Introduction
Once Africa’s largest game reserve, Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park) offers a wild, untamed safari experience unlike anywhere else in Tanzania. Covering over 30,000 square kilometers, this southern Tanzanian jewel promises raw wilderness, fewer tourists, and diverse safari activities beyond the classic game drive.
Quick Facts
- Location: Southern Tanzania, about a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam.
- Size: Larger than Switzerland!
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its ecological importance.
- Renamed: The northern part is now officially Nyerere National Park.
Why Choose a Selous/Nyerere Safari?
- Authentic Wilderness: Vast landscapes with little human footprint.
- Variety of Activities: Boat safaris, walking safaris, and traditional game drives.
- Big Game Sightings: Home to elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalos, hippos, and crocodiles.
- Birding Heaven: Over 440 bird species recorded.
- River Systems: The Rufiji River weaves through the park, creating lush floodplains, swamps, and oxbow lakes.
Safari Experiences in Selous/Nyerere
1. Game Drives
- Explore open plains, woodlands, and riverbanks teeming with wildlife.
- Excellent chances to spot African wild dogs, an endangered and rare sight elsewhere.
2. Boat Safaris
- Cruise along the Rufiji River and see hippos, crocodiles, and colorful kingfishers from the water.
- One of Tanzania’s few parks offering water-based safaris.
3. Walking Safaris
- Venture into the wild with an armed ranger and track animals on foot.
- Feel connected to the land in a way that vehicles can’t offer.
4. Fishing Trips
- Try your hand at fishing along the Rufiji River, often part of lodge activities.
Wildlife Highlights
- Large Mammals: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras.
- Predators: Especially known for its large packs of wild dogs.
- Waterlife: Hippos and crocodiles dominate the rivers and lakes.
- Birds: Pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and carmine bee-eaters.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (June to October) is the prime time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
- Wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching but some areas may be inaccessible.
How to Get There
- By Air: Daily flights from Dar es Salaam to airstrips inside the park.
- By Road: Accessible by rough road, but the drive from Dar es Salaam can take 6–8 hours.
Practical Tips
- Stay Longer: The park is vast—spend at least 3–4 nights to explore properly.
- Lightweight Clothing: It can get very hot and humid, especially by the river.
- Choose Lodges Wisely: Many lodges offer private reserves and special access to boat and walking safaris.