Logo Asili
Selous Game Reserve - Tanzania
Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve

Discover one of East Africa's most spectacular destinations

4.9/5
Visitor Rating
500+
Annual Visitors
5+
Wildlife Species
UNESCO
Heritage Site

About Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve, recently renamed Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa's largest and most untouched wilderness areas, covering over 50,000 square kilometers in southern Tanzania. This vast expanse of diverse habitats offers a truly remote and wild safari experience, far from the crowds and typical tourist routes. Selous is a sanctuary for large populations of elephants, hippos, wild dogs, crocodiles, and a rich array of predators including lions and leopards.

The park's varied landscape includes dense miombo woodlands, sweeping savannahs, winding rivers, and seasonal floodplains, supporting one of the richest concentrations of wildlife in East Africa. The Rufiji River, the park's lifeline, snakes through the reserve, providing essential water sources that sustain life throughout the dry season and offering spectacular river safaris.

Selous is renowned for its unique safari activities beyond traditional game drives. Visitors can explore the wilderness on boat safaris, drifting quietly along rivers to spot hippos, crocodiles, and elusive birdlife. Walking safaris provide intimate encounters with nature, revealing the smaller wonders of the bush under the guidance of experienced rangers. Fishing expeditions and birdwatching tours add to the diverse ways to experience this remarkable park.

Because of its size and wildness, Selous offers unparalleled opportunities to see rare and endangered species in natural, undisturbed habitats. The reserve is a critical conservation area for the endangered African wild dog, and its remote setting allows for authentic wilderness adventures.

Accommodations in Selous range from luxury lodges and tented camps to more rustic eco-camps, all designed to immerse guests in the wild while promoting conservation and sustainability.

Selous Game Reserve

Highlights of Selous Game Reserve

Discover the unique experiences that make this destination unforgettable

Vast Wilderness

Explore one of Africa's largest protected areas, spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, with diverse landscapes including savannahs, miombo woodlands, river channels, hot springs, and lakes.

Rich Wildlife

Encounter elephants, lions, endangered African wild dogs, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 440 bird species.

Exclusive Safari Experience

Enjoy fewer tourists and vehicles, creating intimate and uncrowded wildlife viewing opportunities.

Unique Safari Activities

Take boat safaris on the Rufiji River to see hippos and water birds, guided walking safaris for close-up bush experiences, and traditional game drives through varied habitats.

Stunning Scenery

Experience ever-changing landscapes ideal for photographers—golden light through baobabs, dusty plains, and tranquil river vistas.

Eco-Friendly Lodging

Stay in rustic bush camps or luxury lodges designed to blend with nature and minimize environmental impact.

Plan Your Visit

When to Visit

The best time to visit Selous is during the dry season, which spans from June to October. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around the shrinking water sources of the Rufiji River and the park’s lakes. The roads are more accessible, visibility is higher, and temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for game drives, boat safaris, and walking adventures.The green season, from November to May, brings a very different atmosphere to the park. Rainfall transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise, with blooming flora, migratory birds, and the birth of many young animals. While game viewing can be slightly more challenging due to thicker vegetation, the beauty and tranquility of the park in this season are unmatched. Fewer visitors during this time also mean a more peaceful, personal safari experience.Selous (Nyerere) is easily accessible via short flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha, making it a fantastic addition to both southern and northern Tanzania safari itineraries. At Asili Africa Expeditions, we specialize in crafting tailor-made journeys through Selous that combine wildlife exploration, serene landscapes, and the timeless rhythm of untouched nature.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from luxury lodges and tented camps to more rustic eco-camps, all designed to immerse guests in the wild while promoting conservation and sustainability.

How to Get There

Easily accessible via short flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha. Road access is also possible but requires longer travel times.

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Experience incredible wildlife encounters in their natural habitat

African Wild Dogs

African Wild Dogs

African Elephants

African Elephants

Lions

Lions

Nile Crocodiles

Nile Crocodiles

Leopards

Leopards

Ready to Experience Selous Game Reserve?

Let our expert team create a personalized safari itinerary just for you

EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER OFFER

Get 10% Off Your First Safari

Join 5,000+ safari enthusiasts receiving exclusive deals, travel tips, and wildlife updates

Get 10% off your first safari
Exclusive early access to deals
Monthly safari tips & guides
No spam, ever
Unsubscribe anytime
5,000+ subscribers
A
B
C
D
127 people subscribed this week

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails from Asili Africa Expeditions. View our Privacy Policy. Discount code will be sent to your email within 5 minutes.