Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest game reserve and one of favourite game viewing areas in Africa. Covering 50,000 square kilometres, is amongst the largest protected areas in Africa and is relatively undisturbed by human impact
Selous is one of the least known conservation areas in Tanzania, but don’t let this fool you. Selous is large: imagine a game reserve that is four times bigger than the Serengeti and covers 5% of Tanzania’s land area. One of its primary attractions is the Rufiji River, where massive hippo pods and crocodile swade around its banks and in its waters.
Selous is also known for being home to 1,300 of the world’s 4,000 last remaining wild dogs, giving guests an opportunity to glimpse these exotic animals in true pristine wilderness.
Safari Highlight
- Selous Game Reserve
- Bush Walks
- Bird Walk
- Games Drives
- Rufiji River Cruise
- Bush Breakfast
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Selous Game Reserve
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve, landing at Stigler Airstrip where your guide will welcome you and drive you to the Mivumo River Lodge. Enjoy the privacy of your river-view deck and in the evening, we would suggest a Rufiji River cruise (this is an optional activity with an additional fee). Motor upstream toward Stigler Gorge and then slowly float back down the river in custom-built boats. Comfortable and with a fresh box full of chilled drinks of your choice, an evening on the river provides the opportunity for the special sundowner. Dinner and overnight at Mivumo River Lodge.
Day 2: Selous Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To make the most of all that Selous Game Reserve has to offer, we do recommend a full day game drive. Leaving after breakfast, you can expect to drive through a variety of ecosystems and are likely to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, and wild dog to name a few. A picnic lunch is set up under the shade of a tree with a camp table and chairs. Perhaps stop at the small but significant gravestone of Frederick Courtenay Selous, before returning to Mivumo in time to enjoy pre-dinner drinks around the fire. Dinner and overnight at Mivumo River Lodge.
Day 3: Selous Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Perhaps enjoy a slow start this morning and indulge in a private bush breakfast — a remarkable Out of Africa dining experience. After breakfast, you can head off to explore the Maji Moto hot springs. Surrounded by lush vegetation, these picturesque pools are just calm enough to swim in. Return to Mivumo River Lodge and the privacy of your private plunge pool or enjoy a cocktail and a swim in the infinity swimming pool. Dinner and overnight at Mivumo River Lodge.
Day 4: Selous Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, head off on a morning game drive, or perhaps you would prefer a bush walk for a different game viewing experience. Accompanied by an armed ranger, bush walks offer a captivating insight into the world of birds, flora, and fauna, and give you a chance to learn about the tracks and signs of Africa wildlife. In the evening we would suggest a tranquil sundowner on a lantern-lit sandbank, returning to Mivumo River Lodge for a romantic dinner set up on your river-view deck.
Day 5: Selous Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a last morning in the Selous, before your guide drives you to the Stigler Airstrip to meet your onward flight towards your next destination. You may want to include one of our optional activities to your itinerary as your next destination. Consider a gorilla trek, another safari location, or a few days of relaxation on the white sand beaches that Zanzibar has to offer.
