3 Days / 2 Nights - Selous Safari Adventure
This Safari to Selous Game Reserve is perfect for travelers with limited time and budget, offering an unforgettable adventure in one of Africa’s largest and most unspoiled wilderness areas. Whether constrained by time or financial considerations, visitors can still experience the raw beauty and incredible biodiversity of Selous Game Reserve.
The Safari to Selous Game Reserve takes you into a vast and pristine ecosystem, home to a wide variety of wildlife including Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Crocodiles, and the endangered African Wild Dog. Other frequently spotted animals include prides of Lions, Bushbucks, Impalas, Warthogs, Ostriches, Giraffes, Elands, Baboons, Zebras, Hyenas, Kudus, the rare Sable Antelope, and Leopards.
For bird lovers, this Safari to Selous Game Reserve offers a haven with over 400 bird species. Expect sightings of the majestic Fish Eagle, colorful Kingfisher, Secretary Bird, Sunbird, Hammerkops, Red and Yellow-billed Storks, Open-billed Storks, Weavers, Marabou Storks, Vultures, and various water birds.
Your Selous Game Reserve safari includes thrilling activities such as game drives that explore the heart of the reserve, boat safaris along the Rufiji River to witness aquatic life up close, and walking safaris for a deeper connection with nature. The breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife make this Safari to Selous Game Reserve a must-do for nature and adventure enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet unforgettable safari experience.
Route
Meals & Accomodations
Your safari begins with a pickup from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, followed by a scenic transfer to the Selous Game Reserve—either by road, offering a 5-6 hour journey through rural Tanzania, or a quick 1-hour flight for those seeking a faster option. Upon arrival and check-in at your lodge or camp—located either inside the reserve or along its edge—you’ll set out on an afternoon boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River.
This unique water-based safari allows you to witness wildlife from a different perspective. Glide past basking crocodiles, watch hippos wallow and snort in the water, and keep an eye out for elephants along the riverbanks. The day ends with a spectacular African sunset mirrored in the river's calm waters, a perfect introduction to the wild beauty of Selous. Dinner is served at the camp, where the sounds of the bush accompany your first night under the stars.
Rise early for an optional walking safari led by an experienced and armed ranger. This intimate experience—lasting about one to two hours—takes you into the heart of the bush on foot. Learn to identify animal tracks, discover medicinal plants, and enjoy the thrill of being eye-level with nature in one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
After returning to camp for breakfast, you'll head out for a full-day game drive. The Selous Game Reserve offers rich biodiversity, and this is your chance to spot some of its most iconic residents. Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and the elusive African wild dogs roam freely across the reserve’s vast plains. Birdlife is equally prolific, making the area a paradise for birdwatchers. A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to pause and soak in the serenity of your surroundings before continuing your exploration. Return to your lodge in the evening, just in time for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
On your final day, enjoy an optional early morning game drive—arguably the best time to spot predators as they are still active from the night’s hunt. After the drive, return to camp for a relaxed breakfast before beginning your journey back to Dar es Salaam by road or catching a return flight to Zanzibar.
What to bring on safari
- sturdy shoes (trekking shoes or solid sneakers are sufficient)
- light shoes, flipflop/sandals to wear in camp
- long trousers
- shorts and/or light trousers
- shirts, t-shirts, light blouses
- jumper
- light down jacket and/or rain jacket/windbreaker
- scarf, hat, gloves and warm jumper (May to end of August and higher altitudes like Ngorongoro)
- pyjama
- bathing suit
- sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen
- toilet bag (towels and body wash are always available in camp)
- personal medicines
- glasses, contact lenses
- headlight (especially for camping tours and because we can never find the light switches at night)
- binoculars
- camera with charger/batteries/adapter
- passport, flight tickets, credit card, etc.
- pen (to fill in immigration forms)