Selous Game Reserve safaris, tours & holiday packages
Excellent walking safarisCustom Selous Game Reserve
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Get to know Tanzania beyond the Serengeti: visit the Selous for walking or boating safaris, big cats and plenty of plains game
Selous, like Ruaha National Park, is one of Tanzania's best second-time safari destinations, with the focus on walking, plains game vistas and – if you're lucky – cats, rhino and wild dog. What's left of the Selous Game Reserve today is the wonderful Rufiji River and everything north of it, including the vast spaces downstream of Stiegler’s Gorge. You need more time here to see the same number of species as you would in the north, but the river and boating experience are well worth it. You might find the scarce Pel’s fishing owl if you go as far upstream towards Stiegler’s Gorge as possible – and luck is on your side.
Popular Selous Game Reserve safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
The Selous Game Reserve and Pel’s fishing owl
Explore the Selous Game Reserve and Stiegler's Gorge by 4x4, boat or walking safari, looking for Pel's fishing owl, wild dog, rhino and elephant
$ 2,919
£ 2,319
R 41,537
€ 2,574
per person
6 days
“'If you visit at the right time of year and stay as far upstream as possible, the Selous is magic. It's great for walks and boat trips on the river. Wild dog is seen regularly, or you might be lucky to see some of the last black rhino.' ”
More on Selous Game Reserve holidays
Sadly, south of the Rufiji River is a mess – 30 000 square kilometres of hunting and poaching. The Selous in the south of the country is more expensive to visit than the Serengeti yet corrupt administration and government mismanagement of hunting blocks have brought the greater Selous Game Reserve to its knees and many elephants are killed daily. We hope that the efforts of private NGOs and anti-poaching campaigns will tip the scale in favour of Africa's oldest game reserve in its battle against human greed. The same companies that operate hunting and poaching on a massive scale in the south of the country are selling photographic safaris in the north – a blatant conflict of interest. We try not to support hunting companies and owners of hunting blocks; only through collective effort can we have an impact on what happens in the Selous in future. There are some wonderful properties such as Sand River Selous, Beho Beho and Siwandu Camp (Selous Safari Camp) which play an active part in looking after the photographic part of the northern Selous. They are well worth supporting in what looks like a losing battle against hunters.
Selous Game Reserve Map
Selous Game Reserve's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Selous Game Reserve
Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash… go there.
Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with all facilities normally associated with a 3-star hotel. Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and… go there.
Language The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher… go there.
Family safaris in Africa are a worthwhile and meaningful experience. Aside from spending quality time with your nearest and dearest under a wide blue African sky, a safari in Africa offers invaluable experiences including unique cultural… go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Selous Game Reserve safaris
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
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