Overview: Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s largest and most pristine wildlife reserves, known for its exceptional wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. The reserve is located in southern Tanzania and offers a unique combination of traditional game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris along the Rufiji River, providing an unforgettable safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival and Game Drive in Selous
Morning: Arrival at Selous Game Reserve, either by light aircraft flight or road transfer.
Transfer to your lodge or camp for check-in and a welcome briefing.
Afternoon: Enjoy your first game drive through the Selous Game Reserve. Known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife, Selous offers great opportunities to spot elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelopes.
Experience the tranquility of the reserve’s remote location and the beauty of the landscape, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Optional: Evening game drive or a sundowner by the Rufiji River to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 2: Boat Safari and Walking Safari
Morning: Early breakfast, then head out for a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of Selous’ most iconic experiences. The boat ride offers excellent views of wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife along the riverbanks.
Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy a guided walking safari with an experienced ranger. This is a unique way to explore the reserve and learn about the flora and fauna up close. Walking safaris allow you to get a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, from animal tracks to local plant species.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at the camp, with the option of a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs.
Day 3: Final Game Drive and Departure
Morning: After breakfast, embark on one last game drive, exploring different parts of the Selous Game Reserve. Depending on your interests, you may focus on spotting specific wildlife or enjoying the scenic views of the park.
Late Morning: Return to the lodge, check out, and enjoy a farewell brunch or lunch.
Afternoon: Transfer back to the airstrip for your flight or to the road for your onward journey.
Inclusions:
Accommodation:
-Full-board accommodation in quality lodges or tented camps within or near Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi -National Park.
–Meals:
-All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
-Transportation:
-Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
-Transfers from Dar es Salaam to Selous and Mikumi and back to Dar es Salaam.
-Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off (if arriving in Dar es Salaam).
–Professional Guide:
-English-speaking, experienced safari guide throughout the trip.
-Entrance fees to Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park.
-Safari Activities:
-Daily game drives in Selous and Mikumi.
-Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Selous.
-Guided walking safari in Selous (where available).
–Drinking Water:
-Bottled of drinking water is provided daily during safari activities.
-Government Taxes and Levies:
-All applicable government taxes and park levies included.
Exclusions:
-International Flights
-Flights to and from Tanzania.
–Travel Insurance:
-Personal travel and medical insurance.
–Visa Fees:
-Entry visa to Tanzania.
–Optional Activities:
-Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary, such as additional night game drives.
-Alcoholic and Soft Drinks:
-Beverages (unless included by the lodge or camp).
–Personal Expenses:
-Tips, laundry, souvenirs, and any personal expenses.
-This list of inclusions provides everything needed for a comfortable and comprehensive safari, while the -exclusions allow travelers to customize additional activities or services as they wish.
These inclusions cover all the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable 3-day safari in Selous, providing a range of safari activities while allowing travelers the flexibility to add personal touches.
Why Visit Selous Game Reserve?
- Diverse Wildlife: Selous is home to a wide range of animals, including the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), as well as wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
- Multiple Safari Options: You can explore the reserve through a combination of traditional game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris, offering a diverse experience.
- Uncrowded: Selous is less crowded than other national parks in Tanzania, allowing for a more private and intimate safari experience.
- Unique Ecosystem: The reserve’s mix of wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands offers an extraordinary landscape for wildlife photography and scenic views.
This 3-day itinerary provides a perfect introduction to the Selous Game Reserve, blending diverse safari experiences and offering the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this stunning, lesser-visited part of Tanzania.