Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve, recently renamed Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The reserve offers a more remote and intimate safari experience, with fewer visitors compared to the northern circuit. It is home to large populations of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and African wild dogs. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and classic game drives, immersing themselves in unspoiled wilderness.

When to visit

June to October is the classic dry-season window, with wildlife drawn to the Rufiji River and its lakes and the best conditions for boating and walking. The green season from December to March is lush and rewarding for birds and predators, but many camps close during the long rains of April and May.

Getting there

The tourism area is in the north of the old reserve, now Nyerere National Park. Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam take around 30 to 45 minutes to the airstrips near the river camps. There is also a long road and rail route from Dar, but flying is by far the most practical.

What you'll see

The Rufiji River is the heart of the experience — pods of hippo, big crocodiles, elephants coming down to drink and a shoreline thick with birds, all viewed from a boat as well as a vehicle. The park is one of Africa's strongholds for endangered African wild dog, and holds lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and sable antelope across its woodland and open country.

Good to know

• In 2019 the northern part of the Selous became Nyerere National Park, at close to 30,900 km²; the southern sector keeps the Selous Game Reserve name and is used for hunting, not photographic safaris.
• Boat safaris and walking safaris are the reason to come — few northern parks allow either.
• Plan three to four nights, ideally combined with Ruaha for a southern-circuit trip.
• It pairs easily with a Zanzibar beach stay via Dar es Salaam.