Selous Game Reserve represents the largest uninhabited area in the continent, and this alone makes it worth visiting. The large untouched expanses of land showcase nature at its beautiful best.
The reserve also presents the best bush vibe in Tanzania. Selous Game Reserve is one of the two destinations used by elephants for their annual migration, and if watching millions of wildebeests isn’t possible, you can go for the next best thing, watching thousands of elephants at Selous.
Activities in Selous National Park.
Game drives: Selous national park harbours very large numbers of animals some of which are African bush elephants, black rhinos, cape buffalos, hippos, water bucks, hartebeests, reed bucks, zebras, giraffes, greater kudu, elands, warthogs, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards and crocodiles. River Rufini attracts large herds of elephants that drink from therein
Bird watching: Selous game reserve is a birders Paradise blessed with over 350 bird species, for bird enthusiasts this marvelous destination must be included in your safari in Tanzania.
Selous game reserve harbours both residential and migratory birds some of which are included here; purple crested turaco, malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, palmnut vulture, white fronted bee eater, ibises, Malagasy squaco heron, yellow billed stork, African skimmers and sour winged plovers to mention a few.
Nature guided walks: Guided nature walks can be taken using various walking trails at Selous game reserve this will reward you with a lot if plant life and wildlife encounter as well as the parks endless scenic views
Boat riding: Boat riding at Selous national game reserve can be done at the lakes and water channels, tourists will views animals like hippos and crocodiles just a few meters from their boats and also enjoy the lakes great Flora and fauna.
Hunting: Selous game reserve provides hunting blocks for visitors who would love to explore the wilderness on hunting however tourists must not exceed the number of animals to be hunted or hunt for animals their not permitted to, every tourist who would love to engage in this activity must acquire a permit before hunting. Hunting is mostly done in the southern sector of the park south of Rufiji River.
The best time for visiting Selous national game park is from June to October, during this time, the vegetation is not thick and animals are always gathered St the parks water sources making it easy to access them, wet season is the best time for those bird enthusiasts as the vegetation is thick and animals can access water anywhere in the park making them scarce at the water points. The roads are also very muddy and will require four wheel drive vehicles to explore the game reserve.
Where to stay
Tourists will choose where to stay from or with the help of a tour operator while at Selous game reserve some of the lodges found at Selous are Ndovu Selous lodge, the retreat Selous, lake manze tented camp, sand rivers Selous, and Selous Serena camp among the rest.
Ndovu lodge
Rested on a hilltop overlooking the Uluguru Mountains, Ndovu Lodge offers magnificent views that leave lasting impressions. It is set in an area perfect for exploring both the majestic Selous game reserve and the rich culture of the Kisaki village and its people.
Built in the wilderness the lodge is designed to capture the feel of nature and adventure. With spacious elevated en-suite chalets camouflaged with their surroundings, the lodge speaks a language of the bush. The outdoor decks of the chalets offer a chance to gaze at the horizon while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.
Our all in one roof lounge, bar and dining area is at the center peak of the hill, also elevated making its height superb for taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings. While sat at the lounge a read from our mini library will do, giving you incites of the enchanting Selous game reserve.
The swimming pool will cool you off from the heat of the day so you can relax after a full day game drive or after a bush walk acquainting yourself with the surroundings.
The Retreat Selous is an all-suite lodge in a remote corner of the vast Selous Game Reserve. The accommodation is on the banks of the Great Ruaha River. The Lodge is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
The main house, known as the Fort, is located on an early military observation point. The Fort features an infinity pool, a variety of relaxation areas, a restaurant and the rooftop bar.
The spacious suites guarantee each guest privacy and romance while offering a unique sense of comfort and pure luxury. Striking views and vistas provide a glimpse into the wilderness and wildlife of the area.
The Selous Lodge offers four varied room types for guests to choose. The Eagle Hill Suites is situated next to the main fort and offer private decks with seating, comfortable king size beds, silk mosquito nets and en-suite facilities including separate showers.
The River Suites feature large viewing decks, private plunge pools and magnificent river views. The Lion River Suite offers a large viewing deck a tented seating area which can accommodate additional beds, a private dining room and a plunge pool.
Hippo Point is located 2 km from the main fort, ensuring total seclusion. Two large suites feature sundecks, plunge pools, a private bar, lounge and dining area with a dedicated cook and butler.
The Retreat offers four distinct styles of accommodation. Twelve spaciously 110–225 m², more than six meters in height. Tented suites under palm-thatched roofs with the open gap between each suite have been erected in three independent units to match with the surrounding habitat while guaranteeing privacy and romance.
The tents are protected by two layers of mosquito net as an internal wall and awning on the exterior side. If guests wish to be nearer to nature, all tents can be opened to the noises, breeze and full view of the environment.
Each suite has its private alfresco deck with a beautiful signature outdoor old copper &, brass bathtub. Ethnic details, bespoke furnishings, African artefacts, natural materials and precious stones have been blended to create a unique sense of comfort and pure luxury using principles of Feng Shui and the Five Elements in materials and interior design.
Lake Manze is a genuinely fantastic yet simple safari camp. It has a prime position on the edge of a beautiful lake and is within shouting distance of pods of bathing hippo.
No electricity in the lodge gives it a rustic edge, yet its comfort and charm give it an old-world gravitas that other camps can’t touch. The camp is not about five-star luxury, but in terms of safari and value for money, there are none better.
It is an area that boasts fantastic resident game and offers a more authentic safari camp style rather than pushing for every luxury. The 12 tents are small but very comfortable, with lovely views over the river. They all have en-suite bathrooms with refreshing, private, outdoor showers.
Less is more is Manze’s motto. The main area is a huge thatched roof spread over a sandy floor. Sofas and armchairs are scattered around making it a very comfortable setting to sit and have a gin and tonic after a hard day on safari! At night, the kerosene lanterns come out to give the lodge a warm, adventurous Selous Safari feel.
Sand Rivers Selous is set on a scenic bend in the Rufiji River, within the vast Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania.
There are just 8 guest cottages at this enchanting safari lodge, equipped with luxuries such as powerful showers with hot and cold water. All are open-fronted to appreciate the views, the cool breeze as well as the many sights and sounds of the African bush.
A central bar and dining room provide an atmospheric setting to swap safari tales over an icy cold drink, whilst the main pool is a source of refreshment on warm afternoons.
A fleet of open-sided 4X4 vehicles are utilized for game viewing in the wildlife-rich Selous, with the option to hop out and walk to get a better vantage point. There is also the option of fly camping, where guests have the opportunity to explore on foot with an armed ranger, and spend a night sleeping out under the stars.
Selous Serena camp
The Victorian style rooms here offer a luxury tented safari experience at unbelievable value. Being owned by a bigger brand has really worked in this camps favor – allowing them to offer exceptional service, luxury and brilliant safari at a price usually associated with much lesser camps.
In the tents, you do not have aircon but are provided with fans and you can also expect a fantastic Victorian style bathtub to relax in after a full day of wildlife viewing.
The tents are very comfortable, and really feel authentically in the bush, which is only accentuated by the old safari style rooms and decor. This is the place to go for a little splash of luxury, for a lot less money than in other areas of Tanzania.