Selous Game Reserve | Go To Africa Safaris

Selous Game Reserve is a name with a long history in Tanzania’s conservation story. The former reserve formed part of one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas and was especially known for its rivers, wetlands, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and remote landscapes. Today, much of the former Selous area is managed as Nyerere National Park, while the name Selous remains important when describing the wider region and its history.

The Rufiji River has always been central to the area’s appeal. Its channels, lakes, and wetlands attract large numbers of animals and create a landscape that can be explored in ways that are not possible in many traditional safari parks.

Boat trips are one of the experiences that made the Selous region famous. Moving quietly along the river allows visitors to see hippos and crocodiles in the water while elephants and other animals come to the riverbanks to drink. Birdlife is also abundant around the waterways.

On land, the area supports elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hippos, and many antelope species. The wide variety of habitats means that wildlife is spread across different parts of the ecosystem rather than being concentrated in one type of landscape.

Walking safaris have also traditionally been an important part of the southern Tanzania experience. With a qualified guide, visitors can learn to recognize animal tracks, plants, birds, and other signs of wildlife that are easy to miss from a vehicle.

The region works particularly well as part of a southern Tanzania itinerary. Travelers can combine the Nyerere area with Ruaha National Park and then continue towards the Tanzanian coast or Zanzibar for a few days of relaxation.

For travelers interested in less crowded wilderness, rivers, boat safaris, and a more adventurous side of Tanzania, the Selous region offers an experience that feels very different from the country’s famous northern parks.

Go To Africa Safaris can arrange tailor-made southern Tanzania safaris including river excursions, game drives, walking experiences, accommodation, transportation, and experienced safari guides.