The Selous Game Reserve covers 54,600 square kilometers and comprises vast wilderness, including forests, grassy plains, mountains, and open woodlands.
It is the largest protected game reserve on the African continent and is one of the largest fauna reserves in the world.
This reserve was named after Frederick Selous Courtney, a renowned hunter and explorer. Selous Safari Holidays is highly recommended, as this reserve is twice the size of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and three times the size of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
This reserve was established in 1922, and in 1982 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich wildlife diversity and pristine natural conditions.
The reserve is located in southern Tanzania, along the southern section of the Tanzania safari circuit. It offers a respite from the large tourist crowds in northern destinations such as the Serengeti while providing a remarkable wildlife experience.
It is considered one of the country’s hidden gems and offers a wide range of Selous Game Reserve Camps for accommodation.
The reserve is about 219 kilometers from the business city of Dar es Salaam and may take about 4 hours to drive to.
There are several wildlife mammals found within this national reserve, among which are approximately 145,000 buffalo, 4,000 Lions, 100,000 wildebeests, large herds of giraffes, 35000 zebras, 40000 hippos, 250,000 impalas, large numbers of Lichtenstein’s hartebeests, waterbucks, elands, and bushbucks, in addition to leopards, crocodiles, and hyenas.
Furthermore, this is among the few wildlife sanctuaries on the African continent where you will find puku antelope, African wild dogs, and sable antelope.
Previously, the Selous was home to a large number of elephants. Still, due to excessive poaching, these numbers have declined significantly, as seen on game drives with Selous Safari Holidays.
This game reserve is also home to more than 445 bird species. These have been recorded to live in the various habitats within the reserve, for instance, along the lake areas are the giant kingfishers, the pink-backed pelican, as well as the African skimmer; along the sandbanks, you will see the white-fronted bee-eater, fish eagle, carmine, ibises, and palm nut vultures.
The purple-crested turaco, yellow-billed stork, trumpeter hornbill, white-crowned spur-winged plovers, malachite kingfishers, and various small waders are among the other water birds, along with various migrant species, all visible.
The Southern Selous, South of the Rufiji, is split up into several ‘hunting blocks’ – each of which typically covers about 1,000km².
The northern Selous covers only around 5% of the reserve’s total area.
Hunting is not permitted in this area; it is designated for photographic safaris only.
The game drive is the most important activity you can do in Tanzania park reserves. Since Selous is quite vast, game drives activities carried out in different styles to ensure the luxury of exploration of Africa Safari
Early Morning Game Drive. You can enjoy an early Morning Game Drive which starts just before dawn at around 6 am and normally finishes by 8:30 am when you return to your lodge/ camp. It is possible to have a light breakfast before starting.
Morning Game Drive. A Morning Game Drive usually starts after breakfast around 7:30 am it always ends during lunchtime around 12:30.
Late Morning Game Drive. A Late Morning Game Drive is usually done in tandem with an Early Morning Game Drive and starts between 10 and 11 am, returning for lunch at around 12:30.
Afternoon Game Drive. An afternoon Game Drive usually starts around 4 pm, returning before dark between 6 pm and 6:30 pm
En-Route Game Drive.Is performed en route to a lodge/ camp or just when exiting the park
Full-Day Game Drive. Usually, to spend a full day driving, a packed lunch is provided. Normally start after breakfast around 7:30 am and return before dark between 6 pm.
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Tanzania. Safety is not an issue armed rangers accompany all walks. This is a guided walking tour you will get an opportunity to enjoy an up-close encounter with Mother Nature as you appreciate the beauty and serenity of this remote but beautiful reserve.
Tourists who are interested in bird watching will have an unforgettable experience to see more than 400 bird species in the Selous Game Reserve. You just don’t watch birds but you get amazing lectures from our experienced safari guides.
The Selous is also the best place for the boat safari experience. Tourists will have the opportunity to explore the different water channels including lakes and the river Rufiji. Expect to see various wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds
Experience a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the vast Selous Reserve in the southern part of Tanzania. Tourists enjoy an aerial view of the plains below as you marvel at the different wild animals in the reserve. Don’t miss this great experience in Selous!
You can set out on the Selous fly-camping safaris which are organized by a number of camps. These adventures involve sleeping out in the African wilderness in basic tents under a mosquito net. These adventures are more suited for tourists who can do without so much comfort.
Being a classic dry park, the Selous has remarkable game viewing opportunities, the biggest crowds of animals are usually experienced in the best time of the year which is July to October. The best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve is from June to October.
This is the critical question every adventure seeker tends to ask.
Yes, is one of the best questions you need to know before departing from home.
Selous can be accessed by air, road, and railway. All these options offer an adventure of their own before visiting Selous Game Reserve.
Just a half-day drive, from Dar-es-salaam through Kibiti and Mloka to Mtemere gate. Spend about 5-7 hours drive covering a distance of about 240 kilometers / 149 Miles. This is the direct route if you’re not combing with other southern destinations, the road is bumpy.
If you’re combing with other parks including Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks, you will take the alternative road to Morogoro via Kisaki and Mkuyuni before reaching the Matembwe entrance gate. The road via Morogoro will give you a glimpse view of Tanzania Mainland dotted with palm trees and beautiful mountain ranges from the far including the Uluguru Mountains
From the Dar es Salaam, travelers can visit Selous Game reserve by using TAZARA ( Railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia). Spend about 4 to 5 hours before reaching Matambwe. Is an adventure you don’t dare to miss while on a Tanzania holiday and enjoying the beauty of southern Tanzania wilderness. Though we recommend close follow-up, for monitoring of any train availability which might change without early notice.
Is one of the quickest ways to reach Selous Game Reserve. Most of these flights are chartered with numerous departures from Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam. Determine by the high traffic of travelers flying into Julius Nyerere International Airpot, connecting flights to Selous has become an easy option.
Bear in mind that these Scheduled flights will have to connect to other neighboring parks including Ruaha National Park. We recommend as the quickest way to visit Selous Game reserve and even extend your stay either in Zanzibar Island or Dar es Salaam.
Once it comes to accommodation we have the best suggestions for safari camps with Selous Game Reserve. Something to learn about overnight stay within the park you will be subjected to overnight fees commonly known as the concession fees. Despite that, we have the best collection of mid-range and luxurious camps with the park. We invite you to take a look for more details. Enjoy the ride with us! And if you feel ok, contact us for more information.
[ess_grid alias=”selouslodging”]
Being a classic dry park, the Selous has remarkable game viewing opportunities, the biggest crowds of animals are usually experienced in the best time of the year which is July to October. The best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve is from June to October.
Being a classic dry park, the Selous has remarkable game viewing opportunities, the biggest crowds of animals are usually experienced in the best time of the year which is July to October. The best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve is from June to October.
Once it comes to accommodation, we have the best suggestions for safari camps in the Selous Game Reserve.
For overnight stays within the park, you will be subject to overnight fees, commonly known as concession fees.
Despite this, we offer the best selection of mid-range and luxury camps within the park.
We invite you to review the details. Enjoy the ride with us! If you feel comfortable, contact us for more information.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips that attract people with the same interests and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are a hallmark of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed.
Depending on the service level or tour type you have chosen, a pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win for an enjoyable trip.
Our cook accompanies other tours, and other services are included with our accommodation partners, including hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.
The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos.
We conduct safaris in politically stable regions to ensure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well-trained about wild animal behaviors, and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness.
Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers with a hatched roof to give maximum visibility of the game.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
Tanzania’s destinations are accessible year-round, but we recommend scheduling your safari during the dry season for the best sightings, as grasses and bush are at their least dense—July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincide with the Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken across Africa, this is not a problem, as English is widely spoken in East and Southern Africa. In addition to English, all our professional guides are multilingual, so we have you covered.
African safaris offer unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the defining features of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”).
On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified!
Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!
Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.
Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.
Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.
Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges
Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.
Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.
The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.
African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.
Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Note – the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year. A good thing is it won’t happen in one day it takes time to complete. And we update most of our clients once the migration starts, so if your great desire is to witness the migration communicate with us in advance so as we can try our best to assure your encounter. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year. The best probable months are July, August, September
Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.
(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered
