Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) is one of the largest reserves in Africa and a UNESCO Heritage site. It covers over 50,000 sq km in size. It is part of the protected area in the southern part of Tanzania.

How was the name derived?

The name originates from a famous hunter and conservationist called Fredrick Selous. Additionally, Fredrick died in the Beho Beho area in Selous in the year 1917, while fighting with the Germans during WWI.

The famous river that passes through Selous is River Rufiji which connects into the Indian Ocean. Also, it has multiple lakes such as Lake Manze, Lake Siwandu, Lake Mtagalala, and Lake Zelekela.

Moreover, the reserve also has a hot spring in the Beho Beho area.

It was officially announced in December 2019, that part of Selous Game Reserve would be taken over by Tanzania Park Authorities. Reportedly, around 30,000 sq km will be converted into Nyerere National Park, becoming the largest National Park in Tanzania.

The animals that you are likely to see in Selous are lion, elephant, hippopotamus, wild dog, and zebra. Also, you can see many types of antelope, bird life, giraffe, crocodile, wildebeest, buffalo, hyena, and many many more.

It offers multiple activities such as a Boat safari along River Rufiji and a Walking safari. The walking safari is performed inside the reserve accompanied by an armed ranger. You can also perform Game drives.

what’s more, Selous was not as famous as many of the other parks in Tanzania. It has gained publicity just recently.

Ideally, a 3-day safari can be enough in Selous. However, the more days, the merrier as the reserve is huge, and you will have more game viewing and spend time in nature. See below the sample safari itinerary.

For sport fishing lovers, Selous offers sport fishing activities combined with game drives.

Learn more about the activities performed in Selous.

For more information, visit our website or contact us via [email protected]

2 Nights / 3 Days to Nyerere National Park

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park

Pickup from DSM city center and proceed to Selous Game Reserve with picnic lunch,

Late afternoon, boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River,

Dinner and overnight at Zarafa Tented Camp (L,D).

You will discover the Rufiji River by boat, and encounter hippos and crocodiles in good numbers. In addition, some 350 bird species have been recorded in the Selous Game Reserve. These are typical of Miombo woodlands, and the bird life supported by Rufiji swamplands is of particular interest.

Day 2: Walking Safari & Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

After early breakfast, Your day will start with an early morning walking safari, followed by a game drive with your picnic lunch.

Dinner and overnight at Zarafa Tented Camp (B,L,D).

The Selous Game Reserve is the largest in Africa, covering 54,600 square kilometers. Additionally, the reserve gets its name from the hunter and explorer Frederick Courtney Selous. He was killed here during World War 1. Selous is famous for elephants. Moreover, Other species commonly seen are lions, wild dogs, buffaloes, bushbucks, impalas, elands, baboons, zebras, and greater kudus. It was originally set aside as a hunting area where animals are abundant but more shy than the Northern Parks. Excursions by 4×4 vehicle will permit you to have good photographic opportunities and the chance to explore different sections of the vast park.

Walking safari will give you a particularly intimate feel for the African wilds.

It starts in the morning with the guidance of an armed ranger and takes 2 hours before you meet the driver at the reserve gate. Furthermore, Walking safaris offer a good chance to see giraffes, zebra, elephants, and good birding.

Day 3: Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, return to Dar es Salaam with a picnic lunch (B,L).

END OF TOUR

#safari #tanzania #africansafari #wildlifephotography #selousgamereserve #Selous #wilderness #tanzaniasafari #NyerereNationalPark