Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve - Nyerere National Park

Located in south-east Tanzania in a remote and little-visited part of the country, the Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve and covers more than 5% of Tanzania’s total area. It’s rivers, hills, and plains are home to roaming elephant populations, the area’s famous wild dogs, and some of the last black rhino left in the region. Due to its remote location, and because it is most easily accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves, and offers visitors a chance to see a wild and expansive Africa far from paved roads and curio shops.

As well known as Nyerere National Park, named after late father of Nation Julius Nyerere is extended treks through the bush with overnight options at fly-camps available along the way. Visitors will wake in the morning to decipher the animal tracks near their tents and speculate about who wandered nearby during the night. Other more permanent accommodation options are available throughout the park, offering game drives and water safaris along the Rufiji River. Nyerere National Park is the perfect add-on to a Zanzibar trip with flights departing from the island and Dar es Salaam and landing in the park.

The Selous is unique among Tanzania’s more renowned preserved areas because it is a game reserve, not a national park, and therefore a larger range of activities are permitted. Boating safaris are becoming a popular alternative to vehicle-based trips, and offer visitors a chance to see the diverse life along the Rufigi River up close in all its splendour. Hiking safaris and fly camping are also ideal ways to explore the country and add a bit of adventure to your African experience.

Relatively undisturbed by humans, the park’s diverse vegetation includes patches of savannah, riverine forest, and swamp that impose on the predominant miombo woodland. In turn, this diverse habitat accommodates a wide range of fauna and flora. Off-roading is permitted, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the areas residents.