The Selous Game Reserve and Pel’s fishing owl

Dar es Salaam, arrival

When you arrive at Dar es Salaam International you'll be met and transported to Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel in the heart of Dar. This city hotel is the most reliable and not too far from Dar airport. Overnight at Dar es Salaam Serena, with dinner and breakfast included.

Flight into the Selous

After breakfast, you'll go to Dar es Salaam local airport for your flight to Stiegler's Gorge airstrip, where you'll be collected and transferred to Selous Serena Camp. Enjoy this secluded corner of the Selous Game Reserve on game drives, walks or fishing trips, and don't forget to look for the wild dog, elephant and black rhino in this area. Overnight at Selous Serena Camp, with your meals and activities included.

Walking and taking it all in

You can explore the Selous on foot today (optional), with a walk after breakfast to enjoy good plains game and, if you're lucky, some sable antelope and elephant in the distance. The Selous is a scenic reserve with beautiful vistas and open plains – walking safari heaven. Overnight at Selous Serena Camp with your meals and activities included. 

The Rufiji, upstream is where you need to go

You'll be driven to Mivumo River Lodge to explore the Rufiji River and the gorge upstream from the lodge for a possible sighting of the rare Pel's fishing owl that lives here. The Rufiji River is a wonderful way of exploring the area and has many private and exclusive sandy beaches from which you can enjoy the view and wildlife. Overnight at Mivumo River Lodge, with meals, drinks and activities included.

Wild dog and black rhino are both possibilities

On your last day in one of Africa’s biggest and oldest reserves enjoy a walk or game drive in the morning, followed by lunch and a river cruise looking for elephant, hippo, crocodile and the elusive Pel's fishing owl. You need to go as far up the gorge as possible to spot this beautiful and strange orange owl species. Overnight at Mivumo River Lodge, with your meals, drinks and activities included.

Fly home

We transfer you to Stiegler's airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam, from where you'll connect with your flight home or to your next destination.

Mafia island extension: From the Selous Game Reserve fly to the marine reserve island of Mafia that lies right across the river mouth of the Rufiji River. Overnight for three nights at Pole Pole, with your meals and flights included. The cost is $1400 per person sharing during peak season.