Southern Circuit
Selous National Park
Overview
Selous Game Reserve, now officially a national park, is one of Africa’s largest and most pristine wildlife sanctuaries, located in southern Tanzania. Although it lays far from Tanzania’s Northern national parks, it is worth a visit. With its vast, untamed wilderness covering over 50,000 km2, Selous offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including lush wetlands, riverine forests, savannah, and open woodlands. The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the rare African wild dog, large populations of elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and a wealth of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Selous is renowned for its sense of isolation, with fewer tourists compared to more popular parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. This exclusivity means you can experience the park’s wildlife in a much quieter, more intimate setting. The vastness of Selous offers a real sense of wilderness, where you can truly feel as though you’re exploring a hidden corner of Africa. Whether you’re watching elephants roam along the Rufiji River, tracking wild dogs through the bush, or simply enjoying a sunset over the savannah, Selous National Park promises an adventurous and serene safari experience, perfect for those seeking both excitement and solitude in one of Africa’s most unspoiled destinations.
Wildlife Highlights
Boat Tours in Selous
Selous is one of the few national parks that offers boat safaris. One of the rare parks that permits walking safari is this one as well. It is the perfect tour if you wish to take in the Rufiji River’s stunning scenery, which includes a variety of crocodiles, hippos, and stunning birdlife. From the boat, you can also witness a breathtaking sunset. Nothing compares to the tranquility of the river as the sun sets.
Some tips and best time to visit:
- Best time to visit is from June to October. Avoid wet months because the park is not accessible. During rainy season the park becomes a swamp and most animals migrate to Mikuni National Park.
- Since Selous is far from all the other parks we recommend to fly there because it is the fastest and the most comfortable way.
Which hotel?
- Rufiji River Camp (Midrange)
- Selous River Camp (Luxury)
- Serena Mivumo Lodge (Luxury+)
When is the best time to Visit Selous?
The dry season (June to October) is the ideal time of year to visit Selous. Since the forest isn’t dense and the wild animals have congregated near the established water sources, it is simpler to see the wildlife.
Many of the campgrounds are shuttered as the wet season draws to a conclusion, and the roads become nearly impassable when the severe rains end. The rare wild canines’ denning phase, which starts in June and lasts until August, is a great time to see them.
How long should I stay in Selous?
At least 3 days including your arrival and departure day, because those days are actually not full days. In this case is only the second day is a full day.
