Selous Game ReserveAbout Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is a vast protected area in southern Tanzania known for its extensive river systems, miombo woodlands and large mammal populations. The reserve encompasses broad floodplains, channels of the Rufiji River and remote tracts of wilderness that are important for elephants, hippos and predators.
The area’s size and diverse habitats have supported a range of safari activities including vehicle and boat-based game viewing, with an emphasis on low-density tourism and wilderness experiences. Wildlife here occurs in more dispersed patterns than in northern circuit parks, which contributes to the reserve’s sense of remoteness.
Conservation and management have evolved to balance wildlife protection, seasonal use by pastoralists at the margins and regulated tourism. The reserve’s scale makes it one of the largest conservation units in mainland Africa.
Selous lies in southern Tanzania and extends across several administrative regions toward the Indian Ocean; its landscape is dominated by the Rufiji River basin and associated floodplains.
- Size and remoteness: The reserve is one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas, covering on the order of tens of thousands of square kilometres and including extensive river systems and remote wilderness.
What to See#
- Rufiji River and floodplain: The Rufiji River and its floodplain are a major feature, providing habitats for hippo, crocodile and waterbird populations and supporting boat-based wildlife viewing.
- Woodland and floodplain habitats: A mosaic of miombo woodland, floodplain and coastal habitats supports a wide range of large mammals, elephants and several rare species such as African wild dog.
Best Time to Visit Selous Game Reserve
Dry season best for game viewing; boat safaris add a unique river perspective.
Weather & Climate near Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1168 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 216 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| February | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 199 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 231 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 206 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 20° - 28° | 24° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 27° | 23° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 27° | 22° | 3 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| August | Excellent | 18° - 28° | 23° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| September | Excellent | 20° - 29° | 24° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 26° | 22 mm | partly cloudy | 57% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 163 mm | overcast | 72% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Selous Game Reserve
Access is typically by domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to airstrips like Siwandu or Sumbawanga, followed by transfers to lodges. Road access is possible but long; most visitors use safari operators with included transfers.
Tips for Visiting Selous Game Reserve
- Consider a boat trip on the Rufiji River for crocodiles and birdlife.
- Stay in riverside lodges to maximize early-morning and evening wildlife viewing.
- Bring insect repellent-tsetse flies and mosquitoes are present in some areas.