Selous Archives - Hello Tanzania

**SELOUS SAFARI**
The Selous Game Reserve, now home to the expansive Nyerere National Park, remains a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a wide range of unique experiences for visitors. This vast wilderness area spans 48,000 square kilometers, making it twice the size of South Africa’s Kruger National Park and larger than Switzerland. Located in the Rufiji River Basin in southern Tanzania, it is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa. Despite its size, only a small northern part is designated for photographic tourism, while access to the southern part is strictly prohibited.

In 2019, the reserve established Nyerere National Park, now the largest national park in Africa, covering over 30,000 square kilometers. The reserve is divided into zones for photographic tourism and hunting, with hunting providing a crucial source of revenue for protecting the area from poaching. Each year, about 210 foreign hunters pay substantial sums to hunt up to 2,000 designated animals from July to November, aiming to minimize human impact on the environment. Extensions of the photographic tourism area are planned for the southern side of the Rufiji River.

Selous is the only place where off-road safaris are allowed, offering a unique opportunity to get close to wildlife. It’s a majestic place for nature observation, offering rich fauna and beautiful landscapes, including hills and the Rufiji, Kilombero, and Luwegu rivers. A safari in Selous would be incomplete without a visit to Stiegler’s Gorge, where the Great Ruaha River meets the Rufiji. The reserve encompasses a wide range of vegetation types, from dense thickets to open woodland grasslands.

**Fauna and Flora**

Selous, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, is one of Africa’s oldest protected wildlife areas. It is known for its relatively undisturbed ecological and biological processes, supporting diverse species with significant predator-prey relationships. The reserve is home to numerous populations of elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and over 440 species of birds. The northern part of the reserve, accessible to tourists, features the Rufiji River with its lagoons, sandy banks, and lakes, creating a unique safari environment.

**History**

The reserve was named after Captain Frederick Courtenay Selous, a hunter, writer, and explorer who died during World War I in the Beho Beho area. Selous was a renowned figure known for his interest in nature and early conservation theories, despite his career as a hunter. He organized safaris and was a key figure in developing early wildlife conservation theories.

**What Can You Experience in Selous?**

Selous offers a variety of attractions, making it one of the most versatile natural wildlife parks in the world. The combination of rivers, open forests, plains, and dense thickets creates ideal conditions for various activities:

**Game Drives**: Traditional game drives in open vehicles offer the chance not only to admire stunning landscapes and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat but also to get close to animals. Observing lions, elephants, and giraffes up close provides unforgettable emotions and experiences.
**Bush Walks**: A bush walk immerses you in nature, revealing both large and small wonders. Guided by qualified experts, you will learn about trees, grasses, insects, and tracks. Bush walks are tailored to guests’ preferences and can be simple strolls or more demanding walking safaris with an armed guard.
**Hot Springs Visit**: During a drive through the reserve, you can visit the hot springs or “Maji Moto” around the Beho Beho hills. These hot sulfurous waters create picturesque pools where you can swim.
**Boat Safari**: Selous is known for its boat safaris, offering a unique perspective on wildlife. Afternoon boat safaris allow guests to enjoy beautiful sunsets and observe crocodiles, hippos, colorful birds, and other river inhabitants. Short sunset safaris or full-day trips are available.
**Cultural Experience with the Maasai**: Safari is not only about nature but also the opportunity to learn about the rich culture and traditions of local tribes, such as the Maasai. Visits to a Maasai village allow you to understand their way of life, traditions, dances, and music.
**Comfortable Accommodation**: After a day full of excitement, Selous offers accommodation that combines comfort with an authentic African atmosphere. You can choose to stay within the park or outside, depending on your preferences. Available options include:

– **Bungalows**: Stylish and comfortable, offering all the amenities needed to relax after a day full of adventures.
– **Safari Tents**: Ideal for those who love close contact with nature. These comfortable tents are equipped with private bathrooms, providing comfort and intimacy while allowing you to listen to the sounds of the African night.

Regardless of the chosen accommodation form, you can count on an unforgettable experience that will let you feel the true charm of an African safari.

**Combining Selous Safari with a Beach Visit**: Selous can be combined with a visit to Kilwa. The small town of Kilwa Masoko, known as the gateway to the south, is an excellent base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani. This is one of Tanzania’s most important archaeological sites, where the remains of two great East African trading ports from the 13th-16th centuries can be found. The trading cities of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara controlled trade in the Indian Ocean, exchanging gold and ivory for silver, carnelian, perfumes, Persian faience, and Chinese porcelain. Kilwa Kisiwani minted its currency in the 11th-14th centuries. Kilwa not only offers fascinating history to discover but also a beautiful beach to relax on.

**How to Get to Selous?**

Join us on a safari from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. From Zanzibar, there is a direct flight to the park or you can take a ferry to Dar Es Salaam, from where you can reach by car in five hours or by plane. An alternative nostalgic route is a train journey from Dar es Salaam to Kisaki.

Ferry Crossing Zanzibar-Dar Es Salaam (1.5 hours) 🚢

During this short ferry journey, you’ll have the chance to experience amazing views of the Indian Ocean. The sunsets are particularly spectacular. 🌅

Car Transfer from Dar Es Salaam to Selous (5-6 hours) 🚗

The car journey offers the opportunity to see the changing landscapes of Tanzania, from the urban hustle and bustle of Dar Es Salaam to the rural areas and natural scenery on the way to Selous. Travel mode: Air-conditioned minibusses are commonly used for transfers, ensuring comfort even on the hottest days. ☀️

Train Journey from TAZARA Station in Dar Es Salaam to Selous (4 hours) 🚂

From TAZARA station in Dar Es Salaam, we can embark on a nostalgic train journey to Zambia with a stop in Selous. The train ride lasts about 4 hours and allows you to enjoy views of wildlife and the changing landscapes of Tanzania. 🌳🐾

Flight Selous-Zanzibar (~1 hour) ✈️

A flight offers a completely different perspective of Tanzania. The aerial view of the landscapes, including national parks, is unforgettable. It’s the fastest way to travel between Selous and Zanzibar, saving time for additional attractions or relaxation. 🌍

Safari Ride in Open Vehicles 🚙

Open safari vehicles provide an unparalleled closeness to wildlife. It’s a unique opportunity to see wild animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes up close. 🦁🐘🦒

**When to Visit Selous?**

Our Selous safari is available all year round, so there’s no problem choosing a date.

The best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania depends on your preferences for weather and wildlife viewing experiences. Here are some key points to help you decide:

– **Dry Season (June – October)**:
– Climate: Warm and dry, minimal rainfall.
– Wildlife Viewing: Animals are easier to spot as they gather around the few available water sources. Vegetation is sparser, making observation easier.
– Safari Conditions: Roads are in better condition, allowing easier access to different parts of the reserve.

– **Rainy Season (November – May)**:
– Climate: More rainfall, more humid.
– Wildlife Viewing: Vegetation is lush, which can make spotting animals more challenging. However, this is the time when many species have young, which can be interesting to see.
– Safari Conditions: Some roads may be more difficult to traverse due to mud, but the landscapes are greener and more picturesque.

**Summary**

If you want to ensure you see as many animals as possible and prefer good road conditions, the best period to visit Selous is the dry season, from June to October. However, if you are interested in greener landscapes and don’t mind a lower chance of seeing animals, you might consider visiting during the rainy season.

Regardless of your choice, Selous offers unforgettable experiences and unique encounters with wildlife.

Don’t hesitate! Join us on a journey through the Selous Game Reserve and discover the magic of the African bush, which is sure to captivate you. The adventure of a lifetime awaits you!

Do you have questions about reservations or available dates? I am here to help! Contact me by sending an email to reservations@hellotanzania.com or write on WhatsApp at +255 767 414 200.

I will be happy to answer all your questions and help you plan an unforgettable trip!

**WHAT DO OUR PRICES INCLUDE?**

✅ All transfers listed in the itinerary

✈️ Ferry, plane, or train tickets, depending on the itinerary

🏨 Accommodation and meals as described

🎉 All activities listed in the itinerary

💸 All fees associated with the listed activities

*All prices are for group travel, with 6 people + driver per vehicle for transfers and park drives, and accommodation in double rooms.

*Prices listed are for groups of at least 2 people. Prices for singles may be higher depending on the timing.

*We also organize individual trips at any time.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special offers for families with children, including family room accommodations

👥 Discount for groups of 6 people (minimum 5 adults)