Traveling to Tanzania and eager to see some of Africa’s most stunning wildlife in a less crowded setting? This 5-day tour of Selous Game Reserve offers a balanced mix of game drives, walking safaris, boat trips, and cultural experiences, all designed to bring you close to nature. While it’s ideal for those seeking an immersive, authentic adventure, keep in mind that the schedule is quite full—so travelers who prefer a slower pace might find it a bit hectic.
What makes this tour stand out? First, we love how it maximizes time inside the park, offering multiple game drives and unique activities like walking safaris and boat safaris. Second, the knowledgeable guides—praised for their expertise and friendliness—add a layer of trust and authenticity. Third, the balance between wildlife, cultural interaction, and relaxation at the lodges makes it a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, some might consider the long driving hours between Dar es Salaam and the reserve as a bit tiring, especially if you prefer shorter travel segments.
This tour suits nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and those craving an authentic safari away from over-touristed parks. It’s perfect for adventure seekers eager to experience the variety of Tanzanian wildlife — from lions and elephants to hippos and crocodiles — in one comprehensive package.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Wildlife Encounters: Multiple game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris provide varied ways to spot animals and enjoy the landscape.
- Expert Guides: Highly praised guides enhance your understanding of the wildlife, making the experience more enriching.
- Cultural and Village Tours: Opportunities to visit local villages add a meaningful human dimension to the trip.
- Accommodation & Meals: Lodging is included along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring comfort and convenience.
- Long Travel Days: The drive from Dar es Salaam takes about 5-6 hours, so be prepared for a day of travel.
- Value for Price: At $1,600 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that balances travel, activities, and cultural insights.
An Authentic Wildlife Safari in Selous
This 5-day safari encapsulates what many travelers seek in a Tanzanian adventure: a close-up look at Africa’s iconic animals, combined with cultural interactions and peaceful moments at well-chosen lodges. While it’s a relatively long trip—covering approximately 5-6 hours of travel each way—the payoff is the richness of experiences that unfold once inside the park.
The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize game viewing. Starting with the transfer from Dar es Salaam, the trip immediately sets the tone for adventure, as you settle into your accommodation and soak in the anticipation of what’s ahead. Expect to arrive at your lodge around midday, giving you time to relax and prepare for the next day’s activities.
Looking for more options in Dar es Salaam? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Day 1: Transfer and Initial Game Drive
You’ll be picked up early in the morning, around 7 a.m., either from your hotel or the airport if you prefer. The drive to Selous is scenic and provides a taste of Tanzanian countryside. Once you arrive, check into your lodge, enjoy a hearty lunch, and get your first glimpse of the park’s surroundings. This initial day is relatively relaxed but sets the stage for the many adventures ahead.
Travel time: about 5-6 hours. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of local villages, lush landscapes, and open plains.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive with a Packed Lunch
Your early start at 6:30 a.m. ensures you beat the heat and crowds, optimizing animal sighting opportunities. The game drive takes place from the Mtemere Gate with a ‘pop-up’ roof vehicle, which is ideal for wildlife viewing. Expect to spend around 9 hours exploring the park, so pack your camera and patience.
What’s special here? The guide’s expertise in tracking animals like lions, hyenas, elephants, and giraffes adds depth to your experience. The landscape is vast, and the chance to see herds, predators, and smaller creatures like impalas and kudu is high. Freshly packed lunch gives you the flexibility to enjoy a picnic in the wild, often accompanied by the sounds of hippos and distant calls of birds.
Day 3: Another Day of Game Viewing & the Hot Springs
A second full-day drive continues to reveal wildlife behaviors and territorial stories. The morning begins with breakfast and another early start. The day’s highlight is a visit to the hot springs, where animals often gather, offering prime photo opportunities. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue exploring until late afternoon, returning to your lodge for dinner.
Authentic insights from past travelers highlight how guides not only spot animals but also share interesting facts about their behaviors and habitats. One reviewer described guides as “impeccable” in setup and execution, which elevates the experience beyond just scenery.
Day 4: Walking Safari, Village Tour & Boat Safari
This day introduces a different perspective of the reserve. Starting around 6:30 a.m., you’ll embark on a walking safari, which allows you to observe the smaller details of the landscape—tracks, plants, insects, and birdlife—that are often missed during vehicle safaris. The guides’ knowledge shines in these moments, with many travelers praising their ability to share fascinating insights.
After a relaxing hot lunch, the tour shifts gears to visit a local village for about two hours, giving you a glimpse of Tanzanian life beyond wildlife. In the late afternoon, a boat safari unfolds, taking you along the Rufiji River until sunset. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds—another way to experience wildlife from a different angle.
Day 5: Return to Dar es Salaam
Your adventure concludes after breakfast, with a scenic drive back to Dar es Salaam. The 6-hour return journey is a suitable buffer to reflect on your trip, capture last-minute photos, or simply enjoy the changing scenery.
Practical Aspects & Value
Transportation: The transfer is in comfortable, private vehicles suited for long drives, with pickup included. The long travel days might be tiring but are typical for safaris that aim to maximize game viewing.
Accommodation & Meals: Accommodation is included with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. This arrangement ensures convenience, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than logistics.
Guides & Experience: Past reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness, making a significant difference in spotting animals and understanding their behaviors.
Pricing & Value: At $1,600 per person, the price covers all activities, meals, and park entry fees, making it a good value for a comprehensive 5-day safari. The inclusion of walking safaris and village visits adds a layer of authenticity that many over-priced tours lack.
Booking & Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour provides peace of mind, especially important for travelers with changing plans.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This safari suits wildlife lovers eager for an immersive experience with multiple activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips. It’s ideal for those who value guided expertise, cultural encounters, and a balance of adventure and relaxation. If you prefer short travel times or a more leisurely pace, consider whether the long drives fit your style.
Final Thoughts
This 5-day Selous Game Reserve tour offers a well-rounded, authentic African safari experience. The combination of game drives, walking safaris, and river trips provides diverse wildlife encounters, while the knowledgeable guides add depth to your understanding of the environment. The inclusion of cultural visits enriches the trip, making it more than just a wildlife safari.
For travelers looking for a genuine adventure that balances nature, culture, and comfort, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suitable for those who want to avoid the more crowded parks and experience Tanzania’s wild side in a more intimate setting.
FAQs
What is included in the price?
The $1,600 fee covers all activities, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), park entry fees, and parking. Pickup is also included, making logistics straightforward.
How long is the drive from Dar es Salaam?
The transfer takes about 5 to 6 hours each way, which is typical for reaching Selous from the city.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, feedback from travelers highlights guides as highly skilled, friendly, and capable of spotting wildlife and sharing interesting facts.
Can I participate in walking safaris?
Absolutely. The tour includes a walking safari, offering a different and more intimate view of the park’s flora and fauna.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You can see lions, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, impala, wildebeest, kudu, eland, hippos, crocodiles, leopard, and more.
Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Since it’s a private tour, it’s flexible for different group sizes, but travelers should be comfortable with long drives and early mornings.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, which offers some flexibility in case your plans change.
To sum it up, the 5 Days Explore Selous Game Reserve tour is a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, authentic experience with knowledgeable guides, diverse activities, and cultural insights. While the long travel days require some stamina, the rewards are plentiful for those eager to enjoy Africa’s wilderness.