the natural environment and provide an authentic safari atmosphere. These accommodations offer guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris, ensuring you experience all aspects of the reserve’s incredible biodiversity.

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