Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Southern Tanzania Tanzania

Altitude

100-500m

Area Size

50,000 km²

From Nairobi

1,400 km

Best Time

June to October (dry season, best w

About Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Selous Game Reserve is Africa's largest protected wildlife area, spanning over 50,000 square kilometers - four times the size of the Serengeti. Named after famous hunter and conservationist Frederick Selous, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was recently renamed Nyerere National Park in honor of Tanzania's first president. Unlike northern parks, Selous offers unique walking safaris, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and an off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer tourists. The reserve is famous for its large populations of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Highlights

Boat safaris on Rufiji River
Walking safaris (unique experience)
Largest elephant population in Tanzania
Stunning Rufiji River system
Wild dogs (endangered species)
Crocodile and hippo viewing
Less crowded than northern parks
Stiegler's Gorge

Activities

Boat safaris
Walking safaris
Game drives
Fly camping (wilderness camping)
Bird watching
Fishing (in designated areas)
Photography safaris

Best Time to Visit

☀️

June to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)November to December (short rains)January to February (good conditions)March to May (long rains, difficult access)

Essential Information

Weather & Climate

Tropical climate. Dry season: June-October (25-30°C, minimal rainfall). Wet season: November-May (warmer, more humid, 30-35°C). Long rains: March-May can restrict access.

Wildlife

Elephant (largest population in Tanzania), Buffalo, Hippo (large pods), Crocodile (abundant), Wild dogs (endangered, good sightings), Lion, Leopard, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Greater kudu, Waterbuck, 440+ bird species.

Getting There

By air: Scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam (1 hour), Zanzibar, Arusha, and Selous airstrips (Msembe, Kiba, Mtemere, Siwandu). By road: 6-7 hours from Dar es Salaam (rough roads, 4x4 recommended).

Accommodation

Luxury lodges, tented camps, and fly-camping options. Popular options: Selous Impala Camp, Sand Rivers Selous, Rufiji River Camp, Selous Safari Camp, Selous Kinga Lodge (budget). Limited accommodation - book well in advance.

Travel Tips

Combine with Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam for a beach extension. Selous is best combined with southern circuit (Ruaha, Mikumi). Best wildlife viewing along Rufiji River. Boat safaris are excellent in dry season when animals concentrate near water.