Nearly four times the size of the Serengeti, Selous Park stretches over more than 45,000 km². It is Africa's largest game reserve. This vast territory borders Mikumi National Park. The two parks are in fact part of a much larger natural zone called the Selous-Niassa ecosystem. Mountain ranges, languid forests, grassy plains and wooded areas form the landscape of this superb region, with the mighty Rufiji River as its vital element, fed by numerous lakes.

Selous Game Reserve is an excellent destination for safaris on foot, by boat or by 4x4. You'll discover extraordinarily rich wildlife, both in the number of species and individuals. Moreover, Africa's Big Five and all major predators are present here. During a rejuvenating stay in Tanzanian lands, make sure to explore this immense conservation area!

A brief history of the reserve

In 1896, the German governor designated this area as a protected site. It later became a game reserve in 1905. It owes its name to Frederick Selous, a celebrated big game hunter and environmental advocate.

Among the world's most important protected areas with its spectacular landscapes and pristine wilderness, Selous Game Reserve was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1982. However, this designation was later compromised by the establishment of a hydroelectric dam within the park.

Since 2005, the site has been considered a lion conservation unit. In 2014, it was declared a World Heritage site in danger due to uncontrolled poaching. In 2019, Tanzania's national park authority announced an identity change for the northern sector of the reserve to honor President Julius Nyerere.

The park's biodiversity

Wildlife

Selous Park is home to a large number of wild animals. It has nearly 250,000 impalas, 145,000 buffalo, 100,000 wildebeest, 40,000 hippos, 35,000 zebras, 4,000 lions and many Lichtenstein's hartebeest, waterbucks, bushbucks, leopards, elands, black rhinos, hyenas and crocodiles.

It is one of the rare wild sanctuaries on the African continent where you can still encounter the puku antelope, roan antelope and African wild dog. Once, the site had a significant number of elephants, but due to successive poaching, this number has declined considerably.

Birdlife

More than 445 bird species have been recorded in Selous Game Reserve. Along the lakes, you'll notably encounter giant kingfishers, pink-backed pelicans and African skimmers. If you walk along sandbars, you can admire white-fronted bee-eaters, ibises, palm vultures, fish eagles and carmine bee-eaters.

Other water birds such as the trumpeter hornbill, malachite kingfisher, purple-crested turaco, crowned plover, yellow-billed stork and small waders also inhabit the park. You will also surely spot various migratory species.

Flora

Located between the Somali-Masai and Zambezian regional centers of endemism, the reserve boasts a wide variety of vegetation zones, ranging from wooded grasslands and riparian wetlands to primary forests and dense thickets. It has approximately 2,150 plant species.

The site is dominated by two main vegetation types. North of the Ruaha-Rufiji rivers extend open wooded grasslands, resting on alkaline clay. Here you'll find terminalia spinosa, doum palms and borassus palms.

The rest of the reserve is occupied by dry Miombo forest with deciduous leaves, the main habitat for elephants. The shrub layer consists mainly of leadwood and Diplorhyncus condylocarpus. Rocky hills are often covered with acacias, and underground water galleries host Brachystegia species and wild date palms.

Activities in Selous Reserve

Several activities are worth prioritizing to offer you a memorable experience in Selous Park.

Walking safari

An adventure in Selous is not considered complete without participating in one of the guided walking tours offered there. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the wilderness and appreciate the beauty and serenity of this remote site.

Selous game drives

These are jeep safaris with fairly varied destinations, generally oriented towards water points where animals gather to drink. The guides know the network of trails and the park's hidden corners very well. They will lead you to the best spots.

Boat safari

For boat cruises, you have a wide choice of destinations, ranging from the main course of the Rufiji River to various small channels and lakes. During the ride, you'll encounter hippos, crocodiles and birds of every color. Fishing is also possible, but must be reserved in advance.

Hot air balloon safari

Discovering Selous Reserve from the air is a unique experience. At dawn, around 6 a.m., hot air balloons gently rise above the still-misty savanna. The silence of the flight, interrupted only by the roar of the burner, allows you to observe the wildlife below without disturbing it: elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes…

The flight lasts approximately one hour depending on weather conditions. Upon landing, a "Champagne Bush Breakfast" awaits you, served in the wild. Each balloon is piloted by a qualified professional, guaranteeing safety and serenity throughout the flight. It's a unique way to explore the richness of Selous Reserve, gaining perspective on one of Africa's largest protected ecosystems.

Wildlife photography safari

Selous Reserve offers an exceptional setting for wildlife photography. Capture the Big Five, African wild dogs and breathtaking landscapes. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River are perfect for capturing unique shots of aquatic wildlife and birds.

Relaxation on the banks of Rufiji

The best way to unwind at the end of a safari day in Selous Reserve is to relax on the banks of the Rufiji River while sipping a cocktail in the comfort of a tent camp.

Practical information

Where is Selous Game Reserve located?

Selous Game Reserve is located in southeastern Tanzanie. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean and lies approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam.

By air: Selous Park is easily accessible from Ruaha and Dar es Salaam. It's about 90 minutes by flight from Ruaha and just 45 minutes from Dar Es Salaam. You can also reach it from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

By road: another option is to drive from Dar es Salaam. If time permits, it's advisable to make a stopover at Mikumi National Park.

Note, however, that travel by road is not recommended, as the road is in poor condition and dangerous. Additionally, the journey is long (6 to 7 hours).

When to visit?

The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit Selous Reserve. During this period of the year, animals are easier to spot. They gather around water points, the Rufiji River and lakes.

Toward the end of the rainy season in April, most camps close, as after heavy rains, roads often become impassable. Reopening takes place in late May or early June. If you particularly want to observe wild dogs, the best time is during their denning season between June and August.

What is the price of a safari in Selous Reserve?

A safari in Selous Reserve starts at approximately 75 USD per day and can go up to 650 € per day if flights, guide and entrance fees are included. If you're looking for a multi-day adventure, expect to pay between 690 € and 976 € per person, depending on the duration and specifics of the package.

How much time should you spend exploring Selous Reserve?

To properly explore Selous Reserve, it's recommended to plan between 2 and 4 nights. This will allow you to fully enjoy the wildlife, flora and activities offered, such as walking safaris, 4x4 drives or boat trips on the Rufiji River.