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Selous National Park, Tanzania, is among the largest and most diverse protected areas in Africa. Having been named after the British explorer and conservationist Frederick Selous, the legacy of this man continues even after his demise here during World War I. It covers over 50,000 square kilometres of southern Tanzania. It is an ecological treasure, a host to rare species and pristine habitats. The African wild dog is one of the most endangered animals on earth, and its packs roam freely in the park’s inaccessible regions. Unlike the heavily visited northern parks, Selous offers an intimate and tranquil safari experience.
Quick Facts About Selous National Park Tanzania
Location: Southern Tanzania
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fees: $50 / ₹4,000 per adult, $30 / ₹2,400 per child
Nearest Airport: Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam (220 km away)
Nearest Railway: Kisaki Railway Station (within 60 km of the park)
Location
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim / Wikimedia Commons
Selous National Park Tanzania, also called the Nyerere National Park, is in southeastern Tanzania. It covers portions of the Lindi, Morogoro and Pwani regions. The Rufiji River lines the park to the north, serving as a lifeline for the park’s dynamic ecosystem. It is located about 220 kilometres southwest of Dar es Salaam. Nearby landmarks include the Rufiji River Delta and the Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Project site. Essentially, there’s very little urban construction within the area, leaving much land free for nature, with everything being wild and relatively quiet.
How To Reach
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: There are airstrips all around the park that can be reached via chartered flights from major cities in Tanzania like Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar. The typical flight duration is between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
By Road: The distance of the park from Dar es SalaAM is approximately 240 km. This distance can be traversed by road within about 5 – 7 hours.
By Rail: The main line in Tanzania runs from Dar es Salaam and connects the city to some towns, such as Kisaki, from where transfer transport to the park can be organised.
Things To Do In Selous National Park Tanzania
Here are the best things to do in Selous National Park Tanzania for the best experiences to encounter:
1. Explore The Rufiji River On A Boat Safari
Photo: Panii / Wikimedia Commons
Selous National Park Tanzania is best experienced by boat safari on the Rufiji River. Meander smooth waters with leafy river banks and watch wildlife up close. Elephants and buffalos usually come in to drink and crocodiles bask on the banks. Pods of hippos, African fish eagles, herons and other waterbirds abound. The intimacy of the river safari offers striking photographic opportunities and insights into the ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides impart details about the flora and fauna. Sunset boat safaris are especially magical, with golden colours sparkling through the water.
2. Go On Game Drives In The Savannah
Photo: Digr / Wikimedia Commons
Selous is best known for its exhilarating game drives to see the “Big Five” and other unique wildlife. Drive early in the morning or towards late afternoon, as the animals are more active in cooler hours. You can follow expert guides through scenic landscapes, from wide, open grasslands to thickets of trees. Watch for lions draped across trees, leopards laid out on branches and packs of African wild dogs on the hunt. The park also houses giraffes, zebras and various antelopes. Game drives enable you to travel great distances and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Embark On Guided Walking Safaris
Photo: BBM Explorer / Wikimedia Commons
There’s no better way to get closer to nature than on a walking safari in Selous National Park. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, the excursions are all about the little things, like animal tracks and bits of insects and odd plants often overlooked by a vehicle. It’s thrilling, as you can find yourself in the vicinity of wildlife such as giraffes or elephants. Guides keep everything safe and share interesting stories about the ecosystem. For adventurers trying to learn more about the wilderness of Africa, there’s nothing like a walking safari.
Places To Visit Around Selous National Park Tanzania
Selous National Park Tanzania is surrounded by incredible destinations that highlight Tanzania’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Here are the best among them:
1. Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Photo: Marc Veraart / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is known for its misty rain forests, soaring waterfalls and rare wildlife. It is part of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot. Hikers can trek routes such as the Sanje Waterfall hike. This takes you through dense forest to a 170-meter cascade with wide-angled views of the Kilombero Valley below. Among the endemic primates are the Udzungwa red colobus and the Sanje mangabey. More than 400 species of birds call the area home, including the elusive rufous-winged sunbird. In addition to wildlife, dense vegetation in the park conceals countless endemic plants, some of which are used for traditional medicine.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Selous: 180 km approx
2. Rufiji River Delta
Photo: Rob / Wikimedia Commons
Africa’s largest mangrove ecosystem, the Rufiji River Delta, is an area of complex waterways, rich biodiversity and cultural significance. Mangroves in the delta provide nurseries for marine life, including fish, crabs and molluscs. A boat trip through the delta uncovers narrow channels flanked by dense mangroves. It provides a chance to see kingfishers, herons and even the endangered dugong. Traditional fishing villages are found throughout the area, where tourists can watch the local way of life, behold dhow construction and artisanal fishing. The delta is also important for its role in controlling coastal erosion and providing livelihoods.
Timings: Open all day
Distance From Selous: 10 km
3. Mikumi National Park
Photo: Valugi / Wikimedia Commons
Mikumi National Park, known as the “Little Serengeti,” is a gem for wildlife lovers. The Mkata Floodplain is among the most beautiful vistas in Tanzania and is abundant with wildlife like giraffes, wildebeest and zebra. Among the highlights are game drives on the savannah. Here lions are frequently spotted lounging on termite mounds or in the shade of trees. Mikumi is also famous for its herds of elephants, and you can catch a glimpse of leopards at the edges of the park. Birdwatchers can spot more than 400 species, including lilac-breasted rollers and bateleur eagles.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Selous: 250 km approximately
4. Kilwa Kisiwani (Kilwa Island)
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Off the southern coast of Tanzania lies Kilwa Kisiwani, an ancient Swahili trading port and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A once-booming centre for gold, ivory and spices, Kilwa is an archaeological wonder. You can also tour the Great Mosque, one of Africa’s oldest Islamic buildings, as well as the Husuni Kubwa Palace, a sprawling 14th-century ruin with sea views. Kilwa is also steeped in history, as it was a crucial port along the Indian Ocean trade routes. The island boasts pristine beaches, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Timings: Open all day (scheduled boat trips)
Distance From Selous: 250 km
5. Dar Es Salaam
Photo: Vijay8808 / Wikimedia Commons
Tanzania’s largest city, the sprawling metropolis of Dar es Salaam, is the starting point for reaching Selous National Park. You might well visit cultural sites like the National Museum, dedicated to Tanzania’s diverse past or the Kariakoo Market, full of colourful local goods. The city’s waterfront has beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and the Slipway is an excellent area for shopping and dining. Dar es Salaam, though a modern metropolis, has retained its feel with old architecture and busy fish markets. It is a perfect stop for travellers in search of urban experiences before or after they hit the wilds.
Timings: Open 24*7
Distance From Selous: 200 km approximately
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Erasmus Kamugisha / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Selous National Park, Tanzania and the surrounding attractions is during the dry season between June and October. It also guarantees better road conditions, which are important for safaris and travelling to remote places. Birdwatchers, on the other hand, can lean toward the wet season (November through April), when migratory birds flock and the terrain is green and lush. For first-time safari-goers, the dry season is highly recommended for excellent wildlife viewing.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost to visit Selous and nearby attractions all depends on the type of experience you want. Daily prices for safaris in Selous range from around $200 / ₹17,300 – $500 / ₹43,200. The rates include park fees, guide services, accommodation and food. Budget-minded travellers can find campsites or basic lodges and self-drive safaris for cost savings. Luxury travellers can book upscale lodges with private game drives that can cost $1,000 / ₹86,500 a day or more.
Tips For Travellers
- A neutral, lightweight wardrobe helps you camouflage into the environment and prevents you from attracting flies/insects.
- Carry a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Always have insect repellent on hand, particularly for the evenings.
- Bring binoculars and a camera to photograph wildlife safely away.
- Be sure to bring enough cash, as ATMs are not always available near the park.
- Make sure to book accommodation and guided tours early, especially during peak season.
- Follow park guidelines and respect local cultures and wildlife by keeping to established paths.
In Selous National Park, Tanzania, you can observe elephants, track elusive predators through dense woodlands or listen to the symphony of bird calls at dawn. With its wild beauty, the park invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Beyond solitude, Selous offers amazing diversity and serenity, which is rapidly disappearing from safari circuits worldwide. So, plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy the interesting lands of Tanzania.
Cover Photo: BBM Explorer, Ipswich, United Kingdom / Wikimedia Commons
