The Selous Game Reserve (now partially reclassified as Nyerere National Park) in southern Tanzania is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa — 54,600 sq km of woodland, grassland, and the Rufiji River system, twice the size of Switzerland. Unlike the northern Tanzania parks, Selous is primarily a fly-in destination — 4-6 hours from Dar es Salaam by road versus 45-60 minutes by light aircraft. For visitors who have completed the Northern Circuit and want to experience Tanzania’s south, or for those flying into Dar and seeking an alternative to the Serengeti circuit, the Selous provides outstanding wildlife including one of Africa’s largest wild dog populations, lion, elephant, and the famous Rufiji River boat safari.
Getting to Selous: Fly-In vs Drive
The Selous is located 230 km southwest of Dar es Salaam. By road on the TANZAM highway and then south: approximately 4-5 hours in dry season, longer in wet season when the Rufiji River road becomes difficult. Most visitors choose to fly — charter aircraft from Dar es Salaam to the Selous airstrips takes 45-60 minutes. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Grumeti Air operate scheduled and charter services at approximately USD $150-300 per person one-way. The fly-in approach is significantly more comfortable than the road option and allows maximum time in the reserve rather than transit.
The Rufiji River: Africa’s Most Wildlife-Rich River System
The Rufiji River flows through the heart of the Selous reserve, draining the vast Tanzania plateau into the Indian Ocean delta. Its lake system (Lakes Manze, Tagalala, Siwandu) and the river itself support one of East Africa’s most concentrated wildlife populations along its banks. Hippo (approximately 2,000 individuals — one of Africa’s largest populations), Nile crocodile (estimated 10,000+ individuals in the river system), elephant herds that wade across the river, and extraordinary bird life make the Rufiji the primary visitor attraction. Boat safaris on the Rufiji and its lakes are the Selous’s defining activity — views of wildlife at water level, approaching within 5-10 metres of crocodiles on sandbanks, and the perspective of looking up at 5-tonne hippos from a small motor boat create encounters impossible from a game drive vehicle.
Wild Dog: The Selous’s Primary Predator Draw
The Selous holds approximately 1,000-1,200 African wild dogs — the largest single population in Africa and one of the most important conservation populations of this endangered species (fewer than 6,600 wild dogs remain globally). The Selous’s vast size allows multiple resident packs with territories of 200-600 sq km each. The pack’s coordinated hunting, spectacular sprint speeds (up to 65 km/h), and high kill success rate (approximately 70-80% of hunts are successful, compared to 30% for lions) make wild dog viewing one of wildlife watching’s most exciting experiences. Morning drives from the main camps targeting the resident packs produce sightings on approximately 60-80% of days during the denning season (July-September).
Nyerere National Park vs Selous Game Reserve: The Reclassification
In 2019, the Tanzanian government reclassified the northern tourism zone of the Selous Game Reserve as Nyerere National Park (named after Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere). The southern portion remains the Selous Game Reserve and is designated for trophy hunting (a separate and highly regulated activity). The tourism camps and activities — boat safaris, game drives, walking safaris — now operate within the Nyerere National Park boundaries. Entry fees apply to Nyerere NP (TANAPA jurisdiction): USD $53 per person per day + vehicle fee. The area retains the wildlife character and the Rufiji River system that makes the southern Tanzania experience unique.
Best Accommodation in Nyerere/Selous
- Siwandu Camp (former Selous Safari Camp): USD $500-700/night per person all-inclusive. On Lake Nzerakera, exceptional Rufiji boat safaris, wild dog tracking.
- Roho ya Selous: USD $400-600/night. Private camp on the Rufiji River, guided walking safaris included.
- Beho Beho: USD $400-500/night. Hillside camp above the Beho Beho River, beautiful setting, good vehicle access to wild dog territories.
- Selous Impala Camp: USD $150-200/night. Budget-relative for the Selous, good location on the lake.
