Selous Game Reserve Road Trip- Boat Safari, Game Drive And Walk Safari

If you’re dreaming of an authentic African safari without breaking the bank, the Selous Game Reserve Road Trip offered by Safaris Partners could be just what you’re looking for. This private 3-day experience from Dar es Salaam promises a blend of boat safaris, game drives, and walking adventures that showcase Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, a detailed look at the itinerary and reviews suggests it’s a well-rounded, value-packed option for travelers eager to see elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and more in their natural habitat.

What we love about this experience is its focus on diverse safari activities, flexible schedule, and knowledgeable guides—critically important for a meaningful wildlife encounter. The combination of boat, vehicle, and walking safaris ensures you’ll see different facets of the reserve, making every day unique. The mid-range tented camps provide comfort without excess luxury, keeping costs manageable.

That said, one consideration is the long drive from Dar es Salaam, which can take around 7 hours. For travelers with limited time or those sensitive to lengthy road trips, this could be a drawback. However, if you have a passion for exploring remote wilderness areas and are eager for an immersive experience, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a private, intimate adventure with a small group or just their own party.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $870 per person, the tour offers good value for a comprehensive safari experience.
• Diverse Activities: Boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris make the most of the reserve’s varied landscapes.
• Expert Guides: The reviews highlight guides who are knowledgeable, personable, and deeply familiar with the area.
• Authentic Experience: Staying in simple, well-maintained tents provides a genuine bush camping feel.
• Long Travel Time: The journey from Dar es Salaam to Selous is approximately 7 hours, so be prepared for that.
• Ideal for Budget Travelers: The tour balances affordability with quality, making it accessible for most.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of Tanzania’s largest game reserve. With just over three days, you’ll get a taste of the rich ecosystem that supports large herds of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and dozens of bird species. Plus, the combination of boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris provides a well-rounded perspective on the reserve’s fauna and flora.

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Selous and the Evening Boat Safari

The adventure kicks off early, with pickup in Dar es Salaam, followed by a roughly 7-hour drive to the reserve. The journey itself is part of the experience — a mix of tarmac and off-road sections that offer glimpses of Tanzanian countryside en route. It’s worth noting that the drive covers about 219 kilometers, which might be a long haul for some but is quite typical for safari trips aiming to reach remote reserves.

Once at the reserve, the highlight is the evening boat safari. The boats used are sturdy, covered with a canopy, and guided by river-savvy boatmen who know every nook and cranny of the waterways. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are excellent, with a deep understanding of the environment, making the boat trip both safe and informative. Expect to see hippos lounging in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on riverbanks — a photographer’s dream.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive — Up Close with Big Game

Your second day is dedicated to a full-day game drive in a specially modified safari vehicle. With a professional guide at your side, you’ll traverse the varied landscape in search of iconic animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalos. The guide’s knowledge is crucial here; they’ll help you identify animal tracks, behaviors, and perhaps even explain why some species are rarer than others, such as the African hunting dog.

The guide will choose a shaded spot near water for lunch, where you can relax and watch animals come to drink. The panoramic views and close encounters are what make a game drive so captivating—plus, the chance to learn about the ecosystem from someone who knows it intimately.

According to a reviewer, the guides are not only skilled but also genuinely caring, making the experience both educational and reassuring. The day ends back at the camp around sunset, when you can enjoy dinner under the stars and reflect on your sightings.

Day 3: Walking Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

On the final morning, you’ll go for a walking safari — a chance to see the bush at a slower pace, learn about smaller species, and understand the environment that supports the larger animals. The walk lasts about 2-3 hours and is guided by both an armed ranger and an expert guide, ensuring safety while enriching your understanding of the local flora, fauna, and signs of wildlife like tracks and nests.

The walking safari is often highlighted as a memorable part of the trip, offering insight into the everyday life of the bush beyond what a vehicle can provide. From the sounds of insects to the colorful birdlife, it’s a sensory experience.

After breakfast, the drive back to Dar es Salaam begins, concluding this immersive safari adventure.

Accommodation: Bush Comfort on a Budget

The tents are semi-permanent, designed to strike a balance between affordability and comfort. They are furnished with two single beds, canvas safari chairs, small tables, and palm matting, providing a cozy but authentic camping feel. The tents are solar-lit, and hot water is available in clean, airy shared bathrooms. The proximity to water and the woodland setting add to the sense of wilderness without sacrificing basic comforts.

Reviewers describe the accommodation as simple yet practical, with a focus on the experience rather than luxury. The camp’s location is close enough to the river for prime wildlife viewing, yet far enough to offer peaceful nights under the African stars.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour package covers all the essentials — accommodation, meals, guide services, and transfers. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase but are not included. This setup offers a transparent experience, helping travelers budget accordingly.

Logistics & Practical Details

The tour starts promptly at 6:00 am, emphasizing an early start to maximize wildlife sightings. Pickup and drop-off are included, simplifying logistics for travelers. Since this is a private tour, your group will have full attention, making it easier to tailor activities or ask questions about the wildlife, environment, or local culture.

Insights from Past Travelers

A single review sums up the experience perfectly: “Parfait,” or “Perfect” in French. The guide was praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer mentioning that the guide was “very reassuring and available,” making the safari both safe and educational. The team was also appreciated for their humanity and dedication, which can make a significant difference during longer drives and outdoor activities.

Another reviewer emphasized the value for money, noting that the tour offers a good balance of quality and affordability. The personalized nature of the experience, combined with skilled guidance and authentic camping, creates a memorable safari without the hefty price tag of luxury lodges.

This Selous safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience Tanzania’s wildlife on a budget while still enjoying well-organized, guided activities. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic camping experiences and aren’t bothered by long travel times to reach the reserve. Nature lovers eager to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in a less commercialized setting will find this tour especially appealing.

It’s also a great choice for families or small groups seeking a private, personalized adventure, with the flexibility for guided walks and game drives. If your main goal is to get close to wildlife and learn about the ecosystem from passionate guides, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Selous safari offers a solid introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness at an accessible price point. The mix of boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris ensures a diverse experience, with plenty of opportunities for close encounters with African wildlife. The accommodation in tents adds to the sense of adventure, while the knowledgeable guides make sure you’re well-informed and safe.

While the drive from Dar es Salaam is lengthy, the journey is part of the adventure, and the reserve’s remote beauty makes it worthwhile. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler looking for an affordable option, this tour is worth considering if you want to see elephants and more in their natural habitat, guided by friendly experts.

How long does the drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous take?
The drive takes approximately 7 hours, covering about 219 kilometers of tarmac and off-road terrain.

What activities are included in the tour?
The tour features a boat safari, a full-day game drive, and a walking safari, offering a well-rounded view of the reserve’s wildlife and environment.

Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring you’re well fed during your adventure.

What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation consists of simple, furnished tents with solar lighting, hot showers, and easy access to shared bathrooms. It’s designed to be comfortable yet authentic.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate when sharing with two paying adults. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are alcohols included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase at the camp.

What should I bring for the walking safari?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a hat are recommended, as well as a camera for wildlife sightings.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of knowledgeable guides, authentic bush camping, and multiple safari activities makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious travelers seeking genuine wildlife encounters.

This Selous Game Reserve safari balances affordability, adventure, and authentic experiences, making it an excellent choice for wildlife lovers eager to explore Tanzania’s wild heart with expert guidance.