2-Day Selous Game Reserve Car & Boat Safari

A Practical Look at the 2-Day Selous Game Reserve Car & Boat Safari

If you’re dreaming of a quick but immersive safari experience in Tanzania, this 2-Day Selous Game Reserve Car & Boat Safari might just fit the bill. While we haven’t personally tracked lions and elephants through Selous, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if this adventure suits your travel style.

What makes this trip stand out? First, it offers diverse wildlife sightings through both land and water activities, giving you a well-rounded safari experience. Second, it’s a fantastic way to see rare wild dogs and Africa’s Big Five in just two days. Lastly, the inclusion of a boat safari along the Rufiji River offers a unique perspective, with stunning vistas and close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

However, a point to consider is the long travel time from Dar es Salaam—around 5-6 hours—which might be tiring for some. Still, for those with limited time but eager to see Tanzania’s wilderness, this tour strikes an excellent balance. It’s especially suited for travelers who love focused, efficient wildlife adventures and enjoy a mix of land and water exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse activities combine boat safaris and game drives for varied wildlife encounters
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and spotting skills
• The cost of $650 offers good value considering all included activities and accommodation
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and requires a valid passport
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later
• Expect to witness Africa’s Big Five and rare wild dogs in their natural habitat

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Journey from Dar es Salaam to Selous and the Rufiji River Boat Safari

The adventure kicks off early, with a pick-up at 6:00 AM from your hotel, airport, or residence in Dar es Salaam. The drive to Selous takes roughly 5 to 6 hours, passing through scenic landscapes, rural villages, and stretches of wilderness. Travelers often appreciate the opportunity to see parts of Tanzania beyond the tourist trails, giving a glimpse of everyday life and the countryside.

Upon arrival around midday, you’ll check into a lodge or tented camp, where the rustic charm and natural surroundings immediately set the tone. The included lunch provides a chance to relax and soak in the peaceful vibe of the reserve.

The highlight of day one is the boat safari on the Rufiji River at 4:00 PM. This journey on the water offers a different dimension of wildlife viewing—hippos and crocodiles are often seen lounging near the banks, while numerous bird species, from kingfishers to herons, brighten the scenery. Guests have praised the stunning sunset views over the river, which add a magical touch to the experience.

After the boat ride, you’ll return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Many reviews mention the serenity of the setting and the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife from the camp itself.

Day 2: Full-day Game Drive and Return to Dar es Salaam

The next morning begins early with breakfast, setting the stage for a full-day game drive starting at 7:00 AM. This is where Selous’s wildlife truly shines. Your 4×4 safari vehicle with an open roof allows unobstructed views, perfect for wildlife photography and spotting animals from a distance.

The guides are notably experienced and passionate, often pointing out animals that might otherwise go unnoticed. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, and potentially, the elusive wild dogs—a rare sight for many travelers.

By midday, a bush lunch is provided, allowing you to enjoy a meal amid the wilderness. Post-lunch, the exploration continues in different parts of the reserve, increasing your chances of seeing the Big Five and other wildlife in various habitats.

At around 3:00 PM, you’ll start heading back toward Dar es Salaam. The drive concludes around 8:00 PM, arriving back at your hotel or residence, tired but enriched by your wild encounters.

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The Value of the Experience

This safari, priced at $650 per person, packs a lot into its two days. When you consider the transport, park fees, guided tours, boat safari, meals, and accommodation included, it offers solid value for those keen on a compact yet comprehensive wildlife adventure.

The accommodation in a tented camp or lodge gives a genuine feel of the bush, without luxury compromising the authenticity of the experience. Many visitors mention that the guides are well-informed, adding depth with their knowledge about animal behavior and the local ecosystem. This is especially appreciated in a setting where spotting wildlife often hinges on the guide’s expertise.

The combination of water and land safaris ensures you see a broader array of wildlife than with a land-only tour. The Rufiji River, in particular, provides a tranquil yet lively environment where animals congregate, making it a prime spot for photography and close-up encounters.

Practical Tips for Your Safari

• Timing matters: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife sightings due to animal activity cycles.
• Bring your passport: It’s required for park entry.
• Wear neutral colors: To blend in with the environment and avoid startling animals.
• Pack light but prepared: Include binoculars, camera, hat, sunblock, and insect repellent.
• Consider your physical comfort: Long drives mean sitting for hours—stretch and stay hydrated.

What’s Not Included

Alcoholic drinks and travel insurance are not covered, so plan to bring some beverages and ensure your travel insurance is up to date. The tour’s focus on natural immersion means you’ll want to have your essentials covered.

Important Considerations

This tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users due to the nature of the vehicle and accommodation setups. It also emphasizes a group experience, so if you’re seeking total privacy, this might be less ideal.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Guides play a crucial role in elevating this safari. One reviewer mentioned their guide, James, was “exceptionally knowledgeable, with a keen eye for spotting wildlife that others missed,” which really colors the experience with a personal touch. Others highlighted the stunning scenery and the chance to see animals like lions and wild dogs in their natural environment, making the long journey worthwhile.

The boat safari often receives high praise, with guests loving the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife in a peaceful setting. “The sunset on the river was unforgettable,” one visitor noted, emphasizing how the water-based part of the trip offers a different kind of wildlife connection.

Who Is This Tour For?

This safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to get a true taste of Tanzania’s wildlife. It’s perfect for those who enjoy both land and water-based adventures, offering a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities in just two days. If you’re interested in seeing Africa’s Big Five and rare wild dogs, this tour provides a solid chance.

It’s also suitable for adventure lovers comfortable with long drives and rustic accommodations. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer more luxurious amenities, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For the price of $650, this 2-Day Selous Safari delivers a focused, engaging experience in one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The combination of boat and land safaris maximizes wildlife sightings, especially with the aid of guides who are experts at spotting elusive animals. The scenery along the Rufiji River, paired with the chance to see the famed Big Five and wild dogs, makes this tour a compelling choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Travelers who love authentic, close-to-nature experiences will find this safari rewarding, especially considering the value packed into just 48 hours. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of travel time and enjoy a mix of scenic water vistas and thrilling game drives.

If you’re after a balanced, unforgettable wildlife adventure in Tanzania that respects your time and budget, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Dar es Salaam? Yes, the tour includes transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle, with a pick-up from your hotel, airport, or residence in Dar es Salaam.

What should I bring for the safari? You should bring your passport, binoculars, camera, sunblock, hat, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor wildlife viewing.

Can I book and pay later? Yes, there’s an option to reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans aren’t set in stone.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? The tour involves long drives and outdoor activities that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.

How many people typically join this safari? While the exact group size isn’t specified, safaris like this generally operate in small groups for a more personalized experience.

What wildlife can I expect to see? You can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffalos, zebras, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Is accommodation included? Yes, the tour includes one night in a tented camp or lodge within Selous, providing a rustic but comfortable stay.

What are the meal options? The package provides meals on both days—lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2.

How flexible is the schedule? The itinerary is fixed, but the guides are experienced at optimizing wildlife sightings based on animal activity and weather conditions.

What’s the best time of year to go? The review doesn’t specify, but generally, wildlife safaris in Tanzania are most rewarding during the dry seasons when animals gather around water sources.

This 2-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari offers a practical, authentic taste of Tanzania’s wilderness, blending adventure, comfort, and excellent value. If you’re eager to experience Africa’s wildlife in a compact timeframe, it’s worth serious consideration.

You can check availability for your dates here: