- Destinations
- Tanzania
- Selous Game Reserve
A Selous safari
The Selous is also about exclusivity
With a name that conjures up imagery of exploration, tented camps and abundant wildlife, it is reassuring to know that the Selous Game Reserve still delivers on all counts. One of the world’s largest and wildest conservation areas, the Selous is home to healthy populations of Africa’s biggest animals and stands as the showpiece on Tanzania’s ‘southern safari circuit’.
A Selous safari takes you in search of elephant and buffalo herds, the latter often shadowed by lions and ever-attendant hyenas. Africa’s other big predators are there too: leopard, cheetah and wild dog as well as giraffe, zebra and many antelope species. It is a birding paradise with well over 400 species on record, and a good place to see river life – hippos and crocodiles in particular.
Accommodation is set along riverbanks and next to lakes, ensuring fine views and game viewing from the comfort of your suite. Standards of cuisine and service are high and most lodges have a swimming pool but you will want to get out and explore with your guide. Selous is Big 5 country and your morning and afternoon game drives are balanced with guided walks and boat safaris to give you a comprehensive wildlife experience. Several Selous camps have larger accommodation units that sleep up to four – ideal for families though we recommend travelling to the Selous with children only aged 12 and over.
A Selous safari is also about exclusivity. Many camps are small and secluded which makes them ideal for romantic travel. And because the reserve is barely visited compared to destinations such as the Serengeti, Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater, there are few, if any, other vehicles during your game drive – great for unconstructed wildlife sightings and photography.
Generally part of a southern circuit tour with destinations such as Ruaha National Park, a Selous safari is recommended for safari travellers who have experienced the northern circuit destinations of the Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
You can however easily combine Selous Reserve with the Serengeti National Park, giving you the opportunity to match the wild Selous with the drama of the wildebeest migration, the Serengeti calving season or the great migration river crossing. You can also connect with Zanzibar and enjoy the indulgence of a tropical beach holiday, an easy add-on from Selous. Browse our itinerary ideas or simply contact us for a tailor-made tour.
