Selous Game Reserve: Overview
Selous Game Reserve, also known as Nyerere National Park is Africa’s largest game reserve and the second-largest protected area in the continent, covering an impressive 50,000 square kilometers. Remarkably, it is about four times the size of the Serengeti National Park.
A safari in Selous is a great option for those seeking the perfect safari experience in the south part of Tanzania especially if you are from Zanzibar or Dar es salam. The park has diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.The UNESCO designated Selous as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Video: Selous Game Reserve Highlights
Wildlife in Selous/Nyerere National Park
Selous hosts one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants, with approximately 110,000 recorded. Other wildlife estimated 35,000 zebras, 40,000 hippos, 25,000 impalas and 150,000 buffalos. On top of that, the reserve is also home to species such as Lions, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, wildebeests, kudu, warthogs, and African wild dogs.
Visitors can explore Selous through various safari activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris. Boat safaris, in particular, offer close-up views of hippos and crocodiles along the rivers and water channels. Many lodges also offer guided walking safaris, providing a chance to observe wildlife like buffaloes and elephants up close.
Birdlife in Selous/Nyerere National Park
Over 440 species of birds can be found in Selous/ Nyerere National Park, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The best time for birdwatching is between November and April when migratory birds flock to the reserve. You will witness a lot of bird species including the white-backed night heron, spur-winged lapwing, African skimmer, palm-nut vulture, and the rare Pel’s fishing owl.
Best Time to Visit Selous/Nyerere National Park
The ideal time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season, from July to late March, when wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. September and October are particularly good months for viewing large herds of animals as they gather at the remaining waterholes.
Selous Safari Packages
Travelers can experience the beauty of Selous by choosing from our safari packages below.
Best Places to Stay in Selous/ Nyerere National Park
There are numerous accommodation options near Selous, including
- Lake Manze Tented Camp
- Selous Impala Camp
- Selous Kulinda Camp
- Roho ya Selous
- Africa Safari Selous
- Selous River Camp.
How to Get to Selous Game Reserve
From Dar es Salaam
By road, Selous is approximately 240 km away, with a bumpy drive of 6-7 hours. Alternatively, charter flights from Dar es Salaam to Selous offer a quicker but more expensive option.
From Zanzibar
The fastest way to reach Selous from Zanzibar is via a charter flight. Alternatively, you can take a ferry or flight to Dar es Salaam and then drive or fly to Mtemere strip in Selous.
Travel Tips for Visiting Selous Game Reserve
Weather: Selous/ Nyerere National Park generally has cold weather compared to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, so pack accordingly.
Best Season: Visit during the dry season (July to mid-March) when the park is more accessible.
Best Travel Method: Local flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar Airport offer the most convenient access to Selous but if you want to have 7 hours on the way, then you can rent a car.
