The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal protection areas in the world. To give you an idea, it covers 50,000 square km, which is about twice the size of the Serengeti and three times Kruger National Park. It is also one of the few places in East Africa where you can combine river, walking, and traditional driven safaris. It is a behemoth of a wildlife sanctuary. Self drivers will love that you can go off track and get up close to the wildlife, and bird lovers will see experience some of the best bird life in Tanzania. However, due to its listing as a Game Reserve, permit fees are more expensive than that of alternative parks such as Ruaha and Mikumi.
Fast Facts
Where
Best accessed from either Dar es Salaam or Kilwa, the Selous Game Reserve covers a massive 50,000 square km stretching from southern Mikumi almost to the coast.
Group Size
Generally limited to 6 people.
Duration
Most Dar to Dar tours involve three days with a 24 hour park permit.
Pro's
Some of the best bird watching in East Africa
Self drivers can leave the trail and get out and explore the wilderness
The Rufiji river provides a unique opportunity to combine boating safaris and see wildlife from an alternative perspective.
Walking safaris, accompanied by a ranger, can be arranged from the park gate.
You have a chance to spot some rare wild dogs in Selous!
Con's
Park fees are more expensive than other southern parks, coming in at about $78 USD a day.
Permits cannot be purchased at the gate and must be booked through an operator. Self-drivers must plan ahead as they will not be able to buy permits on arrival.
Closed between March and June due to the rains.
Helpful advice
The Slow Leopard thinks Selous is one of the best and most interesting parks Tanzania has to offer. The itinerary below is a great, standard itinerary. While the typical itinerary generally includes both boat safari and game drive, we're exploring if there are even better alternative itineraries involving camping and a boat safari in the park. In your inquiry be sure to ask about our progress on this new offering.
How to book
Get in touch with the team at The Slow Leopard and we will work to find a group that match up with your travel plans. Simply follow the link below, fill out the form and we will do the rest!
Sample Itinerary