Is Selous a Good Safari? Why This Hidden Gem in Tanzania is Worth Visiting

Going on a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and choosing the right destination can make all the difference. While Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara are well-known for their wildlife and migration spectacles, there’s another destination that offers something truly special—Selous Game Reserve.

If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari that feels wild and untouched by mass tourism, Selous should be at the top of your list. Not only does it boast incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, but it’s also one of the most accessible safari destinations from Dar es Salaam. Let’s dive into why Selous is one of the best places for a safari in Africa.

The Allure of Selous Game Reserve

1. A Vast, Unspoiled Wilderness

Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest protected area, covering an astonishing 50,000 square kilometers. To put that into perspective, it’s bigger than Switzerland! This vast expanse of wilderness means that Selous remains one of the most untouched and undisturbed safari destinations in Africa.

Unlike the Serengeti, which can get crowded during peak season, Selous offers a raw, intimate experience. You won’t see fleets of safari vehicles lined up for a single sighting. Instead, you’ll feel like you have the entire wilderness to yourself. With diverse ecosystems ranging from open grasslands and thick woodlands to the winding Rufiji River, every game drive in Selous is a unique adventure.

2. Incredible Wildlife Diversity

Selous is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, you’re in for a treat. Expect to see:

Elephants – Selous is known for having one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania.
Big Cats – Lions, leopards, and even cheetahs roam freely in the reserve.
African Wild Dogs – One of the last strongholds for this rare and endangered predator.
Hippos and Crocodiles – The Rufiji River is teeming with these water-loving creatures.
Over 400 Bird Species – A paradise for birdwatchers, with species like fish eagles, carmine bee-eaters, and kingfishers.

3. Exclusive and Private Safari Experience

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Selous is its exclusivity. Unlike national parks that see thousands of visitors daily, Selous offers a much more private and personalized safari experience. Fewer vehicles mean you can enjoy uninterrupted wildlife sightings without feeling rushed. Whether you’re tracking a pride of lions or watching a herd of elephants cross the river, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Why Selous is Perfect for an Authentic Safari

4. Fewer Crowds, More Connection with Nature

If you’ve ever been on a safari in a busy park, you know that too many vehicles can take away from the magic of the experience. In Selous, that’s not a problem. Because the reserve is so vast and has limited accommodation options, visitor numbers remain low. This means your safari feels more like a true expedition into the wild rather than a touristic attraction.

The absence of large crowds also allows for better animal encounters. Instead of waiting your turn to see a leopard, you’ll often have sightings all to yourself. This makes Selous one of the best destinations for those seeking a peaceful, intimate safari experience.

5. A Variety of Safari Activities

Selous isn’t just about game drives. Here, you can experience a safari in multiple ways:

Boat Safaris – Unlike most parks, Selous offers river safaris along the Rufiji River. It’s an incredible way to see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds up close.
Walking Safaris – For those who want to get even closer to nature, guided walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot with experienced rangers.
Fly Camping – Adventure seekers can spend a night under the stars in a lightweight mobile camp for a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Having these different safari options makes Selous unique and provides visitors with a more diverse and engaging experience compared to traditional game drives alone.

6. Affordable Yet Luxurious Lodges and Camps

Another reason why Selous is a fantastic safari destination is the variety of accommodations available. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for a luxurious retreat, you’ll find something that fits your needs.

Mid-Range Lodges – Comfortable yet affordable options that provide all essential amenities.
Luxury Tented Camps – For those seeking an upscale experience, these camps offer spacious suites, private plunge pools, and gourmet dining in the middle of the wilderness.
Selous Safari Camp & Other High-End Resorts – If you want an exclusive, all-inclusive safari experience, some of the top lodges in Selous provide five-star service in stunning natural settings.

The Convenience of Selous’ Location

7. Easy Access from Dar es Salaam

One of the most underrated advantages of visiting Selous is how easy it is to get there. Unlike the Serengeti, which requires multiple flights or long drives, Selous is just a short trip from Tanzania’s capital.

By Road: A 4–5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam through scenic landscapes.
By Air: A quick 45-minute flight takes you straight into the reserve.

This accessibility makes Selous an excellent option for travelers who don’t have the time for a long, multi-day journey. It’s also a great addition to a Zanzibar beach holiday, as you can easily combine both destinations in one trip.

How Selous Compares to Other Safari Destinations

8. Selous vs. Serengeti

While the Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, it can often feel crowded, especially during peak seasons. Selous, on the other hand, provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere where visitors can experience wildlife without the large tourist numbers. Additionally, the inclusion of river safaris in Selous offers a different perspective on wildlife viewing that you won’t get in the Serengeti.

9. Selous vs. Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is well-known for its rugged terrain and large elephant herds, making it a fantastic destination for those who love a more remote and raw safari experience. However, Selous stands out because of its mix of ecosystems, including riverine forests and lakes, which allow for a greater diversity of safari activities such as boat and walking safaris.

10. Selous vs. Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular destination due to its dense wildlife population, but it also tends to be one of Tanzania’s most visited safari spots. While it guarantees wildlife sightings, the high volume of visitors can take away from the feeling of being in the wild. Selous, by contrast, offers a much more authentic and serene safari experience.

Conclusion: Why Selous Should Be on Your Safari Bucket List

Selous Game Reserve offers everything you could want in a safari—unspoiled landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a truly immersive experience away from the crowds. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, Selous delivers a unique adventure that stands out from other destinations.

If you’re ready to experience an authentic African safari, now is the perfect time to explore Selous.

👉 Check out the best Selous safari packages and book your adventure here