Selous Game Reserve: Africa's Hidden Safari Gem
What Makes Selous Game Reserve So Special
Nyerere National Park, located in southern Tanzania, is one of the country’s most remote yet incredibly rewarding safari destinations. Previously known as Selous Game Reserve, it was upgraded to a national park in 2019, solidifying its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nyerere offers an extraordinary safari experience, featuring diverse landscapes from dense woodlands and wetlands to expansive savannahs, and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the African elephant, lions, wild dogs, giraffes, and buffaloes.
A Safari in Nyerere National Park is an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the wild. The park’s sheer size—over 30,000 square kilometres—ensures plenty of space for animals to roam freely, making it a prime location for unforgettable game drives and wildlife encounters.
Let us help you plan your dream Nyerere National Park Safari.
Getting To Selous Game Reserve
Getting to Nyerere National Park is straightforward, with flights available from Dar es Salaam to nearby airstrips in the park. A Safari in Nyerere National Park is an adventure you can easily reach by air, or you can go on a scenic drive from Dar es Salaam, which takes about 5-6 hours. The park is an ideal destination for those seeking a remote and untouched wilderness, with the added advantage of being a relatively short distance from the bustling city.
There are so much Things to Do in Nyerere National Park. The Nyerere National Park Safaris provide excellent opportunities for game drives, as well as other activities like boat safaris on the Rufiji River, where you can spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. The park’s rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife make it one of Tanzania’s premier safari locations.
Descriptions
Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a wide range of attractions, activities, and unique features for tourists:
Attractions for Tourists:
Diverse Wildlife: Selous Game Reserve is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. It’s known for its high concentration of African wild dogs.
Rufiji River: The majestic Rufiji River meanders through the reserve, creating a thriving ecosystem. Visitors can witness hippos and crocodiles basking along its banks, and enjoy boat safaris for a closer look at the aquatic life.
Scenic Landscapes: The reserve boasts varied landscapes, from open grasslands to dense woodlands and lush wetlands. The Rufiji River’s banks are lined with picturesque palm trees, creating a stunning backdrop for safari adventures.
Birdwatching: Selous is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 440 bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. It’s a haven for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.
Things to Do:
Game Drives: Embark on thrilling game drives to explore the vast wilderness and encounter the rich diversity of wildlife. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with their insights.
Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari along the Rufiji River to witness hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. It offers a different perspective on the reserve’s natural beauty.
Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris provide a more intimate connection with nature, allowing you to appreciate the smaller wonders of the reserve, such as tracks, insects, and plant life.
Photography: Capture the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant bird species through photography. The park offers numerous opportunities for stunning shots.
Camping: Selous provides camping facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wild, with the sounds of the African night as your backdrop.
Fun Facts:
- Selous Game Reserve covers approximately 50,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
- The reserve was named after British explorer and hunter Frederick Selous, who was a notable conservationist and instrumental in the park’s early protection efforts.
- Selous is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital conservation area.
The best time to visit Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season, which typically extends from June to October. Here are the reasons why this period is considered the optimal time for a visit:
Optimal Wildlife Viewing: During the dry season, the vegetation is less dense, and the animals tend to congregate around water sources, such as the Rufiji River. This makes it easier to spot a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and numerous other species.
Comfortable Weather: The dry season offers pleasant and relatively cool weather with lower humidity, making game drives and other outdoor activities more enjoyable. You won’t have to contend with heavy rain or muddy conditions, as is common during the wet season.
Photography Opportunities: The clear skies, lush landscapes, and abundant wildlife make the dry season an ideal time for photography. You’ll have excellent lighting conditions and ample subjects for your photographs.
Boat Safaris: The dry season is perfect for boat safaris on the Rufiji River, as water levels are lower, making it easier to observe hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl along the riverbanks.
Accessibility: Roads and trails within the reserve are in better condition during the dry season, making it easier to access different areas of the park and ensuring a smoother safari experience.
While the dry season is generally recommended for prime wildlife viewing and overall comfort, Selous Game Reserve is open year-round. If you have a specific interest in birdwatching or enjoy lush, green landscapes, the wet season (from November to April) can also provide a unique and rewarding experience, although it may involve occasional rain showers. The choice of when to visit depends on your priorities and preferences.
Experience Photo Gallery
Sample Itineraries
Trips To Inspire
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, enchanting beaches and intriguing cities, every bespoke safari is thrilling. Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
10 Days Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Central Serengeti – Zanzibar
8 Days Tarangire, Mto Wa Mbu, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, Lake Eyasi – Airport
9 Days Tarangire, Tribe Visit, Ndutu Area, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Curated uniquely for you
Why Choose Us
We know Africa intimately and your dedicated travel expert will create a custom African adventure that exceeds your wildest dreams. From extraordinary wildlife encounters to exceptional lodges, breathtaking scenery and responsible travel, you’ll be in the safest of hands. Tell us your wishes and we'll draw on our experience to make them come true.
Fair Prices
We offer you the best price available, guaranteed. Ensuring a much better quality to price ratio.
100% Satisfaction
We offer luxury bush safari experience in accommodation and provides clients with an opportunity to experience magnificent reserves and parks in style and comfort.
100% Tailor Made
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We create perfect trip, for your budget.
Discover the essence of Africa
Iconic Destinations for Tanzania Safari & Holiday
Tanzania is home to the Great Migration, Kilimanjaro and some of Africa’s largest parks. Experience remarkable wildlife encounters on the vast plains of the Serengeti, discover the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Rift Valley. Zanzibar’s beaches and historic towns offer the perfect island idyll to end your visit. Let us design a custom trip including the perfect places for you.
The Serengeti
The Endless Plains & Migration
The Tarangire
The Elephant Herds Sanctuary
Zanzibar Islands
The East Africa Paradise
Lake Manyara
Unusual Tree-Climbing Lions
Testimonials
What our happy clients say
The trip was amazing
We loved our Safari holiday so much. Bariki was super helpful. He planned the itinerary perfectly. All the tips for travel including what to pack, how much to tip, what to expect etc were so helpful. We would definitely use you guys again- and plan to for our next holiday!
Beatrice K. Melendez
Customer
Outstanding Safari Tour!!
I had no clue what to book because it was a short timeline. The Tanzania safari trip was so much more than what we could have expected. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, that we will never be able to surpass. We are highly recommend Shalev Tours & Safaris Ltd.
Jonson S, Brandon
Customer
Trip of a lifetime
The itinerary, choice of lodges and standard of accommodation were outstanding. We were completely safe at all times and We never once had to think about where we were going or where we were staying as at every turn, there was someone there waiting to take us to our next adventure - thank you
Kelly D. Lee
Customer
Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience. Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience.
© 2025 Shalev Tours & Safaris Ltd | All Rights Reserved.