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Selous safari landscape in southern Tanzania Kitano Tours & Safaris | Selous Collection

Selous Safaris and Nyerere National Park Tours

Discover Selous safaris in southern Tanzania, where vast wilderness, Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, and lower visitor traffic create one of the most rewarding remote safari experiences in the country. This destination is ideal for travelers looking for wildlife, river scenery, and a quieter southern circuit safari from Dar es Salaam.

39 Selous packages found
$435 Starting from
Southern Circuit Remote wilderness, river, and wildlife

About Selous National Park

Selous is one of the most famous safari landscapes in southern Tanzania and is closely associated with the wider Nyerere National Park region. It stands out for its enormous wilderness feel, broad landscapes, Rufiji River ecosystems, and safari style that feels more remote and less crowded than many northern parks.

The area is known for classic game drives, scenic boat safaris, walking safaris, and strong wildlife viewing across river channels, open bush, woodland, and floodplain habitats. For travelers who want something wilder and quieter, Selous offers a very different atmosphere from the busier safari routes.

It is especially attractive to people looking for southern Tanzania safari experiences with deeper immersion, beautiful river scenery, and a chance to enjoy both land-based and water-based wildlife viewing in one destination.

Rufiji River Safaris

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River bring a different safari perspective, with excellent chances to see hippos, crocodiles, birds, and riverside wildlife.

Remote Wilderness

Selous is loved for its quieter and more spacious safari feel, making it a strong option for travelers seeking a less crowded safari atmosphere.

Walking and Game Drives

The destination combines classic game drives with walking safaris, giving travelers both broad wildlife viewing and a closer experience of the bush.

Why Travelers Choose Selous

Travelers choose Selous because it feels wild, open, and more private. It is well suited to guests who want an authentic southern Tanzania safari with fewer vehicles, broad natural scenery, and more variety in how they explore the landscape.

In addition to game drives, Rufiji River boat safaris give the destination a special identity. Walking safaris are also a strong attraction for travelers who want to experience the bush more closely with professional guidance.

The dry season from June to October is especially popular for wildlife viewing, while other months can be rewarding for birdlife and greener scenery. Access is possible by flight from Dar es Salaam or by road depending on the itinerary and travel style.

Travelers planning a broader Tanzania itinerary can also explore our Tanzania safaris, browse more safari packages, or contact our team for a custom Selous safari from Dar es Salaam or another starting point.

Looking for the Right Selous Safari?

Share your travel dates, group size, or preferred safari style with our team. We will help you choose the right Selous or Nyerere safari package and shape a smooth southern Tanzania itinerary.

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Selous Safari FAQs

Where is Selous located?

Selous is located in southern Tanzania and is closely linked with the wider Nyerere National Park and Rufiji River safari region.

What is Selous known for?

Selous is known for remote wilderness, Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, wildlife diversity, and a quieter southern circuit safari experience.

When is the best time to visit Selous?

The dry season from June to October is often ideal for wildlife viewing, while greener periods can be rewarding for birdwatching and scenery.

Can I book a Selous safari from Dar es Salaam?

Yes. Many travelers plan a Selous safari from Dar es Salaam, either by short flight or by road depending on the itinerary.

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Selous National Park
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Selous National Park

The Selous Game Reserve is a hidden gem, with only 1% of Tanzania's tourists venturing to this part of the country. It is renowned as one of Africa's last remaining untouched wilderness areas. Its vast savannah stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a rare opportunity to go days without encountering another car or traveler.

One of the highlights of this game reserve is the Rufiji River, a majestic river teeming with crocodiles and hippos. Together with the Great Ruaha River, it forms a river delta, providing incredible game viewing opportunities and some of the most thrilling boat safaris in East Africa.

History of Selous

The Selous Game Reserve was initially established as a protected area in 1896 by the German Governor of Tanganyika, Hermann von Wissmann. In 1905, it was transformed into a hunting reserve and was officially named Selous Game Reserve in 1922 (hunting is no longer permitted). Its name pays homage to Frederick Courtney Selous, a renowned hunter and friend of the colonialist Cecil Rhodes. Selous tragically lost his life in 1917 to a German sniper and was laid to rest in Beho Beho within the game reserve.

It wasn't until the 1940s that the reserve reached its massive size, and in 1982, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2019, the Tanzanian government, under President Magufuli, allocated a significant portion of the territory to create a new national park, which is now under the management of TANAPA, the national park agency.

President Magufuli also controversially planned the construction of a mega dam to provide hydroelectricity to surrounding villages. This decision has faced criticism from both conservationists and economists.

Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve

Selous boasts an impressive density of wildlife, making it one of Tanzania's premier safari destinations. The reserve is home to 40,000 hippos, 120,000-150,000 buffalo, 100,000 wildebeests, and 35,000 zebras, all thriving in an area comparable in size to Denmark.

The abundance of prey attracts a diverse range of predators, including 4,000 lions, as well as leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. Selous is also a sanctuary for rare species such as the African wild dog, with 50% of its population residing here, and the sable and puku antelopes.


How to Reach Selous Game Reserve

There are several transportation options for reaching this remote wilderness. The most convenient method is by plane from Dar es Salaam or the nearby Ruaha National Park.
The flight from Dar es Salaam to Selous takes approximately 45 minutes, while it would take around 90 minutes from Ruaha.

For those seeking a scenic route, a car journey offers breathtaking views. The drive from Dar es Salaam takes between 4 to 6 hours and passes through the equally stunning Mikumi National Park, providing two adventures in one.

Adventurous travelers may opt for the unique experience of taking the TAZARA train line from Dar es Salaam to Zambia. This train passes through Selous and offers a four to five-hour journey with stunning views and the chance to see wildlife directly from the train. However, be aware that the train is notorious for its delays.

When to Visit Selous Game Reserve

The best time to visit Selous, like most national parks in Tanzania, is during the dry season from June to October. During this period, the sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife.

The rainy season from March to May and late October to mid-December can make the roads impassable and animals harder to spot. For bird enthusiasts, the shorter dry season from mid-December to March is highly recommended. This is when many migratory birds settle in Selous. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive wild dog, June to August is the ideal time, as it is their denning season.

Things to Do in Selous Game Reserve

There are numerous ways to explore the park, including game drives, river rafting safaris, boat cruises, fishing, and walking safaris. For a truly unique experience, consider embarking on a hot air balloon safari or indulging in fly camping. Bird enthusiasts can marvel at the 440 species of birds from a boat, while also enjoying sightings of hippo pods and crocodiles patiently awaiting their prey.

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