Tanzania guide
Tanzania plays host to some of Africa's most iconic sights: the plains of the Serengeti, the Wildebeest Migration, the snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the tall silhouettes of the Maasai.
Selous Game Reserve travel guide
Larger than Switzerland, Selous Game Reserve’s vastness is often sold as its most defining feature. But a safari in Africa’s largest reserve reveals delights on a much more human scale. Boutique lodges are scattered sparingly around the savannah, each with a just handful of raised tents overlooking its own patch of water or woodland; no permanent structures are permitted within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A bushwalk with a passionate, naturalist guide could bring you within metres of a herd of buffalo or elephant, where you’ll be praying that the thumping of your heart doesn’t cause a stampede. A nighttime game drive will sharpen your sense of hearing, too – for a snapped branch, the rustle of dry grass – as you scan the darkness for the reflection of an eye.
Selous’ geographical location means that both Southern and East African game roam across its grasslands, lured to the sweet waters of its rivers and lakes where boats cruise past bathing elephants and bobbing hippos.![]()
Selous dwarfs the far more famous Serengeti, yet receives just a fraction of the visitors. It is one of Tanzania’s most exclusive destinations, and its remoteness, expanse and limited lodging ensure it remains so. Animals far outnumber tourists, and the rare experience of being deep in the East African wilderness is one not to be missed.
Our Selous Vacations
Tanzania Selous safari vacation & Zanzibar
Off-the-beaten track safari experiences & paradise beaches
From
£4250
10 days
ex flights
Tanzania luxury safari and beach vacation
Safari in Remote Wilderness, and Relax on a White Sand Beach
From
£7160 to £8730
11 days
ex flights
Luxury Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach vacation
Selous safari then relax on beautiful Zanzibar
From
£5050
13 days
inc UK flights
Southern Tanzania luxury safari vacation
Two of the most wild and unspoilt parks of Tanzania
From
US $14300
12 days
ex flights
Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving vacation
Africa's largest game park
From
US $4800
13 days
ex flights
Tanzania camping safari, Selous and Ruaha
Private adventure penetrating deep into the African bush
From
US $3895
12 days
ex flights
Selous map & highlights
When a reserve is the size of a small country, you might be wondering how on earth you go about deciding which parts of it to visit. But in reality, traditional safaris take place only in the far north of the Selous (around 5 percent of the total area) – making them far more accessible from the popular northern game parks – with the south made up of hunting reserves. The north contains the main lodges and camps – as well as the Rufiji River and Lake Tagalala – meaning you can take your pick of accommodation and safari styles – from bushwalks and traditional game drives to sunset cruises. Selous is normally reached via a short flight from Dar es Salaam; but to really experience the vastness of Tanzania, take the 5-hour train journey through the bush. Your daily commute this is not!
Our top Selous Vacation
Tanzania Selous safari vacation & Zanzibar
Off-the-beaten track safari experiences & paradise beaches
From
£4250
10 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
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African wild dogs
1. African wild dogs
Wild dogs – also known as painted dogs due to their beautifully patterned fur – are highly endangered. Selous is the best place in Africa to observe them in their natural habitat as they live here in great numbers. The eastern region of the reserve offers the greatest chances of sightings of the dogs – as well as of lions, their main competitor – and predator.
Lake Tagalala
2. Lake Tagalala
This oxbow lake, bordered by the skeletons of trees which were drowned as the waters rose, draws elephants, wildebeest and zebra from across the plains during the dry season – these in turn attract lions and other predators. The lake is wonderful for keen birders, too, with many species thriving along its banks. Drive around the lake, cruise its tranquil waters or bathe in the natural hot springs nearby.
Maasai villages
3. Maasai villages
While Selous may seem like a vast wilderness, people do live along its borders, and visiting a Maasai village may just end up being one of the most memorable experiences of your Selous safari. Far from the contrived “tribal” experiences that may be found in more touristy regions, the villagers here are warm, welcoming and simply going about their daily life – find out what life is like beside Africa’s largest game reserve.
Rufiji River
4. Rufiji River
Tanzania’s largest river slices the reserve in two on its journey from the highlands down to the Indian Ocean. Rufiji, and the lakes it leaves in its wake, provide a habitat for hippos and crocs, as well as the opportunity to view wildlife from a boat – a truly tranquil experience. The mighty river winds through forests and grasslands, and small bankside camps guarantee scenic sunset views.
The Big Five
5. The Big Five
The eastern section of Selous is dense with game – including the Big Five, so named because they were historically considered the most challenging (and dangerous) to hunt. Today, the only (legal) shooting taking place in this part of the reserve is with a camera – and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to train your lens on the 120,000+ buffalo and 4,000 lions, some of the highest concentrations in Africa.
More about Selous
The best time to visit Selous is from June to October, when game clusters around the dwindling waterholes and temperatures are less searing...
Responsible Travel's Anna Rice headed to Selous Game Reserve to find the elusive and highly endangered African wild dogs. Here, she recounts her story...
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